This Day in Rock History: November 16

Breakthrough Hits and Milestones

• 1968: The Jimi Hendrix Experience's third and final studio album, Electric Ladyland, reached the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Top LP chart, where it spent two weeks. It was the band's only No. 1 album and went on to achieve 2x Platinum status.
• 1974: John Lennon's "Whatever Gets You thru the Night" hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was Lennon's only U.S. No. 1 song during his lifetime and featured Elton John on backing vocals, piano, and organ.
• 1985: Starship's "We Built This City" reached the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 while also topping the Mainstream Rock chart. Part of their debut 1985 album, Knee Deep in the Hoopla, it also ranked well in other countries, including Canada and Australia.
• 1996: Anthology 3 by The Beatles hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This compilation album included rare and alternative tracks recorded during the band's final two years and was later certified 3x Platinum in the U.S.

Notable Recordings and Performances

• 1964: The Animals recorded their version of Nina Simone's "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood." It was included on their Animal Tracks album and was released as a single in early 1965.
• 1973: The Kinks released their 12th studio album, Preservation Act 1, through RCA Records. It included the singles "One of the Survivors," "Sitting in the Midday Sun," and "Sweet Lady Genevieve" and was well-received by critics.