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Today in rock history: On this date in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono took over as hosts during a week-long stint on The Mike Douglas Show. Meant to bridge a generational gap, John and Yoko brought a modern, hip edge to the program that was, for the most part, viewed by a much older and conservative audience. The pair performed on the program on each day and also welcomed a variety of guests including one of Lennon’s personal musical heroes and influences, the great Chuck Berry.
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Today in rock history On this date in 1943, saxophonist Maceo Parker was born in Kinston, North Carolina. He’s best known for his work as part of James Brown’s band in the 1960s, but Parker’s resume also includes work with George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic collective. A renowned and highly respected player, Parker has appeared on dozens of records by artists like Prince, Keith Richards, Bryan Ferry and the Red Hot Chili Peppers; Parker has also released several solo albums including his 1990’s Roots Revisited. Maceo Parker is still active, and he turns 76 years old today.
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Today in rock history: On this date in 1967, Aretha Franklin recorded the song that made her a superstar. “Respect” was written and been previously recorded by another soul legend (Otis Redding), but the perspective of the song was altered from a male’s point a view to a female’s for Franklin’s dynamic take, which became a smash hit and early anthem for the feminist and civil rights movements. It topped Billboard’s pop singles chart for two weeks and spent eight weeks at No. 1 spot on the R&B singles chart.
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Today in rock history: On this date in 1985, the self-titled, debut album by Whitney Houston was released. Although not an instant hit upon its release, the LP enjoyed a slow and steady climb to the top. The record would eventually produce three No. 1 hit singles: “Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know” and “The Greatest Love of All,” a song that was originally recorded by jazz guitarist George Benson in the 1970s. By 1986, Whitney Houston had become the first debut album by a female performer to boast three No. 1 hits. It spent a whopping 14 weeks atop Billboard’s pop albums chart and earned Houston four Grammy nominations (plus one win for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female).
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