This Day in Rock History: September 14

Breakthrough Hits and Milestones

• 1955: Little Richard recorded his breakthrough hit "Tutti Frutti" at J&M Studio in New Orleans. The high-energy tune, which incorporated elements of blues, gospel, and boogie, is seen by many as a catalyst in the birth of rock 'n' roll.
• 1974: Eric Clapton's cover of Bob Marley's song "I Shot the Sherriff" reached the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. Released on the 461 Ocean Boulevard album, it was his first and only U.S. No. 1 to date.

Cultural Milestones

• 1950: Paul Kossoff, guitarist with the band Free, was born in Hampstead, London. He co-founded the group in 1968, and they achieved commercial success two years later with their hit single "All Right Now."
• 1979: The Who's film adaptation of their rock opera Quadrophenia premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. The movie follows the adventures of Jimmy, a young, disillusioned Londoner who suffers from an identity crisis.
• 1984: The inaugural MTV Video Music Awards were held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Performers at the event included ZZ Top, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, and David Bowie.