Anyone interested in music history should check out what happened on May 4. This day is packed with hit songs, cultural events, and important moments in rock music. Fans can use this trivia to impress their friends and deepen their love for rock ‘n’ roll.
1971: Cher hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves,” marking her first No. 1 solo hit. It also topped the Canadian singles chart, a rare feat.
1974: Grand Funk Railroad scored a No. 1 hit with “The Loco-Motion,” a cover of Little Eva’s 1962 classic. This was one of only two songs where both the original and cover versions reached No. 1.
1996: Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill became the best-selling album of the year, hitting No. 1 on the U.K. album chart and staying there for six weeks. It also spent 12 weeks at No. 1 in the U.S.
Culturally, May 4 has seen some significant events. 1951: Mick Mars, co-founder of Motley Crue, was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. He later formed the band with Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx in 1980.
1957: The rock music show The Big Beat aired for the first time on ABC-TV, hosted by DJ Alan Freed.
1959: The first GRAMMY Awards took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California, celebrating musical achievements.
1964: The Moody Blues formed in Birmingham, England, influencing many bands and earning a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
1970: Neil Young wrote the protest song “Ohio” after the tragic Kent State shootings, which became a powerful anthem.
1991: Texas Governor Ann Richards declared “ZZ Top Day” to honor the band’s contributions to music and their Texas boogie style.
