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Rock History: November 5

Notable rock and roll birthdays, releases, and milestones that happened on November 5 throughout history.

1956–1969
The Nat “King” Cole Show debuted on NBC as the first US musical variety program hosted by a Black performer; after failing to find national sponsorship, Cole ended it in 1957. Johnny Horton died at 35 when a drunk truck driver hit his Cadillac in Texas. The Monkees’ “Last Train to Clarksville” topped the US chart, Robin Gibb survived London’s Hither Green rail crash that killed 49 people and helped rescue passengers, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition made their television debut, Peter Noone married Mireille Strasser on his 21st birthday, and Jerry Reed recorded “Amos Moses,” later a million-selling crossover hit.

1970–1979
Brian Wilson’s hearing was badly damaged during a Beach Boys show at the Whisky A Go Go. Led Zeppelin released “Immigrant Song,” Wilson was removed from the Beach Boys’ touring operation, the Fixx released their debut album, and Coasters co-founder Bobby Nunn died. Elton John released “Blue Moves,” the Eagles’ “Best of My Love” reached No. 1, Ozzy Osbourne left Black Sabbath, a Sex Pistols poster led to arrests in Nottingham, and the Beach Boys’ “Kokomo” later topped the chart.

1985–2024
Johnny Cash’s “Unchained” won a Grammy. Coasters singer Billy Guy and Bobby Hatfield of the Righteous Brothers died, Jimmy Buffett was named CMA Entertainer of the Year, and Link Wray died in 2005. “Bohemian Rhapsody” became a worldwide film hit, ABBA returned with “Voyage,” and Marie Osmond announced legal action against her former manager.