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Today in rock history: on this date in 1969, the very first Led Zeppelin album was released in the United States, two full months before its U.K. release. Music fans got wind of Jimmy Page’s post-Yardbirds band on this date almost 50 years ago today, and the music world would never be the same again. The heavy four-piece band’s blend of blues-soaked powerful hard rock was a breath of fresh air for many who enjoyed both forms of music. Page’s magnificent guitar work was on fine display throughout this amazing album, but it was young, unknown lead singer Robert Plant who drew plenty of accolades and attention thanks to his impassioned wails and amazing vocal talents. The album was reviewed and received harshly by most rock critics who were not sold on the band’s sound. Nonetheless, the record was a hit peaking at No. 10 on Billboard’s album chart and becoming a platinum-selling record. The very first release in the LedZepp catalog features classics like “Good Times Bad Times,” “Communication Breakdown” and “Dazed and Confused.” The album cover artwork features an actual photo of the Hindenburg, the German flying vessel that caught fire in 1937 and was destroyed.
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Today in Rock History: The Who and Zeppelin share a stage
Today in rock history: on this date in 1981, the Recording Industry Association of America, often referred to as the RIAA, donated 800 albums to the White House for its record library during a special ceremony. The records were placed on shelves in a hallway near a listening room on the third floor of the presidential home when presented to then sitting President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter. Reportedly, once President Reagan took over the residence, the records were moved into the basement at the request of first lady Nancy Reagan. Among the titles included in the donated collection were Bob Dylan’s classic double-album, Blonde on Blonde, the first live concert album by Kiss, Alive! and Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols, the one and only studio album by the controversial British punk band.
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Today in rock history; The Sex Pistols get filthy on the BBC
Today in rock history: on this date in 1965, Hullabaloo, a brand new weekly music program in the U.S. aired its very first episode. Top recording acts of the day performed on the hour-long, prime time show while the show’s choreographed dancers showed off the latest moves. The show featured taped segments from Britain that were introduced by Beatles manager, Brian Epstein. A different host was featured every week and for the introductory episode, crooner Jack Jones got the honor. Guests for the first episode included The New Christy Minstrels and The Zombies and Gerry & the Pacemakers who were featured on Epstein’s portion of the show. The program would only run for one season but guests who made appearances on it included The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Roy Orbison and James Brown among many others.
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Today in rock history: on this date in 1973, Steve Miller scored his first No. 1 hit single when, after a slow and steady climb, “The Joker” slipped into the top spot. The song was the introduction for many to the musician who’d already spent time as part of the psychedelic music scene on the west coast throughout the 1960s. The song has since become a staple on classic rock radio stations making it arguably Miller’s most recognizable song. Interestingly, the song went to No. 1 in the U.K. as well but not until 1990. At that time, it was used in a Levi’s television commercial which propelled it to the top spot on singles charts in England.
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