July 26 is packed with rock history. Here are some standout moments from bands that shaped the scene.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
1968: The Jackson 5 signed the Motown contract that launched them to worldwide fame.
1973: ZZ Top released Tres Hombres, featuring “La Grange,” a song that became a signature hit.
1975: The Eagles’ One of These Nights hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for five weeks.
1979: The Clash released their self-titled album in the U.S., with a different track list and new songs from the U.K. version.
1980: The Rolling Stones’ Emotional Rescue landed in the Billboard 200 top 10. Its title track spent 19 weeks on the Hot 100.
1986: Peter Gabriel topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “Sledgehammer.” Its innovative video went on to win nine MTV Video Music Awards.
2006: The final recording of Top of the Pops took place at BBC Television Centre. The long-running show had launched many careers since 1964.
Cultural Milestones
1943: Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones was born. He became a major voice and songwriter for the band.
1949: Roger Taylor of Queen was born. He wrote hits like “A Kind of Magic” and “Radio Ga Ga.”
1961: Gary Cherone, frontman of Extreme, was born in Massachusetts. He co-founded the band and later helped them score the hit “More Than Words.”
1993: Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless was born. She moved from acting to music and led the band to chart-topping success on rock radio.
These moments show how July 26 has marked big releases, big births, and big endings in rock music.
