May 17, 1963 – The first Monterey Folk Festival takes place over three days in Monterey, California. The festival features Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Peter Paul and Mary and Jerry Garcia.  It is the precursor to the infamous 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. May 17, 1987 – Tom Petty and his family barely escape a fire that engulfs their home in Encino, CA and destroys everything.  It is … Continue reading CDJ Today: May 17 in Classic Rock →

A new video for “For Real”, the latest previously unreleased single from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, premiered today. The video was directed by Tom’s daughter, Adria Petty, and features archival footage and photos as well as intimate, behind-the-scenes moments of Tom and the band. Watch it now in the player below. “For Real” is … Continue reading Watch the New Video for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers’ “For Real” →

April 28, 2014 – Scorpions drummer James Kottak is sentenced to one month in a Dubai jail for being intoxicated and drinking without a license, flipping off passengers on his flight from Russia, and allegedly exposing himself.  He is also convicted of insulting Islam. Kottak spent time in prison, forcing the Scorpions to find a fill-in … Continue reading CDJ Today: April 28 in Classic Rock →

Iconic songwriter and ELO mastermind Jeff Lynne will be honored at the 36th annual ASCAP Pop Awards next month alongside punk/pop pioneers Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and Clem Burke of Blondie and pop/alternative phenomenon Billie Eilish. Lynne will be presented with the prestigious Founders award at the May 16th ceremony. ASCAP Chairman of the Board … Continue reading Jeff Lynne to Receive the Prestigious ASCAP Founders Award →

March 18, 1978 – An estimated 350,000 rock fans attend the largest festival of the 70’s, California Jam II in Ontario, California. Performers include Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Foreigner, Santana, Heart, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush and Rubicon, featuring a young Jack Blades. March 18, 2002 – The Ramones and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are among those inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The … Continue reading CDJ Today: March 18 in Classic Rock →

February 23, 2000 – Carlos Santana ties Michael Jackson‘s 1983 record for the most Grammys won in a single year, including Album of the Year for his album Supernatural, and Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Smooth,” his collaboration with Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20.  Supernatural sells 30 million records worldwide. Classic Rock Birthdays February 23, 1952 – Brad … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 23 in Classic Rock →

February 1, 2009 – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform at the halftime show during Super Bowl XLIII between the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Tampa, Florida.  Songs include “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,” “Born to Run,” “Working on a Dream” and “Glory Days.” February 1, 1985 – Glenn Frey of the Eagles makes his acting debut in an episode … Continue reading CDJ Today: February 1 in Classic Rock →

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 →

The holidays are just around the corner and many of you are going to try to channel your inner rock star and ask Santa for an acoustic guitar.  I mean – how hard can it be, right?  Well, here’s a quick guide of songs to try first – maybe you’ll even stick with it! 10 … Continue reading Top 10 Easiest Rock Songs to Learn on Guitar →