Van Morrison Records “Brown Eyed Girl” in 1967
On March 28, 1967, Van Morrison recorded “Brown Eyed Girl,” a song that would go on to become one of the most recognizable and beloved tracks in rock and pop history.
Originally titled “Brown Skinned Girl,” the song was recorded during sessions for Morrison’s debut solo album Blowin’ Your Mind!. Its upbeat rhythm, catchy melody, and nostalgic lyrics helped it stand out immediately.
“Brown Eyed Girl” features a distinctive guitar intro and a singalong chorus that has made it a staple of radio playlists, weddings, and live performances for decades. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of youthful romance and carefree summer memories, contributing to its universal appeal.
Despite its widespread popularity, Morrison himself has had a complicated relationship with the song over the years, largely due to issues surrounding royalties and its commercial success.
Nevertheless, the track has endured as one of his signature recordings. In 2007, “Brown Eyed Girl” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, recognizing its lasting impact on music.
More than half a century after its release, the song continues to connect with listeners around the world, proving that a well crafted melody and heartfelt lyrics can stand the test of time.
Led Zeppelin Release Houses of the Holy in 1973
March 28 also marks the release of Led Zeppelin’s fifth studio album, Houses of the Holy, in 1973. The album represented a significant step forward in the band’s musical evolution.
By this point, Led Zeppelin had already established themselves as one of the most powerful and influential rock bands in the world. However, rather than repeating their earlier formula, they chose to explore new sounds and styles on this record.
The album’s title was a tribute to the band’s fans, referring to the concert venues where audiences gathered to experience their music. This connection between the band and their listeners became an important part of their identity.
Houses of the Holy featured a diverse range of musical influences. Songs like “Over the Hills and Far Away” blended acoustic and electric elements, while “Dancing Days” delivered a more straightforward rock groove.
“D’yer Mak’er” showcased the band’s willingness to experiment, incorporating reggae inspired rhythms into their sound. Meanwhile, “The Ocean” closed the album with a powerful and memorable performance that highlighted the band’s signature style.
The album was both a commercial and critical success, reaching high positions on charts around the world and further cementing Led Zeppelin’s legacy.
It also demonstrated the band’s ability to evolve creatively, influencing countless artists who followed and expanding the possibilities of what rock music could be.
U2 Launch the Vertigo Tour in 2005
March 28 also marks a major moment in modern rock history. In 2005, U2 kicked off their Vertigo Tour in San Diego, California, following a warm up performance the night before in Los Angeles.
The tour supported the band’s album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and quickly became one of the most successful tours of the decade.
Spanning 131 dates across North America, Europe, South America, and Japan, the Vertigo Tour showcased U2’s ability to connect with massive audiences while maintaining an intimate and emotionally engaging live experience.
The band’s performances combined powerful music with innovative stage design, creating a dynamic concert experience that set a high standard for live shows.
Songs like “Vertigo,” “City of Blinding Lights,” and “Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own” became highlights of the setlist, alongside classic tracks from earlier albums.
Frontman Bono’s stage presence, combined with The Edge’s distinctive guitar work and the band’s tight musicianship, helped make the tour a global success.
The Vertigo Tour reinforced U2’s reputation as one of the greatest live bands in rock history and demonstrated the enduring power of live performance in connecting artists with fans.
Final Note
The events remembered on March 28 highlight the many dimensions of rock music’s legacy. Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” represents timeless songwriting, Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy showcases artistic evolution, and U2’s Vertigo Tour demonstrates the global reach of rock performance.
Together, these milestones reflect the creativity, innovation, and lasting impact that define rock music across generations.
And that is a look at March 28 in rock history.
