SEPTEMBER 20 | TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY: Blind Faith, The Beatles, Jim Croce
The Beatles End Their First American Tour with a Benefit Concert
On September 20, 1964, The Beatles brought their first full American concert tour to a close with a special benefit show in Brooklyn, New York. Unlike the frenzied stadium performances that defined Beatlemania that year, this concert had a philanthropic focus. Proceeds were directed toward charities, including United Cerebral Palsy of New York City.
The tour had been historic from the start, with The Beatles electrifying audiences across the United States following their Ed Sullivan Show debut earlier that year. They played to screaming crowds in major cities and changed the landscape of live performance, paving the way for rock as arena spectacle.
By ending their tour with a charity event, the band demonstrated that they were not just global pop sensations, but also capable of using their fame for good causes. The Brooklyn show, while sometimes overshadowed by their more famous concerts, remains a notable chapter in their legacy as artists who continually found ways to give back.
The Tragic Death of Jim Croce
September 20, 1973, marked a heartbreaking moment in music history. On that day, singer-songwriter Jim Croce died in a plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The small aircraft struck a tree shortly after takeoff, killing Croce and five others on board.
Croce was just 30 years old and on the cusp of even greater success. Known for heartfelt songs like “Time in a Bottle”, “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)”, and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown”, he had quickly risen to prominence in the early 1970s. His music blended folk, rock, and pop with deeply personal storytelling, making him a beloved figure among fans.
Tragically, the crash occurred just a day before the release of his album I Got a Name. That record included the title track, which would go on to become one of his most enduring songs, as well as “I’ll Have to Say I Love You in a Song.” In death, Croce’s career was cut short, but his legacy has endured. His work continues to influence singer-songwriters, and his story stands as a reminder of how fleeting life—and talent—can be.
Blind Faith Tops the Charts
On September 20, 1969, the self-titled debut album by Blind Faith reached No. 1 on the charts. The supergroup, formed just a year earlier, brought together some of the most accomplished musicians of the era: Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker (both from Cream), Steve Winwood (of Traffic), and Ric Grech (from Family).
With such a star-studded lineup, expectations were enormous—and for a brief moment, Blind Faith delivered. The album featured six tracks, including “Had to Cry Today”, “Presence of the Lord”, and the hit “Can’t Find My Way Home”. Its fusion of rock, blues, and gospel influences showcased the virtuosity of its members.
Yet Blind Faith was as short-lived as it was dazzling. Internal tensions, combined with the pressures of fame and differing creative visions, led to the group’s breakup before they could record a follow-up. Their lone album, however, remains a classic example of a “supergroup” burning brightly, if briefly. Its success on September 20, 1969, marked both a high point and a farewell to one of rock’s most intriguing collaborations.
Three Weird September 20 Rock Factoids
The Archies Were a No. 1 Band That Didn’t Exist
On September 20, 1969, The Archies began a four-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Sugar, Sugar.” The strange part was that The Archies were completely fictional, created for the animated Archie television series. Producer Don Kirshner assembled studio musicians for the recordings, with Ron Dante providing the lead vocals, meaning one of the biggest bands in America in 1969 could not actually tour, give interviews, or even appear together because there was no real band to appear.
Paul McCartney Was Growing Cannabis at His Scottish Farm
On September 20, 1972, police discovered cannabis plants growing in a greenhouse at Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney’s High Park Farm in Scotland. McCartney was later charged with illegal cultivation and pleaded guilty, receiving a £100 fine. For one of the most famous musicians on Earth, the idea of a former Beatle being busted because officers found a few plants growing on his farm was an unusually down-to-earth rock-and-roll headline.
Led Zeppelin Recorded Its Debut in About 36 Hours
On September 20, 1968, Led Zeppelin began recording its debut album at Olympic Studios in London. The entire project reportedly required only about 36 hours of studio time and cost roughly £1,782, with much of the material recorded live and relatively few overdubs. Considering the album would help establish one of the most influential hard-rock bands in history, its remarkably quick and inexpensive creation is almost as surprising as the music itself.
final note
The stories of September 20 reflect the breadth of rock’s history—its triumphs, tragedies, and fleeting brilliance. The Beatles’ benefit show at the end of their first U.S. tour highlighted the band’s ability to blend cultural dominance with philanthropy. Jim Croce’s untimely death robbed the world of a singular voice just as he was entering his prime, reminding us of the fragility of life. Blind Faith’s chart-topping success demonstrated how even short-lived projects can leave a lasting mark.
Together, these events remind us that rock history is not just about records sold or charts topped—it’s about the humanity behind the music, the risks taken, the lives lost too soon, and the collaborations that inspire even in their brevity.
