This Day in Music
On October 1, 1965, Bob Dylan introduced guitarist Robbie Robertson, organist Garth Hudson, bassist Rick Danko, pianist Richard Manual, and drummer Levon Helm as his new touring band, during a show at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. The group, previously known as The Hawks, was recommended to Dylan by John Hammond Jr. for the famed singer-songwriter’s first tour “going electric.” The Band, as they would become known, performed alongside Dylan until 1967, and became one of the most renowned backing bands of all time.
In 1970, Jimi Hendrix was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, Washington, nearly two weeks after his death on September 18. Among the mourners at his funeral were Miles Davis, Eric Burdon, members of Derek and the Dominoes, and Johnny Winter.
In 1975, Booker T. And The M.G.’s drummer Al Jackson, Jr. was shot and killed by intruders in his Memphis home. At 39 years old, Jackson was one of the most revered drummers in soul music, who played on hits by Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, and Albert King with the M.G.’s. Jackson also wrote and played alongside Al Green, and performed as a session drummer for the likes of Elvis Presley, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, and Bill Withers.
In 2007, the Spice Girls’ eagerly-awaited reunion concert at London’s O2 Arena sold out within 38 seconds. More than one million fans attempted to get tickets for the group’s first reunion. Due to high demand, three more London dates were added to the group’s world tour.
In 2018, French-Armenian singer, actor, activist, and diplomat Charles Aznavour died at age 94. Dubbed France’s Frank Sinatra, Aznavour was known for his hit single “She,” which reached No.1 on the UK charts in 1974. During his long-running career, Aznavour sold over 180 million records and recorded more than 1,200 songs.
In 1982, John Cougar Mellencamp went to No.1 on both the US album and singles chart with American Fool and “Jack And Diane,” respectively. American Fool, released under the moniker John Cougar, was the singer-songwriter’s fifth studio album, while the song, which marked the second single off the LP (following “Hurts So Good”), became his biggest hit. According to Mellencamp, “Jack And Diane” was inspired by the Tennessee Williams film Sweet Bird Of Youth, and focused on an interracial relationship. However, due to pressure from record executives, the artist was forced to change the lyrics, instead making it about two teenagers.
In 1967, the first edition of BBC Radio 1’s Top Gear aired in the UK. Presented by John Peel and Pete Drummond, the show featured The Move, Traffic, Pink Floyd, Tim Rose, and Tomorrow (featuring Keith West).
BORN ON OCTOBER 1
1935: Julie Andrews
1942: Herb Fame (Peaches & Herb)
1945: Donny Hathaway
1947: Rob Davis (Mud)
1955: Howart Hewett (Shalamar)
1974: Keith Duffy (Boyzone)
1985: Dizzee Rascal
