1992 was a pivotal year in the development of music. Perhaps the most notable event was the release of The Chronic by Dr. Dre. Though other artists (including Dr. Dre as a member of N.W.A., and Public Enemy, LL Cool J and Kurtis Blow) had achieved some mainstream success, The Chronic was the first real blockbuster hip hop album. It presaged the future mainstream dominance of hip hop, as well as the beginning of G funk-West Coast rap's rule as the most popular and influential type of hip hop.
February 24 - The U.S. Postal Service unveils 2 potential designs of its proposed Elvis Presley stamp for fans to vote on. One design is of a "young" 1950s Elvis, and the other is of a much "older" 1970s Elvis. The "young" Elvis wins the vote, and is issued the following January.
April 1 - Billy Idol, on trial for punching a woman in the face, pleads no contest. Idol is fined and ordered to make public service announcements against alcohol and drug use.
July 4 - Mark Heard suffers a heart attack while performing at the Cornerstone Festival in Illinois. Heard went to the hospital immediately after finishing his set and was released two weeks later.
