Today in Rock History – 28th MARCH:

BIRTHDAYS
1945: Chuck Portz (The Turtles)
1948: John Evan (Jethro Tull)

1948: Milan Williams (Commodores)
1955: Reba McEntire
1986: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta a.k.a. Lady Gaga

EVENTS
1958: Eddie Cochran recorded “Summertime Blues”.
1967: Van Morrison recorded “Brown Eyed Girl”.
1969: Joe Cocker played his first American concert.
1973: Led Zeppelin released their fifth album, ‘Houses of the Holy’.
1976: Genesis began its first North American tour since Peter Gabriel’s departure. Phil Collins was the new lead singer.
1979: Eric Clapton and Patti “Layla” Boyd were married. Patti was George Harrison’s ex-wife.
1994: Pink Floyd released the album ‘The Division Bell’.
2023: Death of composer / musician / producer / actor, Ryuichi Sakamoto [aged 71].

One of the greatest albums in rock history, Led Zeppelin‘s ‘Houses of the Holy’ LP was released on this day, 51 years ago! It captured the mighty Zeppelin in the studio at their peak. Major highlights include the amazing “No Quarter” (featuring atmospheric keyboard work from John Paul Jones), the brilliant “Over the Hills and Far Away”, the catchy super-crunch of “Dancing Days” and fun tracks such as “D’yer Mak’er” and “The Ocean”. Very powerful track, “The Song Remains the Same” is most impressive, with Jimmy Page in full flight on guitar and Robert Plant belting out the vocals, as if on helium! John Bonham’s drumming is nothing short of astounding. It segues beautifully into “The Rain Song”, as they often performed these songs so well in concert. No doubt about it ~ ‘Houses of the Holy’ is one of the most essential rock albums ever!!!