Jimi Hendrix Releases “Purple Haze” in the UK in 1967
On March 17, 1967, Track Records released Jimi Hendrix’s groundbreaking single “Purple Haze” in the United Kingdom. The song would soon become one of the most recognizable recordings in rock history and a defining moment in Hendrix’s legendary career.
At the time of its release, Hendrix was quickly gaining attention as one of the most innovative guitarists the music world had ever seen. His playing combined blues roots, psychedelic experimentation, and explosive stage energy in ways that audiences had never experienced before.
“Purple Haze” showcased Hendrix’s revolutionary guitar sound. The song’s distorted riff, driven by the use of the tritone interval and heavy fuzz effects, created a sound that was both mysterious and electrifying. It quickly became a signature piece of Hendrix’s live performances.
Although the song was released in the United Kingdom in March of 1967, American audiences would not hear it until June of that year when it was released in the United States.
The song climbed the charts and helped establish Hendrix as a major force in rock music. It also appeared on the American edition of his debut album Are You Experienced, which is widely considered one of the greatest rock albums ever recorded.
Over the years, “Purple Haze” has continued to receive critical acclaim. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the track number two on its list of the greatest guitar songs of all time, highlighting the lasting impact of Hendrix’s groundbreaking style.
Today the song remains a symbol of the psychedelic rock era and a reminder of Hendrix’s extraordinary influence on generations of guitarists who followed.
The Doobie Brothers Release “Takin’ It to the Streets” in 1976
March 17 also marks the release of the single “Takin’ It to the Streets” by The Doobie Brothers in 1976. The song represented a significant turning point for the band as it introduced a new musical direction and a new lead voice.
By the mid 1970s, The Doobie Brothers had already achieved major success with songs such as “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and “Black Water.” Their sound blended elements of rock, country, and rhythm and blues.
However, when Michael McDonald joined the band in 1975, he brought a different musical influence that incorporated soul, jazz, and sophisticated keyboard arrangements.
“Takin’ It to the Streets” was the first major single written and sung by McDonald for the group. The song also served as the title track of the band’s 1976 album.
With its socially conscious lyrics and powerful piano driven arrangement, the song introduced a new dimension to The Doobie Brothers’ music. McDonald’s soulful vocal delivery became a defining feature of the band’s evolving sound.
The track became a radio hit and helped expand the band’s audience. It also paved the way for later successes during the McDonald era, including the Grammy winning number one single “What a Fool Believes” in 1979.
“Takin’ It to the Streets” remains one of The Doobie Brothers’ most recognizable songs and reflects how bands can evolve creatively while maintaining their core identity.
Celebrating the Birthday of Billy Corgan
March 17 is also the birthday of Billy Corgan, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known as the frontman and co founder of The Smashing Pumpkins. Born in 1967 in Chicago, Corgan would go on to become one of the most distinctive voices of the alternative rock movement.
The Smashing Pumpkins emerged in the late 1980s and gained widespread popularity during the 1990s alternative rock boom. Corgan’s songwriting combined introspective lyrics with powerful guitar driven arrangements that ranged from delicate acoustic passages to explosive walls of sound.
The band achieved major success with albums such as Siamese Dream in 1993 and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in 1995. These records produced a series of influential songs including “Today,” “1979,” “Bullet with Butterfly Wings,” and “Tonight, Tonight.”
Corgan’s musical vision helped the band stand apart from many of their contemporaries. While many alternative rock groups embraced stripped down production styles, The Smashing Pumpkins often incorporated layered guitars, orchestral arrangements, and ambitious songwriting structures.
The band’s success made them one of the defining acts of the 1990s rock era, and Billy Corgan’s songwriting continues to influence musicians across multiple genres.
Final Note
The events remembered on March 17 illustrate how rock music evolves across different eras while remaining connected through creativity and innovation.
Jimi Hendrix pushed the boundaries of electric guitar with “Purple Haze,” The Doobie Brothers transformed their sound with Michael McDonald’s arrival and the release of “Takin’ It to the Streets,” and Billy Corgan helped define the sound of alternative rock decades later.
Together these milestones demonstrate the enduring spirit of experimentation and artistic expression that continues to drive rock music forward.
And that is a look at March 17 in rock history.
