On This Day in Rock History: September 18
Source: American singer, songwriter and guitarist Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970), playing a Fender Stratocaster guitar, while performing live onstage, 1968, (Photo by Graphic House/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
September 18 was a very formative day in rock history. On this day the rock world lost one of its biggest icons, as well as seen the releases of albums that would go on to inspire popular rock sub genres and singles we’ll never forget. Here’s a day in rock history:
1970 – Jimi Hendrix Dies
The legendary Jimi Hendrix, widely considered to be one of the greatest guitarists to ever live, died at the age of 27. He was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Mary Abbot’s Hospital in London. Hendrix died by choking on his own vomit.
1970 – Paranoid
Black Sabbath released their second album; Paranoid. The record featured several of their major hits, like Iron Man, Paranoid and War Pigs. The album is often considered a key influence in the development of heavy metal music.
1971 – The Who Reach No. 1
The Who achieved their first and only UK No. 1 album with Who’s Next, which featured Won’t Get Fooled Again.
Source: Ohio Rock and funk group Wild Cherry pose for a publicity still circa 1976. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
1976 – Wild Cherry
Comprised of career session musicians, American funk rock band Wild Cherry reached No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with their hit song, Play That Funky Music, starting a three-week run at the top spot. The group would experience little success afterward, breaking up in 1979.
1976 – More Than a Feeling
Boston released the lead single of their self-titled album; More Than a Feeling. The single was accompanied by Smokin’ on the B-side. The single would later peak at No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
1979 – Heartache Tonight
The Eagles released Heartache Tonight from their album The Long Run. The song came to be after a jam session between Glenn Frey and country rock singer and songwriter J.D. Souther. The two reportedly wrote the first verse while drawing inspiration from Sam Cooke songs. Frey would then call up Bob Seger, singing him the verse, where Seger then reportedly sang what would become the chorus back to him. Souther died on Sept. 17, 2024.
Source: American hard rock band “KISS” before performing live at Munich, Germany 1983. (Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images)
1983 – No Makeup Today
Kiss appeared in an MTV interview without donning their trademark makeup to accompany their onstage personas. The interview was for the promotion of their album; Lick It Up.
