Crank up your favorite Bob Dylan song on May 24 to celebrate his 84th birthday. Dylan is famous for hits like “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” If you want to know what else happened on this day in rock history, you’re in the right place. Here are some hit songs, cultural milestones, and important changes in rock music from May 24.
1969: “Get Back” by The Beatles hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for five weeks. It was the only song by the band to debut at No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart.
1975: Earth, Wind & Fire topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Soul Singles charts for the first time with “Shining Star.”
Cultural events on May 24 also shaped rock ‘n’ roll.
1960: Guy Fletcher, keyboardist for Dire Straits, was born in Maidstone, England. He joined the band in 1984 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
1970: The Guess Who performed “These Eyes” and “Laughing” on American Bandstand.
1974: The Dean Martin Show aired its final episode, featuring many rock musicians during its run.
2023: Tina Turner passed away at 83. She was a rock icon, known for her work with Ike Turner and her solo career.
Notable recordings on May 24 changed rock music forever.
1968: The Rolling Stones released “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” in the UK, reaching No. 1 there and No. 3 in the U.S.
1974: David Bowie released his album Diamond Dogs, marking his shift from glam rock to proto-punk.
1988: Van Halen released OU812, their second album with Sammy Hagar.
2003: Paul McCartney performed in Red Square, marking his first concert in Russia. This was a big moment since the Beatles were banned during the Cold War.
