Today in Acoustic-Rock History

1962 – Beatles manager Brian Epstein meets George Martin to play him a demo tape by the Liverpool group. George Martin signs the Beatles to EMI.

1966 – Britain’s Pye Records releases David Bowie’s first solo single: “Do Anything You Say” backed with “Good Morning Girl.” Bowie has previously recorded as David Jones and the Lower Third.

1971 – Six months after his death, Jimi Hendrix’ “The Cry of Love” album goes gold.

1971 – Linda Ronstadt recruits Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner for her touring band from among a pool of musicians centered around the Troubadour, a Los Angeles club that is the center of the nascent country-rock scene.

1971 – Bob Welch joins Fleetwood Mac, contributing guitar, vocals and songwriting. The group rebounds with two exquisite albums released in relatively quick succession: “Future Games” (November 1971) and “Bare Trees” (May 1972).

1971 – Atlantic announces the signing of the Rolling Stones. The group’s recordings will appear on their own label, Rolling Stones Records.

1976 – Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” is released.

1980 – John Lennon’s “Woman” from “Double Fantasy,” turns gold. It’s the third Top Ten hit from the LP.

1993 – Thousands of people stand in the rain at a pro-environment rally in Portland, Oregon. Neil Young, David Crosby, Kenny Loggins and the Wilson sisters of Heart are among the performers.

1994 – “Longing In Their Hearts” becomes Bonnie Raitt’s second album to hit #1, and it wins her another Grammy (for Best Pop Album) at the March 1995 awards.