Ocoee Rock History: Bon Jovi & Grateful Dead Milestones on Sept. 19

Ocoee residents can mark Sept. 19 on their calendars for several significant events in rock music history.

Thirty-eight years ago, on Sept. 19, 1988, Bon Jovi released its album "New Jersey." The album featured hit singles including "Bad Medicine," "I’ll Be There for You," "Born to Be My Baby," and "Lay Your Hands on Me."

One year prior, on Sept. 19, 1987, the Grateful Dead's song "Touch of Grey" reached No. 10 on the music charts, marking their only top 10 hit.

On Sept. 19, 1985, musicians Frank Zappa, John Denver, and Dee Snider of Twisted Sister testified before a Senate hearing. They responded to a campaign by the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), which sought to label albums with explicit lyrics. The music industry subsequently agreed to voluntary labeling, a move that often saw labeled records sell better than unlabeled ones.

Guitarist Lita Ford, born Sept. 19, 1958, celebrates her 66th birthday today. Ford gained fame as a member of The Runaways and later pursued a successful solo career.