Dec. 29 is a big day in rock and music history. On this day, Elvis made U.S. chart history, Jimi Hendrix introduced himself to British fans, and The Beatles began recording one of their most famous songs. Let’s dive into these amazing moments and other key events from this day in rock history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Several legendary artists had major breakthroughs on Dec. 29:
1956: Elvis Presley made history by placing 10 songs on Billboard’s Top 100 chart, the precursor to the modern Hot 100. This was a remarkable achievement, especially since it happened before streaming services and when artists released fewer songs.
1966: The Jimi Hendrix Experience made their live debut on U.K. television, performing “Hey Joe” on the BBC’s Top of the Pops. This performance marked a significant step toward their future success.
Cultural Milestones
A few important rock figures were born on this day:
1941: Ray Thomas, singer and founding member of Moody Blues, was born in Stourport-on-Severn, England. He played flute and harmonica, creating the iconic flute solo in “Nights in White Satin.”
1965: Dexter Holland, co-founder and frontman of The Offspring, was born in Garden Grove, California. The band released their first album in 1989 and has sold over 45 million records worldwide.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some key recordings from Dec. 29 include:
1966: The Beatles began recording “Penny Lane” at EMI Studios, now known as Abbey Road Studios. Paul McCartney recorded piano and percussion parts, inspired by The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds album.
1998: Evanescence released their debut self-titled EP, featuring seven songs by founders Amy Lee and Ben Moody. They made 100 copies to sell to friends and early fans.
Dec. 29 has seen incredible moments in rock, from Elvis topping the charts to a little-known band releasing their first EP. Join us tomorrow to find out what happened on that day in rock history!
