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Today in rock history: on this date in 1947, David Robert Jones was born in Brixton, London, England. Pursuing a career in art and music, the young artist changed his name in the mid-1960s to avoid confusion with Monkees lead singer, Davy Jones. Becoming one of the most iconic and influential musical artists of all time, the incomparable David Bowie was born. Although his career didn’t take off immediately, by the time Bowie released his classic The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars album in 1972, became a worldwide star. Bowie released his fantastic 25th and final album, Blackstar, on this very date in 2016 on his 69th birthday. Unfortunately, Bowie passed away two days later but left behind an incredible catalog that will continue to amaze and inspire listeners for many years to come.
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2016
David Bowie — Blackstar
Today in rock history: on this date in 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Arriving with an identical twin brother who was delivered stillborn 30 minutes before Elvis, Presley was an only child who had a passion for music and singing. Moving to Memphis with his parents as a teenager, Presley soon started making a name for himself around town as a singer and eventually came to the attention of Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records and recording studio. Presley went on to become of the most successful and popular singer of all time with more gold and platinum record awards than any other artist. He also starred in a string of major motion pictures and providing the soundtracks for those films. Known as the King of Rock and Roll for the duration of his career, Presley sadly passed away at age 42 in 1977.
ELVIS IN FLORIDA
Review: Bob Kealing's new book puts spotlight on Elvis' Florida life
Today in rock history: on this date in 1966, The Beatles began a six-week run at No. 1 in America with their pop masterpiece album, Rubber Soul. The album stayed on U.S. charts for 56 weeks and became the band’s seventh straight No. 1 album in the States. The multi-platinum selling album found the band experimenting with folk music and different instruments like a sitar, the Indian stringed instrument that’s featured on the classic “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown).” Other Beatles classics on this album include “In My Life,” “Michelle” and “You Won’t See Me.”
Today in rock history: on this date in 1973, The Beach Boys released their 19th studio album, the cult favorite, Holland. While not a huge seller like many other albums in the California band’s catalog, the record was widely acclaimed by critics and has remained a favorite among the band’s most ardent fans. Singles from the album included “Sail On, Sailor” and “California Saga: California” which were moderate hits. The album barely cracked the Top 40 in the U.S. but it fared better in England where it reached the Top 20 of British album charts.
