MUSIC HISTORY'S BLOG

On this day in 1972, Led Zeppelin appeared in front of over 25,000 fans at the Western Springs Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand, the group's first ever gig in New Zealand, (and the largest crowd ever…

On this day in 1989, A category for Heavy Metal was included at the Grammy Awards for the first time. Metallica performed on stage, but the award went to Jethro Tull. Many audience members booed.…

On this day in 1976, Florence Ballard of The Supremes died of cardiac arrest, aged 32. Ballard had left The Supremes in 1967, lost an $8 million (£4.7 million) lawsuit against Motown records and was…

Born on this day in 1967, Kurt Kobain guitarist, singer, songwriter with Nirvana who had the 1991 hit "Smells Like teen Spirit".  Their 1991 album 'Nevermind' spent over two years on the UK chart. During…

Born on this day in 1940, Smokey Robinson, singer, songwriter and producer who with The Miracles had the 1970 UK & US No.1 single 'The Tears Of A Clown'. As a solo artist Robinson scored…

On this day in 2003, Country singer Johnny Paycheck died at the age of 64. He had been in a nursing home, suffering from emphysema and asthma. During his career, Paycheck recorded 70 albums and had…

On this day in 1979, Willie Nelson won two trophies during the 21st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles: Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, for "Georgia On My Mind"; and Best Country Vocal Duo or Group (shared with…

Born on this day in 1972, American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rob Thomas with Matchbox Twenty who had the 2000 US No.1 single 'Bent' and his 'Lonely No More' released in 2005 became his biggest…

Born on this day in 1942, Peter Tork, vocals, keyboards and bass with American group The Monkees who had the 1967 UK & US No.1 single 'I'm A Believer' plus 10 US & 8 UK…

On this day in 1972,  Al Green went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Let's Stay Together', his only US chart topper. It was ranked the 60th greatest song of all time by…