On this day in music history: April 23, 1976 - The self-titled debut album by the Ramones is released. Produced by Craig Leon, it is recorded at Plaza Sound, Radio City Music Hall in New York City from February 2 - 19, 1976. Fixtures on the New York punk rock scene since forming in 1974, the Ramones will come to the attention of Sire Records A&R man Craig Leon  (Blondie, Joshua Bell), through their manager Danny Fields, by way of a demo album the band records with producer Marty Thau. Leon will sign the band to the label in November of 1975. The first album by Forest Hills, Queens, NY punk quartet will be recorded in just seven days (spread over a two week period) for a cost of $6,400. Consisting of both covers and originals, it will be widely praised by rock critics and the Ramones solid fanbase. The album will go on to help define and popularize the punk music genre and culture, inspiring and influencing numerous bands and artists that follow in their wake. “Ramones” will peak at #111 on the Billboard Top 200.

Born on this day: May 19, 1951 - Ramones lead vocalist Joey Ramone (born Jeffry Ross Hyman in Forest Hills, NY). Happy Birthday to this punk rock icon on what would have been his 61st Birthday.

On this day in music history: November 4, 1977 - “Rocket To Russia”, the third album by the Ramones is released. Recorded at Media Sound in New York City, it is the final album to feature original drummer Tommy Ramone who will be replaced by Marky Ramone. The album will produce the classics “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker”, “Teenage Lobotomy”, “Rockaway Beach” and also features cover versions of The Trashmen’s “Surfin’ Bird” and Bobby Freeman’s “Do You Wanna Dance?”. “Rocket” will be their highest charting album to date, peaking at #49 on the Billboard Top 200.