August 1, 1981 – MTV begins airing music videos with the legendary opening, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Rock & Roll.”  That’s followed by the now familiar power-chord-fueled guitar riff theme. The first ten videos are: The Buggles “Video Killed The Radio Star”, Pat Benatar “You Better Run”, Rod Stewart “She Won’t Dance With Me”, The Who “You Better You Bet”, … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 1 in Classic rock →

June 29, 2000 – Vandals break into tombs containing the remains of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant and guitarist Steve Gaines. Van Zant’s casket had been removed from its tomb but did not appear to have been opened. A plastic bag containing Gaines’ ashes had been removed from a metal urn and had been torn, but only a tiny fraction was spilled. … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 29 in Classic Rock →

Dhani Harrison, son of the late Beatle George Harrison, will release his debut solo album this fall. “Harrison is stepping out and making music for the first time under his own name,” reads an announcement about the release. “Echoing his influences over the past few years as a composer, Harrison’s new music paints a cinematic … Continue reading Dhani Harrison to Release First Solo Album →

Monthy Python pay tribute to George Harrison with a performance of “The Lumberjack Song” at the Concert for George in 2002. April 20, 1971 – Five friends at San Rafael High School in California coin the term “4:20” as a euphemism for smoking pot so they could talk about their “activity” in front of their parents. April 20th … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 20 →

April 14, 1975 – Former Faces guitarist Ronnie Wood gets a coveted Rolling Stones gig, replacing Mick Taylor.  Other rumored replacements for the position are Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Steve Marriott and Chris Spedding. April 14, 2009 – George Harrison is honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in front of the Capitol Records building.  In attendance … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 14 →

Much has been written over the years about Paul McCartney and John Lennon and their songwriting abilities, both separate and as a team. At first, they seemed to be the ones that most people talked about when it came to the discussion of who were the most important Beatles. But as George Harrison’s wonderful solo … Continue reading George Harrison — The Beatles’ Secret Sauce And So Much More! →

In a new interview with Billboard, Olivia Harrison opens up about her late husband and talks about putting together the newly expanded edition of ‘I Me Mine‘ – George Harrison’s memoir which, in its newly extended version, spans the complete length of Harrison’s career and features lyrics to more than 50 songs not previously included. … Continue reading Olivia Harrison on Her Late Husband’s Sense of Humor, Lyrical Poetry and How He Surprised Ringo Starr →

Lenny Kravitz will perform a tribute to Prince during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony when it takes place in New York City on April 7th. Alicia Keys, Mary Chapin Carpenter the Indigo Girls have also been announced as performers. The Rock Hall 2017 class includes: Electric Light Orchestra, who will be … Continue reading Lenny Kravitz Will Honor Prince During Rock Hall Induction Ceremony →

March 27, 1986 – Sammy Hagar sings his first concert with Van Halen at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, LA.  Nicknamed “Van Hagar”, the show sells out in five minutes.  Hagar says, “We had made the commitment that we weren’t going to play any of the old material – only  ‘You Really Got Me,’ ‘I Can’t Drive … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 27 →

March 23, 1969 – 30,000 people attend the “Rally For Decency” in Miami at the Orange Bowl after Jim Morrison was charged with indecent exposure in the city.  Countering the counter-culture, announcements publicizing the rally warn that “longhairs and weird dressers” won’t be let inside. Celebrities at the event included Kate Smith, Jackie Gleason, The Lettermen … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 23 →