From breakthrough hits, notable recordings, and memorable performances to cultural moments of change and inspiration, the history of rock ‘n’ roll mirrors American society. Read on to discover some events and achievements in the rock industry on June 9 in past years.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
You may remember these hits and milestones from June 9:
- 1972: Bruce Springsteen signed with Columbia Records, his first contract after years on the New Jersey bar circuit, launching a relationship that continues to this day.
- 1979: “Love You Inside Out” by the BeeGees reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the group’s sixth consecutive hit to top the chart.
Cultural Milestones
June 9 events that reflect important developments in rock culture include:
- 1970: Musical icon Bob Dylan received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Princeton University. During his visit, he witnessed a Brood X cicada swarm, which inspired his song “Day of the Locusts.”
- 1993: What’s Love Got to Do With It, the biographical film about rocker Tina Turner and her husband Ike, was released nationwide. Starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, the movie received critical acclaim, including Academy Award nominations.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Concerts and studio work that made history on June 9 include the following:
- 1972: Elvis Presley performed his first of four sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He was the first artist to sell out four consecutive concerts at the venue.
- 1998: Journey replaced founding lead singer Steve Perry with Steve Augeri at a show in San Rafael, California. Perry was unable to tour with the band.
- 2017: Glen Campbell, a member of the famed Wrecking Crew and contributor to bands such as The Monkees, released Adios, his 64th and final album, after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease; he died about a year later.
Industry Changes and Challenges
These key events from June 9 reflected changes in the rock music industry:
- 1989: The Doobie Brothers launched a nationwide reunion tour with a show at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater. This series of concerts supported their album Cycles.
- 1998: The Ronettes, known for hits such as “Be My Baby” and “Walking in the Rain,” appeared in court to argue that producer Phil Spector breached their contract by failing to pay royalties to the group for more than 25 years. New York’s highest court later found in Spector’s favor.
June 9 is a busy day in rock history, marked by the Ronettes lawsuit, the launch of a much-anticipated Doobie Brothers reunion tour, and a record-breaking performance by Elvis Presley.
