Today in Acoustic-Rock History

1961 – New York Times music critic Robert Shelton sees Bob Dylan open at Gerde’s Folk City. His review describes Dylan as “a cross between a choir boy and a beatnik” and “bursting at the seams with talent.” It’s Dylan’s first press notice.

1963 – The Rolling Stones open their first English tour with The Everly Brothers and Bo Diddley at the New Victoria in London.

1967 – Mickey Hart joins the Grateful Dead.

1972 – Cat Stevens opens his new tour before a sold out crowd of 6,500 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. He is backed by an eleven-piece orchestra for the 31-date tour.

1980 – In an interview with Newsweek magazine, John Lennon gives details about the soon-to-be released album he’s making with Yoko Ono, “Double Fantasy.”

1989 – While taking a motorcycle trip from L.A. to the Grand Canyon, Bruce Springsteen stops in a small saloon in Prescott, Arizona and jams with the house band, The Mile High Band. Bruce and the band play “Don’t Be Cruel,” “I’m On Fire,” “Route 66” and others.