Did you know that on March 12, 1971, Paul McCartney officially dissolved the Beatles’ partnership? He filed a lawsuit against manager Allen Klein and the other three members. This win meant the Beatles’ name couldn’t be used for future recordings without McCartney. But March 12 has more rock history to offer.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Here are some notable hits from March 12 that you might still enjoy today:
1983: U2’s third album, *War*, reached No. 1 on the UK albums chart, marking their first top album and knocking Michael Jackson’s *Thriller* off the top.
1994: Ace of Base’s “The Sign” hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for four weeks, making them the first Swedish group to top the chart.
2011: At age 78, Yoko Ono topped the dance chart with “Move On Fast,” becoming the oldest artist with a No. 1 dance hit. She broke her own record in 2018 at age 84.
Cultural Milestones
1983: Bonnie Tyler became the first Welsh singer to reach No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard chart with “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”
2007: Amy Winehouse made her TV debut on *The Late Show with David Letterman*, performing “Rehab.” Her album *Back to Black* later climbed to No. 2.
2013: Bob Dylan was named an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, the first rock musician to receive this honor.
Notable Recordings and Performances
1961: Elvis Presley recorded all 11 songs for *Something for Everybody* in just 12 hours.
1967: The Velvet Underground released their debut album with Nico, which became a landmark in art rock.
1971: The Allman Brothers Band recorded their first live album at the Fillmore East in New York City.
1991: R.E.M. released their seventh album, *Out of Time*, in a straightforward style.
