Are you ready to learn some stuff? It’s September 16th and here’s what happened Today in Rock History!
Starting the day off in 1965, as a young British singer, Davie Jones, was forced to change his stage name, as he kept getting confused for the singer of The Monkess, Davy Jones. Davie became better known as David Bowie.
We got two releases today: The Beach Boys’ Surfer Girl in 1963 and the Talking Heads debut record, Talking Heads: 77 in 1977.
Birthdays today include Bilinda Butcher of My Bloody Valentine, Kenney Jones of the Faces, Dave “The Snake” Sabo of Skid Row, Chris Cester of JET and Ron Blair of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
In 2023, Rolling Stone co-founder Jann Wenner got into hot water after he made very disparaging remarks about female and Black musicians while promoting his book The Masters. Saying about women artists, Wenner stated: “Just none of them were as articulate enough on this intellectual level.” Regarding Black musicians, Wenner said: “Of Black artists — you know, Stevie Wonder, genius, right? I suppose when you use a word as broad as ‘masters,’ the fault is using that word. Maybe Marvin Gaye, or Curtis Mayfield? I mean, they just didn’t articulate at that level.” These comments caused Wenner’s removal from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s board of directors, an organization he helped create. So, to spite Wenner, here’s a black woman that would be considered a master of her craft. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
In 1970, Jimi Hendrix made his final public appearance, as he joined British singer Eric Burdon (The Animals, War) on stage at Ronnie Scott’s in London
Also in 1970, the British music magazine, Melody Maker published their yearly fan poll about England’s top act. After eight straight years of dominance, The Beatles were knocked off their perch by another band that had taken the world by storm and became The Biggest Band in the World: Led Zeppelin.
And finally in 1977, Marc Bolan of T. Rex was involved in a car crash after his partner, model and singer Grace Jones, struck a tree while driving Bolan’s car on their way home from a night of drinking. Bolan died on the scene at the age of 29.
This has been Today in Rock History! Keep on Rocking, keep on Rolling! Check back tomorrow for your next rock history lesson!
