March 17 has seen some epic events that shaped the rock music scene. From hit songs to cultural milestones, this day has made a lasting impact on rock music. If you love music trivia, you’re in the right place. Here’s a look at what happened in rock music on this day.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
1958: The first greatest hits album was released, featuring songs by Johnny Mathis. It was a huge success, staying on the Billboard charts for over nine years and paving the way for future artists.
1984: Van Halen scored their only No. 1 single with “Jump,” which topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. By April, the song was certified Gold, and their album sold over 20 million copies.
Cultural Milestones
1919: Nat King Cole was born in Montgomery, Alabama. He started as a pianist and became a famous solo singer in the 1950s. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
1967: Sheila Bromberg played the harp on the Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home,” becoming the first woman featured on a Beatles album.
1967: Billy Corgan, co-founder of Smashing Pumpkins, was born in Chicago. He formed the band in the late 1980s, leading them to sell over 30 million albums worldwide.
1975: Justin Hawkins, singer and guitarist of The Darkness, was born in Chertsey, England. Their debut album, Permission to Land, sold over 1.5 million copies in the UK.
1978: The rock movie American Hot Wax premiered in New York City, showcasing the life of the Cleveland disc jockey who coined the term “rock and roll.”
Notable Recordings and Performances
1958: The Coasters finished recording “Yakety Yak,” which would reach No. 1 on the charts.
1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience released the “Purple Haze” single in the UK, which peaked at No. 2.
1998: Van Halen released their eleventh studio album, Van Halen III, featuring vocalist Gary Cherone. It received mixed reviews.
