188 Classic Rock

19th July 1967, The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'All You Need Is Love' the group's 12th UK No.1 single. The Beatles had been selected to represent the UK for the first-ever global-wide satellite broadcast. The group agreed to be...

Happy birthday to Brian May, born on 19th July 1947, guitarist, singer and songwriter with Queen who had the 1975 UK No.1 single 'Bohemian Rhapsody' which returned to No.1 in 1991. Queen scored over 40 other UK Top 40 singles, and also scored the 1980...

July 18th 1969, During sessions at Abbey Road studios, London, Ringo Starr recorded his vocal to 'Octopus's Garden', for the Abbey Road album. Starr had written the song when he 'quit' The Beatles the previous year and was staying on actor Peter Seller’s...

July 18th 1988, Nico died after suffering a minor heart attack while riding a bicycle on holiday with her son in Ibiza Spain. The German born singer-songwriter and keyboard player with Velvet Underground, had also worked as a fashion model and actres...

July 18th 1929, Born on this day, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, (Jalacy Hawkins), R&B singer, (1956 'I Put A Spell On You', 1993 UK No.42 single 'Heart Attack And Vine'). Hawkins died on 12th February 2000. 'I Put a Spell on You' was selected as one of The Rock...

July 18th 1938, Born on this day, Ian Stewart, keyboard player, The Rolling Stones. Stewart died of a heart attack in his doctor's Harley Street waiting room on 12th December 1985.

July 18th 1939, Born on this day, Brian Auger, keyboards, (1968 UK No.5 single with Julie Driscoll, Brian Auger And The Trinity, 'This Wheel's On Fire').

July 18th 1941, Born on this day, Martha Reeves, American R&B and pop singer and former politician, (1964 US No.2 & 1969 UK No.4 single with The Vandellas 'Dancing In The Street', plus ten US & six UK other top 40 singles).

July 18th 1950, Born on this day, Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Records and the Virgin Empire

17th July 1965, King Records released 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag' by James Brown, which went on to sell over 2 million copies and receive the Grammy Award for best for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording. 'Papa's Got a Brand New Bag' is considered seminal...