Over the years, May 12 has been a significant date in rock history, bringing us hit songs, memorable performances, and fascinating facts about rock stars and their music. Here’s a look at some key moments every rock fan should know.
1958: “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. It also reached No. 1 in the U.K. and on the U.S. R&B and country charts.
1967: Procol Harum released “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” their debut single. This song became a major hit and is often linked to the psychedelic rock era.
1973: Led Zeppelin’s fifth album, *Houses of the Holy*, hit the top of the US Billboard 200. It was a huge commercial success, later certified Diamond for selling over 10 million copies in the U.S.
Cultural milestones also shaped the rock scene on May 12. 1948: Steve Winwood was born in Birmingham, England. He gained fame in the 1960s with the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith before launching a solo career. 1950: Billy Squier was born in Massachusetts and became known for hits like “Lonely Is the Night.” 1961: Billy Duffy, guitarist of The Cult, was born in Manchester. 1971: Mick Jagger married Bianca Pérez-Mora Macías in France. They had a daughter but divorced in 1978.
Notable recordings include 1965: The Rolling Stones finished “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” which became a massive hit. 1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience released their debut album, *Are You Experienced*, in the UK, receiving instant acclaim.
