Albums Released Today

Rock Albums Released on This Day in History is a daily list of albums that have shaped Rock music across decades. From iconic classics to hidden gems, discover or revisit albums from various genres and past eras.

December 21st
1970 Elvis Presley drops in on President Richard Nixon at the White House. No invitation, no warning. Elvis is convinced drugs are ruining America’s youth and he offers to help deal with the problem. The White House staff allows Elvis to see the President. All that really comes from the meeting is a picture of a very stoned Elvis shaking hands with a very uncomfortable Nixon. 1996 “Tragic Kingdom” holds the top spot on the Billboard 200.  No Doubt’s most commercially successful effort is known for the songs “Just A Girl,” “Spiderwebs” and “Don’t Speak.” 
2010 The street crossing featured on the cover of The Beatles “Abbey Road” …

Rock Albums Released in December

December has always held a unique spot in the rock calendar, with several albums released during the month carrying a sense of mystery regarding their exact debut dates. In the earlier days of rock, particularly the 1960s and 1970s, exact release dates weren’t always documented, leaving some iconic December releases shrouded in ambiguity. These albums often marked the year’s grand finale, serving as a close or a reflection of the evolving sounds that defined the preceding months. From experimental works by rising bands to unexpected gems by established artists, December releases often straddled the line between looking back and venturing forward.

Rock Albums Released in December

Some are obscure or lesser-known, while others played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of rock and roll.

1955

Rock with Bill Haley and the Comets is an early rock and roll music compilation album issued by Essex Records (ESLP 202) in December 1955

1956

Rock, Rock, Rock! is the soundtrack album to the motion picture of the same name and was the first LP ever released by Chess Records labeled LP 1425 and Chuck Berry’s first appearance on a long player – December 1956

The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon is the only album by The Teenagers Featuring Frankie Lymon and was released in December 1956.

1960

Bo Diddley Is a Gunslinger is the fifth studio album by American rock and roll pioneer Bo Diddley released in December 1960

For Twisters Only is the second album by Chubby Checker and was released in December 1960

1961

Roy Orbison at the Rock House is the first album by Roy Orbison on the Sun Records label, released in December 1961

1963

In Person, The Kingsmen recorded “Louie Louie” at Northwestern Inc. album was released in December, 1963

1965

Get the Picture? The Pretty Things December

1966

Got Live If You Want It! The Rolling Stones December

1967

Anything Goes Harpers Bizarre December

The Magic Garden The 5th Dimension

Pandemonium Shadow Show Harry Nilsson

The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Jul med Hep Stars Hep Stars

1968

An American Music Band The Electric Flag – December

Any Day Now Joan Baez

Brooklyn Bridge The Brooklyn Bridge

The Circle Game Tom Rush

The Family That Plays Together Spirit

Love Is Eric Burdon & The Animals

Rock and Other Four Letter Words Marks and Lebzelter

The Soft Machine The Soft Machine

Transformer David Stoughton

1969

Blue Cheer Blue Cheer
Ceremony Spooky Tooth and Pierre Henry
Liege & Lief Fairport Convention

The daily guide to the rock albums that have left an indelible mark on music history, each released on this day across past years. Rock Albums Released on This Day in History offers a journey through time, revisiting the albums that have shaped the genre and influenced generations. Shining a spotlight on legendary records, cult classics, and hidden gems, celebrating the diverse sounds behind these unforgettable releases.

These albums influenced the rock scene, changed perceptions, and expanded the boundaries of music. Perfect for music aficionados, casual listeners, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of rock history, Rock Albums Released on This Day in History is more than just a daily read—it’s an invitation to explore the artistry that has built rock into what it is today. Whether you’re looking to discover music from new bands, revisit old favorites, or connect with the spirit of rock across decades.