Classic Rock History This Week
Classic Rock Birthdays This Week
May 24 — Bob Dylan (born 1941)
One of the most influential songwriters in rock history, known for “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Mr. Tambourine Man.”
May 31 — John Bonham (born 1948)
The powerhouse drummer of Led Zeppelin, still considered one of rock’s greatest drummers.
May 31 — Clint Eastwood (born 1930)
Not rock royalty exactly, but deeply connected to American music culture and jazz appreciation.
Major Album Releases & Milestones
May 24, 1974
Diamond Dogs by David Bowie released
Introduced Bowie’s “Halloween Jack” persona and featured “Rebel Rebel.”
May 24, 1988
OU812 by Van Halen hit No. 1
Powered by “When It’s Love” and “Finish What Ya Started.”
May 26, 1967
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band released by The Beatles
One of the defining albums of rock history and psychedelic music.
May 27, 1963
The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan released
The album that established Dylan as a major songwriter.
May 29, 1969
Crosby, Stills & Nash released
Featured “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” and “Marrakesh Express.”
May 31, 1976
The Royal Scam released by Steely Dan
A fan-favorite jazz-rock classic featuring “Kid Charlemagne.”
May 31, 1983
Too Low for Zero released by Elton John
Included “I’m Still Standing.”
Legendary Rock Moments This Week
May 24, 1969
“Get Back” by The Beatles hit No. 1 in the U.S.
May 24, 1968
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” released by The Rolling Stones
Still one of the Stones’ most-played live songs.
May 31, 1976
The Who set a Guinness-recognized loudness record at 120 decibels.
May 31, 1961
Jimi Hendrix enlisted in the U.S. Army before becoming a rock icon.
May 30, 2017
Greatest Hits by Bob Seger was certified Diamond (10 million+ sold).
Remembering Rock Legends
May 27, 2017
Gregg Allman died at age 69
Founding member of The Allman Brothers Band and a cornerstone of Southern rock.
May 31, 2019
Roky Erickson died at age 71
The psychedelic-rock pioneer from 13th Floor Elevators became a cult hero to generations of musicians.
May 24, 2024
Doug Ingle died at age 78
Known for the epic “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.”
