January 25 has seen many significant events in rock history over the years. From the birth of legends to iconic performances, here are some highlights from this day.
1958: Elvis Presley’s single “Jailhouse Rock” made history by becoming the first song to enter the UK singles chart at number 1. That year, he had five top 10 hits, with “Jailhouse Rock” being the best-selling single in the UK.
1963: The Rolling Stones played their first show with new members, drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman, at the Ricky Tick Club in Windsor, UK. This lineup is often seen as the band’s classic formation, with Wyman staying until 1993 and Watts until his passing in 2021.
1975: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100. While it didn’t hit the top 10, it remains a beloved classic and often appears on Greatest Songs of All Time lists.
1938: Singer and songwriter Etta James was born in Los Angeles. She began her career in 1954 and blended jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, soul, and rock, playing a key role in the evolution of popular music.
2013: Tina Turner announced she was giving up her US citizenship to become a Swiss citizen, having lived in Switzerland for some time.
1978: Joy Division made their live debut at Pips Disco in Manchester, UK, introducing themselves to a confused crowd.
1994: Alice in Chains released their EP “Jar of Flies,” which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the first EP to achieve this feat.
With live debuts, famous birthdays, and chart-toppers, January 25 is a memorable day for rock fans. Check back tomorrow for more rock history!
