The Mamas and the Papas released their second album, featuring “I Saw Her Again” and “Words of Love.” It reached No. 4 in America and No. 24 in Britain.

The Byrds released “Sweetheart of the Rodeo,” abandoning their psychedelic folk-rock sound for country and bluegrass. The change alienated core fans, and the album stalled at No. 77 in the U.S.

The three-day Texas International Pop Festival opened at Dallas International Motor Speedway with Chicago Transit Authority, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and Santana. An estimated 120,000–150,000 people attended.

The Beach Boys issued “Surf’s Up,” which reached No. 29 in America and No. 15 in Britain, their best U.S. chart showing for new music since 1967.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono held a One to One benefit at Madison Square Garden with Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, and Sha Na Na. Lennon performed with the Plastic Ono Elephant’s Memory Band; several tracks later appeared on “Live in New York City.”

The surviving Doors announced that they were disbanding two years after Jim Morrison’s death. Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger later attempted several reunions, including a 2002 tour billed as The Doors of the 21st Century.

KC and the Sunshine Band finally reached No. 1 in the U.S. with “Get Down Tonight,” a million-selling Platinum record that also topped Canada’s chart.

Christopher Cross’s “Sailing” topped the Hot 100 for one week and later won Grammys for Record, Song, and Arrangement of the Year, while Cross also won Best New Artist.

Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” reached No. 1 in America and later won Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

Billy Joel dismissed manager and former brother-in-law Frank Weber after an audit showed severe losses and a $5 million IRS debt. Joel later sued Weber for fraud and racketeering; the dispute ended in a settlement that recovered only part of the money.

Velvet Underground founding member Sterling Morrison died of cancer at 53. Though commercially unsuccessful, the group was later recognized as one of rock’s most influential bands and entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Elvis Presley’s estate sued Arista Music over alleged underpayment for newer digital income. A 2017 ruling found that Presley had sold the relevant rights to RCA in 1973 and had been properly compensated.

Ringo Starr’s copy of The Beatles’ first-edition “White Album,” numbered 0000001, was confirmed as the most expensive LP sold at auction after it brought $790,000 in 2015.