Pop Music Timeline

1990

-"That's What Friends Are For" AIDS benefit concert -MC Hammer becomes the first notable "Rap" artist to cross over, becoming a popular star with his album, "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em"

1997

Bob Dylan, the quintessential non-authoritarian, performs for Pope John Paul II, the embodiment of church authority. The Pope later uses a Dylan classic, "Blowin' in the Wind," to make a point in his speech

1979

-A UNICEF rock concert is held at the UN General Assembly -Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden distributes their first effort "The Soundhouse Tapes," by mail order. -Sid Vicious, the archetypal punker, dies of a drug overdose -The Canadian government names Rush as Ambassadors of Music -Village Voice magazine names Neil Young "Artist of the Decade"

1952

-A television show called "Bandstand" originates in Philadelphia. By 1957 it had moved to the prime teenage time slot of 3-5 pm, had changed its name to "American Bandstand", and acquired national syndication and a new host, former disk jockey, Dick Clark. -Pocket-sized transistor radios are first imported from Japan

1995

-Alanis Morissette is the newcomer of the year and has the album of the year "jagged little pill," making her the most successful female rock star to date -The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opens in Cleveland, the city where DJ Alan Freed and the phrase "rock and roll" got started

1988

-Alternative rock bands combine old styles in search of new ones. -Folkish Tracy Chapman (former street-busker with a degree in anthropology) is the surprise hit of the year -New Kids on the Block appeal to teenage fans -Tone Loc's "Wild Thing" becomes the biggest-selling rap single - over 3 million copies sold

1947

-Atlantic Record Company is formed -Country and Western musicians become interested in African-American Blues

1984

-Band Aid and USA for Africa raise money to feed starving in Ethiopia and display the social consciences of pop musicians -Madonna releases her debut album "Like a Virgin" -Prince achieves star status with his movie Purple Rain -Bruce Springsteen releases "Born in the USA" -Motley Crue is voted "Band of the Year" by readers of Hit Parader and Circus magazines -R&B singer Marvin Gaye Dies

1951

-Car radios become common (making the automobile an important part of the rock 'n' roll culture - every teenage boy had to have one) -The popularity of Rhythm and Blues increases among white teens -Alan Freed, The Father of Rock and Roll, used the term "Rock and Roll" on his radio program in an effort to avoid any racial stigma from Rhythm and Blues for newly interested white teenagers.

1960

-Chubby Checker's version of "The Twist" causes a new dance sensation, specially after a group of New York City socialites hear it at The Peppermint Lounge and have it played at the $100 a plate Party of the Year at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1961 -Berry Gordy, Jr. contract Stevie Wonder and Detroit becomes a center for Rhythm and Blues artists such as Diana Ross and the Supremes and Ray Charles -Tina Turner makes her recording debut with husband, Ike

1971

-David Bowie's heavy makeup establishes the term "Glitter Rock" (Glam Rock). -Marc Bolan shortens Tyrannosaurus Rex to T Rex and becomes the ultimate glam rocker -Bassist, Gordon Sumner, changes his name to "Sting" and a career milestone occurs -Berry Gordy moves Motown to Los Angeles and Stevie Wonder (now 21) re-negotiates his contract -Alice Cooper presents rock as a gore-soaked spectacular and sets the stage for other theatrical rock groups of the 70s. -Sonny and Cher broadcast their duos on their new television show -Genesis has a new album featuring Phil Collins -The deaths of Jim Morrison of The Doors and Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band give rising concern about drug use among rock musicians

1977

-Elvis Presley dies! -Some NY disc jockeys are dubbing vocals -Some punk bands commercialize and develop New Wave -Members of Lynyrd Skynyrd die -Meat Loaf's "Bat Out Of Hell" album sells 30 million copies in the US and the UK

1956

-Elvis Presley, a "Rockabilly guitarist/singer" releases "Heartbreak Hotel", "Hound Dog" and "Love Me Tender." By 1960 he has 18 "million selling" single records and became the first "rock artist" to establish a continuing and independent motion picture career and to dominate consistently the tastes of the foreign record market, especially in England, where popularity polls listed him among the top favorites each year until the arrival of The Beatles. Presley's manager, "Colonel" Tom Parker presents his star in glitzy attire an markets cheap merchandise such as stuffed hound dogs, glow in the dark pictures of Elvis, and lipstick. Elvis's television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show creates pandemonium among the teenage audience and makes American broadcast history. -A light-hearted and rhythmic style of music called "Ska" is popular in Jamaica

1989

-Glam and Metal bands, Bon Jovi, Ozzy Osbourne, and Motley Crue are joined by Russian bands Nuance, CCCP, and Brigade S at the Moscow Music Peace Festival. -Pop sensation Milli Vanilli (Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan) are discovered to have only lip-synced their Grammy-winning album. In the biggest Grammy scandal ever, they are forced to return the Grammy award

1963

-Hal Cook, publisher of Billboard magazine writes "The general public identifies the 33 (rpm record) as 'good' music, while it classifies the 45 (rpm record) with the black leather jacket and motorcycle set." -The singles 45's account for only 20% of the industry now and radio stations and programming long-play 33's increasingly -The first cassette tape recorders are introduced by the Philips Corporation. -Muzak (background or elevator music) comes into fashion -"Girl Groups" such as The Crystals, The Ronettes, The Shirelles, and The Chiffons were pumping out "doo-lang, doo-lang" hits. -Bob Dylan emerges as a folk-rock singer with "The Times, They Are A'Changin" and "Blowin' in the Wind."

1970

-Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin both die from drug overdoses -The Grateful Dead release three successful albums creating a large following known as "Deadheads" -The Beatles release their last album "Let it Be," after they have split up. -Simon and Garfunkel release their "Bridge over Troubled Water" album - the title song will be widely recorded by others -British pianist-singer, Elton John makes his debut. With his trademark outrageous glasses, he records six number one albums between 1972-75. -Eric Clapton begins his solo career -Crosby, Stills and Nash & Young debut their melodic brand of country rock -Black Sabbath enters the heavy metal scene -Dr. Robert Moog invents the synthesizer -James Brown puts together the "JBs" with a rhythmic style which sets a standard for street-funk that will dominate the 70s.

1980

-John Lennon is murdered in New York! -Soft-rocker, Cristopher Cross's debut album is a hit with romantic ballads like "Sailing." -Established rock stars release albums detailing the pain and suffering of being rich and famous - Pink Floyd's "The Wall" for example. In their spectacular tour, a thirty foot wall is built across the stage (symbolizing the isolation of fame) and dismantled brick by brick as Pink Floyd plays on. -Billy Joel wins the Grammy for "Best Rock Vocalist" -Genesis, featuring drummer, Phil Collins, tops the British charts -As far as British rock was concerned, heavy metal died in 1980 until a compilation of new bands - Iron Maiden, Samson, Angelwitch and Sledgehammer - gathered under the banner NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal) -Australian band INXS debuts

1975

-Kiss, the face painted "glitter band" who assaults their audiences with rockets and smoke bombs while wearing bejeweled spandex pants and platform shoes, is at the top of the charts with "Dressed to Kill." -The British rock group Queen, releases their metal-influenced mock operetta, "Bohemian Rhapsody." -The Sex Pistols form in Britain while Blondie, Devo, and Talking Heads get started in the US -Disco becomes popular in gay and African-American clubs in New York City -Bruce Springsteen and "The E Street Band" break into the top 40 creating "Blue Collar" rock -Aerosmith's third album is finally the ticket for success in the US -In LA, Van Halen establishes a reputation as the loudest, heaviest rock band. -Karen Carpenter's weight drops to an alarming 90 pounds - the first sign of an eating disorder that will eventually kill her

1994

-Kurt Cobain commits suicide -Pearl Jam and lead singer Eddie Vedder cancel their tour and appear before the House subcommittee on Information, Justice, Transportation, and Agriculture in Washington DC to testify that Ticketmaster is monopolistic and pushing up prices for concert tours -Michael Jackson marries, Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley! -Top selling artists are Counting Crows, Boyz II Men, and Stone Temple Pilots -R. E. M. (formed in the 80s) in finally established in the US -Woodstock 94 is a complete disaster

1981

-MTV, an all music cable TV channel, airs! -Rap develops out of dubbing -Heavy metal splits into progressive, glam, and thrash -The popularity of the SONY Walkman pocket tape player increases the demand for cassette tapes and "Walkman overspill" becomes a way of life on public transport -The most notable entries into US charts were by women - Joan Kett, Kim Carnes, Olivia Newton-John and Stevie Nicks. -Jean Michel Jarre becomes the first western pop musician to play in China -Bill Haley and Harry Chapin die -In Britain, Motorhead becomes the first heavy metal group to ever enter the charts at No. 1

1982

-Michael Jackson (formerly of The Jackson Five) becomes "The King of Pop" with his "moon walk" and his single gloved hand. His "Thriller" is the greatest-selling album of all time! -Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon in New York's Central Park, is opened by Yoko Ono. -The new "romantic" revolt against punk is spearheaded by Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Depeche Mode - all fashionably dressed to make their point

1987

-Paul Simon's "Graceland" features African musicians -American and Soviet bands unite in Russia for the July 4th Disarmament Festival -Pop artist, Andy Warhol, dies -The new "bad boys" of metal are Guns N' Roses - with the outrageous Axl Rose as lead singer, they release their premier album, "Appetite for Destruction." -George Michael, formerly of Wham!, begins an impressive solo career

1983

-Phish, the Vermont groove band and heirs-apparent to The Grateful Dead, have their first gig at the University of Vermont and in a short time have legions of fans calling themselves, "Phishheads." -Metallica becomes the quintessential head-banging, thrash, or speed metal band. -Karen Carpenter dies -"Run DMC" is the first rap album to go gold! -Rap emerges as percussive lyrics - half-spoken/half-sung over a beat-heavy backing track

1992

-ROCK THE VOTE movement attempts to attract younger voters -Ice-T pulls "Cop Killer" off its "Body Count" LP -alternative music hits the mainstream with chart hits -body piercing, and baggy, hip-hugging pants are fashionable

1957

-Radio station owner, Todd Stortz wires up jukeboxes in Omaha, Nebraska bars to prove his theory that there is a hardcore of about 40 records that people want to hear at any given time - The Top 40 is created. -In Philadelphia, Chancellor Records have hit on the idea of manufacturing teen idols - 19 year old Frankie Avalon and Fabian are among the first -The Danny and The Juniors recording of "At the Hop" reflects the latest in teenage entertainment - the high school record hop -Calypso folk music of the West Indies gains recognition in Harry Belafonte's "Jamaica Farewell" and later in Nat "King" Cole's "When Rock and Roll Comes to Trinidad." -Controversial rock pianist Jerry Lee Lewis records "Great Balls of Fire" -The Everly Brothers record "Wake Up, Little Susie" -Bobby Helms creates and instant holiday classic with "Jingle Bell Rock" -The clean cut, intellectual looking Buddy Holly and the Crickets have a rockabilly-style hit with "That'll Be The Day" -Elvis Presley is given the title, "The King of Rock N Roll"

1973

-Reggae becomes popular in the US -AM and FM radios are standard in new US cars -Pink Floyd releases "Dark Side of the Moon" -Jim Croce and Bobby Darin die

1993

-Rock musicians perform at President Clinton's inaugural ball -Time Warner cancels Ice-T's contract over lyrics -The Grammy awards are plagued by accusations of vote-rigging -British authorities clamp down on raves (illeagal, for profit, after-hours drug parties) -Ragga, a form of reggae made with digital instruments, has immediate complaints of sexism and gun usage -Rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg's "Doggystyle" becomes the first debut album to ever enter the US Chart at No. 1

1985

-Soul stars celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Theater in Harlem -"We Are The World," written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie - sung by an all-star cast, raises over $30 million for African famine relief -In Washington DC, a Senate Committee debates rock 'n' roll at the urging of the PMRC (Parents' Music Resource Center). 24 companies agree to label their products, where necessary, with the warning, "Parental Guidance: Explicit Lyrics" -Former teen idol, Rick Nelson, is killed in a plane crash

1961

-Stereo radio is authorized for FM stations -Motown scores its first #1 hit with The Marvelettes' debut single, "Please Mr. Postman." -Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl" is a throwback to the doo-wop sound of the 50s -"The Lion Sleeps Tonight" becomes the first African song to reach Number 1 in the US

1964

-The "British Invasion" occurs wit the first appearance of the The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. With "Beatlemania", "mod" clothes and hair styles are the instant rage. The Fab Four win 8 gold records this year! -Other British groups emerging are The Rolling Stones, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman and His Hermits, and the Dave Clark Five -Simon and Garfunkel become the folk-rock "existentialists" with their rock recording "Sounds of Silence." Their ability to communicate a sense of isolation and lack of communication in a fast-paced urban society remains an important message for several decades -In the May issue of Billboard magazine, African-American disc jockey, Magnificent Montague answers the question, "What is it the Negro DJ has that cannot be captured by the White DJ?" by stating, "It's SOUL, man, SOUL." The term "Soul" begins to replace the Rhythm and Blues distinction but in 1965 Billboard publishes the top 40 best selling "Rhythm and Blues" hits. All were recorded by African-American artists, indicating that they had reclaimed the field with which they were traditionally associated -James Brown becomes known for his "funk" style -The Supremes becomes the most successful "Girl Group" ever -discotheques with "go-go girls" are becoming popular. -Guitar sales reach a new high point in both England and America

1958

-The Army drafts Elvis Presley -transistor radios are marketed -the first 33rpm LP's (Long Playing) are issued -the first Grammy awards are presented -Ritchie Valens becomes the first Mexican-American rock artist with "La Bamba" -The Silhouettes hit a nerve with their hit recording "Get a Job." There aren't enough jobs out there for young graduates - especially for black teenagers -The Ivy League tailored group, The Kingston Trio arrives on the scene with their "folk-rock" recording of "Tom Dooley" and a shift of audience occurs to the college campus and to coffee houses -By the 1960s the "hootenanny" craze of "singing-along" spreads to television -At The Cavern Club in Liverpool, England, former "skiffle" musicians, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best form "The Beatles." Ringo Starr replaces Best in 1962. -The "pop" novelties of the year are speeded-up tape recordings like "witch Doctor" and the "Flying Purple People Eater" -Pop singer Connie Francis laments, "A girl can't sing rock n roll too well. It's basically too savage for a girl to handle."

1965

-The Beatles release of "Yesterday" adds a decidedly "classical" touch with a cello accompanying Paul McCartney's vocal solo. "Yesterday" has gone on to become the most often recorded song to date. They star in their second film, Help -Folk poet, Bob Dylan performs at The Newport Folk Festival, completing the first half of his performance with acoustic guitar and harmonica and the song style to which his audience had become accustomed. He returns for his second set accompanied by electric guitars and is jeered and driven from the stage. A third time he returns to sing "Mr. Tambourine Man" and regains the support of his audience. This event became a significant turning point towards the use of electronic instruments in Rock 'N' Roll. -Jefferson Airplane and The Grateful Dead are featured at psychedelic dance halls in San Francisco. -The Who emerges as Britain's perfect new Mod band. -Manfred Mann becomes the first rock band to perform behind the iron curtain -Color TV arrives

1978

-The Bee Gees brand of disco is popularized through the movie, Saturday Night Fever -The Village People, a costumed band of actors and singers portraying stereotypes of the rugged American male, hit the charts with million-dollar sellers "Macho Man," "In the Navy," and "Y.M.C.A." -Bob Marley combines punk and reggae in "Punky Reggae Party." His birthday, February 6, is now a Jamaican national holiday

1998

-The Grammies finally recognize Bob Dylan with his first Grammy win. A re-release in movie theaters of his 1965 British Tour Documentary "Don't Look Back" is further evidence of the renewed interest in Dylan's music -Dominating Grammy wins, however, are the women of the 1997 "Lilith Fair" tour - Paula Cole, Shawn Colvin, and Sarah McLachlan -For the first time in the history of recording, women compromise the larger consumer market, buying 51.4% of all recordings sold, compared with 48.6% purchased by men! -Popular among teenagers is England's physically fit and commercially attractive, Spice Girls -Rap music is alive and well with Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs and the return of TV's Will Smith as a rapper

1959

-The House of Representatives Subcommittee holds the "Payola" hearings in which it investigates disc jockeys such as Alan Freed and Dick Clark for promotion practices for songs and records -the practice of "plugging" certain recordings for financial "kick-back" -Station KAVI in Colorado break one rock 'n' roll record on the air every 10 minutes until the whole 500 disc library is destroyed. Station manager Ken O'Donnell says, "any announcer on my staff who plays a rock 'n' roll record in the future will be fired on the spot" -In the political songwriting tradition of Woody Guthrie, "Folkniks" like Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Robert Zimmerman (newly named Bob Dylan) begin performing and recording -Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper die tragically in an airplane crash. -Berry Gordy strings a banner outside a modest house in Detroit, proclaiming it "Hitsville, USA"

1948

-The MacDonald Brothers franchise their name for hamburger stands -Baskin-Robbins comes into being

1969

-The Woodstock Festival in upstate New York is the largest gathering for a concert in the history of music. The huge crowds cause the NY Thruway to be paralyzed for miles and the festival lasts for days. With performances by Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash, the festival becomes a symbol of youth counterculture. -Following the release of their "Abbey Road" album, the Beatles begin to split apart -John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band record "Give Peace a Chance" -Peter Towshand's Rock opera, "Tommy" is presented in concert by The Who -Maurice and Verdine White form Earth, Wind, and Fire -The Allman Brothers Band, James Taylor, Blind Faith (which includes Stevie Winwood and Eric Clapton), The Jackson Five and Chicago debut -Deep Purple's ambitious "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" has its first performance at London's Royal Albert Hall with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra -Diana Ross leaves The Supremes and goes solo -The New York Times reports that the youth audience accounts for 75% of the one billion dollars spent annually in America on recorded music!

1962

-The first Beatles hit, "Love Me Do," is released in the United Kingdom -Peter, Paul and Mary have a socially conscious folk hit with "If I Had A Hammer." -By 1963 the popular folk movement had become a nationally recognized phenomenon with sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl -On the West Coast, surfer rock begins with The Beach Boys' recording of "Surfin' Safari." They followed with "Surfer Girl" and the surfer anthem, "Surfin' USA." Jan and Dean had a hit with "Surf City" and The Surfaris recorded "Surfer Joe."

1955

-The inclusion of "Rock around the Clock" by Bill Haley (formerly a "western" swing leader) and His Comets (the first white artists to enjoy commercial success) in the film, Blackboard Jungle inspired a riot on the campus of Princeton University -Chuck Berry's style seems to embody teenage ideals of happiness, fun and good times with his recording of "Maybellene" and later "Johnny B. Goode" and "Roll Over Beethoven" -Little Richard begins his flamboyant career with "Tutti Frutti"

1976

-The punk movement strengthens in Great Britain, --Sid Vicious starts pogo dance craze -lasers are used by The Who in concert -highly synthesized disco gains wide popularity -In Sweden, the disco pop group ABBA performs its newest song - soon to be disco anthem - "Dancing Queen" at the wedding reception celebrating the King of Sweden to Silvia Sommerlath -An Irish group of musicians changes their group's name from "Feedback" to "U2" -Tina Turner walks out on Ike

1949

-The term "Rhythm and Blues" is first used. Prior to this, the music was referred to as "race music" in the recording industry. -45 rpm records are introduced by the RCA, and a 45 rpm record player came soon after.

1954

-This is the year often chosen as the year of Rock 'N' Roll's birth -The popularity of drama on television causes most radio stations to switch from the spoken word to continuous music - setting the stage for Rock 'N' Roll's takeover of pop music -The appearance of "Sh-Boom" by The Chords is the first "rock" record to rise to the tip of the charts -Joe Turner has a hit with "Shake Rattle and Roll" -45 records have replaced 78 rpm records -the term "high fidelity" caught on to describe the enhanced sound possibilities in 33 1/2 rpm LPs

1972

-This was the year the teenies took over with The Osmonds and David Cassidy dominating. -"Underground" FM radio gains popularity over AM -"Oldies" radio stations play 50s hits and Don McLean's "American Pie" indicates a nostalgia for the roots of "Rock 'N' Roll" as opposed to "Rock" -David Bowie releases "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" -Country and Southern rock gain in popularity with the Eagles first album -Blue Oyster Cult debuts

1968

-Tom Wolfe's Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test chronicles the Psychedelic Era of 1965-1969 -The recording industry markets "Bubblegum Rock" for pre-teens -Reggae develops from Ska -Iron Butterfly popularizes heavy metal - paving the way for heavy metal bands of the early 70s - Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heap, and Deep Purple -The term "Heavy Metal" is coined by author, William Burroughs, and is first used in Steppenwolf's gold record single "Born to Be Wild" -Blood, Sweat and Tears has a success with "Spinning Wheel," The Jeff Beck Group debuts with a nervous lead singer naked Rod Stewart but it is The Doors (with Jim Morrison), Cream and jefferson Airplane who challenge the dominance of The Beatles. -MGM launches the Bosstown Sound with new Boston Bands, Ultimate Spinach, and Beacon Street Union, in an attempt to create the illusion of a Boston rock scene San Francisco -In London, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, and Tyrannosaurus Rex perform at the first free rock festival in Hyde Park

1986

-Violent outbreaks and deaths plague Run DMC, Ozzy Osbourne, and Judas Priest concerts -Bon Jovi, the long-haired, leather and chains "glam band" records "Livin' on a Prayer" -"New Age" music pacifies the yuppie generation -in Britain, the new age label, Coda, defines its releases as "from Elgar to Eno". The California label, Wyndham Hill, becomes the main source of new age music in the US. -Gloria Estefan & The Miami Sound Machine release their first English album, "Primitive Love"

1967

-With the release of The Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Marching Band" albums become more profitable than singles for artists -Monaural recordings are phased out in favor of stereophonic ones -Guitarist, Jimi Hendrix and another group, Cream raise the volume and energy levels to set the scene for the heavy metal style. The Who and Hendrix become notorious for destroying equipment on stage -Aretha Franklin becomes the "Queen of Soul" with "R. E. S. P. E. C. T." -Scott McKenzie's "San Francisco (Be sure to wear a flower in your hair)" signifies the Haight-Ashbury sound. -The Bee Gees debut with a press release claiming them to be "The most significant talent since The Beatles!" -Rolling Stone magazine debuts

1974

-punk rock has its beginnings in New York by Patti Smith -Cass Elliot of The Mamas and the Papas dies. -The blues-powered Australian band, AC/DC debuts -Billy Joel's "Piano Man" goes gold

1991

-record stores stock only cassettes and CDs -Paul McCartney's "Liverpool Oratorio" debuts -post-punk bands join for Lollapalooza Tour -riots break out at Guns N Roses concert -Freddie Mercury dies of AIDS -The Seattle "Grunge" scene debuts with Kurt Cobain's band, Nirvana followed by Pearl Jam's first album "Ten". By 1993, Seattle bands dominate the national album market. The grunge crowd is referred to as "Generation X" - having a nihilistic predilection for slacking, slouching, and sulking -Rap music takes some heat - Ice Cube's controversial album, "Death Certificate" creates racial tensions -In Britain, police confiscate 13,000 copies of "Efil4zaggin" by NWA (N**az With Attitude)

1966

The "Summer of Love" evolved out the first "Be In" gathering in Golden Gate Park where Timothy Leary encouraged ten of thousands to "Turn on, tune in, and drop out." -"Hippies" and "Flower Children" protest war and yearn for world peace and free love ideals. -The Mamas and The Papas, a close harmony quartet, are successful with "California Dreamin'." -437 hopefuls audition for the pre-fabricated Ameican group which becomes known as The Monkees. -Pink Floyd becomes a British exploration of electronics, space, and mysticism -John Lennon declares "the Beatles are more popular than Jesus" causing many radio stations to take their music off the air