September 24 Rock And Roll History

Take a trip back in time and read about some rock and roll history!

On this day in 1966, the Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" reached #11 on Billboard's Hot 100. It was the band's first release where none of the band members played instruments, although John and George did provide additional vocals. A group of studio musicians performed a string ensemble score composed by producer George Martin. Paul wrote most of the lyrics, but Ringo was the one who came up with "Writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear." 

Also on this day, Jimi Hendrix moved from the United States to the England, where he spent almost a year touring and recording before returning to play the Monterey International Pop Festival in California. He had only the clothes he was wearing, having sold everything else he owned to pay a hotel bill in New York. After moving, he legally changed his name from James to Jimi. 

In 1970, Ringo Starr put out a second solo album called "Beaucoups of Blues." After spending 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 200 in the U.S., it topped out at #65. British fans ignored the country-influenced album, and as a result it didn't chart at all in the U.K.

 In 1977, "Don't Stop" by Fleetwood Mac made it to #3 in the U.S., while E.L.O.'s "Telephone Line" reached #7.

In 1983 on this day, ZZ Top's album "Eliminator" was certified Platinum. The album reached number 9 in the U.S. and climbed all the way to number 3 in the U.K.