Events in 1979
- AC/DC released “Highway to Hell,” the band’s final studio album with singer Bon Scott.
- Talking Heads released their third studio album, “Fear of Music,” on Sire Records. The album was produced by Brian Eno.
- Led Zeppelin headlined the festival at Knebworth Park in England in front of approximately 120,000 people. It was their first British concert in more than four years.
- A benefit concert in support of the ailing Lowell George of Little Feat was held, featuring members of his band as well as Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris, and Bonnie Raitt.
- In honor of the late Lowell George and to help support his family, members of Little Feat organized a benefit concert at The Forum in Inglewood. Performers included Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, and Nicolette Larson, while additional guests joined various artists throughout the evening. The nearly three-hour concert was held as a one-night-only event.
- The film “Rock & Roll High School,” starring the Ramones, premiered in New York.
- Def Leppard signed a contract with Phonogram Records with an initial advance of £120,000 ($180,000) and a 10 percent share of sales during the first two years.
- Van Halen performed at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas.
- Americká rapperka Gangsta Boo, vlastním jménem Lola Chantrelle Mitchell, se narodila. Proslavila se jako členka skupiny Three 6 Mafia a později vydala několik sólových alb.
- Chicago vystoupili v Hersheypark Arena v Hershey v Pensylvánii.
- Led Zeppelin odehráli své poslední živé vystoupení ve Velké Británii.
- Během koncertu Marshall Tucker Band v Long Beach v Kalifornii nespokojený divák ukradl automobil a projel s ním dvěma řadami kovových výjezdových dveří a betonovou zdí. Většina publika již prostor opustila a k vážným zraněním nedošlo.
- KISS performed at Memorial Auditorium in Buffalo, New York.
- Michael Jackson released his fifth studio album “Off the Wall” on Epic Records. The album reached No. 3 in the US and No. 5 in the UK, driven by four Top 10 singles: “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” (US #1, UK #3), “Rock With You” (US #1, UK #7), “Off the Wall” (US #10, UK #7), and “She's Out of My Life” (US #10, UK #3). Despite the album's great success, it received only two Grammy nominations, and Jackson won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough”.
- Van Halen performed at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine.
- Led Zeppelin played their final concert on British soil at Knebworth House in England before approximately 104,000 people. Also appearing were The New Barbarians, Todd Rundgren, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Chas & Dave and Fairport Convention. The setlist included “The Song Remains The Same,” “Celebration Day,” “Black Dog,” “Nobody's Fault But Mine,” “Over The Hills And Far Away,” “Misty Mountain Hop,” “Since I've Been Loving You,” “No Quarter,” “Hot Dog,” “The Rain Song,” “White Summer/Black Mountainside,” “Kashmir,” “Trampled Under Foot,” “Sick Again,” “Achilles' Last Stand,” “In The Evening,” “Stairway To Heaven,” “Rock And Roll,” “Whole Lotta Love” and “Communication Breakdown.” They played several smaller European concerts the following year, but broke up in December 1980 after the death of drummer John Bonham.
- KISS performed at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.
- The futuristic satirical film Americathon premiered in Los Angeles, starring Meat Loaf. The soundtrack featured songs by The Beach Boys, Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello.
- Led Zeppelin released their eighth and final studio album, "In Through the Out Door," in the United States. It was the last album by the group to be released during drummer John Bonham's lifetime.
- The Knack received a gold record from the RIAA for the single "My Sharona", which had sold one million copies in the US. Doug Fieger wrote the song for his girlfriend, Sharona Alperin.
- The New York Post reported that Anita Pallenberg, Keith Richards' partner, was linked to an alleged group of witches in South Salem, New York, where Richards owned a house. The police officer investigating the case said he was attacked by a group of people in black cloaks who tried to lure him into taking part in a ritual and sexual orgies. Local residents also claimed that ritual objects and small animals believed to have been sacrificed during ceremonies had been found near the house.
- John Lennon and Bob Dylan were associated with the documentary Eat the Document, which was broadcast on PBS. The film contained footage from Dylan's 1966 British tour.
- Chic's song “Good Times” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Soul Singles and Cashbox Best Sellers charts. It remained at the top of the US pop chart for one week. It was the first single from their third album, Risqué, and became one of the most frequently sampled recordings in popular music history, particularly in hip-hop.
- Nick Lowe married country singer Carlene Carter, stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, in Los Angeles. The wedding was later recreated in the video for Lowe's song “Cruel to Be Kind.” The couple divorced in 1990.
- American rockabilly singer and pioneer of the genre Dorsey Burnette, co-founder of Johnny Burnette and the Rock and Roll Trio, died at his home in Canoga Park, California, at the age of 46 from a massive heart attack. In 1960, he reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “There Was a Tall Oak Tree”. He also wrote “It’s Late”, which became a hit for Ricky Nelson and Shakin’ Stevens. When his pop hits dried up in 1969, he subsequently placed 15 songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He was the father of musician Billy Burnette. After his death, his friend and singer Delaney Bramlett organized a benefit concert for his widow at the Forum in Inglewood, California, featuring Kris Kristofferson, Hoyt Axton, Tanya Tucker, Glen Campbell, Duane Eddy, Delaney and Bonnie, Gary Busey and Roger Miller. His pioneering contribution to rockabilly was later recognized with his induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame.
- Bob Dylan released his 19th studio album, “Slow Train Coming”, through Columbia Records, his first album following his conversion to Christianity. The religiously focused songs expressed his personal faith and emphasized the importance of Christian teaching and philosophy. The album reached No. 1 in Australia, New Zealand and Norway, No. 2 in the UK and No. 3 in the U.S. It included “Gotta Serve Somebody”, which reached No. 24 on the U.S. chart and became Dylan's last single to reach the U.S. Top 40. In 1980, it won a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male. According to one of the sources, the album alienated some of his longtime fans.
- English jazz and pop singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Cullum was born in Rochford. His album “Twentysomething” reached No. 5 on the British chart in 2003.
- Rod Stewart and his first wife Alana Hamilton welcomed their daughter Kimberly Stewart, who later became an actress and model.
- The Allman Brothers Band performed at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Gary Numan released the single “Cars”.
- American R&B singer and saxophonist Kelis Rogers-Mora was born in New York City. She became known for her debut studio album “Kaleidoscope”, which became an international hit.
- Van Halen performed at the MECCA Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
- “In Through the Out Door” was released in the United States on August 22, 1979, as the band's eighth and final studio album. The album reached No. 1 on both the U.S. and British album charts and included the song “Fool in the Rain”, which reached No. 21 in the United States.
- Led Zeppelin played the final concert of their two-day comeback at the Knebworth Festival, which was their last British performance with John Bonham.
- B.B. King celebrated his 30th year in the music industry at a special event at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, California.
- Richard Neville, singer of the English boy band Five, was born. The group had the UK hits “Everybody Get Up”, “Keep On Movin” and the internationally successful song “When the Lights Go Out”.
- B.B. King performed at a special event at the Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his career in show business.
- Prince released the song „I Wanna Be Your Lover“, which became his first American hit.
- The film „Rock & Roll High School“, starring the Ramones, premiered in New York. The title song became one of their classic tracks and the film gained cult status.
- The Cars performed in New York's Central Park before a crowd of half a million people.
- Cliff Richard scored his tenth chart-topping hit 20 years after his first UK number one, with “We Don’t Talk Anymore”, his first number one in eleven years. The song became the best-selling recording of his career and sold more than four million copies worldwide.
- American bandleader, pianist, composer and arranger Stanley “Stan” Kenton died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 67, several days after suffering a stroke. He was known for hits with June Christy and a popular version of “Laura”, named after the 1944 film noir of the same name.
- “My Sharona” by The Knack reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and began a six-week run at the top. Billboard later named it the number-one single of 1979. The song also reached number one in Australia and Canada and number six in the UK. Singer Doug Fieger said he wrote the lyrics in about 15 minutes and was inspired by 17-year-old Sharrona Alperin, who later became his girlfriend.
- Founding member and guitarist of Eve 6 Jonathan “Jon” Siebels was born in Los Angeles, California.
- Randy Newman released the album “Born Again”, which followed his breakthrough but controversially perceived hit “Short People”.
- Canadian violinist Sarah Neufeld was born in Merville, British Columbia. She became best known as a member of the indie rock band Arcade Fire.
- “My Sharona” by The Knack began a six-week run at No. 1 on the US chart.
- The Allman Brothers Band performed at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York.
- Singer Debby Boone, known for the song “You Light Up My Life,” married Gabriel Ferrer, the son of Rosemary Clooney and actor José Ferrer.
- INXS played their very first concert in Sydney, Australia.
- They released their debut EP “U2-3,” their very first recording. The first pressing consisted of 1,000 individually numbered copies and was available only in Ireland.
- The Grateful Dead performed at the Civic Center in Augusta, Maine.
- Van Halen performed at Kaikan Hall in Kyoto, Japan.
- The Grateful Dead played the first of three concerts at Madison Square Garden in New York.
- Kool & the Gang released their 11th studio album, "Ladies' Night". Driven by the title track, which reached No. 8 in the U.S., and the hit "Too Hot", which reached No. 5, the album topped the Billboard Top R&B / Hip-Hop Albums chart and reached No. 13 on the main album chart. The group earned its first platinum certification with the album.
- Led Zeppelin released the album "In Through the Out Door" in the UK.
- Blue Oyster Cult performed at the Omni Coliseum in Atlanta, Georgia.
- Cliff Richard released his 22nd studio album “Rock 'n' Roll Juvenile”, which included the internationally successful hit “We Don't Talk Anymore” (No. 7 in the US, No. 1 in the UK), as well as “Hot Shot” (No. 46 in the UK) and “Carrie” (No. 4 in the UK).
- Gary Numan released the album “The Pleasure Principle” in the UK.
- The Police released their second album “Regatta de Blanc.” It was even more successful than their debut and earned the group its first Grammy Award in 1980. The French title can loosely be translated as “White Reggae.”
- Van Halen performed at the Convention Center in Tucson, Arizona.
- Nate Wood, an instrumentalist with the group The Calling, was born.
- Jimmy Buffett appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine while promoting the album Volcano. The album reached number 14 on the Billboard 200 and number 13 on the country chart. The singles Fins, Volcano, and Survive also charted. The article also covered the recording of the album in Montserrat at George Martin's AIR Studios near the then-inactive volcano.
- “Gotta Serve Somebody” entered the U.S. chart and became Bob Dylan's twelfth U.S. Top 40 hit. The song was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios and won a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male, in 1980.
- Jethro Tull performed at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario.
- Joe Jackson released his second studio album I'm the Man.
- Michael Jackson's “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” spent its fifth week at No. 1 on the R&B chart.
- Queen released the single “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”
- Robert John reached No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Chart with the song “Sad Eyes.” Almost 21 years had passed since his first minor hit in 1958.
- The Police released their second studio album Reggatta de Blanc on A&M Records. The album reached No. 1 in the UK and Australia and featured the hits Walking on the Moon and Message in a Bottle.
- A little over a year after the death of Keith Moon, The Who's soundtrack compilation The Kids Are Alright received RIAA platinum certification. It reached No. 8 in the US and No. 26 in the UK.
- The Who released the soundtrack album Quadrophenia.
- The song “Gotta Serve Somebody” gave Bob Dylan his twelfth U.S. Top 40 hit. It was recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama and won the 1980 Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male.
- Gary Numan reached No. 1 on the UK album chart with his debut solo studio album The Pleasure Principle.
- “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson was at No. 1 on the U.S. rhythm and blues chart for the fifth consecutive week.
- Robert John reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with “Sad Eyes,” which also reached No. 31 in the UK. His victory ended The Knack's six-week reign with “My Sharona.” Nearly 21 years had passed since his first chart appearance with “White Bucks and Saddle Shoes” in 1958.
- The Buzzcocks performed at the Odeon Theatre in Edinburgh, Scotland, supported by Joy Division. Tickets cost £2.50, approximately $4.
- Factory Records released English post-punk band Joy Division's debut single “Transmission,” backed with “Novelty.” The single was released on October 7, 1979.
- Van Halen performed at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
- Fleetwood Mac brought forward the release of Tusk after its songs began mysteriously appearing on U.S. radio stations.
- The classic Fleetwood Mac lineup — Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks — received the 1,715th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6608 Hollywood Boulevard. During the ceremony, Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley officially proclaimed October 10 “Fleetwood Mac Day.” The honor recognized their musical achievements as well as their local charitable and humanitarian activities.
- American singer, songwriter and actress Mya Marie Harrison was born in Washington, D.C. Her parents named her in honor of poet Maya Angelou. She became known for hits including “It's All About Me,” “Case of the Ex,” “Lady Marmalade” and “Ghetto Supastar.”
- The film The Rose, starring Bette Midler as a self-destructive 1960s rock star, premiered in Los Angeles. The character was inspired by Janis Joplin. The film received four Academy Award nominations, including nominations for Bette Midler for Best Actress and Frederic Forrest for Best Supporting Actor. David Keith also appeared in the film and later portrayed Elvis in Heartbreak Hotel.
- Fleetwood Mac release their twelfth studio album, Tusk, through Warner Bros. Records. The experimental double album follows the success of 1977’s Rumours. According to the supplied record, recording costs more than $1 million. The album reaches No. 4 in the U.S. and No. 1 in the UK; one record also lists it at No. 1 in New Zealand. The source says more than four million copies are sold worldwide. Its release is brought forward after RKO radio stations obtain a leaked copy and begin playing it. The album also produces the hits “Sara” and “Tusk.”
- Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson injures his right eye with a rose thorn during a concert at Madison Square Garden after an admirer throws a rose onto the stage. The injury requires hospital treatment and leads to two concerts being cancelled. When he returns to the tour, Anderson wears protective glasses and an eye patch.
- Anne Murray scored her third consecutive number-one hit on the Adult Contemporary chart with "Broken Hearted Me".
- Elton John released the album Victim of Love, which moved away from his usual piano-driven pop-rock style toward disco music.
- John Cougar, later known as John Mellencamp, made his first chart appearance with his debut single "I Need a Lover".
- Led Zeppelin's album In Through the Out Door remained at number one on the US album chart for a fifth consecutive week.
- The single "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was Michael Jackson's second solo US number-one hit and his first return to the US Top 10 since 1975. It reached number three in the UK and topped the charts in seven other countries.