Four classic rock albums and songs mark chart-topping anniversaries
Several landmark rock albums and songs are being remembered for their major commercial and cultural impact. The Allman Brothers Band’s 1973 album Brothers and Sisters reached No. 1 after the deaths of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley, with Chuck Leavell’s piano, Lamar Williams’ bass and Dickey Betts’ leadership helping reshape the group’s sound. Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1970 album Cosmo’s Factory spent nine weeks atop the Billboard 200, produced six Top 5 singles and showcased the band’s blend of rock, soul, country, rockabilly and psychedelia despite CCR never having a No. 1 Hot 100 single. The Animals’ recording of “The House of the Rising Sun” began a three-week run at No. 1 in September 1964, becoming the British group’s only U.S. and U.K. chart-topping single. Stevie Nicks’ 1981 debut solo album Bella Donna topped the Billboard 200 and gave her greater creative control outside Fleetwood Mac, while producing the enduring hit “Edge of Seventeen.”
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