Historic Albums, MTV's Launch & Legendary Birthday

The final week of July has produced some unforgettable moments in classic rock history.

On July 26, 1977, Elvis Presley performed what would become his final concert at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. Less than three weeks later, on August 16, the King of Rock and Roll passed away, making the Indianapolis performance one of the most significant concerts in rock history.

On July 27, 1984, Prince released the landmark album Purple Rain. While Prince often crossed multiple genres, the album’s powerful guitar work and rock influence made it a staple of classic rock radio. Songs like “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” and the title track became defining recordings of the decade.

July 29, 1966, marked the release of The Beatles’ album Revolver in the United Kingdom. Widely considered one of the greatest albums ever recorded, Revolver introduced groundbreaking studio techniques and featured classics including “Eleanor Rigby,” “Taxman,” and “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Its influence continues to be felt throughout modern rock music.

On July 30, 1971, The Allman Brothers Band released At Fillmore East, one of the greatest live albums in rock history. Featuring extended performances of “Whipping Post,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” and “Statesboro Blues,” the album helped define Southern rock and showcased the band’s remarkable improvisational skills.

Another milestone arrived on August 1, 1981, when MTV officially launched in the United States. The network’s first video was The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star,” signaling a dramatic shift in how audiences experienced music. MTV quickly became essential for established rock acts and launched the careers of countless artists throughout the 1980s.

July 26 belongs to Roger Taylor of Queen, born in 1949. Best known as the band’spowerhouse drummer, Taylor also contributed lead vocals and wrote favorites including “I’m in Love with My Car” and “Radio Ga Ga.”