January 21 is a significant day in rock history, filled with memorable events for fans. On this day, Yes recorded their only No. 1 hit, George Harrison married his famous muse, and Bon Jovi released their debut album. Here are some key highlights from this day.
In 1984, Yes’s song “Owner of a Lonely Heart” topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks. This track was part of their album 90125 and remains their only US Top Ten hit.
In 1989, Roy Orbison’s greatest hits compilation, “The Legendary Roy Orbison,” reached No. 1 on the UK album chart. This marked a three-week run and celebrated his biggest hits after his passing just months earlier.
January 21 also marks important cultural moments. In 1966, George Harrison married model Pattie Boyd in a quiet ceremony. Boyd inspired many classic songs, including Harrison’s “Something” and Eric Clapton’s “Layla.”
In 1987, the second Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in New York City. Iconic inductees included Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, and Marvin Gaye.
Notable recordings on this day include Jimi Hendrix’s famous cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” in 1968. This psychedelic version became one of the best covers ever. In 1983, Eurythmics released “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” which helped launch their career.
Finally, in 1984, Bon Jovi released their self-titled debut album, featuring the hit “Runaway.” The album went Platinum in the US, selling over a million copies.
Stay tuned for more rock history updates tomorrow!
