If you’re interested in rock music history, you’ve come to the right spot. February 13 has seen everything from major hits to cultural shifts. Here are some highlights.
1967: The Beatles released their double-sided single with “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane.” While “Penny Lane” didn’t hit No. 1 in Britain, it topped the U.S. charts.
1970: On Friday the 13th, Black Sabbath dropped their self-titled debut album. They recorded it in just 12 hours in the U.K. It later reached No. 23 on the Billboard Hot LPs chart.
Cultural milestones also shaped the music scene on this day.
1950: Peter Gabriel was born in Chobham, England. He was the original frontman for Genesis before starting a solo career in 1975.
1957: The Cuban government banned rock and roll from TV and radio. The ban was lifted after public outcry, but with conditions on dance steps.
1961: Henry Rollins, frontman of Black Flag and Rollins Band, was born in Washington, D.C. He joined Black Flag in 1981 and later went solo.
1997: Michael Jackson’s first child, Prince, was born to his second wife, Debbie Rowe.
Notable recordings also took place on February 13.
1969: Bob Dylan recorded “Lay, Lady, Lay” in Nashville. The song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has been covered by many artists.
1978: Dire Straits began recording their first album, which included the hit “Sultans of Swing.”
1987: Metallica wrapped up their Damage Inc. tour in Gothenburg, Sweden. This tour was significant but also tragic, as bassist Cliff Burton died in a bus accident.
1960: Frank Sinatra started his own label, Reprise Records, changing the industry landscape.
