The 50th anniversary editions of George Harrison’s Living in the Material World, the highly praised second solo album of original music following The Beatles’ 1970 dissolution, are out today via Dark Horse Records/BMG. To celebrate the release, fans can enjoy the never-before-heard recording of “Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond),” featuring Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, … Continue reading Watch the Official Video for George Harrison’s “Sunshine Life For Me (Sail Away Raymond)” →

November 1, 1994 – Nirvana releases MTV Unplugged in New York, the first Nirvana album following the death of Kurt Cobain.  The album debuts at number one on the Billboard 200, and is certified 5x platinum in the United States by 1997. It also wins the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 1996. November 1, 1968 – George Harrison releases Wonderwall Music, … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 1 in Classic Rock →

October 18, 1974 – The Rolling Stones release It’s Only Rock N’ Roll, their 14th studio album. The album goes platinum, and features guest stars Kenney Jones, David Bowie, Billy Preston and Ian Stewart. October 18, 1974 – Al Green’s ex-girlfriend bursts into his bathroom and pours a pot of boiling grits in the tub, burning him badly, before going to the … Continue reading CDJ Today: October 18 in Classic Rock →

August 31, 2012 – Eddie Van Halen undergoes emergency surgery for “a severe bout of diverticulitis” causing Van Halen to reschedule a tour of Japan slated for November. August 31, 1976 – George Harrison is found guilty of “subconscious plagiarism” when Bright Tunes Music Corporation sues him, claiming that he plagiarized “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons for his song “My Sweet Lord.” The case … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 31 in Classic Rock →

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, 1995 – The first TV commercial of Ringo Starr‘s career airs for Pizza Hut, as does a similar spot by the newly-reformed Monkees. 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 … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 29 in Classic Rock →

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 becomes a popular day to spark one up, as does 4:20 pm… every day. April 20, 2011 – K.K. Downing, guitarist … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 20 in Classic Rock →

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 in Classic Rock →

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 in Classic Rock →

March 15, 1976 – Kiss release their fourth studio album, Destroyer.  The album goes on to be certified double platinum and contains the songs “Detroit Rock City,” “Shout It Out Loud” and “Beth.” March 15, 2004 – Jackson Browne, George Harrison, Bob Seger, Traffic, and ZZ Top are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Bruce Springsteen inducts Browne, fellow Traveling … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 15 in Classic Rock →

February 28, 1987 –  Eddie Van Halen makes an appearance on Saturday Night Live, which is being hosted by his then-wife Valerie Bertinelli. He plays alongside G.E. Smith and the SNL house band for an instrumental number called “Stompin’ 8H.” Bluesman Robert Cray is the musical guest. February 28, 1972 – George Harrison and his wife Pattie Boyd Harrison are injured in … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 28 in Classic Rock →

February 25, 1980 – Bob Seger releases his 11th studio album Against the Wind. The album sells five million copies in the U.S. and wins two Grammy Awards. February 25, 2003 – Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd undergoes emergency heart surgery. The guitarist has a successful bypass operation in Atlanta after a routine screening finds him to be suffering from coronary artery disease. Rossington is … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 25 in Classic Rock →