thebuzzr Independent Music Coverage

September 10, 1991 

Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is released as a single, forever changing the musical meaning of the word “Alternative.”

September 11, 1982

John Mellencamp becomes the first male solo artist with a #1 album (American Fool) and two Top 10 singles, all at the same time (“Hurts So Good” at #8; “Jack & Diane” at #4).

September 12, 1966 

The Monkees TV show makes its debut, with four actors chosen to portray a pop band based on The Beatles. While The Monkees are a fictional band, they become very real and eventually play on their own recordings instead of studio musicians.

September 13, 1969

At the Toronto Rock and Roll Revival festival, host Kim Fowley starts a rock tradition when he asks the crowd to hold up lighters for Eric Clapton and John Lennon.

September 14. 1974 

Eric Clapton’s “I Shot The Sheriff,” a song written by Bob Marley, hits #1 on the Hot 100. It is Clapton’s only #1 on that tally, either as a solo artist or with one of his bands (Cream, The Yardbirds, Derek & the Dominos…)

September 15, 2004

Guitarist/songwriter Johnny Ramone (of The Ramones) dies of prostate cancer at his home in Los Angeles, California, at age 55.

September 16, 1970 

After eight straight years, The Beatles are finally knocked from their perch as England’s top act in the Melody Maker fan poll… by Led Zeppelin.