September 14, 1984 – MTV debuts its first ever video awards show, hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler in New York at Radio City Music Hall. The Cars win Video of the Year for “You Might Think”. Among the Video of the Year nominees were Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and The Police “Every Breath You Take”. David Bowie wins … Continue reading CDJ Today: September 14 in Classic Rock →

August 16, 1962 – Pete Best is fired as the drummer for The Beatles, by manager Brian Epstein.  Best claims he is fired because he is the best looking one in the band, but producer George Martin says that Best cannot keep time. August 16, 1980 – Bill Ward quits Black Sabbath for the first time, most … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 16 in Classic Rock →

Prog Rock:  a style of rock music popular especially in the 1970s and characterized by classical influences, the use of keyboard instruments, and lengthy compositions. (Oxford Dictionary) Progressive rock is a broad genre of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom and United States throughout the mid to late 1960s. Additional elements contributed to … Continue reading Top 10 Prog Rock Bands →

March 28, 1973 – Led Zeppelin release Houses Of The Holy, their 5th studio album.  The album goes on to sell over 11 million copies, and features some of their most famous songs including “The Song Remains The Same,” “D’yer Maker” and “Dancing Days.” March 28, 1992 – Ozzy Osbourne invites the first two rows of the audience on stage … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 28 in Classic Rock →

February 13, 1970 – Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album is released in the U.K., although it doesn’t come out in the U.S. until June.  The album was recorded in just 12 hours, and has since been credited as one of the most influential albums of all time in heavy metal music. February 13, 2005 – Led Zeppelin are … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 13 in Classic Rock →

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 2, 2003 – Phil Spector is charged with murder after police find Lana Clarkson dead from a gunshot wound in his home in Alhambra, CA. He is later sentenced to the maximum sentence of 19 years to life for the murder of the actress. February 2, 1976 – Genesis release A Trick Of The Tail, their seventh studio album and the … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 2 in Classic Rock →

If you’ve ever formed a band, you probably know that in those tumultuous first days, coming up with a great name that really fits – and actually sticks – might be the hardest part of the process. Luckily these classic rock bands really nailed it… eventually. Can you imagine today talking about the legendary career … Continue reading Original Names of Famous Classic Rock Bands – Part One (A-H) →

December 11, 1968 – Filming begins on The Rolling Stones‘ Rock And Roll Circus movie. Conceived by Mick Jagger, the event was comprised of two concerts on a circus stage and included such acts as John Lennon and his fiancée Yoko Ono performing as part of a supergroup called The Dirty Mac, along with Eric … Continue reading CDJ Today: December 11 in Classic Rock →

November 18, 1993 – Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam is arrested in the New Orleans French Quarter outside the Blue Crystal, a punk rock bar, for public drunkenness and disturbing the peace.  Apparently, there was a bar fight with a waiter and Vedder’s friend, Chicago White Sox pitcher and Cy Young award winner, Jack McDowell, was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital. … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 18 in Classic Rock →