The Moody Blues

British pop band The Moody Blues is best known for being pioneers of progressive rock over a career spanning seven decades. ∙ After topping the British singles chart, “Go Now!” became the group’s American breakthrough, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 during its 14-week run in 1965. ∙ In 1967, keyboardist Mike Pinder first employed the proto-synth Mellotron on the concept album Days of Future Passed, establishing the band’s unique sound. ∙ “Nights in White Satin,” their signature song and a prog-rock anthem, was actually written about a set of sheets given to vocalist Justin Hayward by an ex-girlfriend. ∙ Despite its title, 1972’s Seventh Sojourn was the group’s eighth album, and it became their first No. 1 on the Billboard 200, spending five weeks atop the chart. ∙ In 1988, songwriter/vocalist Justin Hayward won the Composer of the Year Ivor Novello Award for “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere.” ∙ The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, along with such classics as Etta James’ “At Last” and Them’s “Gloria.” ∙ The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, just months after founding member Ray Thomas passed away.