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Hear Today In Rock and Roll History
Today In R&R History July 30th
Daily Rock and Roll History, Birthday and short music clips.
A year long, day by day look back at this date in Rock History in 3-5 minute segments. Now airing WRGG in Greencastle, PA.
Rock and Roll Birthdays
July 30th
- July 30th Birthday, Blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy, born in 1936 in Lettsworth, Louisiana.
- July 30th Birthday, Pop singer and songwriter Paul Anka, born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1941.
- July 30th Birthday, Kaleidoscope and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chris Darrow, born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1944. Darrow passed away on January 5th, 2020 at the age of 75.
- July 30th Birthday, Grammy winning saxophone player David Sanborn, born in 1945 in Tampa, Florida. He passed away on May 12th, 2024 at the age of 78.
- July 30th Birthday, Jethro Tull bassist Jeffrey Hammond, born in Blackpool, Lancashire, England in 1946.
- July 30th Birthday, The Damned drummer Rat Scabies, born Christopher John Millar in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey, England in 1955.
- July 30th Birthday, Singer, songwriter Kate Bush, born in 1958 in Bexleyheath, Kent, England.
Today In Rock and Roll History
July 30th
- July 30th, 1954 The professional performing debut of a young Elvis Presley took place at Overton Park Shell in Memphis, opening for Slim Whitman. Billed as the “Hillbilly Hoedown,” Elvis, Scotty and Bill were third on the bill. When Elvis began unconsciously pumping his leg in time with the music, young girls in the audience began yelling and applauding. After the band stepped offstage, Elvis asked why people were yelling at him, he was told that it was because he was shaking his leg.
- July 30th, 1955 The Vee Jay Records label release the doo-wop genre classic “At My Front Door” by Chicago group The El Dorados as both a 45 and 78 rpm single. The song was co-written by label owner Ewart G. Abner Jr. and the group’s manager John C. Moore.
- July 30th, 1956 Little Richard records “Lucille” at J&M Music Studio in New Orleans. Richard sang and played piano, backed by Lee Allen on tenor saxophone, Alvin “Red” Tyler on baritone sax, Roy Montrell on guitar, Frank Fields on bass and Earl Palmer on the drums. “Lucille” was written by Albert Collins, not to be confused with blues guitarist Albert Collins. First pressings of the 78 rpm record credited the song to only Albert Collins. Later copies of the “Lucille” single were credited to Collins and Little Richard by his given name, Richard Penniman. Richard actually bought half the rights to the song from Collins while Collins served time in Louisiana State Penitentiary. Specialty Records release “Lucille” on March 2nd, 1957. The record reached No. 1 on the R&B charts, No. 27 on the Pop Singles charts on April 13th.
- July 30th, 1963 Smash Records release “My Boyfriend’s Back” by The Angels on 45. The song was co-written by Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer, the songwriting trio that later became The Strangeloves. Originally recorded as a demo for The Shirelles, the demo recording was issued instead with Gary Chester and Herbie Lovelle on drums, Billy Butler, Bobby Comstock and Al Gorgoni on guitar. Bob Bushnell played an electric and an upright bass. Future hard rock singer Ronnie Dio was in the horn section. Feldman, Goldstein and Gottehrer wrote and produced some of Dio’s early work with the band Ronnie Dio and The Prophets. “My Boyfriend’s Back” was the first No. 1 hit by a white girl group, on August 31st.
- July 30th, 1963 The Beatles record three sessions in one day, two at EMI and one BBC session in between. The first EMI session started at 10am through 1:30pm in Studio Two at EMI Studios, 3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, London with producer George Martin, engineer Norman Smith and second engineer Richard Langham. Recorded at the morning session were “Please Mr. Postman” co-written by Georgia Dobbins, William Garrett, Berry Gordy, Brian Holland and Freddie Gorman. Nine takes were recorded. The completed version was a take nine overdub onto take seven. Mixed for mono by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on August 21stwith engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick for release on the mono edition of “With The Beatles” on November 22nd. The stereo mix of take nine was completed by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on October 29th63 with engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick and the unknown engineer “B.T.” for release on the stereo edition of “With The Beatles” also on November 22nd. “It Won’t Be Long” co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Ten takes. Takes nine and ten were overdubs of the ending. The finished master did not include these takes. The Beatles BBC session that day was recorded at Playhouse Theatre, St John’s Rd, Hulme, Manchester, Lancashire for the BBC Light Programme show Saturday Club, for broadcast on August 24th, after a group interview for the BBC program “Non Stop Pop” at 2:30pm. Songs recorded for the BBC session were “Long Tall Sally” co-written by Robert Blackwell, Enotris Johnson and Richard Penniman. “She Loves You” co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. “Glad All Over” co-written by Roy C. Bennett, Sid Tepper and Aaron Schroeder. “Twist And Shout” co-written by Phil Medley and Bert Berns. “You Really Got A Hold On Me” written by Smokey Robinson Jr. “I’ll Get You” co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The Beatles second EMI session on this day in Studio Two at EMI Studios, 3 Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, London with producer George Martin, engineer Norman Smith and second engineer Richard Langham, took place from 5-11pm. Recorded that evening were “Money (That’s What I Want)” co-written by Janie Bradford and Berry Gordy Jr. Takes eight through fourteen, plus a George Martin piano test, picking up the song again from the July 18th session. The finished master did not include these takes. “’Til There Was You” written by Merideth Wilson. Five takes (4-8). Take four was actually a complete remake from the July 18th session at EMI, with take eight considered the keeper. Mixed for mono by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios August 21st with engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick. Take eight mixed for stereo on October 29th by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios with engineers Norman Smith, Geoff Emerick and the unknown engineer “B.T.” “Roll Over Beethoven” written by Chuck Berry. Eight takes, five takes of the basic track (take five considered “best,” one overdub piece played twice, one not used and take eight, an end guitar riff edit piece. Takes seven and eight were edited together and mixed for mono by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on August 21st with engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick for release on the mono edition of “With The Beatles” on November 22nd. The stereo mix of the edits of takes seven and eight was completed by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on October 29th with engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick and the unknown engineer “B.T.” for release on the stereo edition of “With The Beatles,” released on November 22nd. “It Won’t Be Long” co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Takes 11-23, seven of the basic track from which take 17 chosen as “best”; six edit pieces from which take 21 was chosen “best.” Takes 17 and 21 were edited together and mixed for mono by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on August 21st with engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick for release on the mono edition of “With The Beatles,” released on November 22nd. An edit of takes 17 and 21 was mixed to stereo by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on October 29th with engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick and the unknown engineer “B.T.” for release on the stereo edition of “With The Beatles,” released on 11/22/63. “All My Loving” co-written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Thirteen takes, numbered 1-14 although there was no take five, with takes 12-14 being overdubs. The master (take 15) was an overdub of take 14 onto take 11. Mixed for mono by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on August 21st with engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick for release on the “With The Beatles” LP, released on November 22nd. Mixed for stereo by George Martin in Studio Three at EMI Studios on October 29thwith engineers Norman Smith and Geoff Emerick and the unknown “B.T.” for release on the “With The Beatles” LP on November 22nd.
- July 30th, 1963 Picadilly Records in Britain release “Tip Of My Tongue” by Tommy Quickly on 45. From Liverpool, England, Quickly was managed by The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein. The song was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and was originally considered for release by The Beatles during sessions for their second single with George Martin. The Tommy Quickly single featured The Remo Four as the backing band.
- July 30th, 1965 London Records release “Out Of Our Heads” by The Rolling Stones. The British version of the album, released on September 24th, had more songs on it and a different cover. The LP featured the hits “Satisfaction,” “Play With Fire” and “The Last Time.” The album also contains musical contributions from original Rolling Stones member Ian Stewart and was produced by the group’s manager Andrew Loog Oldham. The record peaked at No. 1 on August 21st.
- July 30th, 1966 Bang Records release Neil Diamond’s “Cherry Cherry” on 45. Written by Diamond and recorded at sessions during February and March with producers Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, the record became Neil Diamond’s first big hit. In 1973, a live recording of the song from the 1972 “Hot August Night” LP went to No. 23. Session guitarist Al Gorgoni, who later played on “The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel and “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison, contributed to the song. The studio version of “Cherry Cherry” peaked at No. 6 on October 15th.
- July 30th, 1966 “7 and 7 Is” by Love enters the singles charts. Written by Love guitarist and singer Arthur Lee at the group’s apartment on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, inspired by his high school girlfriend. The lyrics describe frustration with teenage life. The arrangement was developed by the band in the studio, recorded during two sessions at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles on June 17thand the 20th with Elektra Records owner Jac Holzman producing and engineer Bruce Botnick. The record peaked at No. 33 on September 24th.
- July 30th, 1968 “Grazin In The Grass” by Hugh Masekela is the No. 1 song in the US.
- July 30th, 1968 Atco Records release “Last Time Around,” the third studio album by Buffalo Springfield. Produced by Jim Messina, the band had already broken up and the record was assembled from previously unreleased recordings. “Last Time Around” peaked at No. 42 on October 26th.
- July 30th, 1969 Gordy Records release The Temptations’ “Can’t Get Next To You.” Recorded at Hitsville USA Studios in Detroit at sessions that spanned June and July with producer Norman Whitfield, who wrote the song with Barrett Strong. Entering the charts in August the single became the second of four Temptations’ No. 1 singles on October 18th.
- July 30th, 1970 UNI Records release Neil Diamond’s “Cracklin’ Rosie” on 45. Produced by Tom Catalano the track was recorded with instrumental backing by session musicians from the Wrecking Crew, including Hal Blaine on drums, Larry Knechtel on keyboards, Joe Osborn on bass, Al Casey on guitar and Gene Estes on percussion and arranged by Don Randi. The record became Diamond’s first No. 1 hit on October 10th, his third to sell a million copies, achieving Gold Record status on October 29th.
- July 30th, 1972 Yes’ “Close To The Edge” tour begins at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, Texas after its’ first four dates are canceled following the resignation of drummer Bill Bruford. Drummer Alan White joined Yes and learned the band’s set after several days rehearsal.
- July 30th, 1977 Yes begin their “Going For The One” tour with Rick Wakeman back in the band at the Toledo Sports Arena in Toledo, Ohio.
- July 30th, 1979 Dark Horse Records release “Faster” by George Harrison on 45 in Britain. The song was inspired by Harrison’s friendship with Formula One World Championship drivers Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda. The sessions for the song took place at his home studio in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire and were co-produced by George Harrison and Russ Titelman. Arranged by Del Newman, orchestral strings were overdubbed at AIR Studios in London in October 1978. The single raised funds for a cancer research fund set up by Swedish driver Gunnar Nilsson.
- July 30th, 1982 F-Beat Records in Britain release “Man Out Of Time” by Elvis Costello and The Attractions on 45, the second single released from the band’s “Imperial Bedroom” LP. Produced by Geoff Emerick, the song was written by Elvis Costello.
- July 30th, 1984 Atlantic Records release the “Right By You” LP by Stephen Stills. Jimmy Page plays on the songs “50/50,” “Flaming Heart” and Right By You.” The album peaked at No. 75 on October 13th.
- July 30th, 1987 David Bowie began his Glass Spider tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- July 30th, 1988 Steve Winwood had the No. 1 song in the US with “Roll With It.”
- July 30th, 2009 Procol Harum organist Matthew Fisher won his long battle to be recognized as co-writer of the band’s 1967 hit “A Whiter Shade of Pale.” Britain’s Law Lords unanimously ruled that Fisher was entitled to a share of future royalties.
Miscellaneous July
- July 1959, Chess Records release “Go Bo Diddley,” the second album by Bo Diddley.
- July 1959, Chess Records release “Berry Is On Top” by Chuck Berry. Other than the song “Blues For Hawaiians,” the record was a collection of previously issued singles with nine hit 45’s.
- July 1964 Nashville label RIC Records release “Beach Walkin’” backed with “Banzai Washout,” the first single by California band The Catalinas on 45. Both songs were written by Los Angeles session musician and record producer Steve Douglas. Future Beach Boy Bruce Johnston and Wrecking Crew alumni Hal Blaine, Bill Pitman, Billy Strange, Leon Russell and others were part of the studio band.
- July 1965 Fantasy Records release “You Can’t Be True” backed with “You Got Nothin’ On Me,” the third single by The Golliwogs. Both sides were co-written by Tom and John Fogerty, using the names Rann Wild and Toby Green. The Golliwogs renamed themselves Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1967.
- July 1967, Elektra Records release “The 5,000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion” by The Incredible String Band in England. Recorded at Sound Techniques in Chelsea, London with producer Joe Boyd, it was the group’s second album, regrouped as a duo following their first album in 1966. “The 5,000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion” went to No. 25 in Britain. The LP came out in America in January 1968.
- July 1969, Douglas Records release “Devotion,” the second album by John McLaughlin. There are conflicting dates attributed to the release. Some say May some July and others say September. The record was recorded while McLaughlin was a member of Tony Williams Lifetime, using a backing band of organist Larry Young, bassist Billy Rich and Buddy Miles. The album did not chart in the US.
- July 1970 Capitol Records release the self-titled debut album by British jazz-rock band “If.” The album reached No. 187 in the US.
- July 1974, Casablanca Records release “Strutter,” the third single by Kiss. The song was co-written by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons. The track was co-produced by Kenny Kerner and Richie Wise, taken from Kiss’ self-titled first album.
- July 1975, RCA Records release “Why Do Fools Fall In Love,” the second single by Bruce Johnston, Gary Usher and Terry Melcher’s California Music. The song was credited to Frankie Lymon and Morris Levy. The song was originally a hit for Lymon and The Teenagers in 1956.
- July 1976 Oyster Records release “Child In Time” by the Ian Gillan Band. It was the first solo album by former Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan. The group featured keyboardist Mike Moran, guitarist Ray Fenwick and bassist John Gustafson. The LP was produced by Purple’s Roger Glover at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany in December 1975 through January 1976. The album reached No. 55 in England.
- July 1976 Atco Records release “Viva! Roxy Music,” a live album by Roxy Music, six months in advance of its British release date in February 1977. The recordings were taped at the Glasgow Apollo in November 1973, Newcastle City Hall in October 1974 and the Wembley Empire Pool in October 1975. “Viva! Roxy Music” was produced by Chris Thomas. The same month, Island Records in Britain release a new four-song EP by Bryan Ferry, “Price Of Love” and “Shame Shame Shame” backed with “Heart On My Sleeve” and “It’s Only Love.” Island issued “Price Of Love” as a single in August.
- July 1981 A&M Records in America release “Iris” by Split Enz on 45. The track came from the band’s “Waiata” album, produced by David Tickle.
- July 1983 Virgin Records release “Wonderland” by XTC on 45 in England. Written by Colin Moulding, the session was co-produced by XTC and Steve Nye. It was the only single from the group’s “Mummer” LP to be released in the US, in February 1984.
- July 1984 A&M Records in the US release “Message To My Girl” by Split Enz on 45 from the LP “Conflicting Emotions.” The song was written by Neil Finn, co-produced by Hugh Padgham and Eddie Rayner.
- July 1987 Jet Records release “1, 2, 3” backed with “O What A Shame” by Roy Wood on 45. The A-side was a cover version of the Len Barry hit from 1967, co-written by J Madaea, D White and L Bonsoff. The B-side was written by Roy Wood. Both tracks were produced by Roy Wood.
- July 1987 Virgin Records release “You’re A Good Man Albert Brown (Curse You Red Barrel)” by The Dukes Of Stratosphere on 45. The band were XTC with guitarist Dave Gregory’s brother Ian on drums. The song was written by Andy Partridge and credited to Sir John Johns. The record was co-produced by the band and John Leckie.
- July 1990 Phil Manzanera and Andy Mackay release “Christmas ; MacKay and Manzanera featuring The Players” on Ryko Records. Album is a collection of Christmas songs by Andy MacKay and Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music.
- July 1991 Demon Records in Britain release the soundtrack to the British TV series “G.B.H.” It was the first of two collaborations between Elvis Costello and English composer, musician and member of progressive rock band Gryphon, Richard Harvey.
- July 1994 Warner Brothers Records in Britain release “You Tripped At Every Step” by Elvis Costello and The Attractions on 45, the third single released from the band’s “Brutal Youth” LP. The song was written by Costello, who co-produced the track with Mitchell Froom.
This Week In Rock and Roll History
This Week In Rock and Roll History week of July 26th
This Week In Rock and Roll History is a weekly one hour look back at the songs, the artists, and the stories behind the music of the rock and roll era.
The Cool Song Of The Week
Cool Song Of The Week 7/26 Johnny Nash
Cool songs from the Rock and Roll Era, Closet Classics and more.
Craig Maher / Exo-X-Xeno Wax Museum Interview
Craig Maher from Exo-X-Xeno talking about the 2025 album "Luminous Voyage"
- Click picture to listen to the interview with Craig talking about the Exo-X-Xeno project with Yes members Billy Sherwood, Jay Shellen and Patrick Moraz.
Nektar Wax Museum interview 4/11/25
Nektar interviewed on the second night of the 2025 "Mission To Mars" Tour
- Click image to hear the exclusive the Wax Museum interview with Nektar discussiing the current tour, future plans and group history.
The Paul Bielatowicz Band Wax Museum interview 4/11/25
The Paul Bielatowicz Band interviewed on their 2025 Spring Tour
- Click image to hear the exclusive the Wax Museum interview with The Paul Bielatowicz Band discussiing the current tour and future plans.
Music and conversation with Andy Tillison of The Tangent
Wax Museum interview May 2024
- Click image to hear The Wax Museum's Andy Tillison interview
Jonas Reingold Interview
Jonas Reingold in The Wax Museum
Click image to hear the Wax Museum Interview with Jonas Reingold
Carl Giammarese / The Buckinghams Interview
The Buckinghams Radio Show
Click image to hear Chris Palladino's interviews on WRGG with Carl Giammarese from The Buckinghams in 2022 and 2024
Robert Fripp Radio Oz interview 7/25/85
King Crimson guitarist Radio Oz interview
- Click Fripp's image to hear the King Crimson guitarist, record producer, solo artist in this 1985 interview for the WARX Sunday night Radio Oz program. Fripp discusses his then current Guitar Craft courses, King Crimson stories, his start in the music business, and more.
Annie Haslam 2019 Wax Museum interview
Annie Haslam "In Words and Music"
- Click picture to hear Annie Haslam "In Words and Music". The iconic Renaissance singer talks at length about music, her life, and artwork for an exclusive interview in The Wax Museum.
Tommy James Wax Museum Interview January 2019
Tommy James
- Click picture to hear Tommy promoting all his planned 2019 activities; new album, Sirius XM radio show, touring, new movie, etc.
From the Radio Oz interview archives
Firesign Theatre interview 1980
- Click picture to listen to this archival interview with The Firesign Theatre recorded during their 1980 Fighting Clowns tour of the US for Radio Oz now available for purchase in the Firesign Theatre's "Fighting Clowns" of Hollywood" collection! Also check out this Tiny Ossman interview from 1995 -
Woody Lissauer Wax Museum Interview 2/22/20
Baltimore based Woody Lissauer steps up to the Wax Museum microphones for this in depth interview!
- Click picture to listen to the Wax Museum interview with Woody Lissauer and his latest album "Trouble The Water" with Barbara Ireland and Steve Caplan.
