Today in Rock- 22
L.A. Woman Earns Gold Status
On this day in 1971, just thirteen days after the death of Jim Morrison, The Doors received a Gold Album certification for L.A. Woman.
The recognition carried tremendous emotional weight for both the band and its fans.
Released only a few months earlier, L.A. Woman would become Morrison’s final studio album with the Doors and is now widely regarded as one of the band’s greatest artistic achievements.
Unlike some of their earlier albums, which incorporated orchestral textures and experimental arrangements, L.A. Woman returned the group to its blues-rock roots.
Recorded in the rehearsal room of the Doors’ own workshop rather than a traditional recording studio, the album possessed a raw, intimate sound that perfectly matched its material.
The sessions reunited Morrison with keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore for what would unknowingly become their final collaboration.
The album produced several enduring classics.
“Love Her Madly” became one of the Doors’ biggest radio successes, while “Riders on the Storm” combined haunting lyrics, atmospheric keyboards, and one of the most memorable electric piano performances in rock history.
The title track, “L.A. Woman”, captured the restless spirit of Los Angeles through Morrison’s vivid poetry and the band’s blues-driven performance.
Only days after the album’s release, Morrison relocated to Paris seeking rest and a break from the pressures of fame.
On July 3, 1971, he died unexpectedly at the age of twenty-seven.
Receiving Gold Album certification later that month became a bittersweet reminder of both his remarkable talent and the extraordinary legacy he left behind.
Today, L.A. Woman remains one of the defining albums of classic rock and a fitting farewell from one of the genre’s most influential frontmen.
Happy Birthday Don Henley
Today we celebrate the birthday of Don Henley, born on July 22, 1947.
As co-founder, drummer, vocalist, and principal songwriter for Eagles, Henley helped create one of the most successful recording careers in music history.
Unlike many drummers, Henley frequently sang lead vocals while performing behind the drum kit.
His distinctive voice became one of the defining sounds of the Eagles, appearing on classics including “Desperado”, “One of These Nights”, “Life in the Fast Lane”, “The Long Run”, “The Last Resort”, and the legendary “Hotel California”.
Working closely with songwriting partners including Glenn Frey, Henley crafted songs that blended country, rock, folk, and pop into a uniquely American sound.
Following the Eagles’ breakup in 1980, Henley launched a highly successful solo career.
Albums such as Building the Perfect Beast and The End of the Innocence produced major hits including “The Boys of Summer”, “Dirty Laundry”, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance”, “The Heart of the Matter”, and “The End of the Innocence”.
His thoughtful songwriting often explored themes of personal responsibility, social change, and the passage of time.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles, Don Henley remains one of rock’s most respected songwriters, vocalists, and drummers.
His music continues connecting with audiences across generations.
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Happy Birthday Rick Davies
July 22 also marks the birthday of Rick Davies, born in 1944.
As co-founder, keyboardist, vocalist, and principal songwriter for Supertramp, Davies helped build one of progressive rock’s most distinctive and commercially successful groups.
His warm, blues-influenced voice provided an effective contrast to the higher vocals of fellow songwriter Roger Hodgson.
Together, they created an extraordinary catalog of music that blended progressive rock, pop, jazz, and sophisticated songwriting.
Davies wrote or co-wrote many of Supertramp’s best-known recordings, including “Goodbye Stranger”, “Bloody Well Right”, “Crime of the Century”, “From Now On”, and “Rudy”.
Albums such as Crime of the Century, Even in the Quietest Moments…, Breakfast in America, and …Famous Last Words… established Supertramp as one of the defining bands of the 1970s.
His expressive keyboard playing, rich vocals, and thoughtful songwriting helped give the group its unmistakable identity.
Rick Davies continues to be celebrated as one of rock’s finest keyboardists and composers, and his work with Supertramp remains an enduring part of classic rock history.
final note
July 22 in rock history celebrates enduring artistry, unforgettable songwriting, and musicians whose work continues inspiring listeners decades later. From the Doors receiving Gold Album recognition for L.A. Woman, to honoring Don Henley’s extraordinary career with the Eagles, to celebrating Rick Davies’ remarkable contributions to Supertramp, this day reflects the lasting impact of musicians dedicated to their craft.
These milestones remind us that great songs outlive generations, preserving the voices and creativity of the artists who made them.
And that’s a look at today, July 22, in rock history.
