Historical Events tagged with "rock and roll"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Entertainment

Elvis Presley Debuts on The Ed Sullivan Show

September 9th, 1956 68 years ago

Elvis Presley made his first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, capturing the attention of the American public with his energetic performance. The show aired on CBS, and it was watched by an estimated 60 million viewers, making it one of the most popular broadcasts of its time. Presley performed several songs, including 'Heartbreak Hotel' and 'Don't Be Cruel,' showcasing his distinctive style and charisma. This appearance marked a significant moment in popular culture, elevating Elvis to national stardom and influencing music and television for years to come.

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Entertainment

Elvis Presley Debuts 'Hound Dog' on TV

June 5th, 1956 68 years ago

Elvis Presley performed his new single 'Hound Dog' on The Milton Berle Show, creating a sensation with his provocative hip movements that scandalized the audience. The performance showcased not only Presley's vocal talents but also his electrifying stage presence, which captivated viewers in homes across America. This moment marked a significant turning point in pop culture, blending music and theatrical performance in a way that highlighted the emerging rock and roll genre.

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Arts & Culture

Elvis Presley's Debut Single Recording

July 5th, 1954 70 years ago

Elvis Presley recorded his first single, 'That's All Right,' at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee. This pivotal session took place when Sun Records owner Sam Phillips sought a unique sound that blended country and rhythm and blues. With backup from guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley's energetic rendition captured the essence of early rock and roll. The track was released shortly after the session, marking the beginning of Presley's illustrious career and a significant moment in music history.

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Arts & Culture

First Regular UK Singles Chart Published

November 14th, 1952 72 years ago

The New Musical Express launched the first regular UK Singles Chart, marking a significant development in the documentation of popular music. This chart was intended to provide a clearer picture of the music landscape in the United Kingdom, particularly the popularity of singles. The inaugural chart featured several artists and singles, showing the preferences of music listeners across the country. This publication was a pivotal moment for the music industry in Britain.

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Entertainment

Alan Freed's Historic Moondog Coronation Ball

March 21st, 1952 72 years ago

The Moondog Coronation Ball was a groundbreaking concert hosted by disc jockey Alan Freed in Cleveland, Ohio. Held at the Cleveland Arena, it featured several popular rhythm and blues acts, aiming to celebrate rock and roll music. Despite selling out rapidly, the event faced chaos as the venue reached capacity, leading to a large crowd having to be turned away. This concert is often credited as one of the first rock and roll concerts, showcasing the burgeoning popularity of the genre, particularly among younger audiences.

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