This Week In Classic Rock History

Historic events this week from Doobie Brothers, David Bowie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Temple of the Dog, Eagles and Aerosmith.

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APRIL 14, 1979: “WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES” IS #1
A few months after releasing Minute by Minute, the Doobie Brothers had their second #1 single since 1975’s “Black Water.”

Co-written with Kenny Loggins, the song would go on to win Grammys for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

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APRIL 14, 1983: DAVID BOWIE’S LET’S DANCE

David Bowie’s 15th LP, Let’s Dance, remains his biggest selling album worldwide.

Featuring Stevie Ray Vaughan on lead guitar, the album contains “China Girl”, “Modern Love” and the #1 single “Let’s Dance.”

The album has sold nearly 11 million copies worldwide.

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APRIL 15, 1974: LYNYRD SKYNYRD’S SECOND HELPING

Second Helping was Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second straight set of essential classic and southern rock. Selling over 2 million copies, the band’s sophomore album contains “Call Me the Breeze”, “Don’t Ask Me No Questions”, “The Ballard of Curtis Loew” and the iconic “Sweet Home Alabama.”

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APRIL 16, 1991: TEMPLE OF THE DOG’S ONLY ALBUM
After the death of Mother Love Bone singer, Andrew Wood, Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell wrote songs in response to his friend’s passing.

The resulting album, Temple of the Dog, featured Eddie Vedder and members of Mother Love Bone, who would form Pearl Jam shortly after.

Temple of the Dog’s only album went Platinum, peaking at #5. Lead single “Hunger Strike” went to #4 and still receives considerable radio airplay after 30 years.

• • •
APRIL 17, 1973: EAGLES’ DESPERADO LP

51 years ago, Eagles released their old-west themed sophomore album, Desperado.

The 2x Platinum-selling album features the single “Tequila Sunrise” as well as the popular ballad, “Desperado”.

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APRIL 20, 1993: AEROSMITH RELEASE GET A GRIP

With Get a Grip, Aerosmith had their first ever #1 album.

Boasting six Top 10 singles, with five in the Top 5, Get a Grip would sell 7 million copies within 2½ years of its release.

They took home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in ’93 & ’94 for “Livin’ on the Edge” and “Crazy”, respectively.

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