This Day in Rock History: November 7

Breakthrough Hits and Milestones

• 1970: Led Zeppelin’s third studio album, Led Zeppelin III, reached No. 1 on the U.K. album chart, where it remained for 40 weeks. It achieved the top spot on the U.S. album chart later that year.
• 1987: Bruce Springsteen’s eighth studio album, Tunnel of Love, got to No. 1 on the U.S. album chart. Powered by hit singles such as “Brilliant Disguise” and the title track, it went on to achieve triple Platinum status in the U.S.

Cultural Milestones

• 1942: Singer, songwriter, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joni Mitchell was born in Fort Macleod, Alberta, Canada. Emerging in the 1960s, she thrilled audiences with her unique mix of folk, rock, jazz, and pop.
• 1991: Guns N’ Roses rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin left the band. He returned for five shows two years later, filling in for his replacement, Gilby Clarke, who had broken his wrist in a motorcycle accident.

Notable Recordings and Performances

• 1969: Pink Floyd released their double album Ummagumma via Harvest Records. It included studio work and live recordings and later achieved Platinum status in the U.S.
• 1995: Alice in Chains released their self-titled album on all audio formats, after a limited vinyl release a week before on Oct. 31. It was their last to feature frontman Layne Staley and was hailed by critics and the public, reaching double Platinum in the U.S.