This Day in History: 2023-04-04
APRIL 4th
On Billboard’s Hot 100, The Beatles hold the top five positions with “Can’t Buy Me Love” (simultaneously #1 in the U.S. and U.K.), “Twist & Shout,” “She Loves You,” “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “Please Please Me.” 1964
By the time “Can’t Buy Me Love” is knocked from the top spot (by Louis Armstrong’s “Hello Dolly”), The Beatles have had the #1 song for three consecutive months “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and “She Loves You” contribute to the run). In related news, Billboard reports that just about everyone is tired of The Beatles (DJs, pop music writers, etc.) except the public. Beatlemania is in full swing. 1964
“Wayne’s World” soundtrack tops the Billboard 200. In addition to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” the album has songs by Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath and Red Hot Chili Peppers. 1992
Shinedown‘s “Amaryllis,” debuts at #1 on Billboard’s Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts. 2012
“It’s not a record for the faint of heart,” admitted vocalist Brent Smith. “Every single song makes a statement. I was looking for the kind of emotion that made every hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Because of that, I feel in my heart and soul that this album is a game changer for our band.”
Selling over 105,000 copies in its first week, Shinedown’s fourth full-length album debuted #4 on the Billboard 200.
MORE TODAY IN ROCK…
Allman Brothers Band bassist Berry Oakley (Raymond Berry Oakley III) enters the world. The Chicago native was one of the band’s founding members. 1948
Buckcherry vocalist, Josh Todd, begins his life. 1970
Van Halen make their Sunset Strip debut at Gazzarris. The group later becomes the house band at the West Hollywood club. 1974
Adam Dutkiewicz, singer/guitarist for Killswitch Engage, has a birthday. 1977