Today’s issue brings holiday drama and deep cuts from the classic rock era. David Bowie nearly walked away from a Christmas duet, Paul McCartney faces a neighborhood tree battle, and The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Motorhead, Doobie Brothers, Black Crowes, and early heavy rock pioneers all step into the spotlight.
Have a Rockin Day,
Hippy Pete
NEW George Harrison - Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth) [Official Video]
TODAY IN CLASSIC ROCK
Classic Rock Events & Milestones (1957-1980)
1962
Bob Dylan performed at the Troubadour folk club in London, continuing his early touring schedule as a rising folk artist on the international stage.
1966
The Beatles began recording "Penny Lane" at EMI Studios, Abbey Road. The song would become one of the most iconic tracks in rock history. Paul McCartney wanted a "really clean American sound" influenced by the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds album. The recording sessions continued for nearly three weeks—an enormous investment of studio time for that era—with each instrument recorded separately to prevent sound leakage. Unlike any previous Beatles track, "Penny Lane" began with just Paul's piano, with every other element added as an overdub.
1967
Dave Mason quit Traffic, one of the UK's most popular and lucrative rock bands, citing creative differences to pursue a solo career. Mason, a founding member, would briefly rejoin the band but ultimately built a successful solo career, placing eight albums on the Billboard 200 between 1970 and 1978.
1969
Sly & the Family Stone released the single "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)", a funk-soul masterpiece that showcased the band's innovative approach to blending soul, rock, and funk elements.
1970
Norman Greenbaum released the single "Spirit In The Sky," a rock-gospel crossover that became one of the decade's most enduring and widely covered songs, introducing millions to its infectious blend of rock and spiritual themes.
1971
America released their self-titled debut album, introducing the band's soft rock sound with polished harmonies and acoustic arrangements that would define much of the 1970s pop-rock landscape.
1973
Jim Croce's "Time In A Bottle" rose to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100—a bittersweet achievement. Croce had been killed in a plane crash on September 20, 1973, making this a posthumous #1 hit. The tender, reflective ballad about cherishing moments with loved ones became even more poignant after his death. Croce wrote the song in December 1970 after his wife told him she was pregnant with their son. This marked his second and final #1 chart hit.
Also on this date in 1973, Ringo Starr's "You're Sixteen" shot up the charts from #50 to #27, giving the Beatles drummer his own solo success during the solo era. Elton John's "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" remained at #1 on the album chart for a third consecutive week, solidifying its status as one of the most successful releases of the year.
1975
Paul Kantner and Grace Slick of Jefferson Starship divorced, marking the end of their personal and professional partnership.
1980
Tim Hardin, the folk-rock singer and songwriter best remembered for composing the standard "If I Were a Carpenter" (later covered successfully by Bobby Darin and The Four Tops), died from a heroin overdose in his Hollywood apartment at age 39. Hardin was also known for "Reason to Believe," famously covered by Rod Stewart in 1971. His brief but influential career left an indelible mark on folk-rock songwriting.
Notable Births on December 29
1941 — Ray Thomas
English musician and best known as the flautist, singer, and composer with The Moody Blues. The band had the 1965 UK No. 1 and US No. 10 hit "Go Now," followed by iconic singles including "Nights in White Satin" and "Question."
1942 — Rick Danko
Co-lead singer and bassist for The Band. Danko and The Band (formerly The Hawks, Bob Dylan's backing group) released ten studio albums and became legends of American rock and roots music. Danko died on December 10, 1999.
1947 — Cozy Powell
English rock drummer who played with The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Gary Moore, Robert Plant, and Brian May. Powell scored a 1973 solo UK No. 3 hit with "Dance With The Devil." He was killed in a car crash on April 5, 1998.
