April 15 has played a significant role in shaping the rock music we love today. Here are some key moments from this day in rock history.
1957: Jerry Lee Lewis released his first major hit, “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” through Sun Records. The song peaked at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Country and R&B charts.
1974: Lynyrd Skynyrd launched their second album, Second Helping, which became a commercial success and was certified Platinum. It featured the iconic song “Sweet Home Alabama.”
1989: Roy Orbison’s “You Got It” became a posthumous hit, reaching No. 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was released after his passing in December 1988 and was produced by his friends Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty.
Cultural milestones also marked April 15. 1968: Ed O’Brien, guitarist of Radiohead, was born in Oxford, England. He later met his bandmates at school and signed with EMI Records in 1991.
1971: The Beatles won their only Oscar for “Let It Be,” which received the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. Quincy Jones accepted the award for them.
1978: Chris Stapleton was born in Lexington, Kentucky. His hit “Tennessee Whiskey” has sold over 20 million copies.
1996: Jerry Garcia’s ashes were scattered in California near the Golden Gate Bridge, almost a year after his death.
Notable recordings also took place on this day. 1966: The Rolling Stones released their album Aftermath, featuring “Paint It Black.” It topped charts in several countries.
1997: INXS released their last album with Michael Hutchence, Elegantly Wasted.
2015: The Who kicked off their 50th anniversary tour at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
