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Birth of rock and roll
Cleveland DJ Alan Freed popularized the term "rock and roll" and began playing rhythm and blues records for a wider audience, helping to launch a new genre that would dominate music for decades. -
Elvis Presley's First Hit
Elvis Presley released “Heartbreak Hotel,” which became his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard chart. It marked the rise of Elvis as the "King of Rock and Roll" and signaled a cultural revolution. -
The Beatles invade America
The Beatles made their iconic appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, watched by over 70 million Americans. This event sparked the "British Invasion" and transformed global pop music. -
Woodstock Festival
More than 400,000 people gathered in Bethel, New York, for a 3-day music festival that became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture and featured legendary performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and others. -
Death of Jimi Hendrix
Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix died at age 27. His innovative style redefined electric guitar playing and left an indelible mark on rock and blues music. -
Birth of Hip Hop
DJ Kool Herc hosted a back-to-school party in the Bronx, widely considered the birth of hip hop. His use of breakbeats laid the groundwork for a global cultural movement. -
MTV Launches
Music Television (MTV) aired its first broadcast with “Video Killed the Radio Star.” MTV revolutionized the music industry by emphasizing music videos and visual branding. -
Nirvana releases "Nevermind"
Nirvana’s album Nevermind, featuring the hit “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” brought grunge music into the mainstream and marked a shift from 1980s glam rock to a more raw, alternative sound.