From the Desk of CLASSICKONG | WTSG-DB Digital Broadcasting
Good morning, music lovers, and welcome to another edition of This Day in Music History!
It’s Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and we’ve got a very special edition today!
We’re celebrating fifty years of KISS’s Rock and Roll Over, some serious progressive metal from Dream Theater, birthdays for two remarkable figures in rock and roll, and a few wonderful stories from the past.
And because today is Veterans Day, we’ll close with a special tribute to the men and women who have served our great country.
But first, let’s look at today’s national observances!
Veterans Day — Honoring Those Who Served
Today, we honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Every veteran has a story. Some served far from home, while others carried out their duties right here in America. All answered the call to serve their country.
Their experiences, friendships, sacrifices, and memories remain part of their lives long after military service has ended.
To my fellow veterans, thank you for your service. And to the families who stood beside them, we recognize and appreciate your sacrifices as well.
God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America!
National Metal Day — Turn It Up to Eleven!
Well, how appropriate is THIS?
November 11 is also National Metal Day!
The unofficial celebration takes its inspiration from the classic movie This Is Spinal Tap, where guitarist Nigel Tufnel proudly demonstrates an amplifier that goes all the way to eleven!
And since today’s date is 11/11, what better excuse could we possibly need to crank up the guitars?
Especially with KISS and Dream Theater on today’s musical menu!
National Sundae Day — Honey’s Got Dessert!
And speaking of the menu, it’s National Sundae Day!
Somewhere over at the Diner, CLASSICKONG is staring down an enormous hot fudge sundae.
Honey looks over and says, “CK, are you really going to eat all that?”
“Of course, Honey! It’s National Sundae Day! I’m just doing my patriotic duty!”
HAHAHAHA!
Something tells me Honey had better order another gallon of ice cream!
1976 — KISS Releases Rock and Roll Over
50th Anniversary | Casablanca Records
Fifty years ago today, on November 11, 1976, KISS released their fifth studio album, Rock and Roll Over.
And what a magnificent piece of 1970s hard rock!
Following the ambitious production of Destroyer, KISS reunited with producer Eddie Kramer to capture a more direct, energetic sound.
Much of the album was recorded at the Star Theatre in Nanuet, New York, with the band performing in a setting that helped recreate the excitement of their live shows.
The results speak for themselves!
“I Want You,” “Calling Dr. Love,” “Mr. Speed,” “Makin’ Love,” and “Hard Luck Woman” remain among the album’s standout tracks.
Paul Stanley originally envisioned Rod Stewart singing “Hard Luck Woman,” but Peter Criss ultimately delivered the memorable lead vocal.
And let’s not forget that incredible Michael Doret album cover! The circular illustration featuring the four band members remains one of the most recognizable designs in KISS history.
Rock and Roll Over reached No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and helped continue the band’s extraordinary rise during the 1970s.
Fifty years later, it’s still a terrific reminder of what made the original KISS lineup so exciting.
Must-Have Discogs: KISS – Rock and Roll Over (1976, Casablanca Records)
2003 — Dream Theater Releases Train of Thought
23rd Anniversary | Elektra Records
On November 11, 2003, progressive metal masters Dream Theater released their seventh studio album, Train of Thought.
And buddy, we’re talking about some serious musical horsepower!
Inspired by the audience response to their heavier material, Dream Theater deliberately pursued a more aggressive direction.
The album was written in just three weeks, but there’s nothing rushed about the musicianship.
John Petrucci delivers some absolutely crushing guitar riffs, while Mike Portnoy attacks the drums with remarkable precision and power.
Jordan Rudess provides extraordinary keyboard textures, John Myung anchors the arrangements on bass, and James LaBrie handles the demanding vocals.
From the opening assault of “As I Am” to the emotional intensity of “Endless Sacrifice,” the album rarely lets up.
Other highlights include “Honor Thy Father,” “This Dying Soul,” and the instrumental masterpiece “Stream of Consciousness.”
Here’s a fascinating detail: Train of Thought opens with the same chord that ended the band’s previous album, Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence.
That musical connection was part of a larger sequence linking several Dream Theater albums.
For listeners who appreciate the heavier side of progressive rock and metal, Train of Thought remains an essential recording.
And on National Metal Day, it couldn’t be more appropriate!
Must-Have Discogs: Dream Theater – Train of Thought (2003, Elektra Records)
1948 — Happy Birthday to Robert John “Mutt” Lange!
Born November 11, 1948 | 78th Birthday
Some of the greatest names in rock and roll history aren’t necessarily standing in front of the microphone.
Sometimes they’re sitting behind the mixing console.
And few producers have built a more remarkable career than Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
Born November 11, 1948, in Mufulira, Northern Rhodesia, now Zambia, Lange became one of the most influential producers and songwriters in modern popular music.
Just look at the artists he’s worked with!
AC/DC, Def Leppard, Foreigner, The Cars, Bryan Adams, Shania Twain, Nickelback, and Muse.
That’s practically a who’s who of rock and roll!
In 1979, Lange took over production duties for AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, following the band’s earlier work with Harry Vanda and George Young.
Vanda and Young had helped establish AC/DC’s raw, unmistakable sound. Lange built upon that foundation, bringing additional clarity and power to the recordings.
He subsequently produced Back in Black and For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).
And then there’s Def Leppard!
Working with the band on High ‘n’ Dry, Pyromania, Hysteria, and Adrenalize, Lange helped create some of the most memorable hard rock recordings of the 1980s and early 1990s.
His work with Foreigner on 4 and The Cars on Heartbeat City further demonstrated his remarkable versatility.
He later enjoyed enormous success collaborating with Shania Twain, helping bring country-pop music to audiences around the world.
What makes Lange’s career so impressive isn’t simply the number of successful albums.
It’s his ability to understand different artists, different musical styles, and different approaches to recording.
From the thunderous guitars of AC/DC to the meticulously layered harmonies of Def Leppard, his musical instincts have helped shape generations of popular recordings.
Happy 78th birthday, Mutt, and thank you for helping create so much unforgettable music!
Must-Have Discogs: AC/DC – Back in Black (1980, Atlantic Records)
1950 — Happy Birthday to Jim Peterik!
Born November 11, 1950 | 76th Birthday
Happy birthday to Jim Peterik, one of rock and roll’s most accomplished songwriters!
Peterik first found national success with The Ides of March and their 1970 hit “Vehicle.”
He later helped form Survivor, the band responsible for some of the most recognizable rock anthems of the 1980s.
Of course, there’s “Eye of the Tiger,” the Grammy-winning smash written with Frankie Sullivan for Rocky III.
But Peterik’s accomplishments extend far beyond Survivor.
He also helped write several hits for .38 Special, including “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” and “Rockin’ into the Night.”
And who could forget Survivor favorites such as “The Search Is Over,” “High on You,” and “I Can’t Hold Back”?
Peterik has a wonderful gift for combining memorable melodies with powerful arrangements and choruses that stay with you long after the music stops.
Happy 76th birthday, Jim!
Must-Have Discogs: Survivor – Vital Signs (1984, Scotti Bros. Records)
1965 — The Beatles Complete Their Final Major Recording Session for Rubber Soul
On November 11, 1965, The Beatles gathered at EMI Studios in London for a marathon recording session that helped bring Rubber Soul closer to completion.
Working with producer George Martin, the group recorded “You Won’t See Me” and “Girl,” added overdubs to “Wait,” and continued work on “I’m Looking Through You.”
The session stretched into the early morning hours of November 12, with final mixing taking place several days later.
Released in December 1965, Rubber Soul represented another important step in the band’s musical development.
Songs such as “Norwegian Wood,” “Michelle,” “Nowhere Man,” and “In My Life” demonstrated a growing willingness to explore different instruments, arrangements, and lyrical subjects.
The Beatles were moving beyond the straightforward pop songs of their earlier years and embracing increasingly sophisticated musical ideas.
It was a remarkable period of creativity, and Rubber Soul remains one of their most beloved albums.
Must-Have Discogs: The Beatles – Rubber Soul (1965, Parlophone Records)
1930 — Remembering Guitarist Hank Garland
November 11, 1930 – December 27, 2004
Today we remember Walter Louis “Hank” Garland, an extraordinary guitarist whose talents reached across country, rock and roll, and jazz.
Born in Cowpens, South Carolina, Garland became one of Nashville’s most respected session musicians.
His guitar work appeared on recordings by artists including Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and Brenda Lee.
But Garland was far more than a country guitarist.
He possessed an extraordinary command of jazz harmony, phrasing, and improvisation.
His 1961 album Jazz Winds from a New Direction demonstrated just how accomplished he was outside the traditional Nashville recording scene.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in September 1961 when Garland suffered serious injuries in an automobile accident.
The resulting brain injury interrupted his career, and although he eventually regained some ability to play, he never returned to the demanding Nashville session schedule that had made him famous.
Some recordings were released after the accident, but his professional recording career was effectively over.
Still, what an incredible musical legacy he left behind!
Garland reminds us that extraordinary musicianship can cross boundaries and introduce listeners to entirely new musical possibilities.
Must-Have Discogs: Hank Garland – Jazz Winds from a New Direction (1961, Columbia Records)
2021 — Remembering Graeme Edge of The Moody Blues
March 30, 1941 – November 11, 2021
Five years ago today, music lost Graeme Edge, founding drummer of The Moody Blues.
Edge was an essential part of the group’s distinctive sound, helping combine rock instrumentation with orchestral arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and imaginative musical ideas.
But his contributions went far beyond playing drums.
He was also a poet and songwriter.
And here’s something that might surprise a few listeners.
Remember the haunting spoken-word passage that follows “Nights in White Satin” on Days of Future Passed?
The poem beginning “Breathe deep the gathering gloom” is called “Late Lament.”
It was written by Graeme Edge and originally recited by Moody Blues keyboardist Mike Pinder.
That wonderful combination of music and poetry helped give Days of Future Passed its unforgettable atmosphere.
Edge remained a vital member of The Moody Blues throughout their recording career, contributing to all sixteen of their studio albums.
He passed away on November 11, 2021, at the age of 80.
Today, we remember a musician whose creativity extended far beyond the drum kit.
And the next time you hear “Nights in White Satin,” remember the drummer who helped give that extraordinary recording its poetic conclusion.
Must-Have Discogs: The Moody Blues – Days of Future Passed (1967, Deram Records)
Final Spin — For Those Who Served
You know, friends, sometimes music has a wonderful way of bringing things together.
Fifty years ago, KISS gave us “I Want You.” And long before that, Uncle Sam was calling upon Americans to serve their country.
Dream Theater reminded us of “Endless Sacrifice” and the importance of knowing who we are with “As I Am.”
Mutt Lange took on some of rock and roll’s greatest production challenges, eventually helping AC/DC deliver For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).
Jim Peterik encouraged us to have the “Eye of the Tiger” and keep “Rockin’ into the Night.”
The Beatles reflected upon the people and places that shape our lives with “In My Life.”
Hank Garland showed us that sometimes life takes us in unexpected directions, while Graeme Edge reminded us of the passing of time through Days of Future Passed.
And that brings us to something much greater than music.
On September 14, 1775, George Washington wrote that “every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.”
Those words still ring true today.
Because serving your country isn’t about fame, fortune, or recognition. It’s about answering a call, accepting responsibility, and standing alongside others who have made that same commitment.
And on this Veterans Day, we remember the generations of Americans who did exactly that.
From those who served on distant battlefields to those who quietly carried out their duties here at home, each has contributed to the freedoms we enjoy.
So today, wherever you are, take a moment to thank a veteran.
And to my brothers and sisters who have worn the uniform, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and respect.
For those who served, and for those who continue to serve, WE SALUTE YOU!
God bless our veterans, and God bless the United States of America.
Alright that’s gonna do it for today, I’m your host CLASSICKONG, and hopefully i’ve maybe put a smile on your face, and a song in your heart today. Take care of yourselves, help others when you can, and always, ALWAYS, keep the music playing…….I’ll see ya down the road.
Listen to Today’s Broadcast
Join CLASSICKONG for our special Veterans Day edition of This Day in Music History!
We’re celebrating fifty years of KISS’s Rock and Roll Over, Dream Theater’s powerful Train of Thought, birthdays for Mutt Lange and Jim Peterik, and fascinating stories from The Beatles, Hank Garland, and The Moody Blues.
Plus, we’ll close with a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have served our country.
References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Veterans Day
- National Day Calendar — November 11
- Checkiday — November 11 Observances
- KISS Concert History — Rock and Roll Over
- Dream Theater — Train of Thought
- AllMusic — Mutt Lange
- Jim Peterik — Official Website
- The Beatles — Rubber Soul
- The Beatles Bible — November 11, 1965
- AllMusic — Hank Garland
- AllMusic — Graeme Edge
- George Washington’s Mount Vernon — Letter to Benedict Arnold, September 14, 1775
