Today in rock history: On this date in 1974, R&B star Marvin Gaye released his second concert album, Marvin Gaye Live! In direct response to the massive hit albums he scored in the early 1970s, including 1973’s best-seller, Let’s Get It On, Marvin was in demand and embarked on a series of live concert dates. The contents of this fine album were recorded at the Coliseum in Oakland, California. On the record, Gaye delivers heartfelt versions of hits “What’s Going On” and “Trouble Man,” among many others. An 11-minute medley of his early hits for Motown Records is also included in this package, but the real highlight is a sultry, sexy version of “Distant Lover,” a song from Let’s Get It On. The female crowd reaction to the song is one of the most intense and passionate responses ever captured on a concert album. The reaction to the song prompted it to be released as a single from this live album and wound up becoming a bona fide hit R&B single.

TROUBLE, MAN
Today in rock history; John Lennon killed, Marvin Gaye is Trouble Man, Jim Morrison born and more

Today in rock history: On this date in 1970, after leaving the most popular girl group of all time, The Supremes, lead singer Diana Ross released her first solo album. Hopes were high for Ms. Ross’ first outing on her own. After incredible chart success as a member of the all-female Motown Records singing group, her self-titled debut album was a bit of a chart disappointment. The record climbed as high as No. 19 on Billboard’s pop albums chart but it did top the publication's R&B charts. Two singles were released from the album: “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” and a towering rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” which was originally recorded in the '60s by Marvin Gaye and singing partner Tammi Terrell. "Mountain" reached No. 1 on both pop and R&B charts and went on to sell in excess of 1 million copies. Produced by real-life married couple, singer-songwriters Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson (who also contributed some of their compositions to the record), this record was the first in a very long line of successful albums by the premier female singer form the golden age of Motown Records.

Today in rock history: On this date in 1973, former lead singer of Motown hitmakers The Miracles, fantastic singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson released his very first solo record, Smokey. Although the record wasn’t a significant chart success, it did mark the beginning of the solo career for one of the finest vocalists and songwriters of all time. Smokey featured songs like “Sweet Harmony,” a tribute to his former singing partners in The Miracles, as well as a cover of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” originally recorded by girl group The Shirelles. “Baby Come Close” was Robinson’s very first solo hit single and also appeared on this debut record.

Today in rock history: On this date in 1988, former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page released his one and only solo album, Outrider. Fresh from his stint with 1980s supergroup The Firm, Page intended to release a 2-LP set of the solo music he’d written at the time. Unfortunately, the guitar wiz’s home was broken into just before the recording of the project. Of the items stolen from Jimmy’s house were tapes that contained demo versions of songs he’d written for the album. The songs contained on the tapes were never re-recorded and Outrider was released as a single album instead. Guest appearances on the record include Page’s former bandmate, singer Robert Plant, as well as Jason Bonham, the son of former Led Zep drummer John Bonham. Outrider performed fairy well and made it as high at the Top 20 on album sales charts all around the globe.