Ric Ocasek, front man and rhythm guitarist for The Cars, was born today in Baltimore. After moving to Cleveland with his family at 16, Ocasek met bass player Ben Orr and the pair began promoting concerts together in the Columbus area in the early 70's. The two also played together in a few other bands before relocating to Boston and starting a harmony based folk rock group named Milkwood. A subsequent group called Cap'n Swing added guitarist Elliott Easton and caught some airplay on WBCN. After recruiting Modern Lovers drummer David Robinson to join them and re-adding Milkwood member Greg Hawkes on keys, the group shifted gears, becoming The Cars in 1976.
Other Noteworthy Classic ROck events on March 23 include...
Leon Russell's fine self titled debut album dropped on this day in 1970. The remarkable lineup of musical friends participated in the recording of it, includes Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts from the Stones, Traffic's Steve Winwood, and his Mad Dogs and Englishmen touring partner Joe Cocker.
1945 David Grisman is born.
1972 Concert For Bangladesh movie premieres.
1973 US Immigration Department gives John Lennon 60 days notice to leave the country.
1974 The Grateful Dead's 'Wall of Sound' concert sound system gets unveiled at Cow Palace concert in San Francisco.
1975 Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Jefferson Starship play SNACK Benefit at Keezar Stadium in San Francisco.
1978 The Police sign with A&M Records.
1979 Van Halen II released.
1980 Journey releases Departure.
1980 U2 signs with Island Records.
1983 ZZ Top releases Eliminator
1985 Billy Joel marries Christie Brinckley.
1990 ZZ Top releases Recycler.
1990 Fleetwood Mac opens Behind The Mask tour
1999 Sammy Hagar releases Red VooDoo.
1999 Gov't Mule releases Live.
2009 Jay Weinberg makes drumming debut with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street band during rehearsal concert in Asbury Park.
2018 Sammy Hagar is awarded a place on the Bammies Walk Of Fame in San Francisco.
