Today in Acoustic-Rock History

1969 – “Empty Sky,” Elton John’s first album, is released in England. It will not be released in the U.S. until 1975.

1970 – Head Kink Ray Davies jets from New York to London to re-record one word in the song “Lola.” The BBC bans commercial references in songs so instead of “Coca-Cola,” Ray has to sing “cherry cola.”

1972 – The Rolling Stones begin their eight week “Exile On Main Street” North American tour in Vancouver. Stevie Wonder is the opening act.

1972 – Jethro Tull hit #1 in the U.S. with “Thick as a Brick.”

1972 – Harry Chapin peaks at #24 with “Taxi.”

1976 – Grateful Dead perform at the Paramount Theater in Portland, Oregon, kicking off their first tour in more than a year and a half.

1981 – Phil Collins releases his first solo album, “Face Value.”

1992 – MTV airs the world premiere of its popular acoustic series, “Unplugged.” Paul Simon is the artist in this first episode.

2002 – Paul McCartney and Aretha Franklin perform for Queen Elizabeth II’s 50th anniversary as England’s monarch.

BIRTHDAY:

Michael Clarke (Byrds) 1944