2026-10-28 · On this day
October 28 in Rock History: Jerry Lee Lewis, William Reid (musician), Stephen Morris (drummer) and 3 more
6 rock stories from October 28: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
2022: Jerry Lee Lewis
On October 28, 2022: Jerry Lee Lewis, American singer-songwriter and pianist (born 1935)
Jerry Lee Lewis was a pioneering figure in rock and roll and rockabilly music, earning the nickname "The Killer" for his energetic stage presence. He made his first recordings in 1952 at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studio in New Orleans, Louisiana, and later at Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee in 1956. His early success was marked by hits like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire," which catapulted him to international fame.
Jerry Lee Lewis continued to release chart-topping country music recordings throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with hits like "Crazy Arms" and "Breathless." He remained a prominent figure in the music industry, with a legacy that extends beyond his own performances to his influence on later artists.
1958: William Reid (musician)
On October 28, 1958: William Reid, Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist
William Reid, Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist This entry marks the documented birthday connected with William Reid (musician).
William Adam Reid is a Scottish musician, best known for being the lead guitarist, main songwriter, and co-founder of the Scottish alternative rock band, the Jesus and Mary Chain. Readers can follow the cited source for the full biographical and historical context behind this item.
1957: Stephen Morris (drummer)
On October 28, 1957: Stephen Morris, English drummer
Stephen Morris, the drummer and percussionist of the influential rock band New Order, was born in 1957. As a member of Joy Division, Morris was part of the Manchester post-punk scene that emerged in the late 1970s. He was one of the core members of Joy Division, along with Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Ian Curtis, and appeared on the band's iconic albums, including "Unknown Pleasures" and "Closer".
Morris continued to work with Bernard Sumner after Joy Division disbanded, forming the band New Order with Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, and Bernard Sumner. He has been a continuous member of New Order, appearing on every one of the band's albums, including "Movement", "Power, Corruption & Lies", and "Low-Life". In 2026, Morris was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Joy Division/New Order, recognizing his significant contributions to the development of post-punk and new wave music.
1945: Wayne Fontana
On October 28, 1945: Wayne Fontana, English pop singer (died 2020)
Wayne Fontana, born in 1945, was a prominent English rock and pop singer, best known for his work with the beat group the Mindbenders. The band's hit singles, "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" in 1964 and "The Game of Love" in 1965, showcased Fontana's vocal talents and helped establish the group's reputation in the UK music scene.
Fontana's solo career flourished after he left the Mindbenders, with notable successes including the 1966 single "Pamela Pamela". Despite facing legal issues in the 2000s, Fontana continued to perform on the 1960s nostalgia circuit until his passing in 2020.
1936: Charlie Daniels
On October 28, 1936: Charlie Daniels, American singer-songwriter, fiddle-player and guitarist (died 2020)
Charlie Daniels was born in 1936, marking the beginning of a storied career that would span multiple genres. As a singer, songwriter, and musician, Daniels' unique blend of rock, country, blues, and jazz helped pave the way for Southern rock and progressive country. His music often featured the fiddle, an instrument he played with great skill, and his guitar work was equally impressive.
Daniels' most famous hit, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," reached number one on the country charts, but his music also crossed over into the rock and pop realms. The Charlie Daniels Band, which he formed in the late 1960s, released several successful albums and singles, with most of their output charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Daniels' contributions to rock music were significant, and he remains a beloved figure in the genre, particularly among fans of Southern rock and country-rock fusion.
1922: Gershon Kingsley
On October 28, 1922: Gershon Kingsley, German-American pianist, composer, and conductor (died 2019)
Gershon Kingsley was born in 1922, marking the beginning of a career that would span decades and multiple genres. As a German-American pianist, composer, and conductor, Kingsley was a pioneer in the realm of electronic music, particularly with the Moog synthesizer. He was a key figure in the development of this instrument, and his work with it helped shape the sound of rock music.
Kingsley's influence on rock music is evident in his work with the electronic music duo Perrey and Kingsley, as well as his composition of the influential instrumental piece "Popcorn" in 1969. This composition showcased his ability to craft catchy, memorable melodies using the Moog synthesizer. Additionally, Kingsley's compositions for Jewish religious ceremonies demonstrate his versatility and ability to blend electronic music with traditional themes.