This Day in Music

In 1968, Elvis Presley filmed his iconic “Comeback Special” for NBC TV, after a seven-year hiatus from live performances. Initially conceived of as a Christmas concert, the show’s focus instead shifted to help “The King” appeal to a younger, hipper audience. Presley, who had spent much of the decade focusing on his film career, felt that he needed to reinvigorate his musical presence – particularly amid the shifting times. Filmed at NBC Studios in Burbank, California, the concert offered an intimate, informal setting, while Presley (wearing a black leather jumpsuit) performed many of his classic hits, as well as some new material, including “If I Can Dream.” Singer Presents…Elvis aired on December 3 to record-breaking ratings and effectively relaunched the artist’s career.

In 1970, a young Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and bassist Mike Grose played their first concert together (billed as Smile) at Cornwall’s Truro City Hall. Mercury, May, and Taylor would soon become Queen, with bassist John Deacon joining in early 1971.

In 1987, Whitney Houston became the first female artist to debut at the top of the US Album chart with Whitney. Featuring songs like “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “So Emotional,” Whitney also made Houston the first woman to score four No.1 hits from one album and the first artist to achieve seven consecutive chart-topping singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1966, The Mothers of Invention released their debut album, Freak Out. One of rock music’s earliest concept albums – and one of its first double albums – Freak Out found the Frank Zappa-fronted band offering their tongue-in-cheek take on American pop culture. Helmed by legendary producer Tom Wilson (Sun Ra, Bob Dylan, the Velvet Underground), the album became a cult favorite over the following years and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

In 1970, the Trans-Continental Pop Festival (also known as The Festival Express) kicked off in Toronto. The unique tour found bands like the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, and the Flying Burrito Brothers traveling across Canada by train. The tour (as well as its spirited jam sessions in between stops) was captured in the 2003 documentary Festival Express.

BORN ON JUNE 27

1942: Bruce Johnston (The Beach Boys)
1945: Joey Covington (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna)
1947: Jim Fuller (The Surfaris)
1958: Lisa Germano
1962: Michael Ball
1976: Leigh Nash (Sixpence None the Richer)