This timeline concerns the history of rock music. It is intended to cover many essential dates and events, but certainly does not cover all of the important events in the history of rock music.
The boogie-woogie piano classic is considered by some to be the first rock 'n' roll record, but is more commonly considered a direct inspiration for rock 'n' roll instead.
(Note: It is unknown if the song was recorded on March 3rd or March 5th.) "Rocket '88", an R&B song credited to Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats (aka Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm.), is released. Song goes to #1 on Billboard's R&B chart. Not popularly considered a candidate for 1st rock 'n' roll record until the late 1960s.
The highly influential U.S. independent label is famous for launching the career of Elvis Presley, as well as releasing records by such important artists as Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
18-year old Elvis Presley creates his first record at the Memphis Recording Service at the Sun Record Company: a two song birthday gift for his mom. (His cost: $3.98.) The songs: "My Happiness" and "That's When Your Heartaches Begin."
Influential 12 bar blues rock 'n' roll classic. (Original by Big Joe Turner.)
Film considered to play a pivotal role in introducing rock 'n' roll, with its social commentary on teenage anti-social behavior and inclusion of Bill Haley & His Comets' "Rock Around the Clock" as a theme song. "Rock Around the Clock" hits #1 on the Billboard charts, and holds the position for 8 weeks.
Little Richard's first hit record would be popularly covered by Pat Boone and Elvis Presley.
Some expected it to be the end of his music career.
Rock 'n' Roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, as well as pilot Roger Peterson, die in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa. Name 'The Day The Music Died' would come from Don McLean's 1971 tribute single "American Pie."
Freed accepted payola: record company payments in exchange for record plays on the radio. Some were also suspicious that he gave more plays to songs he had songwriting credits on.
He has not spoken with any member of The Beatles since.
73 million viewers estimated: a U.S. television viewership record. Performances considered to play a major role in ushering in the British Invasion.
Folk purists upset at legend for going electric, which opposed their idea of folk music purity.
Crashes a 500cc Triumph Tiger 100 motorcycle near Woodstock, NY. Dylan does not tour again for approximately eight years.
Cited by music historian David Scott Kastan as "the most important and influential rock and roll album ever recorded". Over 30 million copies sold worldwide.
Business disputes among the related tension.
Heart attack, in the bathroom of his Paris hotel room, is cause of death.
Legal hold-ups kept band technically alive for approximately four years after McCartney filed to end Beatles' contract.
Controversial, sociopolitical British punk album gives teeth to the punk rock revolution.
Requested by President Jimmy Carter.
Album dedicated to Bon Scott. It is the best-selling hard rock album of all-time: approximately 50 million copies have been sold worldwide!
Official Press Release: "We wish it to be known, that the loss of our dear friend and the deep respect we have for his family, together with the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were." - LED ZEPPELIN
Lennon autographs a copy of his album Double Fantasy for Mark David Chapman. At approximately 10:50 PM, Mark David Chapman returns and shoots Lennon four times, in his back. Lennon was pronounced dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital (11:07 pm.)
MTV's 1st music video: "Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles. The 2nd: "You Better Run" by Pat Benatar.
MTV appearance. Same day as their then-new album, Lick It Up, is released.
Formally becomes a single on September 10th (2 weeks later.) Song is credited for ushering an era of commercial alternative rock, and bringing Seattle's alternative rock scene (referred to as 'grunge' by media) to the mainstream.
Nevermind tops the King of Pop's Dangerous LP.
Kurt Cobain commits suicide. Shotgun and note found at scene. (Date estimated by coroners.)
Sociopolitical pop-punk rock opera depicts the misadventures of anti-hero 'Jesus of Suburbia.'
First studio album released under the Guns N' Roses name since 1993; band has dramatic line-up changes over the years.
Convicted of second degree murder of Lana Clarkson. Sentenced to 19 years to life.
Cause attributed to a backstage fight between Liam and Noel Gallagher.
LP is their first since 1995's selftitled album, and their first since the passing of vocalist Layne Staley. Album in tribute to Staley and the band's fans.
Liver disease is cause of death. In May of the same year, Reed had a liver transplant.
Just a week after its 38th anniversary of release.
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