Music Milestones Remembered for July 12 and July 13

For July 13, the series highlights several landmark moments in rock history, including the 1985 Live Aid concerts that reached an estimated 1.9 billion viewers, Elvis Presley’s 1956 double‑A‑side hit "Hound Dog"/"Don’t Be Cruel," The Beatles’ 1964 U.S. release of "A Hard Day’s Night," and Queen’s debut album in 1973. The list also notes Duran Duran’s 1985 James Bond theme reaching number 1 in the United States and other chart‑topping releases by Eric Clapton, Elton John, and Bryan Adams.

For July 12, the coverage recalls Elvis Presley signing his first contract with Sun Records in 1954, the 1963 Crystals single "Then He Kissed Me," and the Beach Boys’ 1965 hit "California Girls." It also mentions cultural milestones such as Christine McVie’s birth, Alan Freed’s Rock & Roll TV show launch, and the Rolling Stones’ live debut in London. Recent entries include TikTok‑driven chart activity in 2020 and scheduled 2025 performances by artists like Blake Shelton and BLACKPINK.