Rock History: October 27
Notable rock and roll releases, performances, chart milestones, and events that happened on October 27 throughout history.
Argo released Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s “Ain’t Got No Home.” It reached No. 20 in early 1957, and his frog-like vocal on the record supplied the nickname used on later releases.
Elvis Presley earned a third consecutive Cashbox No. 1 as “Love Me Tender” replaced “Don’t Be Cruel,” which had succeeded “Hound Dog” after Presley began his run atop the chart in August.
Elvis mocked Oakland’s hip-swiveling restrictions by standing still and moving only his pinky. Los Angeles vice officers filmed him two nights later, but no charges followed; the moral panic was later described as Colonel Parker publicity designed to sell out the second show.
Brunswick released Buddy Holly and the Crickets’ “Oh, Boy!,” featuring backing vocals by the Picks. It reached No. 10 in America and No. 3 in Britain.
Tina Turner gave birth in Los Angeles to her second child, Ronald Renelle Turner, while on tour; Ike Turner was not present.
In his first Atlantic solo session after leaving the Drifters, Ben E. King recorded “Spanish Harlem” and “Stand by Me.” They reached No. 10 and No. 4 in America respectively, with “Stand by Me” later topping the UK chart.
Mick Jagger, Keith Richard, Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, and drummer Tony Chapman recorded the Rolling Stones’ first demo at Curly Clayton Studios in London. Charlie Watts was being courted but remained at his advertising job.
The Supremes released “Come See About Me,” the third of five consecutive U.S. No. 1 singles; it reached No. 27 in Britain.
Sonny Bono, 31, and Cherilyn Sarkisian, 18, held an unofficial ceremony in a Tijuana hotel. They married legally in 1969 after Chastity’s birth, having first performed as Caesar and Cleo before becoming Sonny and Cher.
Gladys Knight and the Pips earned their only U.S. No. 1 with “Midnight Train to Georgia.” It became Knight’s signature song and won the 1974 Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus.
Bruce Springsteen appeared simultaneously on Time and Newsweek covers, a publicity achievement arranged by manager Mike Appel amid acclaim for Born to Run.
Crystal Gayle recorded “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” at Jack’s Tracks in Nashville. It reached No. 2 pop, No. 1 country, and became a worldwide hit; writer Richard Leigh’s later dog-and-cataract story blurred whether a pet truly inspired the title.
Mark David Chapman legally bought a five-shot Charter Arms .38 revolver for $169 in Honolulu. He used it six weeks later to murder John Lennon.
Prince released 1999, featuring the title track, “Little Red Corvette,” “Delirious,” “International Lover,” and “Let’s Pretend We’re Married.” It reached No. 9 in America, No. 30 in Britain, and entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008.
Columbia released Bob Dylan’s Infidels, his return to secular music after three evangelical albums. It reached No. 20 and Gold status in America and No. 9 in Britain.
The Grateful Dead created the concert industry’s first designated tapers section at Berkeley Community Theater, formally allowing fan recordings and helping establish an influential music-sharing culture.
Aretha Franklin released her third self-titled album. Its George Michael duet “I Knew You Were Waiting (for Me)” became her first U.S. pop No. 1 since “Respect,” topped Britain, and reached the Top 10 in fourteen other countries.
Bo Diddley sued his late manager Martin Otelsberg’s estate for misusing his earnings. A federal judge later found more than a decade of siphoning, ordered the widow to repay $400,000, and froze estate accounts for further investigation.
Gloria Estefan became the first major pop star to perform for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, singing “Más Allá” with a 62-piece orchestra during a televised event honoring Catholic clergy.
Johnny Cash announced a Parkinson’s diagnosis, beginning years of changing medical explanations. Doctors next suspected Shy-Drager syndrome before determining in 2000 that diabetic autonomic neuropathy caused his symptoms.
Three original Beatles wax heads used on Sgt. Pepper’s cover—John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—sold for £81,500 after being found at Madame Tussauds. A later vintage Paul McCartney head completed the set.
Forbes reported Elvis Presley as the year’s highest-earning dead celebrity with more than $52 million, boosted by Graceland visitors and ventures such as an Elvis satellite-radio channel.
James Brown’s former manager David Cannon received three years of home confinement for taking 15 percent of Brown’s earnings rather than the five percent he was entitled to.
Chuck Berry told a Rock Hall gathering that he hoped to release six songs written sixteen years earlier, saying the material was old but remained in his familiar musical style.
Lou Reed died from liver disease at 71. His work with the Velvet Underground and a five-decade solo career helped pave the way for glam, punk, and alternative rock.
Kenny Rogers entered the Country Music Hall of Fame, declaring in his speech that music and records come and go but the Hall of Fame lasts forever.
Fleetwood Mac canceled the remaining dates of its world tour after co-founder John McVie was diagnosed with cancer.
Jerry Lee Lewis appeared on Late Show with David Letterman to promote Rock & Roll Time, performing the title song on air and classics including “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” during breaks.
Bo Carter’s heirs sued Warner Music and Eric Clapton for $5 million, alleging Clapton’s “Alberta” on Unplugged was actually based on Carter’s 1929 “Corrine, Corrina” but credited to Lead Belly. The dispute ended in a private settlement.
