Historic events this week from ZZ Top, The Wallflowers, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Who and Bob Dylan
MAY 21, 1983: ZZ TOP’S GIMME ALL YOUR LOVIN’ VIDEO
ZZ Top’s expanded synth sound on Eliminator allowed them to reach a wider audience.
“Gimme All Your Lovin'” went to #2 on the US Mainstream Rock charts with help from the music video; the first of 4 to feature Billy Gibbons’ custom Eliminator Coupe.
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MAY 21, 1996: WALLFLOWERS RELEASE BRINGING DOWN THE HORSE
The Wallflowers’ second album, Bringing Down the Horse, remains their biggest.
The #1 album has sold 4 million copies and earned them two Grammy wins out of five nominations.
“One Headlight” took home the prize for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song.
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MAY 22, 1971: STICKY FINGERS IS #1
The Stones’ 9th album was only their second to go to #1 in the US.
Featuring “Brown Sugar” and “Wild Horses”, Sticky Fingers immediately went Gold and spent four straight weeks at #1.
The landmark album started a streak of eight straight Stones albums to reach #1 in the US.
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MAY 23, 1969: THE WHO RELEASE TOMMY
When you think “rock opera”, The Who’s Tommy likely comes to mind.
One of the first “rock operas”, Tommy is about a “deaf, dumb and blind kid” who “sure plays a mean pinball” (lyrics: “Pinball Wizard”).
Peaking at #4 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, Tommy is one of The Who’s biggest albums with over 20 million sold worldwide.
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MAY 26, 1967: BEATLES RELEASE SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
Deriving inspiration from The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds, The Beatles’ psychedelic masterpiece (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band) is one of the greatest albums ever recorded.
With over 32 million copies sold worldwide it’s one of the biggest-selling albums ever.
Critics generally rank it the 2nd best album of all time behind Pet Sounds.
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MAY 27, 1963: FREEWHEELIN’ BOB DYLAN
Dylan came into his own as a songwriter with his second album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
Dylan’s debut was dominated by trad. folk songs; a trend he reversed for his follow up.
Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan contained 11 Dylan originals which featured humor and a more direct sociopolitical emphasis.
