The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour debuted on this day in 1969

Today in rock history: On this date in 1969, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour began a successful, four season, 91-episode run that lasted until the summer of 1972. The show earned good ratings thanks to the country songwriter’s affable demeanor and a slate of guest artists that included Cher, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and more.

Today in rock history: On this date in 1977, “Car Wash” pulled into the no. 1 spot on Billboard’s pop singles chart. Rose Royce’s upbeat disco song was its debut single and the theme for a comedy whose soundtrack also won a 1977 Grammy award. Rose Royce went on to score more hit singles including “Wishing on a Star” and “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” which was covered by Madonna on her 1984 sophomore album, Like a Virgin.

Today in rock history: On this date in 1949, Thomas Erdelyi (AKA Tommy Ramone) was born in Budapest, Hungary. The founding drummer of The Ramones appeared on some of the group’s most influential albums including its legendary, 1976 self-titled debut. Erdelyi’s focus was record production; he co-produced the first three Ramones studio albums as well as the group’s  incendiary 1979 live album It’s Alive. Erdelyi also produced landmark releases like The Replacements’ major label debut and Redd Kross’s finest album, Neurotica. Although he was the first to leave the group’s original lineup, Erdelyi (who died of cancer in 2014 at the age of 65) was the last of his former bandmates to pass away.

Today in rock history: On this date in 1981, guitar phenom Jonny Lang was born in Fargo, North Dakota. Born Jon Gordon Langseth Jr., the multi-talented artist was only 14 years old when his first, independently-released album arrived in 1995. Catching the eye of major record labels, Lang was signed to A&M Records and released his 1997 major label debut, Lie to Me, a day before his 16th birthday. Lang has released eight albums of classic blues covers and originals, and they’ve all performed well on both pop and blues charts. Lang turns 38 years old today.

This article appears in Jan 24-31, 2019.