Oct. 6 is a bittersweet day for rock music fans. We remember two legendary musicians we lost, but we also celebrate some iconic albums and songs. Here’s a look at significant events in rock history that happened on this day.
1969: The Beatles released a double A-side single featuring “Something,” written by George Harrison, and “Come Together,” written by John Lennon. This was the first A-side single for the band that included a song by Harrison.
1982: Madonna, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, released her first single, “Everybody.” While it didn’t chart on the Billboard Hot 100, it reached No. 3 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
1972: David Bowie recorded “The Jean Genie” at RCA Studios in New York City. The song came together during a jam session on Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Tour and later appeared on his Aladdin Sane album.
1995: Alice in Chains released their single “Grind,” the first track from their self-titled album. Written by lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell, the song spent 16 weeks on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.
Sadly, Oct. 6 also marks the loss of two rock legends.
2019: Ginger Baker, co-founder of Cream and one of the greatest rock drummers, passed away at 80. He was known for blending rock and jazz drumming styles.
2020: A year later, Eddie Van Halen died at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. He is celebrated as one of the most influential guitarists, famous for popularizing the finger-tapping technique.
These are the key events in rock music on Oct. 6. Check back tomorrow for more rock history!
