July 22nd 1963 - The Beatles' first US album, "Introducing The Beatles" was pressed by Vee-Jay Records, who thought they had obtained the legal rights from EMI affiliate, Trans-Global Records. When it was finally released in January, 1964, Capitol Records would hit Vee Jay with an injunction against manufacturing, distributing, advertising, or otherwise disposing of records by the Beatles. After a trial, Vee-Jay was allowed to release any Beatles records that they had masters of in any form until October 15th, 1964. After that time, they no longer had the right to issue any Beatles product.
July 19th 1966 The theme song to The Monkees TV series is recorded at RCA studios in Hollywood. The only Monkee to participate is Micky Dolenz, who does the vocal - the rest of the musicians are session performers. Though originally released only as an album track in the United States, it was released as a single in Australia in August 1967, backed with "Saturday's Child". Its first appearance as a single in the U.S. was on Bell's Flashback imprint as the B-side to a reissue of "Last Train to Clarksville" in 1973. The song was also included as the B-side of 1986's "That Was Then, This Is Now" single.
47 years ago, the first Sony Walkman was introduced in Japan for $150. This battery-powered portable cassette player changed the musical landscape, allowing music fans to listen to entire albums anywhere. Do you still have one?
Today in Rock History
June 13, 1981
Van Halen’s Fair Warning peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. It reached Platinum certification in the US and featured standout tracks like “Unchained,” “Mean Street,” and “So This Is Love?” despite receiving mixed critical reviews at the time.
Today @yesofficial release Aurora The critics say: @Fireworks_Mag YES, near their magical best. @RecCollMag Impressive affair that really is a worthy representation of who this band are in 26. @ProgMagazineUK An Album of quality carefully crafted & beautifully produced. Enjoy.
Most Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s by Songwriters:
Paul McCartney — 32
Max Martin — 30
John Lennon — 26
Mariah Carey — 18
Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald — 18
Barry Gibb — 16
James "Jimmy Jam" Harris III — 15
Brian Holland — 15
Terry Lewis — 15
Lamont Dozier — 14
Most Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s by Songwriters:
Paul McCartney — 32
Max Martin — 30
John Lennon — 26
Mariah Carey — 18
Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald — 18
Barry Gibb — 16
James "Jimmy Jam" Harris III — 15
Brian Holland — 15
Terry Lewis — 15
Lamont Dozier — 14