November 14, 1983 –  Michael Jackson’s 14-minute film Thriller debuts to a private audience at the Metro Crest Theater in Los Angeles. Directed by John Landis, the short film will become the most popular video in MTV history when the network begins airing it in December. Many of Jackson’s famous friends show up at the premiere, … Continue reading CDJ Today: November 14 in Classic Rock →

August 29, 1980 – Eddie Van Halen meets his future wife Valerie Bertinelli for the first time at a Van Halen concert in Shreveport, LA. Her brother had dragged her to the show, even though she didn’t want to go. They would marry eight months later. August 29, 1977 – Three men are arrested and charged with trying to steal Elvis Presley’s body … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 29 in Classic Rock →

August 14, 1962 – The Beatles‘ manager Brian Epstein and the other three members of the band decide to fire drummer Pete Best. He plays his last gig the next night at The Cavern in Liverpool. August 14, 1970 – Stephen Stills is arrested for possession of cocaine and barbiturates after being found crawling in … Continue reading CDJ Today: August 14 in Classic Rock →

June 25, 2010 – Rush receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in front of the Musicians Institute.  They are inducted by Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan and Donna Halper, a former music director at Cleveland’s WMMS-FM who was among the first to champion the band on their debut album. June 25, 2004 – After a final encore … Continue reading CDJ Today: June 25 in Classic Rock →

May 26, 2000 – Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee begins a five day jail sentence for violating his parole by drinking alcohol.  A Malibu judge extends Lee’s probation until May 26, 2003, reinstates random drug testing and orders him to enroll in Alcoholics Anonymous. May 26, 1994 – Michael Jackson marries Lisa Marie Presley in the Dominican Republic. The couple divorce in 1995. May 26, 1973 – Deep Purple release … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 26 in Classic Rock →

Michael Jackson’s Thriller is no longer the best-selling album of all time, thanks to the Eagles and their greatest hits compilation, Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975. The Hits album, released in 1976, has racked up sales of more than 38 million, according to the Recording Association of America (RIAA). The total sales number calculated by the … Continue reading Eagles ‘Greatest Hits’ Overtakes Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ as Best-Selling Album of All Time →

Sir George Martin (January 3, 1926 – March 8, 2016) may be best known for his work with the Beatles; he did, after all, produce the majority of the band’s catalog including Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the White Album, and Abbey Road, among others. But it wasn’t just his work … Continue reading 10 Non-Beatles Hits Produced by George Martin →

Paul McCartney has released a music video for the 2015 remix of “Say Say Say” – the former Beatle‘s dance-pop collaboration with Michael Jackson, originally released back in 1983. The remix is featured on McCartney’s re-issue of his solo album, Pipes of Peace available now. Watch the video below. Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson ‘Say … Continue reading Watch the New Video for Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson’s ‘Say Say Say’ Remix →

On the 6th anniversary of his death, we’re remembering Michael Jackson with this week’s Throwback Video.

Thirty years later, Queen will finally release the song “There Must Be More To Life Than This” – a track that features vocals by Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson. The song, originally written for the Hot Space album, was never finished, although Mercury released his own version in 1985 on his Mr. Bad Guy solo … Continue reading Freddie Mercury & Michael Jackson Duet To Be Released →

Three duets by Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson, recorded three decades ago at Jackson’s Encino, CA home studio, are set to be released later this year. Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor are working with producer William Orbit to put the finishing touches on the songs, says Billboard.com.  Brian May has reportedly been working … Continue reading Freddie Mercury & Michael Jackson Duets To Be Released This Year →