Today in rock history, on this date in 1981. Quirky California new wave rock band Oingo Boingo released its full length debut album, Only A Lad. Following the release of a four-song EP the year before, the band had begun gaining a devoted following throughout southern California thanks to the airplay and attention it was receiving from influential radio station, KROQ. Having truncated their original name of The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, the band’s debut release features standout tracks like “Little Girls,” a new wave cover of the Kinks classic, “You Really Got Me” and the outstanding, frantic, ska-influenced title track. Lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Danny Elfman would later go on to become a highly sought after film score composer but his output with Oingo Boingo would rank amongst the coolest and most unique records of the era.
Today in rock history, on this date in 1950. Heart lead singer and songwriter Ann Wilson was born in San Diego, California. Ann and younger sister Nancy began singing and playing music together at a very young age and would form the band that would release its debut album, Dreamboat Annie, in 1976. Wilson’s outstanding, powerful soprano voice is among one of the very best in rock and roll and has remained one of the strongest and most recognizable voices in the genre for the better part of forty years. Read my recent interview with Wilson, here.
Interview: Before Clearwater stop, Ann Wilson talks pouring her heart into new solo tour
Today in rock history, on this date in 1965. Legendary soul singing group The Four Tops scored its very first no. 1 hit single with “I Can’t Help Myself”. Lead singer Levi Stubbs was reportedly unhappy with the recording of the song and was told he’d have the chance to re-record his vocal track on the day following the recording session. The now legendary version that was released and rose to the top of the charts was only the second take recorded of this Motown Records classic single.
Today in rock history, on this date in 1971. Carole King reached the no. 1 spot on the Billboard singles chart with the double-sided smash record, “It’s Too Late” which was backed with “I Feel The Earth Move”. Both songs received heavy radio airplay all throughout 1971 and appeared on King’s legendary record-breaking album, Tapestry. The album is one of the best-selling albums by any female artist in the history of recorded pop music.
