MUSIC HISTORY'S BLOG

This day in 1966 - The Doors officially signed with Elektra Records in a deal for the band to produce seven albums. The band also reluctantly agreed to release ‘Break On Through’ as their first…

Born on this day in 1949 - Guitarist James Young of Styx. Styx is an American rock band from Chicago that formed in 1972 and became famous for its albums released in the late 1970s…

This day in 1982: Men At Work started a 15-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with their debut album 'Business As Usual', which went on to sell over five million copies in…

Born on this day in 1945 - Canadian singer, songwriter and guitarist Neil Young, who as a member of Buffalo Springfield had the 1967 US No.17 single 'For What It's Worth'. Young joined Crosby, Stills…

This day in 1972:  Allman Brothers' bassist Berry Oakley was killed when his motorcycle hit a bus at the same intersection as former band member Duane Allman, who had died a year earlier. Oakley was…

Born on this day in 1949 - Crossover blues singer, songwriter, slide guitarist Bonnie Raitt, who scored a US No.1 album with 'Nick Of Time’. During the 1970s, Raitt released a series of roots-influenced albums…

Born on this day in 1943: Joni Mitchell (born Roberta Anderson), Canadian singer, songwriter, with hits 'Big Yellow Taxi' and ‘Help Me’.  She wrote 'Both Sides Now' a hit for Judy Collins and 'Woodstock' a hit…

Born on this day in 1948: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Glenn Frey, who with  the Eagles scored the 1977 US No.1 & UK No.8 single 'Hotel California', plus 5 US No.1 albums. ‘Greatest Hits 1971-1975’…

This day in 1983: Billy Joel was at No.1 on the charts with 'Uptown Girl', which stayed at the top of the chars for five weeks. The song was initially written about his relationship with…

Born on this day in 1954 - English singer, musician, songwriter Chris Difford, who was a founding member of Squeeze. Some of their best-known songs are 'Tempted', 'Pulling Mussels (From the Shell)', 'Cool for Cats'…