Today In Rock History Nov 16
 

Elvis Presley's film debut, "Love Me Tender," opens in New York. Despite critical reaction, it takes in nearly $4 million in just two months. (1956)

B.J. Thomas' "Hooked On A Feeling" is released. (1968)

Led Zeppelin's debut, actually released in early 1969, finally goes gold. By this time, the group is getting ready for their fourth album, "Led Zeppelin IV." It contains the classic "Stairway to Heaven." (1971)

David Bowie stars in his first TV special, "1980 Floor Show," broadcast here on NBC'S "Midnight Special." The special had been taped a month earlier at London's Marquee Club, a favorite of Bowie's who used to play there with his first band. It was one of the few clubs that would book him because they were considered "a very freaky band." (1973)

Director Tom O'Horgan who scored off and on Broadway with "Hair" and "Jesus Christ Superstar," tries again with an adaptation of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band." He calls it "not a play" but a "spectacle on the road." (1974)

John Lennon enjoys his first Number One hit with "Whatever Gets You thru the Night." Helping out on piano and vocals is Elton John. (1974)

Stevie Wonder's "Boogie On Reggae Woman" is released. (1974)

The Canadian trio Rush receive three gold records for "2112," " All the World's a Stage" and "A Farewell to Kings." The group, which started out as a Led Zeppelin-inspired power trio, opted for a more experimental progressive direction on those LPs and found itself a sizable audience. (1977)

The Bee Gees, Peter Frampton and Billy Preston make their acting debuts as the acting debuts as the movie version of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" opens. (1978)

Queen play at Madison Square Garden in New York with several semi-nude women bicycling on stage for their hit "Fat Bottomed Girls." (1978)

Young Turk record executive Ron Alexenberg's Infinity label goes out of business. The parent company, MCA Records takes on Infinity's roster of talent like Spro Gyra, Hot Chocolate, Orleans and Rupert Holmes. (1979)

Musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet marry. They will separate in 1990 and divorce in 1993. (1987)

Stan Love, former Beach Boys manager and brother of lead singer Mike Love, is sentenced to 5 years probation for embezzling more than $300,000 from the group. (1988)


(BOBBYORR)


Chart Toppers On This Day:

1957
Sam Cooke You Send Me - YouTube

1966
The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations - YouTube

1975
Linda Ronstadt - Heat Wave - YouTube