\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: On this date in 1973, Tom Waits released his debut album, Closing Time via Asylum Records. It was largely ignored by record buyers and made no impact on U.S. charts, but another Asylum band, The Eagles, covered one of its songs, “Ol’ ‘55” (Bette Midler and Tim Buckley also covered songs from the album).
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: On this date in 1976, The Miracles’ pre-disco hit “Love Machine” became its first big single since Smokey Robinson left the group in 1972. The song was divided into two parts and took up both sides of the single on which it was released; it sold more four million copies and rose to no. 1 on American pop singles chart before covered on Wham!’s 1983 debut, Fantastic.
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: On this date in 1970, The Temptations released their 12th studio album, Psychedelic Shack, and pivoted towards a new psychedelic soul sound marked by synthesizers and heavy guitars. The LP went no. 1 on Billboard’s R&B chart and saw its title track crack the Top 10 of the pop charts. By total coincidence, the album also included the anti-Vietnam song, “War,” which another Motown artist, Edwin Starr, released at the same time.
\\<\/iframe\>
Today in rock history: On this date in 1905, a true pioneer and architect of country music, Bob Wills, was born in Kosse, Texas. The “King of Western Swing” — with the help of his band, The Texas Playboys — conceived and popularized the genre that made traditional country more danceable by adding some swing. Deeply influencing future country giants like Waylon Jennings, Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, Wills made his mark with successful hits like “San Antonio Rose,” “Ida Red” and “Take Me Back to Tulsa.” Even Chuck Berry and Fats Domino cited Willis (whose songs have been covered by acts like George Strait, Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline) as an influence. Wills passed away in 1975 at the age of 70.
\\<\/iframe\>
