February 12, 1997 – David Bowie receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located outside of the Hollywood Galaxy Theater. Classic Rock Birthdays February 12, 1939 – Ray Manzarek, keyboards (The Doors) (d. 2013)February 12, 1950 – Steve Hackett, guitar (Genesis)February 12, 1952 – Michael McDonald, vocals, keyboards (The Doobie Brothers)February 12, 1946 – Joe Schermie (born Joseph Edward Schermetzler), bass (Three Dog Night) (d. … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 12 in Classic Rock →

February 8, 2006 – David Bowie is awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  It is his second Grammy, the first being for the “Jazzin’ for Blue Jean” video in 1985.  He posthumously wins four more Grammys for the Blackstar release bringing his total to six.  The Top 10 David Bowie Covers Classic Rock Birthdays February 8, … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 8 in Classic Rock →

February 3, 1969 – The Beatles hire Allen Klein as their new manager, following the death of Brian Epstein. Klein got his start working for Sam Cooke and Bobby Darin, with whom he gained a reputation for being ruthless on behalf of artists whose royalties were being hidden through accounting tricks. This endeared him to the Rolling Stones, … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 3 in Classic Rock →

Lately, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been making up for so many artists that have previously been overlooked, but they’ve still got a long way to go to right some very obvious wrongs in their choices. Here are our picks for the Top 15 most overlooked artists that have yet to make … Continue reading 15 Most Overlooked Artists by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame →

You know there’s bass, guitar and drums in almost every rock song. Throw in a tambourine, a keyboard and some other random percussion instruments and you’ve got a band! But, don’t forget about the lowly easy-to-pack harmonica – you too can buy a harp for under $50 and impress your friends! Here’s a list of … Continue reading Top 10 Rock Harmonica Solos →

December 13, 2000 – After former Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore delivers his concession speech to George W. Bush in Washington, D.C., he holds a party in his home with a performance by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  It features guest appearances by Jon Bon Jovi and Stevie Wonder and others. Petty performs “I Won’t Back Down” with  Jon … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 13 in Classic Rock →

October 19, 1979 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers release their breakthrough album Damn the Torpedoes.  It goes on to sell two million copies in the U.S. Backstage Access: Crowd Spontaneously Pays Tribute to Tom Petty at College Football Game October 19, 1977 – Lynyrd Skynyrd play their last show together in Greenville, South Carolina, prior to the plane crash that would … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 19 in Classic Rock →

October 17, 1980 – Bruce Springsteen releases The River, a double album.  It sells over 5 million copies. 10 Essential Albums You Need to Own > October 17, 1964 – The Rolling Stones release their second album, 12 X 5.  It sells over 500,000 copies in the U.S., and features only three originals – the rest are covers. October 17, … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 17 in Classic Rock →

September 9, 1992 – The 9th annual MTV Video Music Awards do not disappoint.  Van Halen wins Video of the Year for “Right Now,” Howard Stern appears as “Fartman,” and Krist Novoselic gets clocked by his own guitar after he throws it up in the air and misses the catch.  He says, “I was fine, but I … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 9 in Classic Rock →

August 3, 1991 – Metallica hold a “playback party” at Madison Square Garden in New York City (a venue they had yet to play) to launch their self-titled album, commonly known as the “Black Album.” Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic both attend.  The album goes on to sell 30 million copies worldwide. August 3, 1987 – Def Leppard … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 3 in Classic Rock →