Rod Stewart’s First Recording Session
On September 10, 1964, a young Rod Stewart stepped into a recording studio for the first time to lay down his version of the blues standard “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.” At the time, Stewart was just beginning his career, singing in local clubs and establishing himself in the British rhythm-and-blues scene.
Unfortunately for Stewart, the Yardbirds released their own version of “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” at nearly the same time. With Eric Clapton on guitar and their growing reputation as a London club favorite, the Yardbirds’ recording overshadowed Stewart’s effort. His debut single failed to make a dent commercially.
Still, this early setback was far from the end of Stewart’s story. Within a few years, he became a sought-after vocalist, first with Long John Baldry’s Hoochie Coochie Men, then with the Jeff Beck Group, and later with Faces. By the early 1970s, Stewart’s raspy voice and charismatic presence helped him launch a solo career that would make him an international superstar, with hits like “Maggie May,” “You Wear It Well,” and “Tonight’s the Night.” That modest 1964 recording session marked the first step on the long path to rock stardom.
The Release of Kiss Alive!
September 10, 1975, saw the release of Kiss Alive!, the band’s breakthrough double live album. Kiss had already built a reputation for their explosive stage shows—complete with pyrotechnics, fire-breathing, and blood-spitting—but their studio albums hadn’t fully captured that energy.
Alive! changed everything. Recorded during their 1975 tour, the album featured raw, electrifying versions of songs like “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “Deuce.” It wasn’t just an album; it was a statement, bringing the spectacle of a Kiss concert into fans’ living rooms. The record was a commercial success, going gold and eventually multi-platinum, establishing Kiss as one of the top rock acts of the 1970s.
Critics sometimes debated how much of Alive! was truly “live,” given overdubs added in the studio, but the impact was undeniable. For countless fans, it was their introduction to the sheer power and bombast of Kiss, and it remains a cornerstone of the band’s catalog.
The Rolling Stones Release She’s So Cold
On September 10, 1980, The Rolling Stones released their single “She’s So Cold” from the album Emotional Rescue. The song, with its jagged guitar riffs and Mick Jagger’s playful, taunting lyrics, became a Top 40 hit in the U.S. and a favorite of Stones fans.
The track reflected the Stones’ knack for adapting to changing times. As punk and new wave began to dominate the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Stones infused their music with a raw, stripped-down energy that kept them relevant. “She’s So Cold” also showcased Keith Richards’ unmistakable guitar interplay and the band’s ability to balance tongue-in-cheek humor with rock swagger.
Though not as iconic as some of their earlier hits, the song remains a solid entry in the Stones’ extensive catalog and a reminder of their enduring ability to reinvent themselves across decades.
Happy Birthday to Joe Perry
September 10 also marks the birthday of Joe Perry, born in 1950 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. As the lead guitarist and co-founder of Aerosmith, Perry helped shape the sound of American hard rock. His bluesy riffs and fiery solos defined classics such as “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” “Back in the Saddle,” and “Dream On.”
Known as the “Toxic Twin” alongside frontman Steven Tyler, Perry embodied the excesses and brilliance of 1970s rock and roll. Together, they led Aerosmith through highs and lows—from massive commercial success to near-collapse due to drug use, and then an extraordinary comeback in the 1980s and 1990s with albums like Permanent Vacation and Pump.
Beyond Aerosmith, Perry has pursued solo projects and collaborations, including work with the Hollywood Vampires alongside Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp. At 75, Perry remains an active force in music, continuing to tour and inspire younger generations of guitarists. His birthday is a reminder of the longevity and staying power of one of rock’s true guitar heroes.
final note
September 10 highlights rock’s enduring themes of perseverance, reinvention, and longevity. Rod Stewart’s overlooked first single shows how even the greatest careers can begin humbly. Kiss Alive! demonstrated the power of live albums to define a band’s identity. The Rolling Stones’ “She’s So Cold” reinforced their adaptability, while Joe Perry’s birthday offers a celebration of one of rock’s most iconic guitarists.
Together, these stories reflect the unpredictable nature of rock and roll, where early failures can turn into long-term success, and where reinvention is often the key to survival.
