This Day in Rock & Roll History for February 12

Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for the Doors, is born. (1935)

Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett is born. (1950)

Crypt-kicker Screamin' Jay Hawkins records "I Put a Spell on You" for Okeh records in New York City. (1956)

The Coasters record "Youngblood," written and produced by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. (1957)

Argo Records releases the Monotones' doo wop classic, "Book of Love" backed with "You Never." Rising to the Top Five on both the pop and R&B charts, "Book of Love" will be the only success for the vocal sextet from Newark, New Jersey, who built their song on the jingle from a Pepsodent toothpaste commercial. (1958)

Pat Boone earns a gold LP for "Pat's Great Hits." (1960)

The Miracles' "Shop Around" becomes Motown Records' first million-seller. In the following ten years, Miracles hits will account for six of Motown's million sellers. (1961)

The Beatles play two concerts at New York City's Carnegie Hall. The New York Times' review of the second performance credits the 3,000 fans in the audience as giving the show and the Beatles as merely their accompanists. (1964)

NMES reports the Beatles will appear in a film version of Richard Condon's novel "A Talent for Loving," a western about a 1,400-mile horse race. This never takes place. (1965)

The Rolling Stones fly to New York to tape an appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," which is on the next evening. (1966)

"A Well Respected Man" by the Kinks peaks at #13 on the pop chart. (1966)

The Who's "My Generation" peaks at only #74 on the pop chart. Nevertheless, it becomes a rock anthem. (1966)

Simon & Garfunkel's "Homeward Bound" is released. (1966)

Fifteen policemen raid Keith Richards place in West Wittering, Sussex, England. The police find "various substances of a suspicious native." Arrests are not made until May 10 when Richards and Mick Jagger will be arraigned on drug charges. (1967)

Jimi Hendrix returns home to Seattle where he plays for the students of Garfield High School (which he dropped out from) and receives a key to the city. (1968)

Singer Chynna Phillips of Wilson-Phillips is born. (1968)

Yes releases their classic "Roundabout" which to this day remains a classic rock staple. (1972)

Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" peaks at #15 on the pop chart. (1972)

"Stay With Me" by the Faces peaks at #17 on the pop chart. The Faces was a virtual supergroup: Ron Wood, who would go on to The Rolling Stones, on guitar; Kenny Jones, who would go on to drum with The Who, on drums; and on vocals, Rod Stewart. (1972)

New York's legendary rock club, The Bottom Line opens in Greenwich Village. (1974)

Bob Dylan's "Blood on the Tracks" earns a gold record. (1975)

Deborah Harry, Blondie's vocalist and sex symbol, confirms that she will be making a solo album, her first, with Bernard Edwards and Nile Rogers of Chic. (1981)

Tiny Tim declares himself a New York City mayoral candidate. (1989)

Select Another Today in Rock and Roll History Date, Select Another Section