Today in 1968, Iron Butterfly’s “In-a-Gadda-da-Vita” reached the charts. It is said to be the first heavy metal song to chart. It charted at number 117.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc9Cv7jODqI

That was the short version. The long version takes an entire album side:

At the other end of the charts was South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela:

Quite a selection of birthdays today, starting with T.G. Sheppard:

John Lodge, bassist for the Moody Blues:

Kim Carnes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6adhWTkjVQ

The incomparable Carlos Santana:

Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister:

Michael Anthony of Van Halen:

Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam:

And having reached the end of today’s blog …