May 20 has played a significant role in shaping rock music as we know it today. From chart-topping hits to legendary concerts and industry milestones, this date has given us memorable moments in rock history. Here’s a look at some key events that took place on this day.
1967: The Young Rascals scored a major hit with “Groovin’,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. This song helped the band gain widespread recognition.
1978: Wings, led by Paul McCartney, reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with “With a Little Luck.” This was their only chart-topping hit in the U.S. and was part of the London Town album.
Cultural milestones also mark May 20. 1944: Joe Cocker was born in England. He gained fame in the 1960s with his cover of “With a Little Help from My Friends” and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. 1946: Cher was born in California. She became famous in 1965 with the duo Sonny and Cher and later had a successful solo career, selling over 100 million records.
In 2006, Lordi won the Eurovision Song Contest with “Hard Rock Hallelujah,” marking the first win for a Finnish group and a heavy metal band.
Notable recordings include 1954: Bill Haley & His Comets released “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock,” which became a classic after being featured in the movie Blackboard Jungle. 1983: The Police released “Every Breath You Take,” a massive hit that topped charts worldwide. 1995: Robson & Jerome took “Unchained Melody” to the top, making it the only song to reach No. 1 by four different artists. 1997: Foo Fighters released their second album, further solidifying their place in rock history.
