If you’re a rock fan, you’ve come to the right place for facts and trivia about this day in rock history. Here’s a look at the hit songs, band milestones, and cultural events that have shaped rock ‘n’ roll on May 21 over the years.
1971: Marvin Gaye released his groundbreaking album What’s Going On, featuring the iconic title track that tackled themes like war and social injustice.
1983: David Bowie topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for the second time with “Let’s Dance,” which also hit number one in the U.K.
1988: Prince achieved his first No. 1 album in the U.K. with Lovesexy, debuting at the top, although it only reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200.
Cultural events on May 21 also made an impact:
1979: Elton John became the first solo rock artist to perform in Russia, kicking off a series of shows in Leningrad and Moscow.
2008: Record producer Lou Pearlman was sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding clients, including Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.
2015: Black Sabbath received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ivor Novello Awards, with Tony Iommi accepting on behalf of the band.
Notable recordings and performances include:
1955: Chuck Berry recorded “Maybelline,” often credited as the first rock ‘n’ roll song.
1970: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young recorded the protest song “Ohio” in response to the Kent State shootings.
1976: The Rolling Stones opened a series of shows at Earl’s Court Theatre in London, playing “Sympathy for the Devil” for the audience.
1996: Soundgarden released their fifth studio album, Down on the Upside, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
These moments have left a lasting mark on the rock ‘n’ roll landscape.
