In early 1964, the Beatles were on fire, selling millions of records around the globe. On March 13, Billboard reported that Beatles singles made up 60% of record sales in the U.S. By the end of 1964, they had sold an astonishing 40 million records, making them one of the best-selling music acts ever.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
1963: “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” by The Four Seasons hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for three weeks. They are the only band to have a No. 1 hit before, during, and after the Beatles era.
1965: The Beatles reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the seventh time with “Eight Days a Week,” holding the top spot for two weeks.
1993: Eric Clapton’s Unplugged album topped the U.S. album chart for three weeks. It won two GRAMMYs and sold 26 million copies, becoming Clapton’s best-selling record and the most successful unplugged album ever.
Cultural Milestones
1939: Singer and songwriter Neil Sedaka was born in New York City. He started in 1957 and had many hits.
1960: Adam Clayton, bassist for U2, was born in Oxfordshire, England. He has recorded 15 albums with the band.
1965: Eric Clapton left the Yardbirds due to creative differences, later joining Cream and starting a solo career.
1987: Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2006: Black Sabbath was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame by Metallica.
Notable Recordings and Performances
1966: Pink Floyd played their first show at the Marquee Club in London, marking the start of the Spontaneous Undergrounds.
1977: Iggy Pop began his North American tour in Montreal, with David Bowie on keyboards and Blondie opening.
1995: Radiohead released their second album, The Bends, through Parlophone Records.
