Rock ‘n’ roll is a young genre that started in the 1940s and 1950s. In this short time, it has created a vibrant history filled with achievements and unique personalities. Here are some key rock events that happened on June 3.
In 1967, “Light My Fire” by The Doors made its debut on the Billboard charts. This song, known for its catchy chorus, captured the spirit of the 1960s counterculture and is listed among Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top 500 songs of the rock era. Then in 1972, Jethro Tull hit No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 with their album Aqualung, which sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
In 1984, Wham! released “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” a lively dance track that became an anthem of the time and still plays on the radio today.
Culturally, 1939 marked the birth of Ian Hunter, lead vocalist of Mott the Hoople. In 1953, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, graduated from high school. Just a few years later, in 1956, California tried to ban rock ‘n’ roll at public events, but public outcry led to a quick reversal.
1964 saw the birth of Kerry King, co-founder of Slayer. In 1966, The Rolling Stones kicked off their tour in Vancouver, boosting their fame. The following year, Jefferson Airplane shook things up on American Bandstand with their hits “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.”
In 1970, Ray Davies of The Kinks flew to New York to re-record a line in “Lola” due to BBC rules. Finally, in 2002, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee with a star-studded concert at Buckingham Palace featuring legends like Paul McCartney and Elton John.
