DJ Fred’s Rock N’ Roll Factoids For January 22nd [VIDEOS]

Buddy Holly made his last recording, Don McLean hit.....#1, so did McCartney and Wings, and two great lead singers from the 80s were born, Michael Hutchence and Steve Perry!

One of rock's greatest legends sat alone in his apartment in New York City on this day in 1959, with just a tape recorder and an acoustic guitar he made his last recordings.  He would die in a plane crash less than two weeks later.

Buddy Holly recorded Peggy Sue Got Married and six other songs.  He would die on February 3rd, along with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper in a corn field in Iowa. When someone asks me who I wished that I had seen perform live, one of my answers is always Buddy Holly.

On this night in 1967, The Monkees played their first live gig at the Cow Place in San Francisco.  It was a very groovy happening.

On this date in 1972, David Bowie announced his bisexuality.  Later in life he denied being bisexual and said the announcement was one of the most foolish things he ever did.

Also on this day in 1972, the American Pie by Don McLean started a seven week run at the #1 position on the album chart.  I recently read the liner notes, and nowhere do I see the phrase, "I am not a villain."  I must have missed it.

Wings Over America, the fabulous album by Paul McCartney and Wings hit #1 on this day in 1977.  The songs on the album were recorded while on tour between 1975 and 1976.  What's favorite song on the album?  Here's mine.

Steve Perry, the former lead singer for Journey was born on this day in 1949.  It's his voice that you hear on all of the hit albums.  Perry left the band back in 1998 and was eventually replaced by Arnel Pineda, the fine singer who will be with the band on this June 22nd as they perform with the Doobie Brothers on the Bangor Waterfront!  Journey is the I-95 Band Of The Day, so it's a good day!

Also born on this day was Michael Hutchence, lead singer for the band INXS.  Hutchence was the epitome of a rock band's lead vocalist, and he died far too young at the age of 37 when he killed himself in a Sydney, Australia.