January 21, 1987 – Twenty-two artists are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the 2nd annual awards show, held in New York City.  Keith Richards inducts Aretha Franklin, B.B. King is inducted by Sting, ZZ Top inducts Bo Diddley, Mick Jones of Foreigner inducts Eddie Cochran, Ricky Nelson is posthumously inducted by John Fogerty, and … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 21 in Classic Rock →

January 20, 1982 – Ozzy Osbourne bites the head off a live bat at a show in Des Moines, Iowa, thinking it was a rubber bat thrown on the stage.  In his memoir, he says, “Immediately, though, something felt wrong. Very wrong. For a start, my mouth was instantly full of this warm, gloopy liquid, with the … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 20 in Classic Rock →

January 19, 1994 – The Ninth Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City. Inductees include The Animals, The Band, Duane Eddy, The Grateful Dead, Elton John, John Lennon, Bob Marley, and Rod Stewart.  Stewart can’t make it there due to the massive earthquake that hit LA that week, and … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 19 in Classic Rock →

January 18, 1989 – Stevie Wonder becomes the youngest living person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the age of 38.  Later, in 2012, Josh Klinghoffer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers becomes the youngest Rock and Roll Hall of Famer ever inducted at the age of 32. January 18, 1991 … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 18 in Classic Rock →

January 16, 1978 – Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols falls through a glass door at a San Francisco hotel while overdosing , and is rushed to a hospital.  Days later, the group disbands. January 16, 1985 – It’s day #6 of the first Rock in Rio festival held in Rio de Janeiro. The ten-day festival featured artists … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 16 in Classic Rock →

January 14, 1965 –  David Bowie releases his first single in the U.S., “Can’t Help Thinking About Me.”  This was the first single released after he changed his name from David (also Davie) Jones to David Bowie. January 14, 1967 – The first “Human Be-In” takes place at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with more than 25,000 people in attendance. It is the prelude to … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 14 in Classic Rock →

January 13, 2003 – Pete Townshend of The Who is arrested on suspicion of downloading child porn. Police officers impound seven computers, but after a four-month investigation, he is cleared of all charges. He claimed he was doing research while writing his autobiography and says he was sexually abused as a child himself. January 13, 1968 – Johnny Cash plays two … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 13 in Classic Rock →

January 12, 1969 – Led Zeppelin release their self-titled debut album. The album was completely funded by Jimmy Page (who was also the producer) and took only 36 hours to record and mix.  Page also picked out the image of the burning Hindenburg (the “lead zeppelin”) on the cover. Rolling Stone wrote that “The cover of Led Zeppelin … shows the Hindenburg airship, in all its phallic glory, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 12 in Classic Rock →

January 9, 1984 – Van Halen release their sixth studio album 1984.  With the songs “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot For Teacher” and “I’ll Wait,” the album goes on to sell over 10 million copies. January 9, 2007 – At the Macworld Expo in San Francisco, Steve Jobs introduces Apple’s latest invention: the iPhone.  He is joined by John Mayer, … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 9 in Classic Rock →

January 8, 1994 – Nirvana perform their final concert in the U.S. at the Seattle Center Arena. They tour for about two more months in Europe prior to Kurt Cobain’s death. January 8, 1979 – The Canadian Government name Rush the country’s official Ambassadors of Music. The honor comes with a plaque that reads, “We wish to recognize the international aspect … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 8 in Classic Rock →

January 7, 2004 – Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and wife Kate Hudson announce the birth of their first child Ryder Russell Robinson. January 7, 1997 – Two bronze busts worth $70,000 are stolen from George Harrison’s estate in Henley-on-Thames, England.  Thieves cut the figures of two monks from their stone plinths. Classic Rock Birthdays January 7, 1937 – Paul Revere … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 7 in Classic Rock →

January 6, 1976 – Peter Frampton releases one of the biggest double live albums in history, Frampton Comes Alive! The album goes on to sell over 11 million copies in the U.S. January 6, 1993 – Bill Wyman formally exits the Rolling Stones after 31 years. He is replaced on the road by touring bassist Darryl Jones. January 6, 2001 – Pink Floyd guitarist David … Continue reading CDJ Today: January 6 in Classic Rock →