Rock Day (Rokku no Hi)

What Is Rock Day?

January 8th is "Rock Day" in Japan. It honors the fact that Elvis Presley (born 1935), known as "the King of Rock and Roll," and David Bowie (born 1947), a pioneer of glam rock, were both born on January 8th. Separately, June 9th is also called "Rock Day" in Japan, from a pun on "ro (6) kku (9)."

Two Stars Born on January 8th

• Elvis Presley (1935-1977): Born in Mississippi, USA, he took the 1950s by storm with a vocal style that drew on Black rhythm and blues and white country music, along with his hip-shaking stage performances. Known for hits such as "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Hound Dog," he is recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling solo artist in history.
• David Bowie (1947-2016): Born in London, England, he boldly changed his look and sound from album to album, even performing as the fictional rock star "Ziggy Stardust," which earned him the nickname "the chameleon of rock." He was also active as an actor, and in Japan he is well known for appearing in Nagisa Oshima's film "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" (1983).

What Rock Changed

As rock and roll spread in the 1950s, a "youth culture" in which young people enjoyed music and fashion different from their parents' generation came into full bloom. By the late 1960s the shorter term "rock" had become common, and the genre has continued to branch out and influence music around the world.

Fun Facts About Rock Day

• The first recording: In 1953, Elvis paid to make a recording at the Sun Records studio in Memphis. A famous story says it was meant as a gift for his mother.
• A final album released on his birthday: Bowie's last album, "Blackstar," was released on January 8, 2016, his 69th birthday, and he died two days later on January 10th.
• Both in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Elvis was inducted in 1986 and Bowie in 1996.
• The meaning of "rock and roll": The phrase combines "rock" and "roll," and in the early 1950s it was also used to mean "dancing" or "a wild party."

Ways to Spend Rock Day

• Listen to the signature songs of Elvis Presley and David Bowie back to back
• Watch a documentary or biopic that traces the history of rock
• Play a rock album you loved in your school days all the way through
• Try your favorite rock number at karaoke or on an instrument

Though they came from different eras and countries, these two stars who shared a birthday each rewrote the rules of music in their own way. Why not start January 8th with a favorite song?