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1950s 1955 - "Rock Around The Clock" begins an eight week residency at number one on the singles charts. 1956- "Heart Break Hotel" gives Elvis Presley his first hit record. 1957- Elvis is called up for army service . He was filming "King Creole" . 1958- "Billboard" magazine launches it's first "Hot 100" singles chart. 1959- Buddy Holly dies in a plane crash in Iowa. 1960s 1960- The first Motown hit enters the charts "Shop Around"-Miracles. 1961- The Marvelettes are the latest "Motown" star act. 1962- The Beatles release their first hit single "Love Me Do" 1963- Another Beatles hit "Please Please Me" becomes their first U>K> hit. 1964- First broadcast of Brittain's "Top Of The Pops" in Manchester. 1965- Billy Graham does his first gig at Fillmore. 1966- Rock band "Cream" is formed with Eric Clapton,Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker. Hendrix releases his first single "Hey Joe". 1967- "Monterey Pop Festival" takes place. "Rolling Stone" Mag is published. 1968- The first free rock festival at Hyde Park London with Jethro Tull. 1969- The Woodstock Festival is held in New York. 1970's 1970- Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin (27) die. 1971- Doors lead singer Jim Morrison dies in Paris. 1972- Pink Floyd's "Dark Sise Of The Moon" is released. 1973- First recordings from Bruce Springsteen and Queen, Bobby Darin dies. 1974- Abba's first hit "Waterloo" . "Tubular Bells" tops the charts. 1975- Queen's epic video and single "Bohemien Rhapsody". 1976- The Sex Pistols begin the "Punk Movement". 1977- Elvis Presley dies of heart failure on 16 August and Marc Bolin dies. 1978- "Who" drummer Keith Moon dies of drug overdose. 1979- Sid Vicious dies (21) of heroin overdose. 1980s 1980- ACDC's Bon Scott dies in London of drinking excessively. 1981- Bill Haley dies age 56 of heart attack.Also Bob Marley dies. 1982- Michael Jacksons "Thriller" album with three hit singles. 1983- Karen Carpenter dies age 32 and Beachboy Dennis Wilson dies age 39. 1984- Marvin Gaye is shot dead by his father in an arguement. 1985- "Live Aid" rock's biggest ever charity concert in two countries. 1986- Thin Lizzy singer Phil Lynott dies of drug overdose. 1987- U2's album "Joshua Tree" becomes the first Irish album to top U.S. charts. 1988- African National Congress Leader Nelson Mandela turns 70. 1989- Who reform and play 25th Anniversary concert in New York. 1990's 1990- John Lennon 10th Anniversary Concert attracts star cast. 1991- Queen's lead singer Freddie Mercury dies of Aids. 1992- The three remaining Beatles announce a reforming for a documentary. 1993- Mick Ronson renowned UK guitarist dies of cancer. |
| CHRONOLOGY OF ROCK MUSIC Peter Hale Productions |
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