Not all history is glamorous. Some headlines show clashes in society, and July 9 in rock history has its share. From annulments to house arrest and banned ads, rock has weathered rough moments.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
On this day, charts reflected dominance, persistence, and surprises.
1954: Bill Haley & His Comets reached the top of the pop charts with “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around the Clock.” It stayed No. 1 for eight weeks and marked a major shift as the first rock and roll song to dominate the charts.
1983: The Police hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Every Breath You Take,” moving up from No. 3.
1988: Van Halen’s OU812 held No. 1 on the Billboard 200 while Def Leppard’s Hysteria sat at No. 2.
1988: Cheap Trick scored their only US No. 1 with “The Flame,” also topping charts in Canada and Australia.
2019: Panic! at the Disco landed at No. 18 on the Hot 100 with “Hey Look Ma, I Made It,” standing out in a pop, country, and R&B–dominated chart.
Cultural Moments
July 9 also spots moments that shaped artists’ lives.
1946: Bon Scott was born in Forfar, Scotland. He fronted AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980 and is remembered as one of rock’s great frontmen.
1975: Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse was born. He became the band’s lead singer, main songwriter, and constant member.
1975: Jack White was born in Detroit. He rose to fame with the White Stripes and later had a strong solo career.
1999: Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall ended their marriage and secured an annulment after a brief High Court hearing.
2013: Jon Bon Jovi returned to Sayreville, New Jersey, donating $1 million to the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund to help his hometown recover.
