This Day in History: 2023-04-23

APRIL 23rd

With Steve Winwood (Traffic) and Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) backing him, how could Joe Cocker’s debut miss? It couldn’t. “With A Little Help From My Friends” is released and subsequently goes gold. 1969

The title track is a cover of The Beatles classic. The set also includes a cover of Traffic’s “Feeling Alright.”

The Ramones release their self-titled debut. The set, considered by many to be the first true Punk album, peaks at #111 on the Billboard chart and features the single “Blitzkrieg Bop.” 1976

Jack White’s debut solo album, “Blunderbuss,” is out. “I’ve put off making records under my own name for a long-time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name,” says the former White Stripes frontman. 2012

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Roy Orbison, enters the world. “(Oh) Pretty Woman” is one of his best-known songs. 1936

Rancid’s Matt Freeman is born.  1966

The Rolling Stones release their “Black And Blue” album. The most controversial thing about the album’s release is a billboard ad on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood that depicted a ‘battered and bruised’ model in bondage. 1976

Whitney Houston’s “Where Do Broken Hearts Go” keeps INXS’ “Devil Inside” from reaching #1 on the singles chart. 1988

“The Division Bell” is #1 on the Billboard 200. The album was written predominately by guitarist/singer David Gilmour and keyboardist Richard Wright.  1994

Oasis’ debut single, “Supersonic,” lands on the U.K. pop chart. Both the New Musical Express and Melody Maker name it the “single of the week.” 1994

Birthday wishes for Greta Van Fleet singer Joshua and guitarist Jake Kiszka. 1996

U2’s The Edge is honored for his contributions to the Food Bank for New York City at the Can-Do Awards Dinner. The event raises more than $1 million for the Food Bank, an organization that feeds 250,000 people a day. The guest list includes Bill Clinton, David Bowie, U2 bassist Adam Clayton, and members of R.E.M. The guitarist is a longtime supporter of the organization’s battle against hunger. 2007

Smashing Pumpkins are inducted into Hollywood’s RockWalk in L.A. Frontman Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin are on hand. “I’m so used to bad vibes, people hating our band and throwing things at us,” says Corgan. “So it’s strange to be honored.” 2008

Carlos Santana s honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at Billboard’s 20th annual Latin Music Conference & Awards in Miami Beach, FL. Santana is recognized for helping to spread the influence of Latin music across other genres; including Pop and Rock. 2009

The Sunday Times‘ annual list of the Top 20 richest British music millionaires includes Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting (Police), Mick Jagger, Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton. McCartney leads all other musicians with a net worth of over $700 million. For contrast, fellow ex-Beatle Starr has a ‘modest’ $215 million. 2010

Foo Fighters are #1 on the U.K.’s Album Chart with “Wasting Light.” It’s the Foo Fighters third U.K. chart topper. 2011

“Horses: Patti Smith and Her Band,” a concert film chronicling the final show of Smith’s ’15 tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of her debut album, “Horses,” makes its world premiere at the Beacon Theater during the Tribeca Film Festival.  Steven Sebring directed the movie, which was filmed at the Wiltern Theater in L.A.  After the screening Smith and her band perform a short set with help from Bruce Springsteen and Michael Stipe (R.E.M.).  2018