Today’s history marks the recording of a revolutionary rock ‘n’ roll anthem, the launch of an iconic awards show, and the birthdays of game-changing vocalists and songwriters.

Notable Births

• 1914: Mae Boren Axton, the “Queen Mother of Nashville” and co-writer of Elvis Presley’s breakout single “Heartbreak Hotel,” was born in Bardwell, Texas.
• 1950: Paul Kossoff, the virtuosic lead guitarist and co-founder of British rock band Free, was born in London.
• 1955: Steve Berlin, multi-instrumentalist, saxophonist, and long-time member/producer for Los Lobos, was born in Philadelphia.
• 1973: Nas (Nasir Jones), the influential East Coast hip-hop titan behind the classic album Illmatic, was born in New York City.
• 1983: Amy Winehouse, the multi-Grammy-winning British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and retro-R&B masterpiece Back to Black, was born in London.

🎵 Major Events & Releases

• 1814: Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner” after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
• 1955: Little Richard recorded “Tutti Frutti” at J&M Studio in New Orleans, introducing his explosive vocal style and laying a cornerstone for rock ‘n’ roll.
• 1969: Genesis performed their very first paying gig at an English cottage owned by Peter Gabriel’s former Sunday school teacher.
• 1974: Eric Clapton scored his first and only US Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single with his cover of Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff.”
• 1984: The inaugural MTV Video Music Awards ceremony was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, featuring wins for The Cars, David Bowie, and Herbie Hancock.
• 1993: Meat Loaf released Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell, featuring the global smash hit “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).”

Bio-Musik Feature: Austin’s Live Music Pioneers

Continuing our focus on the venues that sustain the Texas music ecosystem, today we head down South Lamar to spotlight a legendary dancehall institution.

• Broken Spoke: Founded in 1964 by James White, the Broken Spoke is celebrated as “the last real dancehall in Texas.” Standing proudly on South Lamar Boulevard amidst a changing cityscape, this unpretentious wooden hall has hosted legends like Willie Nelson, George Strait, Bob Wills, and Dolly Parton. With its dusty dance floor, low ceilings, and walls lined with country music memorabilia, it remains a foundational pillar on the MusicWayATX calendar. It offers an unmatched, authentic atmosphere for traditional country, swing, and two-stepping where old-school roots meet new Sonidos Frescos.