John Lennon married Yoko Ono on March 20, 1969, at the British Consulate Office in Gibraltar. They stayed together until his death in 1980. Both artists have greatly influenced rock music, and many believe their partnership changed the genre’s history. Here are some key events from March 20 that shaped rock music:
1961: Elvis Presley topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “Surrender.” This was his fifth U.S. No. 1 and held the spot for two weeks.
1971: Almost six months after her passing, Janis Joplin’s version of “Me and Bobby McGee” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was the second posthumous No. 1 single in the U.S.
1976: Status Quo’s ninth studio album, *Blue for You*, hit No. 1 on the U.K. albums chart, where it stayed for three weeks. It was the last album featuring all original members.
1982: Buckner & Garcia performed “Pac-Man Fever” on American Bandstand. This novelty track was the only one to make the Billboard Hot 100 that year.
1982: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ hit “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for seven weeks. It became their only No. 1 single and sold over 2 million copies in the U.S.
Other notable events on March 20 include the birth of Kenny Rogers in 1938, Alice Cooper marrying Sheryl Goddard in 1976, and Chester Bennington of Linkin Park being born in 1976.
In 1960, Elvis Presley recorded songs in Nashville, marking his first session after leaving the U.S. Army.
