Rock History: January 13
Notable rock and roll birthdays, releases, and milestones that happened on January 13 throughout history.
Rock history records that Marty Robbins’ #1 Country hit, “The Story of My Life” crosses over and peaks at #15 on the Billboard Top 100. Rock history records that It is the first successful collaboration between Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who become one of the most prolific and renowned songwriting duos of the ’60s and ’70s.
Rock history records that Chubby Checker ‘s “The Twist”, which reached number one on September 19th, 1960, makes a surprise return to the top spot of The Hot 100. Rock history records that It is the only Rock ‘n’ Roll single in Billboard history to top the chart during two completely separate, non-consecutive chart runs.
Rock history records that Against the advice of Columbia Records executives, Johnny Cash visits Folsom State Prison in California to record a live album. The result, “Live At Folsom Prison” would go on to become one of Johnny’s biggest selling records, reaching #1 on the Top Country LPs chart and #13 on the Billboard Top LPs list. Rock history records that It also produced one of his most memorable hit singles, “Folsom Prison Blues”. Rock history records that In 2003, “Live At Folsom Prison” was certified Triple Platinum by the RIAA for sales of over three million and was ranked #88 on Rolling Stone Magazine ‘s list of the 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time.
Elvis Presley starts a ten day recording session that will produce his final US number one record, “Suspicious Minds”. Rock history records that The tracks are laid down at American Sound Studios in Memphis and mark the first time The King has recorded in his hometown since his Sun Records days in 1956.
Rock history records that Pete Townshend of The Who staged a sold-out musical intervention at London’s Rainbow Theatre to help Eric Clapton overcome severe drug and alcohol dependency. Townshend recruited an all-star backing band, among them Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi, to coax Clapton back onto the stage after years of reclusive isolation. The performance was recorded and later issued as the live album “Eric Clapton’s Rainbow Concert”, marking a pivotal turning point in Clapton’s life and career.
Rock history records that Carly Simon’s album “No Secrets” tops the Billboard Top LPs And Tape chart on the strength of two hit singles, “You’re So Vain” (#1) and “The Right Thing To Do” (#17). Rock history records that The LP was officially certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America on December 12th, 1997 for selling one million copies.
Rock history records that Elvis Presley ‘s version of Paul Anka’s “My Way” was officially certified Gold by the RIAA five months after the King’s death. Driven by a wave of mourning fans, the song had climbed to #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 the previous December 24th.
Rock history records that 33-year-old Donny Hathaway, famous for his Grammy-winning collaboration with Roberta Flack, “Where Is The Love”, fell from the 15th floor of the Essex House hotel in New York City. Rock history records that Medical examiners and police investigators officially ruled his death a suicide, although some evidence pointed to the fall being accidental. Rock history records that According to Atlantic Records and those close to him, Hathaway had been having some psychological problems at the time.
Rock history records that The Young Men’s Christian Association files a lawsuit against Village People over their song, “Y.M.C.A.” The suit was eventually dropped after the organization noticed a surge in youth membership and positive publicity generated directly by the song’s global popularity.
The Grateful Dead, The Beach Boys, Joan Baez, and Jefferson Starship became part of forces for a benefit concert at the Oakland Coliseum Arena to raise emergency funds for Cambodian refugees. Rock history records that Organized by Joan Baez and Rock promoter Bill Graham, the show culminated in an all-star encore that brought members of the different legendary acts together on one stage.
Rock history records that The members of Metallica suffered a devastating blow in Boston when thieves broke into their equipment truck and stole their signature amplifiers, guitars, and gear just prior to a show. Rock history records that Left broke and stranded on the road, the band survived the crisis thanks to gear loaned by the group Anthrax, allowing them to finish their scheduled dates.
Rock history records that Following his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Soul icon Al Green gave a live performance of his 1972 hit “Let’s Stay Together” on the The Late Show with David Letterman .
The Who ‘s guitarist, Pete Townshend was taken into custody on suspicion of child porn offenses. Rock history records that Police officers impounded seven computers from his home in Richmond, South West London. Rock history records that After a four-month investigation, London’s Metropolitan Police would announce that Townshend “was not in possession of any downloaded child abuse images,” but had accessed a site containing such photos. Townshend acknowledged using his credit card to enter a web site advertising child pornography, but said he was doing research for his autobiography. Rock history records that Although he was not charged with any offense, Townshend was placed on a national sex offender registry for five years.
Teddy Pendergrass died of colon cancer aged 59. The American Soul singer rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead vocalist for Harold Melvin And The Blue Notes, before enjoying a successful solo career which saw him place ten singles on Billboard Hot 100.
Just two months after The Beatles ‘ back catalogue went on to become available on iTunes, their sales figures topped five million songs according to Hudson Square Research. During that period, the legendary group also moved over a million full-length albums.
Tommy Crain, guitarist for The Charlie Daniels Band on their Grammy-winning single “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and over twenty albums, died in his sleep aged 59.
Rock history records that Representatives for Barry Manilow were quick to dismiss rumors that the 72-year-old singer had been airlifted to Los Angeles’ Cedars Sinai Medical Center after suffering a heart attack. A statement to the press stated: “It is indeed an established fact that Mr. Manilow does have atrial fibrillation, but he has never had a heart attack. nor is this a concern.”
The Rolling Stones ‘ first manager, Giorgio Gomelsky, died aged 81. Rock history records that After he was replaced by Andrew Loog Oldham in May, 1963, Gomelsky went on to manage The Yardbirds , Julie Driscoll and Brian Auger before moving to New York in 1978 and opening The Green Door nightclub. Those who knew him stated that he never quite got over losing his job as The Stones’ manager.
One-time Beatles associate Yanni “John” Alexis Mardas, better known as “Magic Alex”, died of natural causes aged 74. After meeting at the Indica Gallery in London, John Lennon went on to become fascinated with Mardas’ “Nothing Box”, a blinking light box that stimulated his LSD trips. Mardas was recruited into the Beatles’ inner circle and soon became head of Apple Electronics. Rock history records that He parted ways with Apple after Allen Klein was brought in to straighten out the cash hemorrhaging company.
Tim Bogert, a bassist for Vanilla Fudge , Cactus and Beck, Bogert & Appice, died following a long battle with cancer aged 76.
Rock history records that Sylvain Sylvain, guitarist with Punk icons The New York Dolls, died following a battle with cancer. Rock history records that He was 69. Rock history records that Alongside frontman David Johansen, he helped construct the foundation for the entire Punk movement, leaving behind a legacy that inspired generations of musicians across the Rock, Punk, and Hair Metal genres.
