June 2 has been a significant day in rock history, filled with musical innovations and memorable events. Here’s a look at some key moments that have shaped the genre.
1962: Ray Charles, a master of soul and R&B, hit No. 1 with his cover of “Can’t Stop Loving You.” The song topped the charts for five weeks and also reached No. 1 in the UK.
1979: Donna Summer’s disco hit “Hot Stuff” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for three weeks. Rolling Stone later named it one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
1981: Prince made his UK debut at the Lyceum Theatre in London, showcasing his unique style. It would be five years before he returned to the country.
Culturally, June 2 has seen its share of notable events. 1941 marked the birth of Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones. He joined the band in 1963 after playing in various clubs.
In 1999, the music world mourned the loss of Junior Braithwaite, the original lead vocalist for the Wailers, who passed away at 47.
2008: Bo Diddley, known for blending blues and rock, died at 79. His influence reached artists like Buddy Holly and Elvis.
2020: Following George Floyd’s murder, the music industry observed Blackout Tuesday to protest racism and police brutality.
Notable recordings also took place on this day. 1967 saw The Beatles release “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” a groundbreaking album that sold over 11 million copies in the US.
1972: Pink Floyd released “Obscured by Clouds,” the soundtrack for the film La Vallée. That same year, Dion and the Belmonts reunited for a performance at Madison Square Garden, which was recorded and released as an album.
1975: David Bowie released “Fame,” his first No. 1 hit in the US, from the album Young Americans.
