Today in Rock History: March 10 – 105.7 WROR
March 10 marked a significant departure for Black Sabbath as Ian Gillan, who called himself the worst singer the band ever had, left Black Sabbath after just one year in 1984, taking over from Ronnie James Dio who had quit in 1982. Gillan’s tenure with Black Sabbath only saw the release of the “Born Again” album. However, this date in rock history is not just limited to Black Sabbath’s changes, as various other notable events occurred on this day in the music industry.
Some of the breakthrough hits and milestones that took place on March 10 in rock history include Tom and Jerry, the teenage duo who later became famous as Simon & Garfunkel, releasing their song “Our Song” in 1958. Another milestone was Bruce Channel’s success with “Hey! Baby,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, staying there for three weeks. In 1981, fans witnessed Jimmy Page’s first public performance after Led Zeppelin disbanded, as he joined Jeff Beck on stage at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.
In terms of cultural milestones, the birth of legendary producer Rick Rubin in 1963 stands out. Throughout his career, Rubin worked with iconic rock bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, AC/DC, and many others. Additionally, in 1972, the rock band America received a Gold record for their self-titled debut studio album. Meanwhile, in 2003, influential artists like the Righteous Brothers, AC/DC, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, The Clash, The Police, and Floyd Cramer were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Recording and performance milestones on March 10 include Simon and Garfunkel recording the acoustic version of “The Sound of Silence” in 1964, and Aretha Franklin releasing her successful album “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” in 1967. In 1975, Elvis Presley recorded songs for his final studio album, “Today,” while Eric Clapton returned with a new studio album in 1998 after a hiatus since 1989.
The rock music industry also witnessed various changes and challenges on March 10, with the untimely death of Andy Gibb, the youngest brother of the Bee Gees, due to heart complications in 1988. In 2005, Michael Jackson made headlines when he arrived late and in his pajamas for a court hearing related to child abuse allegations, claiming he had suffered a back injury.
March 10 continues to be a significant date in rock music history, marked by various noteworthy events that have left a lasting impact on the genre. As the music industry evolves, fans can look forward to more interesting trivia and stories that connect them to the music they love.