Today in Acoustic-Rock History

1963 – Capitol Records, the EMI-affiliated company which has rejected U.S. rights to every Beatles record offered so far, finally rush-releases “I Want to Hold Your Hand” backed with “I Saw Her Standing There.” Within five weeks, it will be Number One.

1967 – The Beatles self-directed film, “Magical Mystery Tour” premieres on BBC-TV. Audiences are mystified, critics either disappointed or contemptuous, and the Beatles suffer their first flop.

1968 – Led Zeppelin begin their first U.S. tour.

1969 – “Let It Bleed” by the Rolling Stones enters the charts.

1970 – “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,” Lennon’s debut album as a solo artist, enters the album charts. This stark, confessional recording is regarded by many music critics as his greatest achievement.

1970 – George Harrison starts a four-week run at #1 on the U.S. singles chart with “My Sweet Lord,” making him the first Beatle to score a solo No.1 U.S. hit.