February 15 is a significant day in rock history. It marks when The Beatles scored their first No. 1 album in the US, part of an incredible total of 19. This day also saw U2 “going pop,” the formation of the band Chicago, and the birth of blues star Gary Clark Jr.
In 1964, The Beatles released their album *Meet the Beatles!* which topped the US Billboard 200 for 11 weeks. This album was a slightly altered version of their UK release *With the Beatles* and sold 4 million copies in 1964 alone. It was only knocked off the charts by their next album, *The Beatles’ Second Album*. Fast forward to 1997, U2 hit the UK singles chart with “Discotheque” from their *Pop* album, also topping charts in Norway, Finland, Canada, and Ireland.
This day also remembers some cultural milestones. In 1965, legendary artist Nat King Cole passed away in Santa Monica, California. He played a key role in blending swing and rock ‘n’ roll and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. In 1967, musicians Walt Parazaider, Terry Kath, Danny Seraphine, James Pankow, Lee Loughnane, and Robert Lamm formed Chicago. They initially called themselves The Big Thing, later changing to Chicago Transit Authority, and finally settling on Chicago in 1969. Gary Clark Jr. was born in 1984 in Austin, Texas, and quickly gained fame for his unique blend of blues, soul, rock, and hip-hop.
February 15 also marks notable recordings. In 1954, Joe Turner recorded the classic “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” In 1965, The Beatles released their single “Eight Days A Week”/“I Don’t Want To Spoil The Party,” which became their last of seven consecutive No. 1 hits in the US. In 1974, Deep Purple released their album *Burn*, featuring then-unknown singer David Coverdale.
From The Beatles to David Coverdale, February 15 has seen many important moments in rock history. Stay tuned for more music news tomorrow!
