Powerful and rebellious, rock ‘n’ roll music is a reminder of some of the most important events in U.S. history. Here are several memorable hits and highlights, musically and culturally, that took place in rock history on June 13.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Many rock songs and bands have a tie to June 13. Here are a few examples:
- 1970: The Beatles reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the 20th and last time with the single “The Long and Winding Road.” Paul McCartney wrote the song in 1968 as he reflected on the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
- 2012: The Beach Boys returned to the top of the charts with their first new album in approximately 20 years, That’s Why God Made the Radio. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200, continuing the group’s six-decade streak of producing top-selling music in the U.S.
- 2013: Foreigner’s songwriters Mick Jones and Lou Gramm, Holly Knight, Tony Hatch, and J.D. Souther were inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in New York City.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Rock music fans witnessed significant recordings and momentous performances on June 13, including:
- 1967: The Bee Gees appeared on the TV variety show As You Like It in the U.K., performing “To Love Somebody,” a song written for Otis Redding, who died before he could perform it.
- 1975: Jefferson Starship released the album Red Octopus, which included the song “Miracles.”
- 1998: An electrical storm disrupted the Tibetan Freedom Concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. A lightning strike critically injured at least one fan. Afterwards, a spontaneous show featuring Radiohead and Michael Stipe of REM was held at a local venue.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Performers and bands in the rock industry saw various changes and challenges on June 13:
- 1969: The Rolling Stones held a press conference in Hyde Park, London, introducing 20-year-old Mick Taylor as the band’s new guitarist. Taylor debuted on July 5, two days after the death of former guitarist Brian Jones.
- 2018: D.J. Fontana, the drummer who played in Elvis Presley’s band for the better part of two decades, died aged 87. Fontana joined the band in 1954 and contributed to epic songs, such as “Hound Dog,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.” Fontana was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman in 2009.
The date of June 13 brought many new signature moments into the history of rock ‘n’ roll, contributed by some of its biggest names, such as The Bee Gees, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys and The Beatles.
