Today’s history marks one of the most consequential release days in alternative rock history, the arrival of a guitar god in London, and the birth of a renowned music photographer and Wings co-founder.

Notable Births

• 1941: Linda McCartney, the acclaimed photographer, animal rights activist, and foundational member of the band Wings alongside Paul McCartney, was born in New York City.
• 1942: Gerry Marsden, the English musician and frontman of the massively successful Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, was born in Liverpool, England.
• 1969: Shawn “Clown” Crahan, the co-founder, conceptualist, and percussionist of the masked heavy metal band Slipknot, was born in Des Moines, Iowa.
• 1971: Peter Salisbury, the drummer for the influential English rock band The Verve, was born in Bath, England.

Major Events & Releases

• 1957: Elvis Presley released the single “Jailhouse Rock.” It quickly became a smash hit, and the film sequence that accompanied it is widely considered by music historians to be the first-ever rock music video.
• 1966: Jimi Hendrix arrived in London, where he quickly formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience and officially changed the spelling of his first name from James to Jimi.
• 1988: Bobby McFerrin scored the very first a cappella No. 1 single on the US Billboard Hot 100 with his timeless, upbeat track “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
• 1991: It was a monumental day that permanently shifted the 1990s music landscape: Nirvana released their game-changing, grunge masterpiece Nevermind, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers released their breakthrough funk-rock epic Blood Sugar Sex Magik.
• 1996: Weezer released their self-produced second studio album, Pinkerton. While initially polarizing upon release, it steadily built a devoted cult following and became a foundational influence on the emo and pop-punk genres.

Bio-Musik Feature: Austin’s Live Music Pioneers

Continuing our focus on the venues that sustain the Texas music ecosystem, today we spotlight a truly unique slice of old Austin housed in salvaged railway cars.

• Donn’s Depot: Located at 1600 W 5th Street, Donn’s Depot is a beloved Austin time capsule that has been in operation since 1972. The venue is quite literally built from an old Missouri-Pacific train depot and several real train cars. Famous for its red-velvet decor, nostalgic atmosphere, and one of the finest wooden dance floors in town, it feels like stepping straight into a classic Texas saloon. It is a vital hub on the MusicWayATX calendar for traditional country, piano jams, and western swing. Whether you are a lifelong local purist or just seeking an unforgettable night of Sonidos Frescos, Donn’s Depot offers an authentically quirky Austin experience that simply cannot be replicated.