Historic events this week from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boston, Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Nirvana.
AUGUST 13, 1973: (Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd)
Lynyrd Skynrd’s classic, southern rock debut is a cut above the rest.
Although “Free Bird” was the only single to chart (#19), “Tuesday’s Gone”, “Gimme Three Steps” and “Simple Man” are also celebrated classic rock radio staples.
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AUGUST 15, 1978: BOSTON’S DON’T LOOK BACK LP
Boston’s sophomore album, Don’t Look Back, is their second biggest album after their eponymous debut.
Don’t Look Back has sold over 7 million copies and contains the Top 5 charting title track.
The album spent two non-consecutive weeks at #1.
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AUGUST 15, 1979: LED ZEPPELIN’S FINAL ALBUM
The album divided fans and critics alike due to the softer, synthesizer-driven direction.
In Through the Out Door still managed to quickly go #1 and spent 7 straight weeks at the top spot; eventually selling 6 million copies in the US.
It proved to be their final album, as they disbanded after the Sept. ’80 death of drummer John Bonham.
AUGUST 17, 1968: WAITING FOR THE SUN IS #1
The Doors’ third album, Waiting for the Sun, is their only US #1 album.
The album held the top spot for four straight weeks, thanks to their second #1 single, “Hello, I Love You.”
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AUGUST 17, 1991: NIRVANA’S “SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT” VIDEO
Nirvana handed out casting call fliers for the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” video, which is designed to look like a pep rally.
Filled with teen angst and anarchy, the video proved to be a smash and helped propel the single to the top of the charts.
The iconic video has been viewed over 1.3 billion times on YouTube.
