Today in Acoustic-Rock History

1964 – Rod Stewart makes his television debut with the Hootchie Coo Men on the British television show, “The Beat Room.”

1970 – On the 25th anniversary of the U.S. dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, 20,000 people, paying $5.50 to $8.50, gather in New York’s Shea Stadium for an anti-war rock festival. The attendance is below expectations despite acts such as Janis Joplin, Paul Simon and Steppenwolf.

1971 – Procol Harum records a concert with the Edmonton Symphony in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Portions will be released as the album “Live with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.”

1981 – Stevie Nicks’ debut album “Bella Donna” LP is released.

1982 – “Pink Floyd The Wall,” a $10 million film version of Pink Floyd\’s best selling double-album “The Wall,” has its U.S. premiere in New York City.

1986 – “Graceland,” the signature album of Paul Simon’s solo career, is released. Much of it was recorded in South Africa with native musicians.

1988 – The Traveling Wilburys begin a surprise mini-tour prior to releasing their debut album. The group consists of George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Rob Orbison and Tom Petty.

1996 – “She’s the One,” Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ soundtrack for the movie of the same name, is released.

2001 – “Songs From The Capeman,” featuring material from the Paul Simon-authored Broadway musical, is released. The album is well-received but the musical flops.