Today in Acoustic-Rock History

1969 – Bob Dylan’s “Great White Wonder” bootleg album sells like hotcakes in the U.S and Canada. Columbia Records, which has Dylan under contract, says it will pursue court action to stop the bootleg’s sales. Dylan has no comment.

1971 – “Tommy,” Pete Townshend’s rock opera, spends its last week on the LP chart, two and a half years after its release. However, “Tommy” returns in 1972 for a one-night-only London stage performance by The Who, and again in 1975 with the release of the movie “Tommy.”

1978 – Neil Young’s Zuma Beach, California home is burned to the ground in a brush fire.

1980 – John Lennon’s first new single in more than five years, “(Just Like) Starting Over,” is released.

1984 – During sessions for “Southern Accents,” a frustrated Tom Petty strikes a wall and breaks his hand. His guitar-playing ability in jeopardy, he undergoes a successful surgery.

1989 – Paul McCartney plays at the Great Western Forum for the first time since his “Wings Over America” tour in 1976.

1993 – Emerson, Lake & Palmer receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1999 – “Smooth,” with lyrics and vocals by Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas, becomes Santana’s first #1 single. It holds down the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks and is the longest running #1 single of 1999.

BIRTHDAY:

Bruce Hornsby 1954