Jan. 28 has been a significant day in rock music history, marked by breakthrough hits, cultural shifts, and memorable performances. One of the most notable events on this day was the recording of “We Are the World” in 1985, featuring artists like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Stevie Wonder, all coming together for a charity event supporting Africa.
Here are some key moments that happened on Jan. 28:
1965: The Moody Blues scored their first and only UK No. 1 single with their cover of “Go Now.”
1978: Fleetwood Mac released their iconic album, *Rumours*, which topped the UK Albums Chart. It sold over 4 million copies in the UK and has sold more than 40 million worldwide.
1986: The tragic disintegration of the Space Shuttle Challenger inspired Prince to write “Sign O’ the Times,” a defining song in his career.
2005: Jim Capaldi, the drummer and co-founder of Traffic, passed away at age 60. He was later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
2009: Billy Powell, the keyboard player for Lynyrd Skynyrd, died of a heart attack at 56.
Notable performances include:
1970: Jimi Hendrix played at the Winter Festival For Peace at Madison Square Garden, but the set ended abruptly after just a song and a half.
1978: Van Halen released their debut single, a cover of “You Really Got Me,” which peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2003: Billy Corgan’s new band Zwan released their debut album, *Mary Star of the Sea*, which reached No. 3 in the U.S. before the band disbanded later that year.
Jan. 28 continues to be a day of reflection and celebration in rock music history.
