On this day in rock history, Queen and Bob Dylan hit major milestones, and some legendary tours kicked off. Here are the key events from November 14.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
November 14 has seen some important moments in music. In 1952, the U.K. got its first-ever singles chart when New Musical Express published the Official Singles Chart. Percy Dickins, the magazine’s advertising manager, surveyed about 20 record stores to find the 12 best-selling singles. This was a big step for modern music and set the stage for future charts, including Billboard.
In 1981, Queen’s Greatest Hits album topped the U.K. Official Albums Chart, where it stayed for four weeks. This album is Queen’s best-seller, with over 25 million copies sold.
Notable Recordings and Performances
November 14 is also the anniversary of some famous tours and recordings. In 1962, Bob Dylan recorded “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” for his album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. The album came out on May 27 the next year, and the song was later a B-side to “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
In 1967, Pink Floyd kicked off their first U.K. tour, opening for Jimi Hendrix. They played 29 shows in 15 cities, starting at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
In 1975, Queen launched their A Night at the Opera Tour, which included 78 shows. The first two took place at the Liverpool Empire Theatre on November 14 and 15.
With Queen and Pink Floyd marking special moments, November 14 is a significant day for rock fans. Check back tomorrow to see what else happened in rock history!
