Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder Jam at the BBC
On October 6, 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience stopped by the BBC to record tracks for the popular radio show Top Gear. Hendrix and his bandmates were already becoming stars in the UK, known for their explosive performances and groundbreaking sound. But what made this particular session unforgettable was a surprise encounter with a young Stevie Wonder, then just 17 years old and already a Motown sensation.
After chatting with Hendrix and his band, Wonder jumped behind the drum kit—a role he rarely took in public—and joined the group for a jam. They played two songs together, demonstrating not only their remarkable talents but also their willingness to experiment and blur genre lines. Wonder, known mainly as a singer and keyboardist at the time, impressed everyone with his drumming chops, while Hendrix showcased his typical blend of improvisation and innovation.
Moments like this highlight the collaborative spirit of the 1960s music scene. Rock, soul, and blues were colliding in ways that pushed the boundaries of what popular music could be. This unexpected jam session symbolized that cross-pollination—two young geniuses, Hendrix and Wonder, sharing a stage and inspiring each other in ways that would ripple through their careers.
George Harrison Steps Into the Spotlight
October 6, 1969, was a landmark day for George Harrison, the “quiet Beatle,” who finally earned the coveted A-side of a Beatles single. The band released “Something” backed with “Come Together” in what was considered a “double A-side” release. While Lennon and McCartney had long dominated the band’s singles, Harrison’s “Something” made history as the first Beatles A-side he had written.
The song itself was a masterpiece—tender, melodic, and deeply emotional. Inspired in part by his then-wife Pattie Boyd, “Something” was praised by none other than Frank Sinatra, who called it “the greatest love song of the past 50 years.” It became one of the most covered songs in the Beatles’ catalog, with artists ranging from Elvis Presley to Shirley Bassey offering their own interpretations.
By pairing Harrison’s gentle ballad with Lennon’s gritty rocker “Come Together,” the single demonstrated the breadth of The Beatles’ artistry in their later years. For Harrison, it was a moment of long-overdue recognition, proving that his songwriting could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Lennon-McCartney machine. The release marked a turning point that would eventually lead him into a successful solo career after the band’s breakup.
Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon Turns 74
October 6 also marks the birthday of Kevin Cronin, born in 1951, the longtime lead singer of REO Speedwagon, who turns 74 today. Cronin’s soaring vocals and knack for writing heartfelt anthems helped propel the band to superstardom in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
REO Speedwagon had been around since the late 1960s, but it wasn’t until Cronin rejoined the group in the mid-1970s that their fortunes really took off. His songwriting contributions, including “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” transformed REO from a solid rock outfit into arena-rock giants. Their 1980 album Hi Infidelity sold more than 10 million copies, cementing their place in rock history.
Cronin’s voice remains synonymous with REO’s signature sound—a mix of rock power and pop accessibility. Even today, the band continues to tour, with Cronin at the helm, proving the timeless appeal of their music. At 74, his career stands as a testament to endurance and the ability to connect with audiences across generations.
final note
The stories of October 6 reveal rock music in its many forms: spontaneous creativity, artistic breakthroughs, and lasting legacies. Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Wonder’s unexpected jam showed how magic happens when great talents collide, even for just a fleeting moment. George Harrison’s “Something” gave one of rock’s most underrated songwriters his moment in the spotlight, producing a song that has outlasted the band itself in many ways. And Kevin Cronin’s birthday celebrates the kind of steady career that keeps rock alive decade after decade.
Together, these moments remind us why rock history is so endlessly fascinating. It’s not just about hits or headlines—it’s about evolution, collaboration, and the personal stories of artists who changed the sound of our lives.
