Music News Release Dates
Media: DirectCurrentMusic NPR Music Rock Hall Of Fame: Today In Rock History Music On TV Listings All Music Guide Billboard Rolling Stone Live Daily Paste Blurt Pitchfork Media Spin Filter Station Music Blogs Some Velvet Blog
Triplearadio.com Artist Birthdays/This Day In Music:
8/1: ADAM DURITZ (Counting Crows), JERRY GARCIA (Grateful Dead), ROBERT CRAY, RAMBLIN' JACK ELLIOT, MICHAEL PENN
8/2: JIM CAPALDI (Traffic), GARTH HUDSON (The Band)
8/3: SHIRLEY MANSON (Garbage), ED ROLAND (Collective Soul), TONY BENNETT
8/4: LOUIS ARMSTRONG, KLAUS SCHULZE (Tangerine Dream)
8/5: RICK DERRINGER, PAT SMEAR (Foo Fighters, Nirvana)
8/6: ISAAC HAYES, ELLIOT SMITH, PAT McDONALD (Timbuk 3), ANDY WARHOL
8/7: RAUL MALO (The Mavericks), ROBERT RANDOLPH, KRISTIN HERSH (Throwing Muses)
8/8: THE EDGE (U2)
8/9: BENJAMIN ORR (The Cars)
8/10: IAN ANDERSON (Jethro Tull), LEO FENDER
8/11: JOE JACKSON, CHARLIE SEXTON, RICHIE RAMONE (The Ramones)
8/12: MARK KNOPFLER (Dire Straits), PAT METHENEY, BUCK OWENS
8/13: DAN FOGELBERG
8/14: DAVID CROSBY (CPR/CSNY)
8/15: JIMMY WEBB, OSCAR PETERSON
8/16: MADONNA, TIM FARRIS (INXS), ERIC BIBB, VANESSA CARLTON
8/17: MARIA McKEE (Lone Justice), LUTHER ALLISON, BELINDA CARLISLE (Go-Go's), JIMMY WITHERSPOON, ERIC JOHNSON
8/18: EVERLAST
8/19: GINGER BAKER (Cream), JOHNNY NASH
8/20: ROBERT PLANT, JOHN HIATT, ISAAC HAYES, DOUG FIEGER (The Knack), PHIL LYNOTT (Thin Lizzy)
8/21: JOE STRUMMER (The Clash), JACKIE DeSHANNON, KENNY ROGERS, COUNT BASIE
8/22: TORI AMOS, JOHN LEE HOOKER, ROLAND ORZABAL (Tears For Fears), LAYNE STALEY (Alice In Chains), VERNON REID (Living Colour)
8/23: KEITH MOON (The Who)
8/24: JIM CAPALDI (Traffic), JOHN CIPOLLINA (Quicksilver Messenger Service), ARTHUR "BIG BOY" CRUDUP
8/25: ELVIS COSTELLO, JEFF TWEEDY (Wilco), WILLY DeVILLE (Mink DeVille), GENE SIMMONDS (Kiss), WAYNE SHORTER (Weather Report)
8/26: BRANFORD MARSALIS, SHIRLEY MANSON (Garbage)
8/27: J.D. CROWE, TIM BOGERT (Vanilla Fudge), SIMON KIRKE (Free/Bad Company), ALEX LIFESON (Rush), GLEN MATLOCK (Sex Pistols)
8/28: MAX COLLINS (Eve 6)
8/29: MICHAEL JACKSON, ME'SHELL NDEGÉOCELLO, CHARLIE "BYRD" PARKER, DINAH WASHINGTON, STERLING MORRISON (Velvet Underground)
8/30: JOHN PHILLIPS (Mamas & The Papas), KITTY WELLS
8/31: VAN MORRISON, GLEN TILBROOK (Squeeze), GINA SCHOCK (The Go-Go's), RICK ROBERTS (The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers, Firefall) 9/1: BARRY GIBB (Bee Gees), ARCHIE BELL (Archie Bell and The Drells)
9/2: STEVE PORCARO (Toto), BOBBY PURIFY (James & Bobby Purify)
9/3: AL JARDINE (Beach Boys), FREDDIE KING, STEVE JONES (Sex Pistols), MEMPHIS SLIM
9/4: MARTIN CHAMBERS (Pretenders), DANNY GATTON
9/5: FREDDIE MERCURY (Queen), LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III, AL STEWART, JOHN STEWART, BUDDY MILES, DWEEZIL ZAPPA
9/6: RODGER WATERS (Pink Floyd), DELORES O'RIORDAN (The Cranberries), BUDDY MILLER, NINA PERSSON (The Cardigans), JIMMY REED
9/7: BUDDY HOLLY, CHRISSIE HYNDE (Pretenders), BENMONT TENCH (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), SONNY ROLLINS, LITTLE MILTON
9/8: AIMEE MANN, BEN ORR (The Cars), PATSY CLINE, JIMMIE RODGERS, RON "PIGPEN" McKERNAN (Grateful Dead), SAL VALENTINO (Stoneground, Beau Brummels)
9/9: MACY GRAY, OTIS REDDING, DAVE STEWART (Eurythmics), BILLY PRESTON
9/10: DAVE LOWRY (Cracker, Camper Van Beethoven), MILES ZUNIGA (Fastball), ROSIE FLORES, JOE PERRY (Aerosmith), SIOBHAN FAHEY (Bananarama), JOSÉ FELICIANO, DANNY HUTTON (Three Dog Night)
9/11: MOBY, MICKEY HART (Grateful Dead), LEO KOTKE, VICTOR WOOTEN (Bela Fleck), HARRY CONNICK JR., RICHARD ASHCROFT (The Verve), JOHN MARTYN, TOMMY SHAW (Styx)
9/12: BEN FOLDS, NEIL PERT (Rush), MARIA MULDAUR, GEORGE JONES
9/13: FIONA APPLE, CHARLES BROWN, DON WAS, BILL MONROE, DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS (Blood, Sweat & Tears), STEPHEN KILBEY (The Church), ZAK STARKEY (The Who)
9/14: STEVE BERLIN (Los Lobos), PAUL KOSSOFF (Free)
9/15: CANNONBALL ADDERLY, SNOOKY PRYOR
9/16: B.B. KING, KENNEY JONES (The Faces, The Who), RON BLAIR (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), RICHARD MARX
9/17: HANK WILLIAMS, FEE WAYBILL (The Tubes), SCOTT BLACK (Elvis), KEN KESEY
9/18: DEE DEE RAMONE (The Ramones), JOANNE CATHERALL (Human League)
9/19: DANIEL LANOIS, DAVID BROMBERG, LOL CREME (10cc), MAMA CASS ELLIOT (The Mamas and The Papas), BILL MEDLEY (The Righteous Brothers)
9/20: "JELLY ROLL" MORTON, KING SUNNY ADE
9/21: LIAM GALLAGHER (Oasis), LEONARD COHEN, DON FELDER (Eagles)
9/22: JOAN JETT (The Blackhearts, The Runaways), NICK CAVE (Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds), JOHNETTE NAPOLITANO (Concrete Blonde)
9/23: BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, ANI DiFRANCO, RAY CHARLES, JOHN COLTRANE, LES McCANN, ROY BUCHANAN
9/24: LINDA McCARTNEY (Wings)
9/25: IAN TYSON (Ian And Sylvia)
9/26: BRYAN FERRY (Roxy Music), CESAR ROSAS (Los Lobos), SHANNON HOON (Blind Melon), CARLENE CARTER, CRAIG CHAQUICO (Jefferson Starship), MARTY ROBBINS
9/27: STEPHAN JENKINS (Third Eye Blind), ROBBIE SHAKESPEARE (Sly And Robbie), CARRIE BROWNSTEIN (Sleater-Kinney), MEATLOAF, DON NIX, RANDY BACHMAN (Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive)
9/28: BEN E. KING, KOKO TAYLOR, A.J. CROCE, C.J. CHENIER
9/29: JERRY LEE LEWIS, LES CLAYPOOL (Primus, Frog Brigade), JEAN-LUC PONTY, MARK FARNER (Grand Funk Railroad)
9/30: TREY ANASTASIO (Phish), MARC BOLAN (T Rex), BASIA, Z.Z. HILL, MIKE HARRISON (Spooky Tooth), BUDDY RICH 10/1: YOUSSOU N'DOUR, KEVIN GRIFFIN (Better Than Ezra), DONNY HATHAWAY, ALBERT COLLINS, SCOTT McKENZIE
10/2: STING, DAMON GOUGH (Badly Drawn Boy), GILLIAN WELCH, DON McLEAN, KELLY WILLIS, MIKE RUTHERFORD (Genesis), JO-EL SONNIER, PHILIP OAKEY (Human League)
10/3: STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, INDIA.ARIE, LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM (Fleetwood Mac), GWEN STEFANI (No Doubt), KEB' MO', DEBORAH COLEMAN, EDDIE COCHRAN, CHUBBY CHECKER
10/4: BARBARA K. MacDONALD (Timbuk 3)
10/5: STEVE MILLER, BOB GELDOF, B.W. STEVENSON
10/6: MATTHEW SWEET, DAVID HILDAGO (Los Lobos)
10/7: JOHN MELLENCAMP, THOM YORKE (Radiohead), KEVIN GODLEY (10cc), KIERAN KANE, YO-YO MA, DALE WATSON, DINO VALENTE (Quicksilver Messenger Service)
10/8: JOHNNY RAMONE (The Ramones)
10/9: JOHN LENNON, SEAN LENNON, P.J. HARVEY, JACKSON BROWNE, JOHN ENTWISTLE (The Who), KURT NEUMANN (BoDeans)
10/10: JOHN PRINE, THOMAS DOLBY, MIDGE URE (Ultravox), CYRIL NEVILLE, KIRSTY MacCOLL, THELONIOUS MONK, IVORY JOE HUNTER, DAVID LEE ROTH (Van Halen)
10/11: DARYL HALL (Hall & Oates), TODD SNIDER
10/12: BOB MOULD (Husker Du, Sugar), PAT DINIZIO (The Smithereens), SAM COOKE (Sam & Dave), JANE SIBERRY, LUCIANO PAVAROTTI
10/13: PAUL SIMON, ROBERT LAMM (Chicago)
10/14: NATALIE MAINES (Dixie Chicks), THOMAS DOLBY, JUSTIN HAYWARD (The Moody Blues), KENNY NEAL
10/15: CHRIS DE BURGH, BARRY McGUIRE
10/16: JOHN MAYER, BOB WEIR (Grateful Dead), FLEA (Red Hot Chili Peppers), NICO (Velvet Underground)
10/17: ZIGGY MARLEY, WYCLEF JEAN, JAMES SEALS (Seals & Crofts)
10/18: CHUCK BERRY, LAURA NYRO, WYNTON MARSALIS, TONY FURTADO
10/19: TODD PARK MOHR (Big Head Todd & The Monsters), KARL WALLINGER (World Party), PATRICK SIMMONDS (Doobie Brothers), KEITH REID (Procal Harum)
10/20: TOM PETTY, EDDIE HARRIS, JELLY ROLL MORTON, SNOOP DOG
10/21: MANFRED MANN, JULIAN COPE, STEVE CROPPER (Booker T & The MG's), ELVIN BISHOP, RON ELLIOT (Beau Brummels), DIZZY GILLESPIE
10/22: SHELBY LYNNE, JOHN WESLEY HARDING, CRIS KIRKWOOD (the Meat Puppets), BOBBY FULLER, LESLIE WEST (Mountain/West, Bruce and Laing)
10/23: DWIGHT YOAKAM, WIERD AL YANKOVIC, BOOZOO CHAVIS
10/24: BILL WYMAN (Rolling Stones), SONNY TERRY, BIG BOPPER, CORKY SIEGEL (Siegel Schwall Band)
10/25: ED ROBERTSON (Barenaked Ladies), SPEECH (Arrested Development), JOHN HALL (Orleans), JON ANDERSON (Yes)
10/26: NATALIE MERCHANT (10,000 Maniacs), BOOTSY COLLINS (Funkadelic/Parliament/James Brown), DAVID WAS (Was Not Was), DETROIT JUNIOR
10/27: SCOTT WEILAND (Stone Temple Pilots), SIMON LE BON (Duran Duran), GARRY W. TALLENT (E Street Band)
10/28: BEN HARPER, CAITLIN CARY (Whiskeytown), CHARLIE DANIELS, TED HAWKINS, WILLIAM REID (Jesus & The Mary Chain)
10/29: PETER TIMMINS (Cowboy Junkies), PETER GREEN (Fleetwood Mac), DENNY LAINE (Wings)
10/30: GRACE SLICK (Jefferson Airplane/Starship), TIMOTHY B. SCHMIT (Eagles/Poco), GAVIN ROSSDALE (Bush), EDDIE HOLLAND
10/31: LARRY MULLEN JR. (U2), ROBERT POLLARD (Guided By Voices), JOHNNY MARR (The Smiths), ADAM HOROVITZ (Beastie Boys), JOHNNY CLEGG, KINKY FRIEDMAN, TOM PAXTON
11/1: LYLE LOVETT, ANTHONY KIEDIS (Red Hot Chili Peppers), SOPHIE B. HAWKINS, RICK GRECH (Traffic, Blind Faith)
11/2: K.D. LANG, KEITH EMERSON (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), JOHN DAVID SOUTHER
11/3: ADAM ANT, LULU
11/4: DELBERT McCLINTON, CHRIS DIFFORD (Squeeze)
11/5: RYAN ADAMS (Whiskeytown), GRAM PARSONS (The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers), ART GARFUNKEL (Simon & Garfunkle), BRYAN ADAMS, IKE TURNER, ROY ROGERS
11/6: GLENN FREY (the Eagles), RORY BLOCK, DOUG SAHM (Sir Douglas Quintet), GUY CLARK
11/7: JONI MITCHELL, MARY TRAVERS (Peter, Paul & Mary)
11/8: BONNIE RAITT, RICKIE LEE JONES, BONNIE BRAMLETT, ROY WOOD (The Move), MINNIE RIPPERTON
11/9: SUSAN TEDESCHI, TOM FOGERTY (Creedence Clearwater Revival)
11/10: GREG LAKE (Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson)
11/11: DAVE ALVIN (The Blasters), ANDY PARTRIDGE (XTC), MARSHALL CRENSHAW, CHRIS SMITHER, JESSE COLIN YOUNG, LAVERN BAKER, MOSE ALLISON
11/12: NEIL YOUNG, BOOKER T. JONES (Booker T & The MG's), BUCK DHARMA (Blue Öyster Cult)
11/13: TIMMY THOMAS, JOHN HAMMOND, JR.
11/14: BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO, CAREY BELL
11/15: CHAD KROEGER (Nickelback), ANSON FUNDERBURGH (Fabulous Thunderbirds), LITTLE WILLIE JOHN, PETULA CLARK
11/16: DIANA KRALL
11/17: GORDON LIGHTFOOT, JEFF BUCKLEY, GENE CLARK (The Byrds), MARTIN SCORSESE
11/18: DUNCAN SHEIK, GRAHAM PARKER, HANK BALLARD, DON CHERRY
11/19: CHRIS CAIN, RAY COLLINS (Mothers Of Invention)
11/20: DUANE ALLMAN (Allman Brothers), JOE WALSH (Eagles), NORMAN GREENBAUM
11/21: BJÖRK, DR. JOHN, LONNIE JORDAN (War), LIVINGSTON TAYLOR
11/22: STEVE VAN ZANDT (E Street Band), JASON RINGENBERG (Jason & The Scorchers), TINA WEYMOUTH (Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club)
11/23: BRUCE HORNSBY, RL BURNSIDE
11/24 DONALD "DUCK" DUNN (Booker T. & The MG's), PETE BEST (The Beatles), LEE MICHAELS, JOHN SQUIRE (Stone Roses)
11/25: PERCY SLEDGE, BEV BEVAN (The Move, E.L.O.)
11/26: JOHN McVIE (Fleetwood Mac), TINA TURNER
11/27: JIMI HENDRIX
11/28: RANDY NEWMAN, BERRY GORDY, JR., PAUL SHAFFER
11/29: JOHN MAYALL, FELIX CAVALIERE (The Rascals), CHUCK MANGIONE
11/30: BILLY IDOL, SHUGGIE OTIS, PAUL STOOKEY (Peter, Paul & Mary), TERRY REID, JUNE POINTER (Pointer Sisters), DICK CLARK
12/1: KIM RICHEY, JOHN DENSMORE (The Doors), BETTE MIDLER, LOU RAWLS
12/2: MICHAEL McDONALD (Doobie Brothers), NELLY FURTADO
12/3: STEVE FORBERT, MICKEY THOMAS (Elvin Bishop, Jefferson Starship), OZZY OSBOURNE
12/4: DENNIS WILSON (Beach Boys), SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes), CHRIS HILLMAN (Byrds/Desert Rose Band)
12/5: J.J. CALE, JONNY RZEZNICK (Goo Goo Dolls), LITTLE RICHARD, JIM MESSINA (Loggins and Messina)
12/6: PETER BUCK (R.E.M.), KIM SIMMONDS (Savoy Brown), DAVE BRUBECK
12/7: TOM WAITS, HARRY CHAPIN, LOUIS PRIMA
12/8: SINEAD O'CONNOR, JIM MORRISON (The Doors), GREG ALLMAN (Allman Brothers), JOHNNY OTIS, JIMMY SMITH
12/9: JAKOB DYLAN (The Wallflowers), JOAN ARMATRADING, RICK DANKO (The Band), DAN HICKS, JUNIOR WELLS, NEIL INNES (Bonzo Dog Band), GEOFF BARROW (Portishead)
12/10: JOHN HAMMOND, J MASCIS (Dinasour Jr)
12/11: BIG MAMA THORNTON
12/12: FRANK SINATRA, CY CURNIN (The Fixx), DICKEY BETTS (The Allman Brothers Band)
12/13: JEFF "SKUNK" BAXTER (Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers), TOM VERLAINE (Television)
12/14: MIKE SCOTT (The Waterboys)
12/15: PAUL SIMONON (The Clash), JOHN HAMMOND, SR.
12/16: ROBBEN FORD, BILLY GIBBONS (ZZ Top)
12/17: MIKE MILLS (R.E.M.), PAUL BUTTERFIELD, ART NeVILLE (Neville Brothers)
12/18: KEITH RICHARDS (Rolling Stones)
12/19: JOHN McKUEN (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), MAURICE WHITE (Earth, Wind & Fire), PHIL OCHS, ALVIN LEE (Ten Years After), PROFESSOR LONGHAIR
12/20: CHRIS ROBINSON (Black Crowes), BILLY BRAGG
12/21: FRANK ZAPPA (The Mothers of Invention), CARL WILSON (The Beach Boys), ALBERT LEE, BETTY WRIGHT, CARLA THOMAS, GABRIELLE GLASER (Luscious Jackson)
12/22: RICK NIELSEN (Cheap Trick), MAURICE GIBB (Bee Gees), ROBIN GIBB (Bee Gees)
12/23: EDDIE VEDDER (Pearl Jam), VICTORIA WILLIAMS, JORMA KAUKONEN (Hot Tuna/Jefferson Airplane/Starship), ADRIAN BELEW, TIM HARDIN, CHET BAKER
12/24: LEE DORSEY, DOYAL BRAMHALL II
12/25 (Christmas): ANNIE LENNOX (Eurythmics), DIDO, JIMMY BUFFETT, SHANE MacGOWAN (The Pogues), NOEL REDDING (Jimi Hendrix Experience), CAB CALLOWAY
12/26: JOHN SCOFIELD, PHIL SPECTOR
12/27: DAVID KNOFLER (Dire Straits), KARLA BONOFF, MICK JONES (King Crimson/Foreigner)
12/28: EDGAR WINTER, CHARLIE NEVILLE (Neville Brothers), ALEX CHILTON (The Boxtops/Big Star), POP STAPLES (The Staple Singers)
12/29: GLEN PHILLIPS (Toad The Wet Sprocket), MARIANNE FAITHFULL
12/30: PATTI SMITH, JEFF LYNNE (The Move/ELO/Traveling Wilburys), BO DIDDLEY, DEL SHANNON, MICHAEL NESMITH (The Monkees)
12/31: ANDY SUMMERS (The Police), PAUL WESTERBERG (Replacements), MARY RAMSEY (10,000 Maniacs), ODETTA, JOHN DENVER
1/1: COUNTRY JOE McDONALD (Country Joe & The Fish)
1/2: ROGER MILLER
1/3: STEPHEN STILLS (BUFFALO SPRINGFIELD/CSN), GEORGE MARTIN, JOHN PAUL JONES (Led Zeppelin)
1/4: MICHAEL STIPE (R.E.M.), BETH GIBBONS (Portishead)
1/5: SAM PHILLIPS, IRIS DeMENT, CHRIS STEIN (Blondie)
1/6: KIM WILSON (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), SYD BARRETT (ex-Pink Floyd), SANDY DENNY (Fairport Convention), EARL SCRUGGS
1/7: JOHN ONDRASIK (Five For Fighting), KENNY LOGGINS (Loggins & Messina)
1/8: ELVIS, TIFT MERRITT, ROBBY KRIEGER (The Doors), DAVID BOWIE
1/9: DAVE MATTHEWS, JOAN BAEZ, JIMMY PAGE (Led Zeppelin), LES PAUL
<1/10: SHAWN COLVIN, ROD STEWART, DONALD FAGEN (Steely Dan), BRAD ROBERTS (Crash Test Dummies), JIM CROCE, CYRIL NeVILLE (Neville Bros)
1/11: CLARENCE CLEMONS (E Street Band), ROBERT EARL KEEN, DAVE ALVIN (The Blasters), ANDY PARTRIDGE (XTC), MARSHALL CRENSHAW, CHRIS SMITHER, JESSE COLIN YOUNG (The Youngbloods), MOSE ALLISON, LAVERN BAKER
1/12: MISSISSIPPI FRED McDOWELL, RUTH BROWN, LONG JOHN BALDRY
1/13: TREVOR RABIN (Yes), GRAHAM "SUGGS" MCPHERSON (Madness)
1/14: DAVE GROHL (Nirvana/Foo Fighters), T BONE BURNETT, ALLEN TOUSSAINT, CLARENCE CARTER
1/15: CAPTAIN BEEFHEART, RONNIE VAN ZANT (Lynyrd Skynyrd), MARTHA DAVIS (The Motels), GENE KRUPA
1/16: SADE
1/17: STEVE EARLE, MICK TAYLOR (The Rolling Stones), SUSANNA HOFFS (The Bangles), SHABA RANKS
1/18: DAVID RUFFIN (The Temptations), TOM BAILEY (The Thompson Twins)
1/19: JANIS JOPLIN, ROBERT PALMER, DOLLY PARTON, PHIL EVERLY (The Everly Brothers)
1/20: EDWIN McCAIN, LEADBELLY, PAUL STANLEY (Kiss)
1/21: CHARLYN "CHAN" MARSHALL (Cat Power), RICHIE HAVENS, EDWIN STARR, SNOOKS EAGLIN, KENNETH KINSEY (The Kinsey Report)
1/22: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (INXS), SAM COOKE, STEVE PERRY (Journey)
1/23: ROBIN ZANDER (Cheap Trick), PATRICK SIMMONS (The Doobie Brothers), DANNY FEDERICI (E Street Band)
1/24: WARREN ZEVON, AARON NEVILLE (The Neville Brothers), JOOLS HOLLAND (Squeeze), DOUG KERSHAW, JOHN BELUSHI (The Blues Brothers), NEIL DIAMOND
1/25: ANDY COX (English Beat/Fine Young Cannibals), ETTA JAMES, SLEEPY JOHN ESTES
1/26: LUCINDA WILLIAMS, HUEY "PIANO" SMITH, EDDIE VAN HALEN (Van Halen)
1/27: MARGO TIMMINS (Cowboy Junkies), NICK MASON (Pink Floyd), TRICKY, BOBBY "BLUE" BLAND, MIKE PATTON (Faith No More)
1/28: SARAH McLACHLAN, SAM PHILLIPS, ROBERT WYATT
1/29: JONNY LANG, LOUIS PEREZ (Los Lobos), TOMMY RAMONE (The Ramones), RODDY FRAME (Aztec Camera)
1/30: RUTH BROWN, MARTY BALIN (Jefferson Airplane/Starship), STEVE MARRIOTT (Small Faces/Humble Pie)
1/31: JOHNNY ROTTEN (The Sex Pistols), PHIL COLLINS (Genesis), LLOYD COLE (Lloyd Cole And The Commotions), PHIL MANZANERA (Roxy Music)
2/1: DON EVERLY (The Everly Brothers), MIKE CAMPBELL (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), LISA MARIE PRESLEY, RICK JAMES
2/2: GRAHAM NASH (HOLLIES/CSNY), EVA CASSIDY, STAN GETZ
2/3: DAVE DAVIES (The Kinks), LEE RENALDO (Sonic Youth), MELANIE
2/4: NATALIE IMBRUGLIA, TIM BOOTH (James), ALICE COOPER
2/5: CHRIS BARRON (Spin Doctors), AL KOOPER (Blood, Sweat & Tears)
2/6: BOB MARLEY, NATALIE COLE
2/7: KING CURTIS
2/8: TOM RUSH, MERLE WATSON
2/9: CAROLE KING, JOE ELY (The Flatlanders)
2/10: ROBERTA FLACK
2/11: SHERYL CROW, JIMMY CARTER (The Blind Boys Of Alabama), GENE VINCENT, OTIS CLAY, SLIM HARPO, GERRY GOFFIN
2/12: RAY MANZAREK (The Doors), MICHAEL McDONALD (Doobie Brothers), STEVE HACKETT (Genesis)
2/13: PETER GABRIEL
2/14: ROB THOMAS (Matchbox Twenty), MACEO PARKER (James Brown), TIM BUCKLEY, MERLE SAUNDERS (Jerry Garcia), ERIC ANDERSEN
2/15: MICK AVORY (The Kinks)
2/16: ANDY TAYLOR (Duran Duran), SONNY BONO (Sonny & Cher)
2/17: BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG (Green Day)
2/18: YOKO ONO, SEAN WATKINS (Nickel Creek), IRMA THOMAS, DENNIS DeYOUNG (Styx)
2/19: SEAL, DAVE WAKELING (English Beat/General Public), SMOKEY ROBINSON
2/20: KURT KOBAIN (Nirvana), WALTER BECKER (Steely Dan), J. GEILS (J. Geils Band), RANDY KALIFORNIA (Spirit), BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE
2/21: JERRY HARRISON (Talking Heads), MARY CHAPIN-CARPENTER, COREY HARRIS
2/22: JUDE JOHNSTONE, ERNIE K-DOE
2/23: JOHNNY WINTER, HOWARD JONES
2/24: MICHELLE SHOCKED, NICKY HOPKINS, LONNIE TURNER
2/25: GEORGE HARRISON, MIKE PETERS (The Alarm)
2/26: JOHNNY CASH, FATS DOMINO, ERYKAH BADU, MITCH RYDER
2/27: NEAL SCHON (Santana/Journey/Bad English), PAUL HUMHREYS (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark)
2/28: BRIAN JONES (Rolling Stones), CINDY WILSON (The B-52s), Pat Monahan (Train), JOHN FAHEY, JOE SOUTH
3/1: ROGER DALTRY (The Who), NIK KERSHAW
3/2: CHRIS MARTIN (Coldplay), LOU REED, DOC WATSON, ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART, EDDIE MONEY, RORY GALLAGHER
3/3: JUNIOR PARKER, ROBYN HITCHCOCK
3/4: EVAN DANDO (Lemonheads), CHRIS REA, MIRIAM MAKEBA, BOBBY WOMACK
3/5: EDDIE GRANT
3/6: DAVID GILMOUR (Pink Floyd), PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), KIKI DEE
3/7: PETER WOLF (J Geils Band), TOWNS VAN ZANDT, ARTHUR LEE (Love), MATTHEW FISHER (Procol Harum), CHRIS WHITE (Zombies)
3/8: SHAWN MULLINS, RANDY MEISNER (Eagles), GARETH "GAZ" COOMBES (Supergrass), GARY NUMAN, MICKY DOLENZ (The Monkees)
3/9: ROBIN TROWER
3/10: EDIE BRICKELL
3/11: LISA LOEB, PETE DROGE, BOBBY McFERRIN, NINA HAGEN, FLACO JIMENEZ
3/12: JAMES TAYLOR, PAUL KANTNER (Jefferson Airplane/Starship), BILL PAYNE (Little Feat)
3/13: ADAM CLAYTON (U2), TONI PRICE, DANNY KIRWIN (Fleetwood Mac)
3/14: LORETTA LYNN, QUINCY JONES
3/15: PHIL LESH (Grateful Dead), MARK McGRATH (Sugar Ray), RY COODER, LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS, SLY STONE (Sly and the Family Stone), MIKE LOVE (Beach Boys)
3/16: JERRY JEFF WALKER, NANCY WILSON (Heart)
3/17: BILLY CORGAN (Smashing Pumpkins), JOHN SEBASTION (Lovin' Spoonful)
3/18: JERRY CANTRELL (Alice In Chains), JAMES McMURTRY, WILSON PICKETT
3/19: CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY, RUTH POINTER (The Pointer Sisters)
3/20: JIMMIE VAUGHN, SLIM JIM PHANTOM (Stray Cats), MARCIA BALL, CARL PALMER (Emerson Lake and Palmer), ALPHONSO MARTIN (Steel Pulse)
3/21: SOLOMON BURKE, CONRAD R. LOZANO (Los Lobos), ROGER HODGSON (Supertramp), SON HOUSE, OTIS SPANN, VIV STANSHALL (The Bonzo Dog Band)
3/22: SUZANNE SULLEY (Human League), GEORGE BENSON, KEITH RELF (The Yardbirds)
3/23: RIC OCASEK (The Cars), DAMON ALBARN (Blur), CHAKA KAHN (Rufus)
3/24: NICK LOWE, SHARON CORR (The Corrs), LEE OSKAR (War), NENA
3/25: ELTON JOHN, ARETHA FRANKLIN, JEFF HEALY, JOHNNY BURNETT, MICHAEL STANLEY
3/26: JAMES IHA (Smashing Pumpkins), RUFUS THOMAS, STEVEN TYLER (Aerosmith), DIANA ROSS (Supremes)
3/27: TONY BANKS (Genesis), ANDREW FARRIS (INXS)
3/28: JOHN EVANS (Jethro Tull)
3/29: JOHN POPPER (Blues Traveler), PERRY FARRELL (Jane's Addiction/Porno For Pyros), VANGELIS
3/30: NORAH JONES, ERIC CLAPTON, TRACY CHAPMAN, GRAEME EDGE (Moody Blues)
3/31: MICK RALPHS (Mott The Hoople/Bad Company), HERB ALPERT
4/1: JIMMY CLIFF, RONNIE LANE (Faces), GIL SCOTT-HERON
4/2: EMMYLOU HARRIS, MARVIN GAYE, LEON RUSSELL
4/3: RICHARD THOMPSON, RICHARD MANUEL (The Band), JOHN MOONEY, JAN BERRY (Jan & Dan)
4/4: MUDDY WATERS, BERRY OAKLEY (The Allman Brothers Band), GARY MOORE, HUGH MASEKELA
4/5: PAULA COLE, MIKE McCREADY (Pearl Jam/Temple Of The Dog)
4/6: MERLE HAGGARD
4/7: BILL KREUTZMANN (Grateful Dead), BILLIE HOLIDAY, RAVI SHANKAR, JANIS IAN, JOHN OATES (Hall & Oates)
4/8: JULIAN LENNON
4/9: CARL PERKINS, GENE PARSONS (The Byrds/Flying Burrito Brothers)
4/10: BRIAN SETZER (Brian Setzer Orchestra/Stray Cats), BUNNY WAILER (The Wailers)
4/11: JOSS STONE, CHRIS DIFFORD (Squeeze), STUART ADAMSON (Big Country), RICHARD BERRY
4/12: AMY RAY (Indigo Girls), HERBIE HANCOCK, JOHN KAY (Steppenwolf)
4/13: AL GREEN, LOWELL GEORGE (Little Feat), JACK CASADY (Hot Tuna/Jefferson Airplane), Max Weinberg (E Street Band)
4/14: LORETTA LYNN
4/15: DAVE EDMUNDS, BESSIE SMITH
4/16: DAVE PIRNER (Soul Asylum), DUSTY SPRINGFIELD, HERBIE MANN, GERRY RAFFERTY (Stealers Wheel), STEFAN GROSSMAN
4/17: LIZ PHAIR, PETE SHELLEY (Buzzcocks), JAN HAMMER
4/18: CLARENCE "GATEMOUTH" BROWN, SKIP SPENCE (Moby Grape/Jefferson Airplane)
4/19: DAR WILLIAMS, ALEXIS KORNER, ALAN PRICE (The Animals), MARK VOLMAN (The Turtles/the Mothers of Invention/Flo & Eddie)
4/20: (no birthdays listed)
4/21: IGGY POP, MICHAEL FRANTI (Spearhead), ROBERT SMITH (The Cure), MICHAEL TIMMONS (Cowboy Junkies)
4/22: PAUL CARRACK (Squeeze), PETER FRAMPTON, CHARLES MINGUS, JAMES ARMSTRONG
4/23: ROY ORBISON
4/24: DOUG CLIFFORD (Creedence Clearwater Revival), GLEN CORNICK (Jethro Tull), BARBRA STREISAND
4/25: ALBERT KING, ELLA FITZGERALD, STU COOK (Creedence Clearwater Revival), VASSAR CLEMENTS
4/26: GARY WRIGHT, RODGER TAYLOR (Duran Duran), DUANE EDDY
4/27: KATE PIERSON (The B-52's), PETE HAM (Badfinger), ACE FREHLEY (Kiss)
4/28: CHUCK LEAVELL (Rolling Stones/The Allman Brothers Band), KIM GORDON (Sonic Youth)
4/29: OTIS RUSH, LONNIE DONEGAN, DUKE ELLINGTON
4/30: WILLIE NELSON, REVEREND GARY DAVIS, JOHNNY FARINA (Santo and Johnny), WAYNE KRAMER (MC5)
5/1: JUDY COLLINS, LITTLE WALTER, RITA COOLIDGE
5/2: LOU GRAMM (Foreigner)
5/3: JAMES BROWN, PETE SEEGER, CHRISTOPHER CROSS, BING CROSBY, FRANKI VALLI
5/4: GREGG ALEXANDER (the New Radicals), DICK DALE, ED CASSIDY (Spirit)
5/5: IAN McCULLOCH (Echo & The Bunnymen), BLIND WILLIE McTELL, TAMMY WYNETTE, JOHNNIE TAYLOR
5/6: JIMMY DALE GILMOUR (The Flatlanders), BOB SEGER
5/7: EAGLE-EYE CHERRY
5/8: ROBERT JOHNSON, CHRIS FRANTZ (Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club), PHILIP BAILEY (Earth, Wind & Fire), RICK NELSON
5/9: BILLY JOEL, DAVE PRATER (Sam & Dave)
5/10: BONO (U2), SLY DUNBAR (Sly & Robbie), SID VICIOUS (The Sex Pistols), DAVE MASON, DONOVAN, GRAHAM GOULDMAN (10cc), JAY FERGUSON (Spirit), LARRY WILLIAMS
5/11: ERIC BURDON (WAR), BUTCH TRUCKS (Allman Brothers)
5/12: STEVE WINWOOD, IAN DURY, IAN McCLAGEN (Faces), BILLY SWAN, BURT BACHARACH
5/13: STEVIE WONDER, DARIUS RUCKER (Hootie and the Blowfish), RITCHIE VALENS, MARY WELLS, MAGIC DICK (J. Geils Band)
5/14: DAVID BYRNE (Talking Heads), JACK BRUCE (Cream)
5/15: BRIAN ENO, MIKE OLDFIELD, JONATHAN RICHMAN
5/16: KRIST NOVOSELIC (Nirvana), RICHARD PAGE (Mr. Mister)
5/17: TAJ MAHAL, JESSE WINCHESTER, ENYA, BILL BRUFORD (King Crimson, Yes, Genesis), TRENT REZNOR (Nine Inch Nails)
5/18: RICK WAKEMAN (Yes), BIG JOE TURNER
5/19: PETE TOWNSHEND (The Who), GRACE JONES, JOEY RAMONE (The Ramones)
5/20: JOE COCKER, JANE WEIDLIN (The Go-Go's), CHER
5/21: RONALD ISLEY (The Isley Brothers), STAN LYNCH (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), FATS WALLER, TONY SHERIDAN, BILL CHAMPLIN (Sons of Champlin/Chicago), LEO SAYER
5/22: MORRISSEY, BERNIE TAUPIN
5/23: JEWEL
5/24: BOB DYLAN, ROSANNE CASH, RICH ROBINSON (The Black Crowes), PATTI LABELLE, TOMMY CHONG (Cheech and Chong)
5/25: PAUL WELLER (The Jam/Style Council), MILES DAVIS
5/26: LENNY KRAVITZ, STEVIE NICKS (Fleetwod Mac), LEVON HELM (The Band), HANK WILLIAMS JR., MICK RONSON, PEGGY LEE
5/27: BRUCE COCKBURN, NEIL FINN (Split Enz/Crowded House), SIOUXIE SIOUX (Siouxie And The Banshees), RAMSEY LEWIS
5/28: JOHN FOGERTY (Creedence Clearwater Revival), ROLAND GIFT (Fine Young Cannibals), GLADYS KNIGHT, T-BONE WALKER
5/29: MELISSA ETHERIDGE, NOEL GALLAGHER (Oasis), GARY BROOKER (Procal Harum), DANNY ELFMAN (Oingo Bongo)
5/30: TOM MORELLO (Rage Against The Machine), NICKY "TOPPER" HEADON (The Clash)
5/31: JOHN "BONZO" BONHAM (Led Zeppelin), MICK RALPHS (Mott The Hoople/Bad Company), COREY HART, JOHNNY PAYCHECK, PETER YARROW (Peter, Paul & Mary)
6/1: ALANIS MORISSETTE, RON WOOD (Rolling Stones)
6/2: CHARLIE WATTS (Rolling Stones)
6/3: CURTIS MAYFIELD, IAN HUNTER (Mott The Hoople)
6/4: KASEY CHAMBERS, FREDDY FENDER, GORDON WALLER (Peter & Gordon)
6/5: LAURIE ANDERSON, RICHARD BUTLER (Psychedelic Furs)
6/6: GARY "U.S." BONDS, STEVE VAI, DWIGHT TWILLEY, LEVI STUBBS (The Four Tops), EDGAR FROESE (Tangerine Dream), DEAN MARTIN
6/7: PRINCE, DAVE NAVARRO (Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers), CLARENCE WHITE (The Byrds/Gram Parsons), TOM JONES
6/8: BOZ SCAGGS, NANCY SINATRA, CHUCK NEGRON (Three Dog Night)
6/9: JACKIE WILSON, LES PAUL, MITCH MITCHELL (Jimi Hendrix Experience), COLE PORTER
6/10: HOWLIN' WOLF, JUDY GARLAND
6/11: FRANK BEARD (ZZ Top)
6/12: KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD, JUNIOR BROWN, BUN E. CARLOS (Cheap Trick), CHICK COREA
6/13: DAVID GRAY, RIVERS CUOMO (Weezer) DENNIS LOCORRIERE (Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show)
6/14: ROD ARGENT (Zombies/Argent), JUNIOR WALKER, BARRY MELTON, MUFF WINWOOD, BOY GEORGE
6/15: WAYLON JENNINGS, HARRY NILSSON, STEVE WALSH (Kansas)
6/16: LAMONT DOZIER, IAN MATTHEWS (Matthews Southern Comfort/Fairport Convention)
6/17: GREG ROLIE (Journey/Santana), IGOR STRAVINSKY
6/18: PAUL McCARTNEY, TOM BAILEY (The Thompson Twins), ALISON MOYET
6/19: NICK DRAKE, ANN WILSON (Heart)
6/20: BRIAN WILSON (Beach Boys), CHET ATKINS, CYNDI LAUPER, JOHN TAYLOR (Duran Duran)
6/21: RAY DAVIES (The Kinks), NILS LOFGRIN (Grin/E Street Band)
6/22: STEVEN PAGE (Barenaked Ladies), TODD RUNDGREN, CATIE CURTIS, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, MIKE EDWARDS (Jesus Jones), HOWARD KAYLAN (Turtles/Mothers)
6/23: JUNE CARTER CASH
6/24: MICK FLEETWOOD (Fleetwood Mac), CURT SMITH (Tears For Fears), JEFF BECK, ASTRO (UB40), COLIN BLUNSTONE (The Zombies)
6/25: TIM FINN (Split Enz/Crowded House/The Finn Brothers), CARLY SIMON, IAN McDONALD (King Crimson)
6/26: CHRIS ISAAK, MICK JONES (The Clash, Big Audio Dynamite), GEORGIE FAME, HARRIET WHEELER (The Sundays), TERRI NUNN (Berlin)
6/27: LEIGH NASH (Six Pence None The Richer), DOC POMUS, BRUCE JOHNSTON (The Beach Boys)
6/28: RICHARD RODGERS
6/29: COLIN HAY (Men At Work)
6/30: DAVE VAN RONK
7/1: DEBBIE HARRY (Blondie), FRED SCHNEIDER (B-52's), DAN ACKROYD (Blues Brothers), DELANEY BRAMLETT, JAMES COTTON
7/2: MICHELLE BRANCH, PAUL WILLIAMS (The Temptations)
7/3: PAUL BARRERE (Little Feat), "MISSISSIPPI" JOHN HURT
7/4: BILL WITHERS, JEREMY SPENCER (Fleetwood Mac), JOHN WAITE
7/5: ROBBIE ROBERTSON, MARC COHN, HUEY LEWIS, SMILEY LEWIS
7/6: NANCI GRIFFITH, BILL HALEY (Bill Haley and The Comets)
7/7: RINGO STARR (The Beatles)
7/8: JOAN OSBOURNE, BECK, LOUIS JORDAN
7/9: COURTNEY LOVE (Hole), JIM KERR (Simple Minds), MARK ALMOND (Soft Cell), MITCH MITCHELL (Jimi Hendrix Experience)
7/10: ARLO GUTHRIE, BELA FLECK, NEIL TENNANT (Pet Shop Boys)
7/11: SUZANNE VEGA, MICHAEL ROSE (Black Uhuru), BLIND LEMON JEFFERSON
7/12: CHRISTINE McVIE (Fleetwood Mac)
7/13: RODGER McGUINN (The Byrds)
7/14: WOODY GUTHRIE, TANYA DONELLY (Belly)
7/15: LINDA RONSTADT, JOE SATRIANI, TREVOR HORN (The Buggles), JOHNNY THUNDERS (The New York Dolls)
7/16: STEWART COPELAND (Police), ED KOWALCZYK (Live), DESMOND DEKKER, NORMAN COOK (Fatboy Slim)
7/17: SPENCER DAVIS, PHOEBE SNOW, NICOLETTE LARSON
7/18: RICKY SCAGGS, MARTHA REEVES (Martha And The Vandellas), SCREAMIN' JAY HAWKINS, BRIAN AUGER (Brian Auger's Oblivion Express)
7/19: BRIAN MAY (Queen), BERNIE LEADON (Eagles), KEITH GODCHAUX (Grateful Dead), ALLEN COLLINS (Lynerd Skynerd)
7/20: CARLOS SANTANA, STONE GOSSARD (Pearl Jam/Brad), CHRIS CORNELL (Soundgarden), JOHN LODGE (Moody Blues)
7/21: CAT STEVENS, HOWIE EPSTEIN (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers)
7/22: EMILY SALIERS (Indigo Girls), RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, DON HENLEY (Eagles), GEORGE CLINTON (Paliament/Funkadelic)
7/23: ALISON KRAUSE, DAVID ESSEX
7/24: NO BIRTHDAYS TO REPORT
7/25: STEVE GOODMAN, THURSTON MOORE (Sonic Youth)
7/26: MICK JAGGER
7/27: PETE YORN, JULIANA HATFIELD, KARL MUELLER (Soul Asylum), KIM FOWLEY
7/28: RICK WRIGHT (Pink Floyd), MIKE BLOOMFIELD, JONATHON EDWARDS
7/29: PATTY SCIAFA (E Street Band), GEDDY LEE (Rush)
7/30: KATE BUSH, BUDDY GUY, DAVID SANBORN, PAUL ANKA
7/31: BILL BERRY (R.E.M.), DANIEL ASH (Love & Rockets), JIM CORR (The Corrs), Bob Welch (Fleetwood Mac)
12/10:
J MASCIS (born Joseph D. Mascis) (Lead singer and guitarist with Amherst, Mass '90s grunge band Dinosaur Jr. and J Mascis & the Fog; "Start Choppin'") Born in 1965.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/10:
In 1967, Otis Redding and several members of his band died when their plane crashed into a lake near near Madison, Wisconsin. His biggest hit, "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay," was released just three days earlier. Otis Redding was 26.
In 1975, The Who were awarded a Gold record for the album The Who By Numbers.
In 1984, The all-star group assembled by Bob Geldof, Band-Aid released "Do They Know It's Christmas?". The proceeds went to Ethiopian famine relief. Geldof would later receive knighthood back home in Britain for his efforts.
In 1989, The Stranger by Billy Joel was the number one album in the country.
In 1998, Bruce Springsteen was victorious in a $4 million court battle to prevent the release of an album of his early recordings.
In 1999, Rock & roll deejay Alan Freed was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was the first to widely use the term rock & roll, a phrase which would eventually make it into the dictionary.
In 1999, Rick Danko, bass player for The Band, died in his sleep in Woodstock, New York, one day after celebrating his 56th birthday.
In 2001, "Let's Roll" by Neil Young arrived at radio stations. He penned the tune after hearing the story of the passengers on United's Flight 93 who fought back against their hijackers but died with them in that Pennsylvania field. The plane went down not long after passenger Todd Beamer led others in an attempt to take on the hijackers. His last words over the cell phone were, "Let's Roll." Young had read the story about Beamer in the local newspaper and immediately wrote and released the song.
12/11:
BIG MAMA THORNTON (born Willie Mae Thornton) (Big, beltin' blues mama; wrote "Hound Dog" and "Ball And Chain") Born in 1926 in Montgomery, Alabama. Died in July 25, 1984, in Los Angeles.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC (12/11):
In 1957, 22-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis secretly wed his third wife, 13-year-old third cousin Myra Brown, in Tennessee. It would not be a good career move.
In 1960, Aretha Franklin made her New York stage debut performing blues and standards at the Village Vanguard.
In 1964, One-time Gospel singer and highly popular and influential R&B/pop singer Sam Cooke died under sordid and mysterious circumstances. What exactly happened will probably never be revealed or become clear, but the tragedy involved an illicit sexual tryst at a motel gone wrong, with the irate manager of the establishment shooting a supposedly enraged and out-of-control Cooke. His wholesome persona was besmirched by the scandalous event, but his memorable sweet, soul songs live on.
In 1965, Ray Charles' version of a Buck Owens' "Cryin' Time" became Ray's 44th chart entry; it stayed on the singles chart for 15 weeks, topping out at #6.
In 1971, The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, released his 32nd album, Revolution Of The Mind. Its opening track had a title only J.B. could have concocted, "It's A Brand New Day So Open Up The Door And Let A Man Come In To Do The Popcorn." He was surpassed years later with the never-to-be topped 90-word title of Fiona Apple's second album.
In 1971, Later known as the "ketchup song," "Anticipation" by Carly Simon was released.
In 1972, Genesis played their first American engagement at Brandeis University in Massachusetts. Appearing were Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Steve Hackett, Mike Rutherford and Tony Banks.
In 1976, The breakthrough album for Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Night Moves, was released. It would go on to sell five million copies.
In 1988, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Graham Nash and Bonnie Raitt paid homage to the recently deceased Roy Orbison with a benefit show at L.A.'s Wiltern Theatre.
In 2002, Moby was assulted after a show at Boston's Paradise Club. He was attacked by three assailants with mace and beaten for reasons unknown.
12/12
FRANK SINATRA (born Francis Albert Sinatra) (Ole' Blue Eyes aka The Chairman Of The Board and leader of the "Rat Pack"; perhaps the greatest interpreter and reviver of interest in the Great American Songbook [Porter, Kern, Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart], crooner, actor, immortal figure and '40s-'90s pop/jazz legend; his latter-day pop hits included "Something Stupid," "Strangers In The Night," "That's Life," "New York, New York") Born in 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey. Died May 14, 1998, in Los Angeles, of cardiac arrest.
DICKEY BETTS (born Forrest Richard Betts) (Best known as one of the original twin lead guitarists - along with Duane Allman - in The Allman Brothers Band; Dickey wrote the band's biggest hit, "Ramblin' Man"; in and out of the band since the early '70s; solo albums and Dickey Betts and Great Southern; "Revival," "Blue Sky," "Jessica," "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed," "California Blues") Born in 1943 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
GROVER WASHINGTON, JR. (Veteran soulful fusion or Smooth Jazz saxophonist; "Just the two of Us" [with Bill Withers on vocals]) Born in 1943 in Buffalo, New York. Died on December 17, 1999, in New York.
CY CURNIN (Leader of hit '80s Brit band The Fixx; "Stand Or Fall," "Red Skies," "One Thing Leads To Another") Born in 1957.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/12
In 1964, One of the all-time golden nuggets was released as the Phil Spector-produced "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," by The Righteous Brothers (Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield) hit the record stores.
In 1967, A London Appeals Court rescinded Rolling Stone Brian Jones' nine-month sentence for marijuana possession when they determined, based on testimony from several shrinks, that Jones was an "extremely frightened young man" and could not withstand nine months of incarceration.
In 1970, A comedy of errors or misconceptions took place as charges of "larceny by trick" were filed against Little Richard in Miami Beach by Blacks, Inc., a black advocacy and self-help group that claimed the rock icon pocketed $250. he had solicited for the group. Richard said that all he wanted was a receipt and he would return their dough. The charges were later dropped.
In 1970, Stephen Stills' be-here-now hippie love anthem and bestseller, "Love The One You're With," was released.
In 1973, Emerson Lake & Palmer snickered after their Brain Salad Surgery album went Gold. The term was apparently Brit slang for oral sex.
In 1976, The Rolling Stones began work on what would become their Black & Blue album. It marked the departure of guitarist Mick Taylor, who'd replaced the late Brian Jones five years previously. Several excellent guitarists auditioned and actually wound up being heard on the album, including Harvey Mandel, Wayne Perkins and Ronnie Wood; Ronnie would eventually get the gig on a permanent basis. At the time, Mick Jagger quipped, "No doubt we can find a brilliant six-foot-three blond guitarist who can do his own make-up."
In 1980, Devo's "Whip It" became a Gold record. Accused of being an ode to self-flagellation, the song, in truth, according to group member Gerald Casale, was a motivational "can-do, self-help song. Whip it, as in whip it into shape."
In 1997, John Fogerty played the first of two nights at the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank. He played for two and a half hours, performing Creedence Clearwater Revival classics in addition to a number of tracks from his new disc, Blue Moon Swamp.
In 2001, David Bowie announced that he was quitting his longtime record label, Virgin, to start a new imprint record label, ISO. At 54, the "thin white duke" explained it away in a statement, "I've had one too many years of bumping heads with corporate structure."
12/13:
JEFFREY "SKUNK" BAXTER (Veteran guitarist, best known for his work in the early-mid '70s with Steely Dan and later as a Doobie Brother [he and Michael McDonald helped revamp the Doobies' sound], but has worked on innumerable sessions from Dolly Parton to Freddie Hubbard; has produced albums by Livingston Taylor and Memphis soul queen Carla Thomas; a whiz kid, Baxter has actually served as a consulting Defense Analyst for the Bush Sr. administration; "Reeling In The Years," "Do It Again," "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," "Pretzel Logic," "Black Water," "Minute By Minute," "What A Fool Believes") Born in 1948 in Washington, DC.
TOM VERLAINE (born Thomas Miller) (Lead guitarist and songwriter for highly acclaimed Velvet Underground-influenced NYC '70s punk band Television; also solo albums; Tom took the last name of the French Symbolist poet; collaborated with Patti Smith on poetry book, The Night) Born in 1949 in Wilmington, Delaware.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/13
In 1966, Jimi Hendrix made his TV debut on Britain's Ready Steady Go! Marc Bolan (T. Rex) was on the same show.
In 1974, George Harrison met President Gerald Ford at the White House. Harrison was invited there after the Chief Executive's son Jack met Harrison backstage at a Salt Lake City concert.
In 1975, David Bowie's "Golden Years" was released.
In 1976, Robin Trower, the former lead guitarist for Procol Harum and disciple of Jimi Hendrix, received a Gold record for his fifth solo effort, Long Misty Days.
In 1976, Just three days after its release, Paul McCartney & Wings' triple-album live Wings Over America went Gold.
In 1985, Phil Collins made his U.S. television acting debut portraying a drug dealer on Miami Vice.
In 1986, Bruce Hornsby zoomed to #1 with his second single, "The Way It Is."
In 1988, Bruce Springsteen's divorce from Portland, Oregon, model/actress Julianne Phillips became final.
In 1993, Guns N' Roses lead guitarist Slash joined Billy Joel onstage in L.A. for Joel's tune, "Shameless."
In 1996, The popular and acclaimed Tom Cruise movie Jerry McGuire opened. Eagles singer/guitarist Glenn Frey had a small role.
In 2003, After an amazing 93 weeks on the Billboard album chart, Norah Jones' Come Away With Me remained parked at the #40 position.
12/14:
MIKE SCOTT (Singer, songwriter with The Waterboys; solo artist; "The Whole of the Moon," "Fisherman's Blues") Born in 1958 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
JANE BIRKIN (British singer/actress immortalized for her orgasmic moaning and mutterings in French on the one-off 1969 international novelty hit "Je T'Aime…Moi Non Plus," recorded under name of Serge Gainsbourg) Born in 1946 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/14
In 1959, Rock & roll was the overwhelming favorite of 14-18 year-olds, while most people aged 19-70 named it as their least favorite music.
In 1963, R&B/blues/pop legend Dinah Washington died of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. From the mid-'40s, and her start with Lionel Hampton, to her untimely passing, she had been a critical and popular favorite.
In 1967, The popular deejay and TV host Dick Clark announced that he was making a film about hippies, The Love Children, which would star Jack Nicholson, Dean Stockwell and Susan Strasberg, and feature the music of The Strawberry Alarm Clock and The Seeds. Ah, yes, another cinematic masterpiece was coming to fruition.
In 1968, After busting the Top 10 a few times, Marvin Gaye finally scored his first #1 single with "I Heard It Through The Grapevine."
In 1968, Iron Butterfly's epic dirge, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" went Gold. The 18-minute long, bass-riffing track was a classic back in the days of early progressive FM radio.
In 1972, Ringo became a movie producer. His film about T. Rex's Marc Bolan, Born To Boogie, opened in London.
In 1974, David Crosby and Graham Nash performed in San Francisco at a benefit concert for the United Farm Workers union and Project Jonah, a whale protection organization.
In 1977, The John Travolta movie, Saturday Night Fever, accelerated the popularity of disco music with a soundtrack chock full of dance hits by The Bee Gees, Kool & The Gang and KC & The Sunshine Band, among others. A disco backlash of sorts would soon follow.
In 1980, At the request of Yoko Ono, at 2pm Eastern Standard Time, John Lennon fans spanning the globe honored his memory with 10 minutes of silent prayer. In New York City alone, 100,000 converged in Central Park for the occasion.
In 1985, James Taylor married actress Kathryn Walker.
In 1999, Paul McCartney, joined by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Deep Purple's Ian Paice, played the Cavern Club for the first time since the early Beatles days. The concert was netcast live over the internet and attracted some 50 million hits.
In 2002, U2 and Paul McCartney announce that they are confirmed to play in New Orleans at the upcoming Superbowl XXXVI halftime show on February 3. In addition, the Barenaked Ladies and No Doubt were slated to perform at the Fox Tailgate Party in the stadium's parking lot.
12/15PAUL SIMONON (Longtime bass player for The Clash; recorded one album with Gary Myrick as Havana 3 A.M. before he returned to his painting; raised in working-class Brixton, he met Mick Jones in art school; "London Calling," "Train In Vain," "Rock The Casbah," "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?") Born in 1955 in London.
JOHN HAMMOND, SR. (born John Henry Hammond, Jr.) (Columbia Records talent scout, producer; involved in the discovery and development of Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Charlie Christian, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen; father of blues musician John Hammond) Born in 1910 in New York. Died on July 10, 1987 in New York.
CARMINE APPICE (Drummer for Vanilla Fudge, Cactus and the short-lived [Jeff] Beck, Bogart & Appice; "Superstition") Born in 1946 in Staten Island.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/15
In 1957, Sammy Davis, Jr., inaugurated a syndicated radio talk show with a round-table discussion of rock & roll. Sam's guests were Columbia Records' big-wig and producer, Mitch Miller and MGM Records President, Arnold Maxim. When Davis and Miller smugly denounced rock as "the comic books of music" (and Miller had a lot of nerve, as he had helped usher in rock & roll with his mediocre pop hits of the early '50s), Maxim disagreed, saying, "I don't see any end to rock & roll in the near future." In its various permutations, it has proven to be the longest-lived form in the history of pop music.
In 1959, In milestones of sorts, The Everly Brothers pulled a pair of personal firsts. They recorded in New York and were backed by a string section when they cut "Let It Be Me."
In 1967, The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour went Gold.
In 1968, Performing with the Jefferson Airplane on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Grace Slick appeared in blackface and raised a black leather glove in the black power salute at the conclusion of "Crown Of Creation." It was one of the incidents that led to corporate axing the show the following season.
In 1977, The Who performed a "secret" concert for longstanding members of their fan club at London's Shepperton Studios. Much of the footage wound up in the Who documentary, The Kids Are Alright.
In 1977, Two days before they were scheduled to appear on Saturday Night Live, their first American television appearance and the launch of their U.S. tour, the Sex Pistols were denied entry to the U.S. due to a visa problem.
In 1979, "Another Brick In The Wall" by Pink Floyd made it to #1 in the U.K. It would later repeat the feat here in the U.S.
In 1988, "The Godfather of Soul," James Brown, was sentenced to a six-year jail term for leading police on a late-night, two state car pursuit.
In 2001, R&B star Rufus Thomas ("Walking the Dog") died in Memphis. He was 84.
12/16:ROBBEN FORD (Talented jazz/blues guitar player and singer who has worked with Joni Mitchell, The Yellowjackets, George Harrison, Miles Davis and Tom Scott, among many others; solo career; "Talk To Your Daughter," "Ghosts," "I'm a Real Man," "Keep On Running," "Badge") Born in 1951 in Ukiah, California.
BILLY GIBBONS (Longtime guitarist with ZZ Top; highly regarded electric blues picker, even Jimi Hendrix was an admirer; "La Grange," "Legs," "Tush," "Under Pressure," "Sharp Dressed Man") Born in 1949 in Houston, Texas.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/16
In 1965, The Beatles released a terrific two-hit single with "Day Tripper" on one side and "We Can Work It Out" on the other.
In 1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience released their first single, "Hey Joe."
In 1970, In a single day, five singles and five albums by Creedence Clearwater Revival were certified Gold. The singles were "Down On The Corner," "Lookin' Out My Backdoor," "Travelin' Band," "Bad Moon Risin'" and "Up Around The Bend." The long-players were Cosmo's Factory, Willy & The Poor Boys, Green River, Bayou Country and their debut, Creedence Clearwater Revival.
In 1974, Mick Taylor revealed in a press release that he was departing The Rolling Stones after a five-year run, stating that "he felt it was the time to move on and do something new."
In 1974, Mott The Hoople (Ian Hunter, Mick Ralphs and company) announced that they were over as a band.
In 1988, the first album by The Traveling Wilburys broke into the Top Ten of the album chart.
In 1991, Chubby Checker filed a lawsuit against McDonalds in Canada seeking $14 million in reparation for the unauthorized use of a simulation of his voice in a commercial.
In 1997, Singer/songwriter Nicolette Larson died from brain swelling at age 45. She was best known for her Top Ten hit of Neil Young's "Lotta Love," which she lent backing vocals to on his 1978 Comes A Time album.
In 2001, Stuart Adamson, lead vocalist of Big County, was found dead in a Honolulu hotel room after disappearing from his Nashville home a month earlier. He had been battling alcoholism for many years.
12/17:MIKE MILLS (Longtime bass player for '80s/'90s superstars, R.E.M.; also recorded the 1990 record
Hindu Love Gods with Peter Buck, Bill Berry and Warren Zevon; grew up in Macon, GA; "Radio Free Europe," "So. Central Rain," "Fall On Me," "The One I Love," "Stand," "Pop Song 89," "Losing My Religion," "Shiny Happy People," "Drive," "Man On The Moon," "Everybody Hurts," "What's The Frequency, Kenneth?" "Bang And Blame," "It's The End Of The World As We Know It [And I Feel Fine]," "Bad Day," "Animal," "Leaving New York," "Aftermath") Born in 1958 in Orange, California.
PAUL BUTTERFIELD ('60s/'70s blues star from Chicago, best known for his tenure as guitarist, vocals and harmonica for the Paul Butterfield Blues Band; a teenage Butterfield hung out on Chicago's South Side clubs playing with Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush and other legends before joining up with University of Chicago classmate Elvin Bishop; "Born In Chicago," "Walking Blues," "It All Comes Back," "East-West," "In My Own Dream") Born in 1942 in Chicago. Died on May 4, 1987, of a drug overdose in Hollywood, California.
ART NEVILLE (Keyboard player and vocalist for The Neville Brothers and The Meters; oldest of the four brothers from the prominent New Orleans R&B family; "Tell It Like It Is," "Hey Pocky Way," "Yellow Moon," "Brother John," "Congo Square" ) Born in 1937 in New Orleans.
PAUL RODGERS (Distinctive husky-voiced lead vocalist for Free in the '60s and '70s and later with Bad Company in the '70s and '80s and The Firm with Jimmy Page in the '80s; "Fire And Water," "All Right Now," "Ready For Love," "Can't Get Enough," "Feel Like Makin' Love," "Rock And Roll Fantasy," "Radioactive") Born in 1949 in Middlesborough, England.
EDDIE KENDRICKS (Legendary vocalist for '60s/'70s sensations, The Temptations; solo career; The Temps were one of a handful of Motown acts that received airplay on early progressive FM radio; the band had an amazing 37 hit singles; "Ball Of Confusion," "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," "Just My Imagination," "I Wish It Would Rain," "My Girl," "Keep On Truckin'," "Boogie Down") Born in 1939 in Union Springs, Alabama. Died of lung cancer on October 5 in Birmingham, Alabama.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/17
In 1955, With their song "Only You" already at #2, The Platters' "The Great Pretender" debuted on the R&B chart at #13.
In 1966, The Four Tops' "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" began a 10-week run on the charts, entering the Top 10.
In 1969, The bizarre Tiny Tim married Miss Vicky on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.
In 1970, The Beach Boys performed for Princess Margaret at London's Royal Albert Hall.
In 1977, At the last minute, Elvis Costello And The Attractions were scheduled to appear on Saturday Night Live in place of the Sex Pistols, who are unable to gain a visa to enter the country. SNL Producer Lorne Michaels asked Costello to not play "Radio, Radio" (because of the song's roasting of '70s corporate rock radio). Costello launched into a few seconds of "Less Than Zero," then abruptly broke into a full version of "Radio, Radio." Michaels was not amused and banned Costello from SNL for years.
In 1982, The Who performed at what was billed as the "last concert of our farewell tour" at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The show was simulcast nationally on pay-per-view satellite/cable TV to closed-circuit arena outlets.
In 1986, Paul and Linda McCartney were not injured after their limo caught fire as they were headed to a TV taping in Newcastle, England.
In 1999, Keith Richards decided to keep a guitar from an autograph seeker at his birthday party at the Russian Tea Room in New York. The owner of the guitar shrugs it off with, "It's Keith, man."
12/18:
KEITH RICHARDS (The venerable, seemingly indestructible guitarist and, with Mick, co-songwriter of the World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band, The Rolling Stones, for 40 years; dubbed Mr. Rock & Roll, The Riff King and one of The Glimmer Twins; Jagger initially met Richards in Primary School and they hooked up later as mutual fans of American blues and R&B; he supposedly dreamt the basic musical structure of “[I Can’t Get No] Satisfaction” and woke up in time to jot it down; other accomplishments, aside from still being alive, include various solo albums; “Tell Me,” “The Last Time,” “[I Can’t Get No] Satisfaction,” “Get Off Of My Cloud,” “As Tears Go By,” “Mother’s Little Helper,” “Have You Seen Your Mother Baby, Standing In The Shadow,” “Paint It Black,” “Under My Thumb,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Let’s Spend The Night Together,” “Dandelion,” “She’s A Rainbow,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Live With Me,” “Monkey Man,” “Let It Bleed,” “Honky Tonk Women,” “Sympathy For The Devil,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Brown Sugar,” “Wild Horses,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” “Happy,” “Tumbling Dice,” “Heartbreaker,” “It’s Only Rock ’N Roll,” “Start Me Up,” “Waiting On A Friend,” “You Don’t Move,” “Take It So Hard”) Born in 1943 in Dartford, Kent, England.
CHAS CHANDLER (Bass player for The Animals; producer and manager; instrumental in Jimi Hendrix's early success) Born in 1938 in Heaton, Tyne & Wear, England. Died July 17, 1996, in Tyneside, England.
THIS DAY IN music: 12/18
In 1961, Chubby Checker's version of “The Twist” had been on the singles chart at this point for 23 weeks, longer than any other record.
In 1964, Funeral services for Sam Cooke were held in Chicago with hundreds of fans noisily converged on the A.R. Leak Funeral Home, where Cooke lay in repose. Sam Cooke's legacy included the rich catalog of “Cupid,” “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” “Havin' A Party,” “Twistin' The Night Away,” and “Wonderful World.”
In 1965, Stevie Wonder made his second trip to the Top 10 with his single “Uptight.” It entered the chart on this day, staying there for 14 weeks, and peaking at #3.
In 1968, John and Yoko appeared (sort of) at "An Alchemical Wedding" at the Underground Club in London. They were both onstage but not visible, crawling along inside a large white bag. It was the beginning of what Yoko called "Baggism."
In 1969, A New York Times article proclaimed that the youth audience in America was accountable for 75% of the $1 billion spent annually on recorded music. In the same issue, John’s and Yoko's War Is Over full page ad appeared.
In 1971, One of Joe Tex's biggest hits, “I Gotcha,” was released. A contributing factor to the success of the song was Joe's slurred delivery of the line "told you not to play with my affection," which caused millions of teenaged girls to misinterpret the last word.
In 1974, Kris Kristofferson received his second Gold record for “Me And Bobby McGee,” the title track of a four year-old album. The song, of course, had become a million-seller for the late Janis Joplin.
In 1976, The album Fly Like An Eagle by Steve Miller was released. Over two decades later, the U.S. postal service would use the record’s title track in their TV commercial campaign.
In 1979, The Joy Division played what would be their only gig ever in Paris when they appeared at the Les Bains Club.
In 1981, A sizable crowd around the world, estimated at 35 million, watched Rod Stewart go through his paces during a concert televised via satellite from the Forum in L.A. The show featured guest appearances by Kim Carnes and Tina Turner. The latter joined Rod the Mod on “Hot Legs” and “Get Back.”
In 1988, Mike Peters of The Alarm had to be hospitalized after his retinas were nearly fried by spotlights during a performance in Chester, England. The remainder of dates in the tour had to be cancelled.
In 2000, British singer/songwriter Kirsty MacColl was killed in a boating accident off the coast of Mexico. She was 41.
12/19:
PHIL OCHS (Mid-'60s protest folk-rocker and singer/songwriter; "Draft Dodger Rag," "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore," "Outside A Small Circle Of Friends") Born in El Paso, Texas in 1940. Committed suicide in 1976 in Far Rockaway, New York.
JOHN McKUEN (Key member of '60s/'70s country-rock legends, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, also the L.A. String Lizards; banjo, fiddle, mandolin, steel guitar, vocals; got his start in the Dirt Band replacing a young Jackson Browne in 1965; he taught comedian Steve Martin how to play the banjo; "Buy for Me the Rain," big hit with cover of Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles," "Will the Circle Be Unbroken") Born in 1945 in Garden Grove, California.
ALVIN LEE (Ace guitarist for late-'60s/early-'70s Brit rock band Ten Years After, renowned for their performance of guitar-jam classic "Goin' Home" at original Woodstock; now resides in Nashville where he continues to record solo; "I'd Love To Change The World") Born in 1944 in Nottingham, England.
PROFESSOR LONGHAIR (born Henry Roeland Byrd) (One of the originals; New Orleans blues pianist; big influence on Fats Domino and Dr. John) Born in 1918 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Died January 30, 1980, in New Orleans.
MAURICE WHITE (Singer, songwriter, drummer, producer; founder of soul/pop band Earth Wind & Fire) Born in 1941 in Memphis.
ZALN YANOVSKY (born Zalman Yanovsky) guitarist, singer with the Mugwumps with John Phillips and Mama Cass, but better known for his stint with the late-'60s era hit band Lovin' Spoonful) Born in 1944 in Toronto. Died of a heart attack on December 13, 2002.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/19
In 1955, At Sun Studios in Memphis, Carl Perkins recorded one of his biggest hits (and one of Elvis's), "Blue Suede Shoes." Perkins version would make it to #2 on the charts.
In 1962, A great batch of talent from Detroit was presented at the Tamla/Motown Rock & Roll Show at the Apollo Theatre in New York City. The 10-day engagement featured Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Mary Wells and The Contours.
In 1969, Mick Jagger was fined approximately $400 at Marlborough Magistrates Court for possession of weed.
In 1970, Mike Curb, head of MGM Records and future lieutenant governor of California, was commended by President Nixon for purging his label roster of artists who supposedly promoted drug use.
In 1975, C.W. McCall scored a Gold record for the pop radio hit, "Convoy," a novelty tune revolving around interstate truckers and their run-ins with the long arm of the law. A huge hit, the song helped introduce CB radio lingo into the mainstream. That's a big 'ten-four,' good buddy.
In 1981, The final concert of The Rolling Stone's 1981 U.S. tour took place in Hampton, Virginia. It was viewed by thousands upon thousands when it was shown via cable.
In 1987, Singer/songwriter Paul Simon hosted Saturday Night Live simultaneously with the then-presidential candidate who bore the same name.
In 1987, Michael Clarke, the original drummer with The Byrds and a creative force in country-rock, died of liver failure at the of age 49.
In 2000, The Manic Street Preachers played their last series of concerts before the disappearance of band member, Richie James.
In 2000, Robert Buck, the guitarist and founding member of 10,000 Maniacs, died of liver failure.
12/20:
CHRIS ROBINSON ('80s/'90s blues-rock star, emerged as leader and vocalist of the now defunct Black Crowes; solo artist; "Hard To Handle," "Jealous Again," "She Talks To Angels," "Remedy," "Thorn In My Pride," "Safe In The Arms Of Love") Born in 1966 in Atlanta.
BILLY BRAGG (born Steven William Bragg) (Brit political punk-folk singer/songwriter; leader of The Blokes; collaborated with Wilco on two collections of Woody Guthrie lyrics which they set to music, Mermaid Avenue, Volumes One and Two; "She's Leaving Home," "California Stars") Born in 1957 in Barking, Essex, England.
ALAN PARSONS (Producer/engineer, songwriter; worked on two of the biggest rock albums of all time: the 1969 Beatles' album, Abbey Road, and the 1972 Pink Floyd album, Dark Side Of The Moon; formed the Alan Parsons Project in 1975 and enjoyed a couple of spacey rock/pop hits; In the 1999 hit comedy film Austin Powers, comedian Mike Myers referred to his villain's death ray as "The Alan Parsons Project"; "I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You," "Games People Play," "Time," "Eye In The Sky," "I Robot") Born in 1949 in England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/20
In 1957, Greetings from Uncle sam: Elvis received his draft notice.
In 1967, In Blackpool, England, singer Ian Anderson and bassist Glenn Cornick, recently departed from the John Evans Blues Band, formed a group called Jethro Tull. They named themselves after an 18th Century inventor of various farm implements. Evans later joined the group as keyboard player.
In 1967, The Hollies released "He Ain't Heavy (He's My Brother)."
In 1969, Peter Paul & Mary shot to #1 with their single "Leaving On A Jet Plane," a John Denver composition.
In 1969, One of the great Rolling Stones albums, Let It Bleed, highlighted by "Midnight Rambler," "Gimme Shelter" and "You Can't Always Get What You Want," hit #1 on the album charts.
In 1973, Bobby Darin, one of the few teen idols of the '50s to ride out of the storms of the '60s and early '70s with relative aplomb, died of heart failure during his second open heart surgery. He was only 37 and left behind 14 Top 20 hits recorded between 1958 and 1966, the biggest of which was doubtless the Sinatra-like "Mack The Knife."
In 1975, Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover" hit the airwaves.
In 1975, Joe Walsh lent his considerable guitar prowess to the Eagles when he replaced Bernie Leadon.
In 1980, 12 days following the assassination of John Lennon, "Just Like Starting Over" became the former Beatle's first U.K. #1.
In 1992, One of the great legends of the blues, guitarist Albert King, passed on.
In 1999, Influential Canadian Country/Americana legend, Eugene Clarence "Hank" Snow ("I'm Movin' On"), died at his home in Nashville. He was 85.
12/21:FRANK ZAPPA (born Francis Vincent Zappa Jr.) (Popular avant-garde satirical rock and jazz guitarist and composer who emerged in the mid '60s as band leader of early FM rock radio favorite, The Mothers Of Invention and the Grand Wazoo Orchestra; producer of more than 80 albums with titles such as
Freak Out!,
Absolutely Free,
We're Only In It For The Money [a parody of The Beatles'
Sgt. Pepper],
Weasels Ripped My Flesh,
Lumpy Gravy,
Over-Night Sensation and countless others; grew up in the Southern CA high desert town of Lancaster; father of Dweezil and Moon Unit Zappa; gave early jobs to Lowell George, Steve Vai and Adrian Belew and discovered Captain Beefheart and '70s superstar Alice Cooper; testified in congress against music censorship; "America Drinks And Goes Home," "Brown Shoes Don't Make It," "Wowie Zowie," "Peaches And Regalia," "Willie the Pimp," "Camarillo Brillo," "I'm the Slime," "Don't Eat the Yellow Snow," "Valley Girl" [a 1982 hit with daughter Moon Unit], "Joe's Garage") Born in 1940 in Baltimore. Died of prostrate cancer at age 52 on December 4, 1993, in Los Angeles.
CARL WILSON (Singer, guitarist and founding member of The Beach Boys along with brothers Brian and Dennis, a band that has sold over 66 million records worldwide; Carl resisted the nostalgia and quit the band in 1981 to record two solo albums; sang lead on "Good Vibrations," "God Only Knows," "Girl Don't Tell Me," "Wild Honey," "Darlin,'" "Surfer Girl") Born in Hawthorne, California, in 1946. Died of cancer on February 6, 1998, in Los Angeles.
ALBERT LEE (Best known as longtime picker for Emmylou Harris in her Hot Band in the '70s; started out as guitarist in early '70s Brit pop/funk band Head, Hands & Feet, recorded with Eric Clapton in the '80s; solo albums) Born in 1943 in Leominster, England.
BETTY WRIGHT ('70s and '80s R&B/gospel singer; "Where Is The Love?" "Clean Up Woman," What Are You Gonna Do With It" [1981 collaboration with Stevie Wonder]) Born in 1953 in Miami.
CARLA THOMAS ('60s Stax Records star and Memphis's reigning Queen Of Soul before Aretha Franklin arrived on the scene; currently resides in Nashville; "B-A-B-Y," "Tramp" [with Otis Redding], "I Like What You're Doing To Me") Born in 1942 in Memphis.
GABRIELLE GLASER (Singer and guitarist for all-female band Luscious Jackson) Born in 1966.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/21
In 1966, Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys received a well-deserved Gold record for their innovative work on the goose bump-producing hit single "Good Vibrations."
In 1967, The Rolling Stones' not entirely successful foray into psychedelia, Their Satanic Majesties Request, was released. To this day, it is among Mick's least favorite albums. The band returned to the basics for the next album, with the release of the bluesy Beggars Banquet.
In 1968, Crosby Stills & Nash performed publicly for the first time. Their previous harmonizing had taken place in Joni Mitchell's Laurel Canyon house.
In 1969, Diana Ross made her final appearance as a member of The Supremes on The Ed Sullivan Show.
In 1970, Three new albums turned Gold, Traffic's reunion disc, John Barleycorn Must Die, the original British studio recording of Jesus Christ Superstar and Judy Collins' In My Life.
In 1970, In his quest to become an honorary undercover agent for the DEA and do his bit for the never-ending war on drugs, Elvis was invited to the White House to offer his services to President Richard Nixon. Reportedly under the influence of heavy prescription barbiturates, the king gave the tricky one a chrome-plated Colt .45 pistol. In exchange, Nixon gave Presley a Narcotics Bureau badge. A remarkable photo commemorating the occasion remains.
In 1974, The Doobie Brothers released what would be their biggest hit to radio, "Black Water."
In 1979, Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles joined forces for a benefit concert for California governor Jerry Brown's bid for nomination as the next presidential candidate. The event, held at the San Diego Sports Arena, was followed by a second fund-raiser at the Aladdin Theatre in Vegas. Ronstadt, incidentally, was the governor's girlfriend at the time.
In 1989, Carlos Santana and his wife had a daughter named Angelica Faith.
12/22:
RICK NIELSEN (Guitarist, chief songwriter for Cheap Trick, mega-selling late-'70s/early-'80s rock/pop band formed in 1974 in Rockford, Illinois; "I Want You To Want Me," "Surrender," "The Dream Police," "The Flame") Born in 1948 in Rockford, Illinois.
MAURICE GIBB and ROBIN GIBB (The twin brothers of The Bee Gees, a band that produced some quality pop songs in the late '60s and early '70s, including "Holiday," "I Started A Joke," "To Love Somebody" and "I Gotta Get A Message To You" before they entered their Saturday Night Fever-induced disco phase with songs like "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever") Born in 1949 on the Isle Of Man, England. Maurice died of cardiac arrest on January 12, 2003.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/22:
In 1956, Elvis had the most charting singles of the year with a total count of 17. Pat Boone was a distant second with five, followed by Fats Domino, Little Richard and The Platters with three each.
In 1962, The other-worldly sounding "Telstar" by The Tornadoes became the first record by a British group to make it to the top spot on the American singles chart. The inspiration for the instrumental was the launching of the Telstar communications satellite in July.
In 1968, Leonard Bernstein, famed composer and conductor for the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, proclaimed his enthusiasm for the New York Rock & Roll Ensemble, a group that combined elements of both rock and classical.
In 1969, John and Yoko convened for one hour with Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in Ottawa. Earlier that day, they had discussed urban drug issues with the Canadian Minister of Health.
In 1975, Ike and Tina Turner were relieved of some $86,000 when a thief absconded with a suitcase containing concert receipts.
In 1976, Motor City rocker Bob Seger continued his ascendance to major stardom as his in-concert album, Live Bullet, went Gold. The record featured souped-up versions of many of his earlier songs.
In 1978, Onetime Faces drummer Kenney Jones became the permanent replacement for the recently deceased Keith Moon in The Who—definitely a tough act to follow.
In 1979, Paul McCartney, The Who, The Clash, Elvis Costello, Rockpile and many others performed at the first of three concerts to benefit the people of Kampuchea. The venue was London's Hammersmith Odeon.
In 1981, An auction of rock & roll memorabilia was conducted at Sotheby's in London. Many of the items were sold for much more than anticipated, including an enameled Abbey Road street sign that went for $600 and an autographed program from The Beatles' Royal Command Performance that fetched $2,000. On the other hand, there wasn't much demand for a jacket once worn by Tom Jones; it only brought in $12.
In 1991, Gregg Allman made his acting debut as a drug lord in the movie Rush.
12/23:
EDDIE VEDDER (born Edward Louis Seversen III) (Singer and songwriter for Pearl Jam, one of the key bands to emerge from the Seattle-based '90s grunge rock movement; formed in 1990; "Jeremy," "Even Flow," "Daughter," "Yellow Ledbetter," "Better Man") Born in 1964 Evanston, Illinois.
VICTORIA WILLIAMS (Acclaimed singer-songwriter, married to former Jayhawk Mark Olson; "You R Loved," "Crazy Mary") Born in 1958 in Shreveport, Louisiana.
JORMA KAUKONEN (Guitarist, singer and songwriter specializing in country/blues; founding member of Jefferson Airplane and spin-off band, Hot Tuna; soloist; began in the early '60s backing up Janis Joplin; runs his Fur Peace Ranch music camp in Ohio when not touring; "Embryonic Journey," "Good Shepherd," "I Am the Light of this World") Born in 1940 in Washington, DC.
ADRIAN BELEW (born Robert Steven Belew, aka Luther James Grosvenor) (Best known for his stints as guitarist for '70s bands Mott The Hoople, Spooky Tooth and King Crimson; has also played with Frank Zappa, Talking Heads, David Bowie, Laurie Anderson and Nine Inch Nails; "Oh Daddy") Born in 1949 in Covington, Kentucky.
TIM HARDIN (Influential folk/rock singer, songwriter; "Reason To Believe," "If I Were a Carpenter") Born in 1943 in Eugene, Oregon. Died in 1980, of a drug overdose.
LITTLE ESTHER PHILLIPS (Born Esther Mae Jones) (Blues, R&B, soul and jazz vocalist) Born in 1935 in Galveston, Texas. Died Aug 7, 1984 in Carson, California.
CHET BAKER (Legendary jazz trumpet player) Born in 1929 in Yale, Oklahoma. Died on May 3, 1988 in Amsterdam.
HARRY SHEARER (Comedic writer, actor, deejay/reporter (KCRW Santa Monica CA); best known for his portrayal of Derek Smalls in the classic rock film This Is Spinal Tap) Born in 1943.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/23:
In 1964, Performing "Little Saint Nick," "Dance, Dance, Dance," "Johnny B. Goode" and "Monster Mash," The Beach Boys made their first appearance on Shindig!.
In 1966, Pink Floyd played the opening night of the Night Tripper, a night club in London that would become the focal point of the psychedelic underground there. The establishment later changed its name to the UFO Club.
In 1969, One of the great pop/rock composing teams, Bernie Taupin and Elton John, collaborated for the first time.
In 1970, Joni Mitchell received her first Gold record, for her third album, Ladies Of The Canyon.
In 1972, Imagine, a film by John Lennon, made its debut on American television.
In 1974, As band mate John Lennon had done three years earlier, George Harrison released a holiday single, "Ding Dong, Ding Dong," which would celebrate the ringing in of the New Year.
In 1998, Barenaked Ladies' Stunt entered the Top 20 album chart.
12/24:
DOYLE BRAMHALL II (Blues-rockin' guitarist; member of Austin blues-guitar gods the Arc Angels; recorded with Sheryl Crow; son of drummer Doyle Bramhall [who played and co-wrote with Stevie Ray Vaughan]; "Ain't Goin' Down Slow," "Living In A Dream") Born in 1968 in Texas.
JAN AKKERMAN (Dutch guitarist primarily known for his work with Focus and their unique and bizarre hit single featuring yodeling and guitar pyrotechnics, "Hocus Pocus") Born in 1946 in Amsterdam.
LEE DORSEY (New Orleans '60s R&B star who often collaborated with Allen Toussaint; "Working In A Coal Mine") Born in 1924 in New Orleans. Died December 1, 1986, in New Orleans.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/24:
In 1960, The kindly Philadelphia Orphan's Court raised Chubby Checker's weekly allowance from $150 to $200 after the 19-year-old landed three songs in the Top 40, "The Class," "The Twist" and "The Hucklebuck."
In 1961, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" became the first pop song of African origin to make it to #1 on the U.S. singles chart. Recorded by the Tokens, the American version was a translation of a South African folk song known as "Mbube" and "Wimoweh."
In 1964, The Beatles' series of Christmas concerts opened at the Hammersmith Odeon in London.
In 1965, Rubber Soul, a Beatles album that was perceived by many as a more mature and serious work, and a turning point in their career, went Gold after two weeks.
In 1969, Marking the 10th anniversary of Buddy Holly's death, the compilation album The Buddy Holly Story was certified Gold.
In 1972, Nearby residents complained about the volume of a Manfred Mann's Earth Band concert in Miami, prompting the police to cut the show short and the fans to riot. During the melee, Mann and the band hid out in the dressing room.
In 1973, Tom Johnston of The Doobie Brothers was arrested for possession of marijuana in his stomping grounds of Visalia, California. His court date in the Central California town was slated for right around the time of the release of the band's album What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits.
In 1974, They took to the streets! James Taylor, Carly Simon, Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell were spotted singing Christmas carols on the streets of Los Angeles.
In 2002, The Natural Resources Defense Council announced that the Rolling Stones would perform in a rare benefit concert, an event to raise awareness of the problem of increasing global warming. The benefit is set for February 6 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In 2004, A pair of blues legends passed on. W.C. Handy Award-winning and Grammy-nominated legendary Chicago bluesman Son Seals, 62, died on 12/20 in Chicago from complications from diabetes and legendary Brit jazz/blues musician Dick Heckstall-Smith, 70, died of cancer on 12/19. Heckstall-Smith played sax in the '60s with folks like John Mayall, Mick Jagger, Mick Taylor and Peter Green and was a member of the late '60s progressive rock band Colosseum. Cream bassist Jack Bruce described Heckstall-Smith as his "musical father".
12/25 (Christmas):
ANNIE LENNOX (Co-leader, singer/songwriter of international hit duo Eurythmics with Dave Stewart and '90s solo star; "Sweet Dreams [Are Made Of This]," "Here Comes The Rain Again," "Would I Lie To You?," "Missionary Man," "Don't Ask Me Why," "Love Is A Stranger," "Who's That Girl?," "Right By Your Side," "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" [with Aretha Franklin], "Put A Little Love in Your Heart" [with Al Green]) Born in 1954 in Aberdeen, Scotland.
DIDO (born Florian Cloud de Bounevialle Armstrong) (International acoustic/electronica pop star from England; she joined the successful trip-hop band Faithless in 1995 [which was fronted by her older brother, DJ/producer Rollo]; debuted with solo album No Angel in 1999 and toured with Lilith Fair that summer; "Here With Me," "Thank You," "White Flag") Born in 1972.
JIMMY BUFFETT (Pop/folk/country singer/songwriter and author with large cult of faithful concert fans dubbed "Parrot Heads"; "Margaritaville," "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes," "Cheeseburger In Paradise," "Pencil Thin Mustache," "A Pirate Looks At 40," "Livingston Saturday Night," "One Particular Harbor," "Volcano," "Come Monday") Born in 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
SHANE MacGOWAN (Key member of influential and acclaimed '80s traditional Irish/punk band The Pogues; "Fairy Tale Of New York") Born in 1957 in Kent, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/25:
In 1965, The Beatles' sixth album, Rubber Soul, hit #1.
In 1976, The Eagles began an eight-week run on top of the album chart with Hotel California.
In 1977, The Apollo Theater in New York reopened.
In 1978, Public Image Ltd. debuted at the Rainbow Theatre in London.
In 1982, David Bowie was in the Top 5 with his unique duet with Bing Crosby, "Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy."
In 1998, Bryan MacLean, guitarist and singer of '60s folk-rock group Love ("My Little Red Book," "Alone Again Or"), as well as the half-brother of Maria McKee, died in Los Angeles of an apparent heart attack at 52.
12/26:
PHIL SPECTOR (Highly influential Wall of Sound rock producer and songwriter; began producing '60s girl groups like The Crystals and The Ronettes, but best known for producing John Lennon's Imagine, George Harrison's The Concert For Bangladesh and his post-production on the original Let It Be album by The Beatles; has had his share of controversial behavior, including being charged with the December, 2002, shooting death of part-time actress Lana Clarkson) Born in 1940.
JOHN SCOFIELD (Pioneering jazz/funk guitarist who has remained contemporary since the '70s and over 30 albums; veteran of the John Scofield Trio and bands with greats such as Billy Cobham, George Duke, Charles Mingus, Gary Burton, Dave Liebman and Miles Davis; recorded the 2005 tribute album, That's What I say: JS Plays The Music Of Ray Charles; "A Go-Go," "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get") Born in 1951 in Dayton, Ohio.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/26:
In 1964, The Rolling Stones took out an ad in New Musical Express wishing British hairdressers a Merry Christmas.
1966, John Lennon appeared as a men's room attendant in the Peter Cook/Dudley Moore BBC-TV show Not Only...But Also.
In 1968, Led Zeppelin played their first U.S. gig in Boston. They opened for Vanilla Fudge and MC5.
In 1976, The Sex Pistols recorded their epic "God Save The Queen" at a London studio.
In 1999, Chicago soul pioneer Curtis Mayfield died in Roswell, Georgia, at 57 years old. On August 14, 1990, he was paralyzed from the neck down when a stage lighting rig fell on top of him at a concert in Brooklyn.
12/27:
DAVID KNOPFLER (Guitarist with Dire Straits through their third album, 1980's
Making Movies; younger brother of Mark; former social worker; "Sultans Of Swing," "Down To The Waterline," "Lady Writer," "Solid Rock," "Skateaway," "Romeo And Juliet") Born in 1951 in Glasgow, Scotland.
KARLA BONOFF ('70s singer/songwriter; wrote songs for Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt and Nicolette Larson; "Someone To Lay Down Beside Me," "Personally") Born in 1952 in Los Angeles.
MICK JONES (Founding member—along with King Crimson's Ian McDonald—and guitarist for hit '70s/'80s band Foreigner; "Feels Like The First Time," "Cold As Ice," "Double Vision," "I Want To Know What Love Is") Born in 1944 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/27:
In 1963, The Animals played their first radio broadcast, the BBC show Saturday Club.
In 1964, The Supremes made their first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
In 1973, The #1 record in the land was Jim Croce's "Time in A Bottle," which was released as a single after his untimely death.
In 1989, U2's Rattle And Hum was the #3 album in the country.
In 1992, Singer and pianist Harry Connick, Jr., was arrested at New York's Kennedy Airport after guards found a pistol in his carry-on luggage.
12/28:
EDGAR WINTER (Vocalist, keyboardist and sax player; Johnny's younger brother; "Keep On Playin' That Rock & Roll," "Free Ride," "Frankenstein") Born in 1946 in Beaumont, Texas.
CHARLIE NEVILLE (Sax, drums and vocals for the famed Neville Brothers of New Orleans; "Yellow Moon," "Hey Pocky Way") Born in 1939 in New Orleans.
ALEX CHILTON (Lead singer of the late-'60s/early-'70s band The Box Tops, and leader of influential and acclaimed '80s band Big Star, recently reunited) Born in 1950 in Memphis.
POPS STAPLES (born Roebuck Staples) (Member of the hit '60s/'70s soul band The Staples Singers, solo; "I'll Take You There," "Hope In A Hopeless World") Born in 1915 in Winona, Mississippi. Died December 19, 2000, in Dolton, Illinois.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/28:
In 1968, The Miami Pop Festival featured performances by Procol Harum, Chuck Berry and Fleetwood Mac.
In 1976, Blues guitar legend Freddie King died in Dallas from heart problems. He was 42.
In 1981, Warner/Elektra/Asylum followed the lead of RCA Records and raised their list price for 45rpm singles to $1.99.
In 1983, Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys drowned in a marina in L.A.'s Marina del Rey.
In 1992, Paul Simon and his wife Edie Brickell had a baby boy, Adrian Edward Simon.
12/29:
GLEN PHILLIPS (Lead singer, songwriter of '80s rock/pop band Toad The Wet Sprocket; solo; "All I Want," "Walk On The Ocean," "Fall Down," "Something's Always Wrong," "Fred Meyers") Born in 1970 in Santa Barbara.
MARIANNE FAITHFULL (Brit singer/songwriter, former girlfriend of Mick Jagger; "As Tears Go By") Born in 1946 in London.
RAY THOMAS (Moody Blues flutist and vocalist) Born in 1941 in Stourport-on-Severn, England.
YVONNE ELLIMAN (Backup singer for Eric Clapton; solo hit artist; "If I Can't Have You") Born in 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC: 12/29
In 1963, The Weavers, America's late-'40s/early-'50s preeminent folk music group, gave their farewell concert at Chicago's Orchestra Hall.
In 1967, Singer, guitarist and songwriter Dave Mason called it quits with Traffic and went solo.
In 1974, The #1 hit single was "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" by Elton John. The Lennon/McCartney song first appeared on The Beatles' 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
In 1975, Paul Kantner and Grace Slick of the Jefferson Airplane/Starship filed for divorce.
In 1980, Folksinger and songwriter Tim Hardin ("If I Were A Carpenter," "Reason To Believe") died at 40 of a heroin overdose in Los Angeles.
In 1982, Jamaica issued a Bob Marley commemorative postage stamp.
12/30:PATTI SMITH (New York punk godmother, poet, singer; emerged with acclaimed John Cale-produced 1975 album,
Horses; "Because The Night" [written by Bruce Springsteen], "Dancing Barefoot" [covered by U2], "Frederick," "Gloria," "People Have The Power") Born in 1946 in Chicago.
JEFF LYNNE (Co-leader of innovative Brit pop/rock band, The Move [with Roy Wood] and later leader of '70s catchy hit rock/pop machine, Electric Light Orchestra and member of the legendary Traveling Wilburys; "Do Ya," "Showdown," "Can't Get It Out Of My Head," "Telephone Line," "Evil Woman," "Don't Bring Me Down," "Handle With Care") Born in 1947 in Birmingham, England.
DEL SHANNON (born Charles Westover) Legendary '50s/'60s rocker who held his own against the British invasion; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999; over the years, his records have been produced by Andrew Loog Oldham [Rolling Stones], Bob Seger, Jeff Lynne [E.L.O.] and Tom Petty; big hit was 1961's "Runaway" [later covered by Bonnie Raitt]; also wrote "I Go To Pieces" [a hit for Peter & Gordon]) Born in 1934 in Coopersville, Michigan. Died by suicide on February 8, 1990, in Santa Clarita, California.
BO DIDDLEY (born Otha Ellas Bates McDaniel) Influential Chicago R&B/blues star, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987; "Who Do You Love" [covered by George Thorogood], "Mona," "I'm A Man" [covered by The Yardbirds], "Hey, Bo Diddley") Born in 1928 in McComb, Mississippi.
MICHAEL NESMITH (Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter for '60s hit pop band, The Monkees [considered the most talented of the group]; solo career; an '80s video pioneer who produced the original pilot for what was to become MTV; he wrote "Different Drum," an early hit for Linda Ronstadt; "Last Train To Clarksville," "I'm A Believer," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Joanne") Born in 1942 in Texas.
DAVY JONES (born David Jones) Vocalist for The Monkees ["the cute one"], former apprentice racehorse jockey; actor [he played The Artful Dodger in London and New York performances of Oliver and appeared with the cast on the same episode of The Ed Sullivan Show that featured The Beatles' first American TV appearance) Born in 1945 in Manchester, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/30:
In 1967, "Hello, Goodbye" off Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles was the #1 single in the country.
In 1978, Emerson, Lake & Palmer broke up.
In 1989, Nirvana bass player Krist Novoselic married Shelli Dilley near Seattle.
In 1991, Bruce Springsteen's wife Patti Scialfa gave birth to a daughter, Jessica Rae, the couple's second child.
In 1999, George Harrison was stabbed repeatedly during an attempted early morning robbery at his home at Henley-Upon-Thames, near London. The 56-year-old musician and his wife Olivia struggled with the intruder and were able to hold him until the authorities got there. The couple recovered from their injuries at a nearby hospital.
12/31:
ANDY SUMMERS (born Andrew Somers) (Adventurous longtime guitarist for The Police; also has worked on additional projects with artists such as guitarist Robert Fripp; "Roxanne," "Walking On The Moon," "Message In A Bottle," "Don't Stand So Close To Me," "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "King Of Pain," "Wrapped Around Your Finger") Born in 1942 in Blackpool, England.
MARY RAMSEY (Vocalist, violin, viola and strings for 10,000 Maniacs; she took over lead vocals for the band after Natalie Merchant went solo after 1992's Our Time In Eden; Ramsey has recorded with Billy Bragg and Ani DiFranco; "Rainy Day," "Love Among The Ruins," "More Than This," "Who Knows Where the Time Goes," "On and On") Born in 1963 in Washington, DC.
PAUL WESTERBERG (Guitarist, vocalist and singer/songwriter for revered Minneapolis '80s punk band The Replacements; solo career; contributed two songs to the 1982 Singles film soundtrack ["Dyslexic Heart," "Waiting For Somebody"]; "Here Comes A Regular," "Skyway," "I'll Be You," "Kiss Me On The Bus," "World Class Fad," "Love Untold") Born in 1959 in Minneapolis.
ODETTA (born Odetta Gordon) ('50s/'60s-era folk/blues vocalist; known throughout the world for her powerful live shows; actress in The Last Time I Saw Paris) Born in 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama.
BURTON CUMMINGS (Vocalist and keyboardist, co-leader of Canada's '70s hit band, The Guess Who; solo; "These Eyes," "Laughing," "Undone," "No Time," "American Woman," "Share The Land") Born in 1947 in Winnipeg, Canada.
JOHN DENVER (born Henry John Deutchendorf) (Much-loved international folk/pop star, early folksinger who replaced Chad Mitchell in the Chad Mitchell Trio in 1965; social and environmental activist; "Rocky Mountain High," "Country Roads") Born in 1943 in Roswell, New Mexico. Died in a a plane wreck in Monterey Bay, CA on October 12, 1997.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 12/31:
In 1976, The Cars played their first show at Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
In 1978, Bill Graham closed down San Francisco's Winterland Auditorium to rock concerts. The final gig, a show with the Grateful Dead, naturally, and the Blues Brothers.
In 1982, New York City's legendary Max's Kansas City closed. The club was a launching pad for bands such as the Velvet Underground and Bruce Springsteen.
In 1982, Miami Steve Van Zandt, Springsteen's E Street Band guitarist, married Maureen Santora in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Bruce was the best man, and Percy Sledge and preacher Richard Penniman (known better as Little Richard) were on hand to sing Sledge's "When A Man Loves A Woman" at the reception.
In 1985, Rick Nelson died in a plane crash near DeKalb, Texas.
In 1986, Colorado Senator and presidential candidate Gary Hart met Donna Rice at a party thrown by Don Henley.
In 2000, Eddy Shaver, talented guitarist and the son of Texas singer-songwriter Billy Joe Shaver, died of an overdose in Waco, Texas.
In 2002, Cutting Crew guitarist Kevin Macmichael died after a battle with lung cancer. He was 51.
1/1:
COUNTRY JOE McDONALD (Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, leader of the psychedelic San Francisco folk/rock band, Country Joe & the Fish; solo career; one of the leading political voices of the late '60s/early '70s; his performance of "Feel Like I'm Fixing To Die Rag" at the original 1969 Woodstock ["Gimme an 'F'"!] became an anti-Viet Nam war anthem and late night FM classic for the era; he remains involved with social causes and regularly performs benefits for organizations such as Vietnam vets and saving the whales; "Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine," "Breakfast For Two") Born in 1942 in El Monte, California.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/1:
In 1953, The "Father Of Modern Country," Hank Williams, Sr., brilliant songwriter and distinctive singer, died in the back of his Cadillac of a heart attack induced by a overload of liquor and morphine. At just 29, he was on his way to a gig in Canton, Ohio.
In 1960, Johnny Cash performed for the inmates at San Quentin Prison north of San Francisco. The performance was later released as an album.
In 1962, The Beatles played their first audition for a major record label, Decca Records. Unimpressed and discerning no potential, executives declined to sign them, instead inking another band that had auditioned that day called The Tremolos.
In 1964, With Dusty Springfield singing "I Only Want To Be With You," the BBC broadcast the inaugural Top Of The Pops TV show.
In 1965, The U.S. government, for undisclosed reasons, suddenly temporarily declined to issue work visas to British rock bands, effectively canceling tours by The Nashville Teens, The Zombies and The Hullabaloos.
In 1966, Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds Of Silence" made it to #1 on the U.S. singles chart and stayed there for two weeks.
In 1968, It was reported that Americans had spent over $1 billion on records the previous year, an unprecedented sum.
In 1972, Hippie princess Melanie Safka, better known as just plain Melanie, enjoyed the biggest hit of her career with the double entendre song "Brand New Key." It stayed at #1 for three weeks.
In 1977, The late Joe Strummer and The Clash headlined the grand opening of The Roxy. Formerly a gay disco, it became the venue for punk in London.
In 1979, Bruce Springsteen had a close call when a fan hurled a fire-cracker onstage at a New Year's Eve concert in Cleveland.
In 1984, Alexis Korner died. Korner was a major force behind the early '60s Brit blues and R&B boom.
In 1988, Prince gave an after-midnight New Year's Eve charity concert to benefit the homeless in Minnesota. He was joined onstage by Miles Davis.
In 1990, A radio station in Florida launched a new "All Zeppelin, All The Time" format by playing Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" continuously for 24 hours. The format would prove to be short-lived.
In 1997, Esteemed Texas singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt ("Pancho And Lefty") died. He was a friend and a favorite songwriter of Willie Nelson, among many other country and folk stars.
In 2002, Eric Clapton wed 25-year-old Melia McEnery, the mother of his baby daughter, in Ripley, Surrey, England.
1/2:
ROGER MILLER (Singer, composer of catchy, clever international hit country/pop novelty '60s songs; "Dang Me," "Chug-A-Lug," "King of The Road" [covered on 2005 Breakback Mountain soundtrack by Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompson]) Born in 1936 in Fort Worth, Texas. Died October 25, 1992, from throat cancer.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/2:
In 1963, Duke Records released Bobby "Blue" Bland's "That's The Way Love Is," his second R&B #1 and third single to make the Top 40.
In 1971, All Things Must Pass, George Harrison's first solo album (not counting the bizarre, experimental Wonderwall Music and Electronic Sound discs), hit #1 in the U.S, featuring the hit singles, "What Is Life" and "My Sweet Lord."
In 1975, A U.S. District Court judge in New York allowed John Lennon and his attorneys to peruse the Department of Immigration files to determine whether the government's deportation case against him stemmed from his 1968 British drug bust or a Nixon administration vendetta.
In 1979, The trial of one-time Sex Pistol bassist Sid Vicious for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen opened in New York City. Vicious died of a heroin overdose one month later and never heard a verdict.
In 1980, Larry Williams, who had sizeable hit singles with "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" (covered by The Beatles) and "Bony Maroney," was found dead in his Los Angeles home from a gunshot wound. It was never determined if it was murder or suicide.
In 1997, Guitarist Randy California of '60s/'70s band Spirit ("I Got A Line On You"/"Nature's Way") drowned while attempting to rescue his 12 year-old son off the coast of Hawaii.
In 2004, Ex-Meat Puppets ("Backwater") bassist Cris Kirkwood was recovering in FBI custody after being shot in the abdomen outside of the downtown Phoenix, Arizona main post office. He was shot by a security guard after a heated argument with a woman over a parking space. Kirkwood was subsequently charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to do bodily harm - he allegedly beat the guard with his own baton. Kirkwood, who has been arrested previously on drug charges, formed the Meat Puppets in Phoenix in 1980 with his older brother, Curt. Nirvana covered three Meat Puppets songs, "Plateau," "Oh, Me" and "Lake Of Fire" on their 1994 MTV Unplugged album.
1/3:STEPHEN STILLS (Legendary guitarist, singer, songwriter, part of Buffalo Springfield for a brief but influential period; best known as a member of Crosby, Stills, Nash (and sometimes) Young for over 30 years; formed Manassas with Chris Hillman for two albums; one album with Neil Young as the Stills-Young Band; maker of numerous solo discs; "For What It's Worth," "Bluebird," "suite: Judy Blue Eyes," "Carry On," "We Are Not Helpless," "Change Partners," "Love The One You're With," "Sit Yourself Down," "Southern Cross," "Long May You Run," "Just A Song Before I Go," "Dark Star," "Wasted On The Way") Born in 1945 in Dallas.
JOHN PAUL JONES (born John Baldwin) (Founding member of Led Zeppelin; bass player, keyboards; later wrote music for films; produced other artists; two solo albums) Born in 1946 in London.
GEORGE MARTIN (Legendary producer for various artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Peter Gabriel, but forever will be celebrated for having been at the helm of all of The Beatles albums except for Let It Be, which was produced by Phil Spector) Born in 1926 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/3:
In 1964, The Beatles appeared on American television for the first time when The Jack Paar Show on NBC aired an excerpt from a concert in Bournemouth, England.
In 1966, Via video tape, the Fab Four performed "Day Tripper" and "We Can Work It Out" on Hullabaloo.
In 1967, Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys received his summons for induction into the U.S. Army, but refused to be sworn in, claiming he was a conscientious objector.
In 1968, 30,000 copies of John & Yoko's Two Virgins album portraying the glory of their full frontal nudity on the cover were seized at New Jersey's Newark airport on the grounds of obscenity.
In 1970, The Beatles played together for the last time, recording what would be their final song, George Harrison's "I Me Mine." The song title was borrowed a decade later for Harrison's autobiography.
In 1973, Some 2,000 fashion experts named Mick Jagger and Bianca two of the dozen best dressed people in the world.
In 1974, Bob Dylan and The Band reunited for a six-week concert tour commencing at Chicago Stadium.
In 1981, David Bowie took his final bow as The Elephant Man on Broadway.
In 1992, Jim Kerr, head man of Simple Minds, took actress Patsy Kensit as his bride. Kerr had previously been married briefly to Chrissie Hynde.
In 2002, In a poll conducted by Your Home magazine, Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis were voted the "Neighbors From Hell," the celebrities one would least like to have living nearby.
1/4:
MICHAEL STIPE (Lead vocalist and main songwriter for R.E.M., formed in 1980 in Athens, GA; one of America's most important and influential rock bands, heavily influenced by Patti Smith early on; "Radio Free Europe," "So. Central Rain," "Don't Go Back To Rockville," "The Finest Worksong," "Fall On Me," "The One I Love," "Losing My Religion," "What's the Frequency, Kenneth?" "Stand," "Shiny Happy People," "Drive," "Everybody Hurts," "Man On The Moon") Born in 1960 in Decatur, Georgia.
BETH GIBBONS (Portishead)
PATTY LOVELESS (born Patty Lee Ramey) (Country/Americana honky-tonk songstress, numerous country hits; "A Little Bit Of Love") Born in 1957 in Pikeville, Kentucky.
DEANA CARTER (Americana/country singer; "Did I Shave My Legs For This?") Born in 1966.
ARTHUR CONLEY ('60s soul singer; a protégé of Otis Redding; "Sweet Soul Music") Born in 1946 in Atlanta. Died in Ruurlo, the Netherlands, on November 16, 2003.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/4:
In 1957, Fats Domino recorded "I'm Walking" in New Orleans. The single would eventually make to it to #4 on the pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart.
In 1957, Joe Louis, the former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, made an appearance on The Steve Allen Show to introduce soul great, Solomon Burke, who sang "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide."
In 1964, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles was reviewed by Billboard: "This is the hot British group that has struck gold overseas. Side A is a driving rocker with surf-on-the-Thames sound and strong vocal work from the group."
In 1965, CBS purchased the Fender guitar company, a favorite among rock musicians, for $13 million.
In 1971, Performance, starring Mick Jagger as a jaded and decadent rock star, finally premiered in London two years after the film had been completed.
In 1973, It was announced that Lamar Williams would take the place of the recently deceased Allman Brothers' bass player Berry Oakley.
In 1976, Mal Evans, a former close associate of The Beatles, was shot to death by police at his L.A. apartment. Friends contacted authorities when he refused to put down an unloaded rifle that he was holding. Evans supposedly aimed the weapon at officers upon their arrival, and they opened fire. A former bodyguard and roadie for the Fab Four, he was only 40.
In 1979, The Star Club in Hamburg, Germany, where The Beatles enjoyed a lot of their initial success, reopened.
In 1994, Pearl Jam's Vs. was the second best-selling CD in America.
In 2000, Carlos Santana picked up an amazing 10 Grammy nominations, including Album Of The Year, for his comeback 1999 CD, Supernatural.
1/5:
SAM PHILLIPS (Founder of Sun Records; innovative producer; instrumental in launching the careers of Elvis, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash; with his fusion of country & western with rhythm & blues, he helped launch rock & roll) Born in 1923 in Florence, Alabama. Died in Memphis on July 30, 2003.
IRIS DeMENT (Grammy-winning Americana singer-songwriter, debuted with highly acclaimed Infamous Angel in 1992; "Trouble" [with Mark Knopfler and Delbert McClinton], "In Spite of Ourselves" [with John Prine], "Wasteland of the Free") Born in 1961 in Paragould, Arkansas.
CHRIS STEIN (Guitarist, songwriter and mastermind behind Blondie, although vocalist Debbie Harry got most of the attention) Born in 1950 in Brooklyn.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/5:
In 1959, "It Doesn't Matter Any More" b/w "Raining in My Heart," Buddy Holly's final single before his untimely demise, was released. The former was one of the few he recorded that he didn't write; Paul Anka was the author.
In 1963, Leonard Chess, co-founder of the legendary Chess record label, proclaimed, "As it stands today, there's virtually no difference between rock & roll, pop and rhythm & blues. The music has completely overlapped."
In 1968, Nine months after its release, Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits went Gold. The album package contained an award-winning poster by artist Milton Glaser.
In 1975, The Wiz, an overhauled, black/soul version of The Wizard of Oz, opened at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway.
In 1978, The Sex Pistols made their U.S. debut at the Great Southeast Music Hall in Atlanta.
In 1979, The Blues Brothers (Belushi and Aykroyd) annoyed some purists and critics with their slightly tongue-in-cheek renditions of classic soul songs. Ironically, the Brothers' biggest supporters were the artists who had recorded the songs originally. Briefcase Full Of Blues by The Blues Brothers went to #1 and achieved Platinum status on this day.
In 1998, Republican Representative of California and one-time '60s pop star Sonny Bono was killed in a skiing accident at a South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, resort.
1/6:
SYD BARRETT (born Roger Keith Barrett) (Original singer, songwriter, guitarist and founder of pioneering psychedelic pop/rock band, Pink Floyd; a legendary, enigmatic recluse who has not performed or recorded since a pair of solo albums circa 1970. The group’s epic "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" on Wish You Were Here is a tribute to Barrett; "Arnold Layne," "See Emily Play," "Interstellar Overdrive") Born in 1946 in Cambridge, England.
SANDY DENNY (Brit folk-rocker with a powerful alto voice heard with Fairport Convention, on several solo albums, and with Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin on "The Battle Of Evermore"; “Who Knows Where the Time Goes”) Born in 1947 in Wimbledon, England. Died in 1978 from injuries sustained in a tumble down the stairs at a friend's house.
KIM WILSON (Singer and harp player who formed The Fabulous Thunderbirds with guitarist Jimmie Vaughan in the mid '70s, solo; "Wrap It Up," "Stand Back," "Powerful Stuff," "Tuff Enuff" [produced by Dave Edmunds]) Born in 1951 in Detroit.
EARL SCRUGGS (Virtuoso five-string banjo player, singer; partnered with Lester Flatt in the '50s and '60s as The Foggy Mountain Boys, the most well-known band in bluegrass history; he later formed The Earl Scruggs Revue with his two sons; "Foggy Mountain Breakdown") Born in 1924 in Flint Hill, North Carolina.
WILBERT HARRISON (Vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, R&B-rocker best known for the classic "Kansas City") Born in 1929 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Died October 26, 1994, in Spencer, North Carolina.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/6:
In 1957, Over 20 minutes were devoted to Elvis Presley on his final appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. The King performed seven songs: "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Peace In The Valley," "Too Much" and "When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again."
In 1966, Two days before it began a three-week run at #1, "We Can Work It Out" by The Beatles was awarded a Gold record. It would remain in the Hot 100 for 12 weeks.
In 1968, Magical Mystery Tour became The Beatles' 11th U.S. album chart-topper when it started an eight-week reign at #1.
In 1968, Gibson Guitars patented their famed "Flying V" electric guitar design, a favorite of many rockers and the trademark axe of bluesman Albert King.
In 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young made their U.K. debut at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
In 1971, Neil Young returned to his native Canada for his first concert since becoming a star.
In 1975, About 1,000 Led Zeppelin fans wrought havoc and rioted inside the lobby of the Boston Garden while waiting overnight to purchase tickets for an upcoming appearance by the band. Thirty-thousand dollars worth of damage was inflicted and the mayor immediately canceled the concert.
In 1977, Only three months after signing The Sex Pistols to a recording contract, EMI terminated the deal, rumor had it, as a result of the group's "disgraceful, aggressive behavior." The record company more or less paid them approximately $80,000 just to go away.
In 1987, Eric Clapton inaugurated what has become an annual event, a yearly six day gig at the Royal Albert Hall.
In 1993, David Bowie reportedly lost nearly $5 million in royalties due to an Italian Mafia-linked bootleg fraud.
In 1997, Two bronze busts of monks worth some $100,000 were chopped off their pillars and purloined from George Harrison's estate in Oxfordshire.
In 2001, Guitarist David Gilmour of Pink Floyd won the right to his own dot com name. A bloke by the name of Andrew Herman had been using the address, davidgilmour.com, to sell Floyd merchandise.
1/7:
JOHN ONDRASIK (Singer, songwriter, principal leader and musician in breakout hit pop/rock band Five For Fighting; took their name from a hockey penalty reference; "100 Years," "Superman [It's Not Easy]," "Easy Tonight," "America Town") Born in Los Angeles.
KENNY LOGGINS (Singer, songwriter pop/rock star with Jim Messina (Loggins & Messina) in the '70s and a solo star in the '80s, "House At Pooh Corner," "Angry Eyes," "Your Mama Don't Dance," "Danny's Song," "Celebrate Me Home," "Whenever I Call You Friend," "I'm Alright," "Footloose") Born in 1948 in Everett, Washington.
DAVE COUSINS (Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter for acclaimed '70s Brit folk/progressive rock band, The Strawbs—the band that launched the career of Yes keyboard player Rick Wakeman; solo artist; "Down By The Sea," "Lay Down," "Part Of The Union") Born in 1945.
PAUL REVERE (Keyboards, leader of Portland, Oregon's Paul Revere And The Raiders, a band that was once second only to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones in record sales in the late '60s; "Kicks") Born in 1938 in Harvard, Nebraska.
MIKE McGEAR (Singer, songwriter and obscure brother of Paul McCartney) Born in 1944.
JANN WENNER (Founder, editor and publisher of Rolling Stone magazine; he launched the publication in 1967 in San Francisco with John Lennon on the cover) Born in 1946 in New York City.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/7:
In 1968, One of the country's pioneering "underground" free-form radio stations, San Francisco's KMPX-FM, held a "grass ballot" vote among its listeners. Of those "elected," Bob Dylan became president, Paul Butterfield vice president, George Harrison was named U.N. Ambassador, Jefferson Airplane, naturally, assumed the mantle of Secretary of Transportation and the Grateful Dead were victorious, elected in a landslide, collectively as... Attorney General.
In 1969, In an issue revolving around relations between blacks and whites, Look magazine ran an article called "Jimi Hendrix Socks It To The White House"; it read in part, "Jimi is not so much the Experience as a menace to public health. Plugged in and zonked, he only has to step across the stage to turn on their [women's] high-pitched passion." He was pictured lounging by a swimming pool surrounded by bikini-clad white women.
In 1970, The genial and generous Max Yasgur, owner of the New York farm where the Woodstock Festival of August 1969 was held, was sued by neighboring farmers for $35,000 in property damages.
In 1974, Carly Simon and James Taylor had their second child, a daughter they named Sarah Martin. Like her brother Ben, she has followed in her parents' musical footsteps.
In 1980, The final Led Zeppelin album released before the death of drummer John Bonham, In Through The Out Door, went Platinum. It was also the final album of all original material by the legendary group.
In 1981, Eagles Live, a two-record set, went Platinum. It turned out to be their last album until the 1994 reunion disc, Hell Freezes Over.
In 1993, R.E.M. performed a Green Peace benefit concert at a small club in Athens, Georgia. Appropriately, the show was recorded on a solar-power mobile recording studio.
In 1999, It was announced that Rod Stewart was separating from his supermodel wife Rachel Hunter after eight years of marriage.
In 1999, Paul McCartney was in attendance at the debut of stepdaughter Heather's first housewares collection in Atlanta. Much of the work was inspired by the art of ancient Mexican Indian tribes.
1/8:
DAVID BOWIE (born David Robert Jones) (Ever-changing creative and enduring singer/songwriter, '70s/'80s rock star; commercial artist turned musician; he changed his name to Bowie early on to avoid confusion with The Monkees' Davy Jones; Bowie has recorded with Brian Eno and produced Lou Reed's
Transformer ["Walk On The Wild Side"], Iggy Pop's
Raw Power and wrote and produced the Mott The Hoople hit "All The Young Dudes"; Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor recorded a remix of "I'm Afraid Of Americans; "Man Who Sold the World," "Changes," "Space Oddity," "Ziggy Stardust," "Starman," "Rebel Rebel," "Sound & Vision," "Under Pressure" [with Queen], "Golden Years," "Stay," "Young Americans," "Fame," "Ashes To Ashes," "Let's Dance," "China Girl," "Low," "Heroes," "Never Let Me Down," "This Is Not America" [with Pat Metheny], "Little Wonder") Born in 1947 in London.
ELVIS PRESLEY (born Elvis Aron Presley) ("The King"; highly-influential '50s/'60s pop/country/gospel rocker who sold over one billion records [and counting] worldwide; America's first rock star; the son of a sewing-machine operator and a truck driver; "That's All Right Mama," "Blue Moon Of Kentucky," "Good Rockin' Tonight," "Baby Let's Play House," "Mystery Train," "Return To Sender," "Heartbreak Hotel," "All Shook Up," "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "It's Now Or Never," "Suspicious Minds") Born in 1935 in East Tupelo, Mississippi. Died on August 16, 1977, from drug abuse in Memphis.
ROBBY KRIEGER (Original jazz-oriented guitarist for The Doors who wrote their biggest hit; "Light My Fire"; "Break On Through," "Strange Days," "Love Street," "Touch Me," "Love Me Two Times," "Hello I Love You," "When The Music's Over," "The End," "20th Century Fox," "L.A. Woman," "Riders On The Storm," "Love Her Madly") Born in 1946 in Los Angeles.
TIFT MERRITT (Americana singer-songwriter) Born in 1975 in Houston, TX.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/8:
In 1957, On his 22nd birthday, Elvis Presley was inducted into to the army in Memphis.
In 1966, The final episode of Shindig! featuring The Kinks and The Who was broadcast on ABC-TV.
In 1973, Yoko Ono released Approximately Infinite Universe as a double album. She told the press, "I figured if George Harrison can put out a triple album, then I can put out a double album."
In 1975, Three Led Zeppelin concerts at Madison Square Garden sold out in a record four hours.
In 1993, MTV Unplugged by 10,000 Maniacs was #14 on Billboard's album chart.
1/9:
DAVE MATTHEWS (Singer, songwriter, guitarist; leader of his immensely popular rock/jam/world beat band formed in 1991 in Charlottesville, VA; broke with 1994's massive Under The Table And Dreaming CD thanks to endless college appearances and the H.O.R.D.E. tour; "Tripping Billies," "Jimi Thing," "Ants Marching," "Satellite," "What Would You Say?" "Crash Into Me," "Stay," "Space Between," "I Did It," "Where Are You Going?," "Save Me") Born in 1967 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
JOAN BAEZ (American folk singer and '60s-era icon; internationally known; possesses an exceptional soprano voice; social and political activist heavily involved in humanitarian activities; emerged from the 1959 Newport Folk Festival; early champion of and one-time paramour of Bob Dylan whom she reunited with in 1975 singing duets with Dylan on his Rolling Thunder Revue, she also appeared in Dylan's 1978 film Renaldo And Clara; has recorded with established artists such as Jackson Browne and Paul Simon, and an inspiration to younger artists like the Indigo Girls and Dar Williams; "There But For Fortune," "Love Is Just a Four-Letter Word," "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," "Di Da," "Diamonds And Rust," "Christmas In Washington") Born in 1941 in Staten Island, New York.
JIMMY PAGE (One of the holy trinity of British guitarists who passed through the ranks of The Yardbirds [the other two were Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck]; went on to form the monumentally popular and influential Led Zeppelin; recorded The Honeydrippers cover disc with Robert Plant and went on to form The Firm [with Paul Rodgers] and Coverdale/Page [with David Coverdale]); Page more recently joined The Black Crowes for a tour and 2000's Live At The Greek; "Dazed And Confused," "Whole Lotta Love," "Ramble On," "What Is And What Should Never Be," "Tangerine," "That's The Way," "Goin' To California," "Stairway To Heaven," "The Battle Of Evermore," "Kashmir," "Ten Year's Gone," "Down By The Seaside," "The Rain Song," "Fool In The Rain," "All Of My Love") Born in 1944 in Heston, Middlesex, England.
DAVID JOHANSEN (a.k.a. Buster Poindexter) (Member of very influential ‘70s pre-punk glam band, The New York Dolls; reincarnated in the ‘90s as pseudo-lounge hipster Buster Poindexter; "Stranded In The Jungle," "Who Are The Mystery Girls," "Babylon," "Saturday Night Fish Fry," "Hot Hot Hot") Born in 1950 in Staten Island, New York.
STEVE HARWELL (Lead singer of alternative hit band Smash Mouth; emerged in 1997 with "Walkin' On The Sun"; "All Star," "Can't Get Enough Of You Baby") Born in 1967 in San Jose, California.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/9:
In 1960, "What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For?" by Emile Ford & The Checkmates became the first single by a homeland black act to reach the top of the U.K. charts. The group consisted of Bahamian immigrants.
In 1963, Charlie Watts left the group Blues Incorporated to join a up and coming band called The Rolling Stones.
In 1965, On this day The Beatles went to #1 on the U.S. album charts with Beatles '65 and stayed there for nine weeks.
In 1971, The American Jaycees named Elvis Presley one of the "10 outstanding young men of America." Elvis made a short speech at the reception of the award. It was recorded and heard on the soundtrack of the This Is Elvis documentary.
In 1973, The Rolling Stones' plan to tour Asia came to a halt when Mick Jagger was denied a Japanese visa as a result of a 1969 drug bust. Jagger responded to the press, "I don't take drugs. I don't approve of drugs and I don't approve of people taking drugs, unless they're very careful."
In 1973, Lou Reed married a cocktail waitress named Betty in New York City.
In 1977, Emmylou Harris wed record producer Brian Ahern.
In 1979, A Gift Of Song, a benefit concert for UNICEF, was held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Among those performing were Rod Stewart, Rita Coolidge, Kris Kristofferson, John Denver and Earth Wind & Fire. The show, taped for later broadcast on NBC, raised about $500,000 for the world hunger organization.
In 1999, Everlast debuted on the album charts with Whitey Ford Sings The Blues.
1/10:
ROD STEWART (Soulful rock/pop star, crooner; early vocalist for the powerful Jeff Beck Group and the Faces, and later a monumental solo success on his own; raised in London, but his father was from Scotland; former ditch digger; "I Ain't Superstitious," "Handbags And Gladrags," "Gasoline Alley," "Stay With Me," "Every Picture Tells A Story," "Reason To Believe," "True Blue," "You Wear It Well," "Maggie May," "You're In My Heart," "Young Turks," "Ooh La La") Born in 1945 in London.
SHAWN COLVIN (born Shawna Lee Colvin) (Folk/pop singer/songwriter who emerged out of Greenwich Village in the late '80s; sang backup on Suzanne Vega's "Luka"; Austin resident; "Steady On," "Tennessee," "Window To The World," "Shotgun Down The Avalanche," "Diamond In The Rough," "Round Of Blues," "Sunny Came Home," "Get Out Of This House") Born in 1958 in Vermillion, South Dakota.
DONALD FAGEN (Singer, keyboards, songwriter; along with Walter Becker, Fagen is half of Steely Dan, the heavily jazz-influenced rock band that formed in 1972 [the band took their name from a dildo in the William Burroughs novel Naked Lunch]; Fagen recorded two solo albums [The Nightfly and Kamakiriad] and reunited with Becker in 1993 for the first Steely Dan tour in nearly 20 years, followed by a live album in '95 and their first studio album since 1980, Two Against Nature, in 2000; "Do It Again," "Dirty Work," "Bodhisattva," "Bad Sneakers," "Reelin' In The Years," "My Old School," "The Royal Scam," "Kid Charlemagne," "Pretzel Logic," "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," "Babylon Sisters," "Josie," "Peg," "Aja," "Home At Last," "Black Cow," "Hey Nineteen," "Time Out Of Mind," "FM," "New Frontier," "I.G.Y.," "Cousin Dupree," "Jack Of Speed," "The Last Mall," "Blues Beach") Born in 1948 in Passaic, New Jersey.
BRAD ROBERTS (Quirky baritone lead singer and founder of the Crash Test Dummies from Canada; "Superman's Song," "God Shuffled His Feet," "Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm," "Flying Feeling") Born in 1964 in Canada.
AYNSLEY DUNBAR (Versatile and sought-after studio drummer, best known for his work with Frank Zappa and The Mothers, David Bowie, early Journey, Jeff Beck, John Mayall, the Bonzo Dog Band and the Jefferson Starship) Born in 1946 in Liverpool, England.
CYRIL NEVILLE (Youngest of the famed Neville brothers from New Orleans; vocals and percussion; "Yellow Moon," "Iko Iko," "Hey Pocky Way," "Fire On The Bayou") Born in 1949 in New Orleans.
PAT BENATAR (born Patricia Andrzejewski) (late-'70s/early-'80s hit pop/rock singer, "Heartbreaker," "I Need A Lover," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot") Born in 1953 in Brooklyn.
JIM CROCE (Early-'70s folk/pop singer, songwriter; father of talented singer/pianist A.J. Croce; "You Don't Mess Around With Jim," "Operator," "I Got A Name," "Time In A Bottle," "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown," "I'll Have To Say I Love You In A Song") Born in 1943 in Philadelphia. Died September 20, 1973, in a plane crash in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/10:
In 1956, Elvis cut his first sides for RCA Victor at the Methodist recording studios in Nashville. One of the songs recorded that day was "Heartbreak Hotel."
In 1968, "Chain Of Fools" gained Aretha Franklin her fourth Gold record. It would go on to win a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By A Female.
In 1971, Bob Dylan made a rare (at the time) public appearance, backing up banjo master Earl Scruggs on "East Virginia Blues" and "Nashville Skyline Rag" for a segment in a documentary film.
In 1975, Soul great Al Green picked up Gold record #12 for Al Green Explores Your Mind.
In 1976, Blues legend Howlin' Wolf (born Chester Burnett) died in Hines, Illinois, following brain surgery.
In 1977, The incorrigible and indestructible Keith Richards was fined £1,500 after being found guilty of cocaine possession in England.
In 1981, A little over a month after the murder of John Lennon, his album with Yoko, Double Fantasy, went Platinum and stayed at #1 for eight weeks.
In 1981, The versatile Linda Ronstadt opened in a production of Gilbert & Sullivan' famed operetta The Pirates Of Penzance at the Uris Theatre on Broadway. The show later moved to the Minskoff Theatre to complete a run of 772 performances. Ronstadt and onstage co-star Rex Smith would go on to make a movie version.
In 1997, Get down on it! James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, finally got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1/11:
CLARENCE CLEMONS (Longtime E Street Band Sax Player for Bruce Springsteen, known as "the big man"; solo albums; "He Was a Friend of Mine" [with Jackson Browne]) Born 1942 in Norfolk, VA.
ROBERT EARL KEEN (Americana/Texas music artist; "Dreadful Selfish Crime," "The Road Goes On Forever," "Over the Waterfall," "What I Really Mean") Born in 1956 in Houston.
DAVE ALVIN (Songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and co-founder with his older brother Phil of early-'80s L.A. rockabilly band The Blasters; also in pioneering punk band, X; has produced and recorded with The Derailers, Syd Straw, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys and Tom Russell; once toured with the late Country Dick Montana and Mojo Nixon in the Pleasure Barons; Alvin wrote the 1989 country hit for Dwight Yoakam, "Long White Cadillac"; "American Music," "Border Radio," "4th Of July," "Dry River," "Thirty Dollar Room," "Guilty Man," "King of California," "Blackjack David," "Abilene," "Out in California," "Ashgrove") Born in 1955 in Downey, California.
ANDY PARTRIDGE (Leader of XTC; guitars, vocals and keyboards, well-crafted Brit pop/rock that broke on College radio in America in 1979; "Making Plans For Nigel," "Generals And Majors," "Senses Working Overtime," "The Mayor of Simpleton," "Dear God" [produced by Todd Rundgren]) Born in 1953 on the Island of Malta.
MARSHALL CRENSHAW (Singer, songwriter; portrayed Buddy Holly in the 1987 film La Bamba; acted in Peggy Sue Got Married and played John Lennon in a road show version of Beatlemania; Crenshaw's songs have been featured in many soundtracks and recorded by artists ranging from Bette Midler to the Gin Blossoms, "Something's Gonna Happen," "Someday, Someway," "Rockin' Around NYC," "Cynical Girl," "There She Goes Again") Born in 1953 in Detroit.
CHRIS SMITHER (Distinctive modern acoustic folk/bluesman, slide guitarist and singer; emerged from the late-'60s Boston folk scene; wrote "I Feel The Same" and "Love You Like A Man" for Bonnie Raitt; "Memphis in the Meantime," "Help Me Now," "Already Gone," "Thanks to You," "Small Revelations," "Train Home") Born in 1944 in New Orleans.
JESSE COLIN YOUNG (born Perry Miller) (Leader of late-'60s hit band The Youngbloods; folk/jazz/blues influenced singer/songwriter, guitarist; solo career; has been a figure in the San Francisco music scene since the late '60s via Greenwich Village and Boston folk circuits; currently living in Hawaii; "Darkness Darkness," "Get Together," "Ridgetop," "Mornin' Sun," "Living In Paradise") Born in 1944 in New York.
MOSE ALLISON (Jazz/blues singer and pianist; American icon; his songs have been covered by Bonnie Raitt ("Everybody's Cryin' Mercy"), Van Morrison ("Your Mind Is On Vacation…"), The Who ("Young Man's Blues"), John Mayall ("Partridge Farm") and The Yardbirds ("I'm Not Talking"), among others; played piano with early jazzmen Al Cohn, Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz, and Zoot Sims; influenced by Louis Jordan; "If You Only Knew," "Look Here," popular cover of "The Seventh Son") Born in 1927 in Tippo, Mississippi.
LAVERN BAKER (born Dolores Williams) (Major jump blues/R&B diva in the '50s; career revival in the late '80s; best known for "Jim Dandy") Born in 1929 in Chicago. Died in 1997 in New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/11:
In 1957, Buddy Holly's famous recording of "Peggy Sue" was released.
In 1958, The original version of "The Twist" was taped by Hank Ballard & The Midnighters at a Cincinnati studio. Chubby Checker would later have the hit.
In 1965, Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground made their debut at a Summit, N.J. high school dance.
In 1969, Jim Morrison and a pal were en route via jet from L.A. to Phoenix to catch The Rolling Stones in concert. During the trip, Morrison "interfered with the flight of an intercontinental aircraft," became highly intoxicated and obnoxious, pestering a flight attendant. He was jailed for the offenses, facing a possible $10,000 fine and 10-year prison sentence. The charges were eventually dropped.
In 1970, Two very different albums, both bearing the title of Plastic Ono Band, were released on this day. One featured John Lennon, the other Yoko Ono.
In 1970, The Bob Dylan book Tarantula was published. It received positive press.
In 1970, Tragedy struck The Allman Brothers Band again when bassist Berry Oakley died as the result of a motorcycle accident just three blocks from where Duane Allman had been killed in a similar mishap.
In 1973, Thirty radio stations across the country broadcast what was purported to be a Mott The Hoople live concert. In actuality, it consisted of studio tracks with pre-recorded applause dubbed in.
In 1989, Melissa Etheridge and Joe Cocker serenaded Germans who were celebrating at the freshly demolished Berlin Wall.
In 1995, The Smashing Pumpkins held down the top album spot on the charts with Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
1/12:
MISSISSIPPI FRED McDOWELL (Original blues legend best known for his song "You Got To Move," which was covered by The Rolling Stones on their Sticky Fingers album; wrote "Write Me A Few Of Your Lines" and "Kokomo," which were covered by Bonnie Raitt) Born in 1904 in Rossville, Tennessee. Died of abdominal ulcers on July 3, 1972, in Memphis.
RUTH BROWN ('50s R&B legend on Atlantic Records, has more recently recorded with Bonnie Raitt; "Teardrops in My Eyes," "I'll Wait for You," "I Know," "5-10-15 hours," "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" [with Bonnie Raitt]) Born in 1928 in Portsmouth, Virginia.
LONG JOHN BALDRY (Veteran British blues/rocker; began as a folkie touring Europe with Ramblin' Jack Elliott in 1957-1961 before he started playing blues; played in earliest Brit blues/rock outfits such as Blues Incorporated with Alexis Korner, recorded with Rod Stewart and Elton John; later dabbled in voiceovers in the '80s and '90s as narrator on The Original Story Of Winnie The Pooh and as the voice of Captain Robotnick in kid's cartoons; "Don't Try To Lay No Boogie-Woogie On The King Of Rock & Roll") Born in 1941 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/12:
In 1963, Bob Dylan performed in London in a BBC radio play called The Madhouse of Castle Street. Naturally he played a folk singer.
In 1965, Hullabaloo premiered on NBC-TV.
In 1968, The Supremes appeared in an episode of the popular NBC-TV show Tarzan. The ladies played a group of nuns.
In 1974, "The Joker," by the Steve Miller Band, was the #1 single in the land.
In 1975, A nine-city tour of Europe began for Warner Bros. artists Little Feat, Tower Of Power, The Doobie Brothers, Bonaroo, Montrose and Graham Central Station. Little Feat reportedly stole the show.
In 1991, Johnny Paycheck ("Take This Job And Shove It") was released from an Ohio prison after serving two years of a seven-year sentence for shooting a tavern patron. Before leaving office, Gov. Richard Celeste commuted his sentence.
In 1992, A baby girl was born to Mick Jagger and model Jerry Hall. Georgia May Ayeesha was the third child for the couple and the fifth for Jagger.
In 1995, The Allman Brothers Band, Al Green, the late Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Neil Young, The Orioles and the late Frank Zappa were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1998, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies were held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Those inducted: the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Mamas & the Papas, Santana, Lloyd Price, Gene Vincent, Allen Toussaint and Jelly Roll Morton.
In 1998, Billy Joel sold out a record-setting eighth and ninth shows at the Nassau County Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y.
In 1999, Elton John filed suit in London against PricewaterhouseCoopers, the accountancy firm, and Andrew Haydon, a former managing director of John Reid Enterprises, his former management company, over an alleged missing £20 million from his business empire.
In 2000, Smashing Pumpkins manager Sharon Osbourne broke off with the Chicago rock quartet. In a statement, Osbourne said, "It was with great pride and enthusiasm that I took on management of the Pumpkins back in October, but unfortunately I must resign today due to medical reasons. Billy Corgan was making me sick!"
In 2001, Pioneering Brazilian composer/guitarist Luis Bonfá died of cancer in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 78. Bonfá wrote the bossa nova score for the 1959 film Black Orpheus, which introduced the genre to a broader audience.
In 2002, '80s star Adam Ant was arrested after an alleged incident in a London pub where he was charged with assault and possession of a firearm, and also faced charges of criminal damage and actual bodily harm after the alleged fracas.
In 2003, Maurice Gibb of The Bee Gees died at a Miami hospital. He was 53. He had suffered a heart attack three days before prior to undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.
1/13:TREVOR RABIN (Guitarist with Yes for a period; solo artist; movie soundtrack composer) Born in 1944 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
GRAHAM "SUGGS" MCPHERSON (Lead vocalist for Brit ska-pop band Madness; "Our House") Born in 1961 in Hastings, E. Sussex, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/13:
In 1962, Chubby Checker's "The Twist" became the only single in the history of the charts to make it to #1 on two separate occasions. The first time had been in September of 1960.
In 1964, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" by the Beatles was released in the U.S. All hell would break loose shortly thereafter, as in "Beatlemania."
In 1968, The University of Florida audio lab announced that tests indicated that the decibels generated at a typical rock & roll concert were damaging to one's hearing. Say what?
In 1969, For the first time since his early days, Elvis had a recording session in Memphis. One of the results was his 18th #1, "Suspicious Minds."
In 1973, Following a couple years plagued by heroin addiction, Eric Clapton made a triumphant return at London's Rainbow Theatre. Accompanied by an impressive all-star band including Pete Townshend, Steve Winwood and Ron Wood, he sold out two shows and began and ended each one with "Layla." After the concerts, Clapton revealed to a reporter, "I was very nervous, felt sick, the whole bit." Acknowledging the audience he added, "They don't know how much it helped me."
In 1978, Elvis' version of Paul Anka's hideous song of self-aggrandizement and rationalization, "My Way," went gold five months after his death. Better known as Sinatra's theme song, the King did okay with the tune.
In 1978, Work began on the first album by Sting (Gordon Sumner), Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, known as The Police. The album would be titled Outlandos d'Amour.
In 1979, Donny Hathaway, best known for his duets with Roberta Flack, either fell or leapt to his death from a 15th floor hotel room in N.Y.C. Speculation centered on suicide, as Hathaway had suffered from depression most of his life. He was only 34.
in 1979, The Y.M.C.A., unimpressed and certainly not amused by the flamboyantly gay Village People's song "Y.M.C.A.," sued the group. The action was later dropped.
In 1980, The Grateful Dead, the Beachboys and the Jefferson Starship headlined a benefit concert at the Oakland Coliseum for the people of Kampuchea.
1/14:
DAVE GROHL (Drummer, guitarist, singer, songwriter with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters; raised in the Washington, DC, area and moved to Seattle in late '80s, joining up with the late Kurt Cobain and Nirvana in 1990; formed the Foo Fighters in 1995; "Come As You Are," "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "About A Girl," "Lithium," "All Apologies," "Heart-Shaped Box," "Marigold," "This Is A Call," "Big Me," "Everlong," "My Hero") Born in 1969.
T BONE BURNETT (born Joseph Henry Burnett) (Singer, songwriter, guitarist; best known as producer for Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, Counting Crows, Delbert McClinton, Los Lobos, Marshall Crenshaw and The BoDeans; grew up in Forth Worth, Texas; joined up with Bob Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue; produced the mega-selling O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, also Down From The Mountain; solo career; married to singer/songwriter Sam Phillips; "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend") Born in 1948 in St. Louis.
ALLEN TOUSSAINT (New Orleans singer, songwriter, pianist, producer, arranger, solo artist; worked with Lee Dorsey, Dr. John, The Meters, The Band, Paul Simon, Little Feat, LaBelle; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998; "Southern Nights," "What Do You Want The Girl To Do" [covered by Boz Scaggs and Bonnie Raitt], "Yes We Can Can," "Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley," [covered by Little Feat and Robert Palmer], "Brickyard Blues") Born in 1938 in New Orleans.
CLARENCE CARTER ('60s-era hit soul singer, "Patches") Born in 1936 in Montgomery, Alabama.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/14:
In 1955, Legendary deejay Alan Freed held his first Rock & Roll Ball in Harlem. The sold-out shows starred Big Joe Turner, The Clovers, Fats Domino, The Drifters, The Moonglows and The Harptones.
In 1960, Elvis Presley was demoted to sergeant in the U.S. Army. But, heh, he was still The King.
In 1963, Drummer Charlie Watts made his first onstage appearance with The Rolling Stones at the Flamingo Jazz Club in Soho, London.
In 1966, Britain musician David Jones legally changed his last name to Bowie to avoid confusion with The Monkees' Davy Jones. On this same day, Parlophone Records released the single "Can't Help Thinking About Me" b/w "And I Say To Myself" by David Bowie And The Lower Third.
In 1967, The Grateful Dead and the Jefferson Airplane performed at the first "Human Be-In" at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
In 1970, Diana Ross sang with the other two Supremes for the last time at a show in Vegas.
In 1973, Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii, transmitted via satellite, drew the largest worldwide television audience in the history of the medium. Later released as a double album, it became one of Elvis's best selling releases of the '70s.
In 1973, Thunderin' Phil Lesh, bassist for The Grateful Dead, was busted for drug possession in California.
In 1975, Joe Walsh got the Gold for his third solo album, So What. Walsh joined up with the Eagles the next year.
In 1978, The Sex Pistols made their final concert appearance, at Winterland Auditorium in San Francisco, before calling it quits. A reunion tour (naturally, without Sid Vicious) in 1996 was disastrous.
In 1985, "Do They Know It's Christmas" by Band-Aid, an all-star aggregation, became the U.K.'s biggest selling single ever when sales of three million copies was approached just weeks after its release.
In 1989, Paul McCartney released his album Back In The U.S.S.R. only in Russia. Bootleg copies went for as much as $1,000 here in the States.
In 1993, The Pixies announced that they were breaking up.
1/15:
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART (born Don Van Vliet) (A kind of mad, psychedelic genius of music with his combination of bizarre lyrics, delta blues, free jazz, classical and rock on records bearing titles like Trout Mask Replica, Lick My Decals Off, Baby, Doc At The Radar Station and Ice Cream For Crow; he sounded not unlike Howlin’ Wolf on acid; friend of and worked often with Frank Zappa; retired from music in '82, taking up residence in a trailer in the Southern California desert to concentrate on painting; "Clear Spot") Born in 1941 in Glendale, California.
RONNIE VAN ZANT (Original lead vocalist for Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd; killed in the 1977 plane crash; "Gimme Three Steps," "Simple Man," "Free Bird," "Sweet Home Alabama," "That Smell") Born in 1948 in Jacksonville, Florida. Died October 20, 1977, in a plane crash near Gillsburg, Mississippi.
MARTHA DAVIS (Lead singer for The Motels; "Danger," "Only The Lonely") Born in 1951 in Berkeley, California.
GENE KRUPA (Legendary, pace-setting '40s-era jazz/swing drummer who brought percussion to the forefront, making the drummer a star for the first time; influenced many rock drummers with his flamboyance and showmanship) Born in 1909 in Chicago. Died in 1973 in Yonkers, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/15:
In 1955, “Music with an R&B beat,” reported Billboard magazine, "is no longer regarded as a passing phase by major recording firms." They cited white-breaders Perry Como, The Crewcuts, The Hutton Sisters, and Bill Darnell and Rosemary Clooney covering Gene & Eunice’s #7 R&B hit “Ko Ko Mo.”
In 1961, Berry Gordy and Motown signed The Supremes to a recording contract. Before long, they would become Motown's hottest selling act.
In 1964, Vee Jay Records, the first label to release The Beatles’ recordings in the U.S., filed suit against Capitol and Swan Records to prohibit their manufacturing and distributing Beatles recordings. Capitol was granted an injunction restraining Vee Jay.
In 1965, “I Can’t Explain,” an early Who classic and their first single, was released in the U.K. It featured guest guitarist Jimmy Page.
In 1967, December’s Children, the third album by The Rolling Stones, featuring “Get Off Of My Cloud,” “Route 66,” “As Tears Go By” and ‘‘I’m Free,” earned a Gold record.
In 1967, Pressured by CBS television censors, The Rolling Stones revised one of their songs, singing “Let’s Spend Some Time Together” on The Ed Sullivan Show.
In 1971, George Harrison released the single “My Sweet Lord,” from All Things Must Pass.
In 1972, Don McLean’s only #1 record, American Pie, began a four-week run in the top spot.
In 1974, Brownsville Station, described by band leader Cub Koda as “Chuck Berry 1973 filtered through three madmen,” scored a Gold record for “Smokin’ In The Boys’ Room,” their only hit.
In 1977, The Eagles’ Hotel California album was #1 on the album chart.
In 1983, The top single in the U.S., “Down Under,” was by an Australian band, Men At Work. It remained in the #1 position for four weeks.
In 1984, Mick Jagger co-starred in a video of Bette Midler’s rendition of "Beast Of Burdon" at the Peppermint Lounge in N.Y.C.
In 1991, Updated to reflect 1990's sensibilities, John Lennon's "Give Peace A Chance" was remade by son Sean. It was released to coincide with the United Nation’s midnight deadline for Iraq to vacate Kuwait.
In 1992, New Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees included Bobby "Blue" Bland, Booker T. & The MG's, Johnny Cash, Bill Graham, Jimi Hendrix, The Isley Brothers, Sam & Dave and The Yardbirds. The ceremonies were conducted at New York's Waldorf Astoria.
In 1992, Dee Murray, the longtime bassist for Elton John, succumbed to cancer at the age of 45.
In 1994, At the age of 53, much-loved and respected singer/songwriter Harry Nilsson died of heart disease. He was best known for songs such as "Everybody's Talking," "Without You" and "Coconut."
In 2002, '80s pop star Adam Ant was confined in a mental ward 24 hours after being charged with pulling a gun on employees at a London pub.
1/16:
SADE (born Helen Folsade Adu) (International hit jazzy soul diva; "Smooth Operator," "The Sweetest Taboo, "No Ordinary Love") Born in 1959 in Ibadan, Nigeria.
JIM STAFFORD (Country-pop singer/songwriter who had several novelty hits in the '70s; "Spiders And Snakes," "My Girl Bill," "Wildwood Weed") Born in 1944 in Eloise, Florida.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/16:
In 1957, "Too Much," the first of four chart-toppers for Elvis that year, entered the best-selling singles list.
In 1957, The Cavern Club opened in what had previously been a wine cellar on Matthew Street in Liverpool. It became a landmark, nearly a shrine, after The Beatles became the club's house band in '61 and '62.
In 1970, Bag One, John Lennon's exhibit of erotic lithographs at a London art gallery, was shut down by Scotland Yard on the grounds that it was pornography.
In 1970, The Who performed their rock opera Tommy at the Théâtre Des Champs-Élysées in Paris. It was the launch of their first tour in Europe in four years.
In 1973, Legendary gospel singer Clara Ward died at the age of 48 after suffering a second stroke. Aretha Franklin called Clara one of her greatest inspirations.
In 1975, Paul McCartney & Wings arrived in New Orleans to begin recording sessions for what would be the Venus And Mars album. They worked with musician/producer Allen Toussaint at his Sea-Saint Studio.
In 1976, The best-selling live album of all time, Peter Frampton's Frampton Comes Alive, was released. It would ultimately top the album charts for over two months and attain multi-Platinum status.
In 1980, Paul McCartney was incarcerated in Tokyo after it was discovered that he had half a pound of weed in his possession. He spent 10 days in a Japanese jail before being booted out of Japan with his tour canceled.
In 1984, The Rolling Stones journeyed to Mexico City to film videos for "She Was Hot" and "Too Much Blood," two songs off their Latin America-flavored Undercover album.
In 1987, The Beastie Boys were the first band ever to be censored on American Bandstand.
In 1988, In a bit of a comeback, George Harrison was enjoying a #1 single with "Got My Mind Set On You."
In 1991, The Byrds and Wilson Pickett were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1992, Mick Jagger was in attendance at the premiere of his film Freejack at Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
In 1996, Believing it to be piloted by a drug trafficker, Jamaican authorities opened fire on Jimmy Buffett's seaplane. Fortunately, neither Buffett nor his passenger, Bono, were injured.
In 1999, Warren Zevon, Jonny Lang and Delbert McClinton played the inaugural ball of newly elected governor of Minnesota, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, the former wrestler.
1/17:
STEVE EARLE (Singer/songwriter, guitarist, social activist; son of an air traffic controller; influenced by Jerry Jeff Walker and Townes Van Zandt; never one to conform to a particular style, Earle evolved primarily into a roots rocker with a devoted following; raised near San Antonio, he moved to Nashville in the mid-'70s and became a member of Guy Clark's band; with many songs successfully recorded by other artists, he made his first recordings in the early '80s after a return to Texas; the Guitar Town album in '86 was a great success, but just as his career was taking off, Earle was derailed by substance abuse; he reestablished himself as a major force in the mid-'90s; "Guitar Town," "Copperhead Road," "I Ain't Ever Satisfied," "I Feel Alright," "Transcendental Blues," "John Walker's Blues") Born in 1955 in Fort Monroe, Virginia.
MICK TAYLOR (Guitarist with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers; best known for his six-year stint with The Rolling Stones; worked with the Jack Bruce Band, Little Feat, Bob Dylan; solo artist; "Sway," "Moonlight Mile," "Ventilator Blues," "Time Waits For No One") Born in 1948 in Hereford, Hereford and Worcester, England.
PAUL YOUNG (Late '70s/early '80s-era Brit blue-eyed soul singer; "Everytime You Go Away") Born in 1956 in Luton, Bedfordshire, England.
JOHN CRAWFORD (Founder of L.A.-based '80s synth-pop group Berlin; "Metro," "Take My Breath Away," "Sex [I'm A…]") Born in 1960.
SUSANNA HOFFS (Lead singer with '80s all-girl L.A.-based jangly pop/rock band The Bangles; solo artist; in September 2003, The Bangles released Doll Revolution, their first album together in 15 years; "Manic Monday," "Walk Like An Egyptian," "Eternal Flame," "Hazy Shade Of Winter," "Tear Off Your Own Head [It's A Doll Revolution]") Born in 1961 in Newport Beach, California.
SHABBA RANKS (born Rexton Rawlston Fernando Gordon) (Late '80s/'90s Grammy-winning international dancehall reggae star; "Roots and Culture," "Wicked Inna Bed," "Family Affair") Born in 1966 in Sturgetown, Jamaica.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/17:
In 1965, Rolling Stones drummer and jazz fan Charlie Watts published his book, Ode To A High Flying Bird, a tribute to jazz immortal Charlie Parker. On this same day, The Stones recorded "The Last Time" and "Play With Fire."
In 1969, The self-titled debut album by Led Zeppelin was released.
In 1970, R&B belter Billy Stewart, best known for his 1966 hit recording of George Gershwin's "Summertime," was killed along with three of his band members when their vehicle went out of control and plunged off a bridge into the Neuse River in North Carolina. He was 32.
In 1970, The Doors began a two-night stand at the Felt Forum in New York City. The show was taped and much of it was used for the Absolutely Live album. Segments from other concerts around the country were used.
In 1972, Highway 51 South in Memphis was re-christened Elvis Presley Blvd.
In 1979, After what Dolly Parton described as "a week-long slumber party," Dolly, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris announced that they would record an album together.
In 1981, Prince entered the soul chart for the fourth time with "Dirty Mind." Evidently, he impressed critics more than record buyers as the single peaked at only #65. Later in '81, the album Controversy and the single bearing that title made a much bigger impact on the general public.
In 1990, New Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees included Hank Ballard, The Four Seasons, The Four Tops, The Kinks, Simon & Garfunkel, The Platters and The Who in ceremonies conducted at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel.
In 1993, Hundreds of thousands turned out for a free concert in Washington, DC, part of President Clinton's inauguration celebration. Among the performers was Aretha Franklin.
In 1996, The following artists were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this day: David Bowie, Tom Donahue (the pioneering free-form/underground deejay), the Jefferson Airplane, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Little Willie John, Pink Floyd, Pete Seeger, The Shirelles and The Velvet Underground.
1/18:
TOM BAILEY (Lead singer for Brit hit '80s band The Thompson Twins; "Hold Me Now," "Lay Your Hands On Me," "King For A Day") Born in 1957 in Halifax, W. Yorks, England.
DAVID RUFFIN (Lead vocalist with The Temptations; solo artist; he was out of the band by the time they recorded "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," but Ruffin was in The Temps for many of their biggest hits like "My Girl," "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "Ain't Too Proud To Beg," "Get Ready," "I Wish It Would Rain") Born in 1941 in Whynot, Mississippi. Died of a heroin overdose in Philadelphia on June 1, 1991.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/18:
In 1964, The Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" became the fastest-breaking and the fastest-selling single in Capitol Records' history when it entered the singles chart at #45.
In 1972, Pink Floyd began recording their magnum opus, Dark Side Of The Moon. It would go on to spend an unbelievable 742 weeks (more than 14 years) on the album chart.
In 1973, The Rolling Stones benefit concert for Nicaraguan earthquake victims was a big success, raising over $400,000.
In 1977, On the eve of President-elect Jimmy Carter's inauguration, a commemorative concert was televised. Linda Ronstadt and Aretha Franklin were among the performers, while John Lennon and Paul Simon sat in the audience.
In 1978, At the conclusion of The Sex Pistols' U.S. tour, Johnny Rotten sneered at his San Francisco audience, "How does it feel to be swindled?" The following morning he announced that the group was over, blaming manager Malcolm McLaren's exploitative tactics. Later that afternoon, Sid Vicious was rushed to a hospital following an overdose of barbiturates and alcohol.
In 1980, The once-successful Capricorn Records, the home of such legendary Southern rock acts as The Allman Brothers Band and The Marshall Tucker Band, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.
In 1985, USA Today conducted a poll of its readers as to where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be located. To the surprise of many, and the consternation of some, Cleveland was elected. After all, Cleveland rocks!
In 1987, Steve Winwood wed Eugenia Grafton.
In 1989, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees on this day: Dion, The Ink Spots, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, Bessie Smith, The Soul Stirrers, Phil Spector, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder. Highlights of the ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria included a tribute to Roy Orbison, who had died the previous month, with Bruce Springsteen singing the Orbison classic "Crying."
In 1995, Jerry Garcia crashed his rented BMW into a guard rail near the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge. He was not hurt.
In 1996, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson.
In 2000, Spencer Goodman, who had been convicted of kidnapping and killing the wife of ZZ Top manager Bill Ham in Houston in 1991, was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas.
1/19:
JANIS JOPLIN (Powerful heart-on-her-sleeve '60s blues and rock persona who left Texas to join up with San Francisco-based Big Brother And The Holding Company and later the Kozmic Blues Band and the Full Tilt Boogie Band [for the Pearl album]; made a tremendous impact considering she was only in the limelight between 1967 and 1970; "Piece Of My Heart," "Ball And Chain," "Half Moon," "Get It While You Can," "Combination Of The Two," "Cry Baby," "Buried Alive In The Blues," "Me And Bobby McGee") Born in 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas. Died on October 4, 1970, of a heroin overdose in a Hollywood hotel room.
ROBERT PALMER (Funky and stylish Brit blue-eyed soul singer; grew up on the island of Malta; member of '70s band Vinegar Joe and solo hit with back-up from Little Feat and The Meters before ultimately becoming an '80s MTV star with a string of pop hits; was a member of 1985 band Power Station with Duran Duran members; "Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley," "Give Me An Inch," "Every Kinda People," "Addicted To Love," "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On," "Simply Irresistible," "Dr. Zhivago's Train") Born in 1949 in Batley, England. Died of a heart attack in Paris on September 26, 2003.
PHIL EVERLY (Singer, songwriter; along with brother Don was half of The Everly Brothers, one the most influential (The Beatles liked and emulated their harmonies) and popular duos of the '50s into the early '60s; "Wake Up Little Susie," "Bye Bye Love," "All I Have To Do Is Dream," "Cathy's Clown") Born in 1939 in Chicago.
DOLLY PARTON (Hit Country/Americana soprano who ventures into bluegrass and gospel collaborations; actress, teamed with Porter Wagoner for many years; made Trio albums with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt; "Tennessee Homesick Blues," "Yellow Roses," "Rockin' Years," "After The Gold Rush," "Coat Of Many Colors," "Jolene," "I Will Always Love You") Born in 1946 in Locust Ridge, Tennessee.
DEWEY BUNNELL (Member of the '70s hit pop-folk trio America; "Horse With No Name," "Ventura Highway," "Sister Golden Hair") Born in Yorkshire, England in 1951.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/19:
In 1971, The mass murder trial of Charles Manson was under way. Much to the dismay of The Beatles, "Helter Skelter" was played in the courtroom. Manson had reportedly scrawled "helter skelter" on a mirror at the scene of the crime.
In 1974, A nine-mile long traffic jam prevented many fans from entering the Bob Dylan concert with The Band at the Miami Sportsatorium until it was half-over.
In 1976, Promoter Bill Sargent made his first proposal to The Beatles to reunite, offering $30 million for just one concert. As we know, they refused it and all ensuing entreaties.
In 1993, Fleetwood Mac reunited to play "Don't Stop" and other hits at the first inauguration celebration for President William Jefferson Clinton.
In 1993, The Supreme Court refused to lower the amount that a judge awarded Tom Waits for unauthorized usage of a Waits sound- and look-alike in a Frito-Lay commercial. The chip company paid up to the tune of a cool $2.5 million. That's a lot of Chesterfields!
In 1994, Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this day were The Animals, The Band, Duane Eddy, The Grateful Dead, Elton John, John Lennon (as a solo artist), Bob Marley and Rod Stewart.
In 1998, Carl Perkins, a legendary pioneer of rockabilly, died in Nashville following a series of strokes. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Perkins' style influenced Elvis, The Beatles and many others. His original version of "Blue Suede Shoes" sold two million copies in 1956 before Presley struck gold with his version.
1/20:
EDWIN McCAIN (Rootsy Southeastern folk/pop singer/songwriter who emerged in the mid-'90s thanks to support from friends like Hootie & The Blowfish; "I'll Be," "I Want It All") Born in 1972 in Charleston, South Carolina.
LEADBELLY (born Huddie William Ledbetter) (Influential '20s-'40s acoustic folk/blues legend and American icon; "Goodnight, Irene," "Rock Island Line," "The Midnight Special," "Cotton Fields") Born in 1888 in Mooringsport, Louisiana. Died on December 6, 1949, in New York.
PAUL STANLEY (born Stanley Eisen) (Co-founder of one of the biggest-selling rock bands of the '70s, the campy Kiss; rhythm guitarist and singer; "Rock And Roll All Nite," "Strutter," "Detroit Rock City," "Beth") Born in 1950 in Manhattan.
SLIM WHITMAN (born Otis Dewey Whitman, Jr.) (Unique '50s-era American country/folk singer and yodeler; more popular in Europe than the U.S.; "Cattle Call," "Love Song Of The Waterfall," "Indian Love Call," "Singing Hills") Born in 1924 in Tampa.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/20:
In 1958, St. Louis radio station KWK completed a "record breaking week," with station management banning all rock n' roll music from the airwaves. The deejays gave every rock record in the station library a "farewell spin" before smashing it into smithereens. The station manager at KWK, Robert Convey, called the action "a simple weeding out of undesirable music." Ultimately, his plan would be far from successful. Sorry, Bob.
In 1964, The Beatles' debut U.S. album, Meet The Beatles, was released.
In 1965, '50s rock & roll heyday deejay Alan Freed died in Palm Springs, California.
In 1965, The Rolling Stones and The Kinks made their first appearance on ABC-TV's Shindig!.
In 1968, Despite his supposed falling out with the New York-Cambridge folk singer circle, Bob Dylan joined Pete Seeger, Judy Collins, Arlo Guthrie, Odetta, Richie Havens, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and The Band in commemorating the late Woody Guthrie.
In 1980, Pink Floyd's The Wall began a 15-week run as the #1 album in the land.
In 1988, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Bob Dylan and The Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1994, Smashing Pumpkins' Siamese Dream was #20 on the Billboard album chart. It would go on to sell four million copies.
In 1998, A multimedia exhibit featuring more than 250 covers from Rolling Stone magazine, along with artifacts from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, began a free tour of U.S. colleges at New York University in New York.
1/21:
CHARLYN "CHAN" MARSHALL (aka Cat Power; "Chan" is pronounced "Shawn") Born in 1972 in Georgia.
RICHIE HAVENS (Modern folksinger, actor; raised in the tough Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, where he learned to sing for spare change at a young age; played the Newport Folk Festival in 1966, but came into prominence at the 1969 Woodstock festival and with the subsequent soundtrack; has since recorded independent solo albums and been the voice on commercials for companies like Amtrak and McDonalds; "Here Comes The Sun," "Freedom") Born in 1941 in Brooklyn.
EDWIN STARR (born Charles Hatcher) (singer/songwriter; he was bigger in England than in the U.S.; wrote the hit "War," which was covered by Bruce Springsteen in 1985) Born in 1942 in Nashville. Died April 2, 2003, in Nottingham, England.
SNOOKS EAGLIN (born Ford Eaglin, Jr.) (Fine blind blues guitarist and singer; a fixture in New Orleans and in Louisiana) Born in 1936 in New Orleans.
KENNETH KINSEY (Bass playing co-founder of the blues-rockin' The Kinsey Report) Born in 1963 in Gary, Indiana.
WOLFMAN JACK (born Robert Weston Smith) (Popular '60s-era deejay, actor, entertainer; he developed the "Wolfman" persona while howling behind funk and rock hits on high-powered California and Texas/Mexican border AM radio stations like XERF and XERB; immortalized in songs like "Clap For The Wolfman" by The Guess Who and "Wolfman Jack" by Todd Rundgren) Born in 1938 in Brooklyn, New York. Died on July 1, 1995, in Belvidere, North Carolina.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/21:
In 1959, The Kingston Trio nabbed their first Gold record for the folk hit "Tom Dooley."
In 1965, The Rolling Stones arrived in Sydney, Australia, for a tour with Roy Orbison.
In 1965, The Byrds recorded "Mr. Tambourine Man" in Los Angeles, produced by Doris Day's son Terry Melcher.
In 1966, George Harrison married his longtime girlfriend, model Patti Boyd. The two met on the set of The Beatles' first movie, A Hard Day's Night. She left Harrison in the mid-'70s for neighbor Eric Clapton, who would write the song "Layla" about her and marry her in May 1979.
In 1974, Then-Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter invited Bob Dylan to a post-concert party at his mansion.
In 1984, Jackie Wilson died after laying in a coma for more than eight years, brought on by a heart attack he'd suffered onstage in September 1975. He was 49 years old.
In 1987, On this day, the following were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame: Leonard Chess, The Coasters, Eddie Cochran, Bo Diddley, Aretha Franklin, Ahmet Ertegun, Marvin Gaye, Bill Haley, Louis Jordan, B.B. King, Leiber & Stoller, Clyde McPhatter, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Smokey Robinson, Big Joe Turner, T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Jerry Wexler, Hank Williams and Jackie Wilson (on the third anniversary of his death).
In 1990, Squeeze was the debut band on MTV's successful Unplugged program.
In 1997, Col. Tom Parker died. He was the colorful and aggressive manager of Elvis.
In 2002, Jazz/pop legend Peggy Lee ("Fever") died of a heart attack in Los Angeles. She was 81.
1/22:
MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (Lead vocalist for one of the most popular bands ever to emerge from Australia, '80s/'90s funk/rock sensations INXS; "Original Sin," "What You Need," "Devil Inside," "Need You Tonight," "This Time," "Listen Like Thieves," "New Sensation," "Never Tear Us Apart," "Beautiful Girl") Born in 1960 in Sidney, Australia. Died in Sydney in 1997 in a suicide or an accident.
SAM COOKE (Legendary soul/gospel/pop singer; "You Send Me," "Twistin' The Night Away," "Cupid," "Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha," "Only Sixteen," "What a Wonderful World," "Chain Gang") Born in 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Died in 1964 under sordid circumstances; shot during an illicit tryst at a motel .
STEVE PERRY (King of the arena rock circuit as a member of San Francisco-based Journey and solo with his soaring, dramatic voice; "Oh Sherry," "Don't Stop Believin'," "Lights," "Wheel in the Sky," "Separate Ways [Worlds Apart]") Born in 1949 in Hanford, California.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/22:
In 1959, Buddy Holly made his last recordings in his N.Y.C. apartment, alone with an acoustic guitar and tape, he recorded "Peggy Sue Got Married," "Crying, Waiting, Hoping," "That's What They Say," "What to Do," "Learning the Game" and "That Makes it Tough." The recordings were embellished and overdubbed, released posthumously by Coral Records.
In 1960, Sam Cooke signed with one of the biggest record labels in the world, RCA Victor.
In 1966, Nancy Sinatra entered the Hot 100 for the second time with what would be her biggest hit," These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." The tune went to #1 the following week and would spend 14 weeks altogether on the singles chart.
In 1968, The comedy/variety show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In premiered on NBC-TV.
In 1971, One of the finest concert films of its era, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, starring Joe Cocker and featuring Leon Russell and Rita Coolidge, was screened for the first time at London's Festival Palace.
In 1974, Carly Simon copped a gold record for Hotcakes, a Top Five album that featured a big hit single duet with her then husband James Taylor, a fun version of the old "Mockingbird."
In 1999, Singer and pianist Charles Brown ("Drifting Blues"), good friend of Bonnie Raitt, died of heart failure in Oakland, California at 76 years old.
1/23:
ROBIN ZANDER (Lead vocalist in Cheap Trick; "Ain't That a Shame," "I Want You To Want Me," "California Man," "Surrender," "So Good To See You," "The Dream Police," "The Flame") Born in 1953 in Rockford, Illinois.
PATRICK SIMMONS (Vocalist, guitarist, songwriter with The Doobie Brothers; "Toulouse Street," "Black Water," "South City Midnight Lady," "Dependin' On You," "Echoes Of Love") Born in 1950 in Aberdeen, Washington.
DANNY FEDERICI (Organ player and accordionist with The E Street Band; has also worked with Bill Chinnock, Graham Parker and Joan Armatrading; one solo album) Born in 1950.
ANITA POINTER (The second oldest of the famed Pointer Sisters; "Yes We Can Can," "Fire," "Slow Hand") Born in 1948 in East Oakland, California.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/23:
In 1958, Brunswick Records released Buddy Holly and The Crickets' "Maybe Baby."
In 1964, At the conclusion of their triumphant first American tour, The Rolling Stones flew back to England.
In 1965, With her single "Downtown," Petula Clark became the first female U.K. star to have a U.S. #1 since Vera Lynn in 1952.
In 1970, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Phil Ochs, Arlo Guthrie and Country Joe McDonald were denied permission by the court to sing as part of their testimony at the trial of the Chicago Seven.
In 1972, Jump blues singer Maybelle Smith, better known as Big Maybelle, died in Cleveland after slipping into a diabetic coma at the age of 47. Her greatest successes came in the late '40s and early '50s with hits like "Candy"; in 1967, she covered ? And The Mysterians' "96 Tears."
In 1973, Neil Young interrupted a New York concert to read a message handed to him regarding the Vietnam war: "Peace has come." The audience went into an ecstatic frenzy of hugging and kissing before Neil launched into a blistering version of "Southern Man."
In 1977, Patti Smith fell off the stage at a show in Tampa, Florida, and broke a vertebrae.
In 1978, Terry Kath, guitarist and vocalist with Chicago, a player whom even Jimi Hendrix admired, died after accidentally shooting himself in the head with a pistol that he had been playing around with. He thought it was unloaded. Kath was only 32.
In 1980, Marvin Gaye played the Liverpool Philharmonic. Edwin Starr opened.
In 1986, The first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremonies were conducted at New York's Waldorf-Astoria. Elvis, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips and deejay Alan Freed were the first to be enshrined in the hallowed halls.
In 1989, After an incident which involved a police chase through two states, James Brown was sentenced to six years in prison in Georgia.
In 1990, Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins, 37, died of complications from pneumonia in Jacksonville, Florida.
In 1990, David Bowie announced that his forthcoming Sound & Vision tour would be the last to take him around the world, and that the set list would be determined by the listeners of radio stations in the cities he would be visiting.
In 1997, Richard Berry, the guy who wrote the song that launched a million garage bands, "Louie, Louie," died in Los Angeles.
1/24:
WARREN ZEVON (Colorful, dark and witty singer/songwriter who emerged from the 1970s L.A. folk-rock scene; his 1987 Sentimental Hygiene album featured members of R.E.M.; Zevon later joined Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry for the one-off 1990 album Hindu Love Gods; Zevon's final days were well-documented by the rock media as he was joined by guest musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Don Henley, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Dwight Yoakam, Ry Cooder and David Lindley on his final studio record; learn more in this week's Artist Of The Week feature; "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me" [a hit for Linda Ronstadt], "Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner," "Carmelita," "Sentimental Hygiene," "Lawyers, Guns And Money," "Werewolves Of London," "Excitable Boy," "A Certain Girl," "Mr. Bad Example," "Keep Me In Your Heart," "Knockin' On Heaven's Door") Born in 1947 in Chicago. Died of lung cancer on September 7, 2003, in Los Angeles.
AARON NEVILLE (Vocals and drums; one of the brothers in the famed New Orleans band The Neville Brothers); "Tell It Like It Is," "Don't Know Much" [a hit duet with Linda Ronstadt], "Everybody Plays The Fool," "Hey Pocky Way," "Fire On The Bayou," "Yellow Moon," "Congo Square") Born in 1941 in New Orleans.
JOOLS HOLLAND (born Julian "Jools" Holland) (Vocals and keyboards in influential Brit rock/pop band Squeeze; he was replaced by Paul Carrack and briefly formed his own band called The Millionaires in 1980; later went on to become a popular Brit TV variety show host and swing jazz musician) "Up The Junction," "Pulling Mussels [From A Shell]," "Black Coffee In Bed," "Tempted") Born in 1954 in London.
DOUG KERSHAW (American hit '70s Cajun country fiddler and sometime actor; "Louisiana Man," "Diggy Diggy Lo") Born in 1936 in Tiel Ridge, Louisiana.
JOHN BELUSHI (Comedian, actor and singer; a.k.a. Jake Blues in The Blues Brothers movie and soundtrack, along with Jake Elwood, a.k.a. Dan Aykroyd, guitarist Steve Cropper and bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn; Belushi worked his way from Chicago's respected Second City Comedy Troupe and the National Lampoon Radio Hour and subsequent recordings to the hit film Animal House and NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live [where he was a hit with his Joe Cocker impersonation, among other hysterical routines]; "Hey Bartender," "Soul Man") Born in 1949 in Chicago. Died March 5, 1982, from a drug overdose, in Hollywood, California.
NEIL DIAMOND (Hit '70s crooner and songwriter; has sold over 92 million of his own records worldwide; "I'm A Believer" [a hit for The Monkees], "Red, Red Wine" [a hit for UB40], "Sweet Caroline," "Kentucky Woman" [a hit for Deep Purple], "Thank The Lord For The Night Time," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon" [a hit for Urge Overkill on 1994's Pulp Fiction soundtrack]) Born in 1941 in Brooklyn, New York.
RAY STEVENS (born Harold Ray Ragsdale) (Country-pop novelty singer/songwriter; his first Top 40 song in 1961 was "Jeremiah Peabody's Poly Unsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast Acting Pleasant Tasting Green And Purple Pills," but he is perhaps best known for his pair of '70s hits "Everything Is Beautiful" and "The Streak") Born in 1939 in Clarkdale, Georgia .
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/24:
In 1962, Brian Epstein signed a deal to manage The Beatles.
In 1969, Jethro Tull kicked off their first U.S. tour in New York.
In 1974, The top song in the land was "You're Sixteen" performed by Ringo Starr. The tune featured a barely noticeable solo from his pal and old band mate Paul McCartney.
In 1978, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Randy Newman snagged a Gold record for his unlikely novelty hit "Short People," which actually made it all the way to #2 on the pop chart. ("They got little cars that go beep, beep, beep/They got little voices goin' peep, peep, peep...Don't want no short people 'round here...").
In 1979, The Clash released their first single in the U.S on Epic Records. Their version of Sonny Curtis' "I Fought The Law" was an instant College radio hit.
In 1998, Oasis had a #1 hit single in Britain with "All Around The World." At 9:38, the song enjoyed the distinction of having the longest running time ever for a #1 record. It has since become part of an AT&T ad campaign on TV.
In 2001, New Canadian singer Nelly Furtado won five Juno Award nominations for her debut album, Whoa Nelly!
In 2003, The 1971 Led Zeppelin classic "Stairway To Heaven" and Peter, Paul & Mary's 1963 recording of "Blowin' in the Wind" were among the 21 new additions to the Grammy Hall of Fame.
1/25:
ETTA JAMES (born Jamesetta Hawkins) (American icon, '50s/'60s soul/blues/jazz singer; discovered by Johnny Otis; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame; she won her first Grammy for 1994's
Mystery Lady:
The Songs Of Billie Holliday; "Roll With Me Henry," "Good Rockin' Daddy," "Tell Mama," "I Just Want To Make Love To You," "I'd Rather Go Blind") Born in 1938 in Los Angeles.
ANDY COX (Guitarist with late '70s/'80s Brit hit ska/funk bands The English Beat and The Fine Young Cannibals; "Mirror In The Bathroom," "I Confess," "Best Friend," "Can't Get Used To Losing You," "Save It For Later," "Good Thing," "She Drives Me Crazy," "Don't Look Back") Born in 1956 in Birmingham, England.
"SLEEPY" JOHN ESTES (Legendary '30s/'40s-era Memphis and Chicago bluesman; played on Ry Cooder's 1974
Boomer's Story; "Someday, Baby," "Drop Down, Mama," Going To Brownsville" [covered by Joy Of Cooking in 1971]) Born in 189 in Ripley, Tennessee. Died of a stroke on June 5, 1977, in Brownsville, Tennessee.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/25:
In 1962, Sam Cooke's "Twistin' The Night Away," successfully remade by Rod Stewart a decade later, was released on RCA and broke the Top Ten on the singles chart.
In 1964, Famed "wall of sound" record producer Phil Spector appeared as a panelist on the British rate-a-record television program Juke Box Jury.
In 1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival released "Proud Mary."
In 1971, Grace Slick and Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane had a daughter who they named God. Reconsidering the ramifications, they later renamed her China.
In 1971, Charles Manson and three female members of his "family" were found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit murder and seven counts of murder in the first degree and were sentenced to life imprisonment. During this trial, one of the most sensational in history, it was revealed that Manson, a mediocre amateur musician himself, had regarded The Beatles as angels who "sent messages to him" via their music. In particular, their songs "Helter Skelter," "Piggies" and "Revolution 9" on "the White Album" purportedly helped compel him to commit his atrocities.
In 1979, The Cars were named Best New Band Of The Year in Rolling Stone magazine's annual readers' poll.
In 1980, Paul McCartney was released from a Tokyo jail where he cooled his heals for ten days after getting busted for trying to get nearly a half pound of weed past customs at the Tokyo airport.
In 1982, Rosanne Cash and her husband Rodney Crowell became the proud parents of a baby girl, Chelsea Jane.
In 1984, Yoko Ono donated $200,000 to Strawberry Fields, a retirement home in Liverpool.
In 1986, Bruce Springsteen's stark and introspective "My Hometown" climbed into the Top Ten.
In 1999, The Rolling Stones launched their first arena tour in more than two decades in Oakland, CA. They dubbed it their No Security tour.
In 2001, Bob Dylan's mother, Beatrice Rutman, died in St. Paul, Minnesota, at age 84.
1/26:
LUCINDA WILLIAMS (Popular American roots singer/songwriter who, after stints in Nashville, Austin and L.A., broke through with her 1998 album Car Wheels On A Gravel Road with help from Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and the E Street Band's Roy Bittan; influenced by the music of Hank Williams and the writing of Southern novelist Flannery O' Connor; "Passionate Kisses" [a hit for Mary Chapin Carpenter], "Change The Locks" [covered by Tom Petty], "2 Kool 2 Be 4-Gotten," "Joy," "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road," "Can't Let Go," "Essence," "Get Right With God," "Steal Your Love," "Righteously," "Real Live Bleeding Fingers And Broken Guitar Strings") Born in 1953 in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
HUEY "PIANO" SMITH (Legendary New Orleans pianist, singer, songwriter; "Rockin' Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu," "Don't You Just Know It," "Sea Cruise") Born in New Orleans in 1934.
ASHLEY HUTCHINS (Bass player, singer and one of the founding members of pioneering Brit folk/pop band Fairport Convention) Born in 1945 in Southgate, Middlesex, England.
EDDIE VAN HALEN (Flashy guitarist, leader of the band that bears his name) Born in 1955 in Nijmegan, the Netherlands.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/26:
In 1956, Buddy Holly's first recording session for Decca Records took place in Nashville.
In 1962, Bishop Burke of the Buffalo, New York, Catholic Diocese prohibited the dance of the devil, "The Twist." It couldn't be danced, sung about or listened to at any Catholic school, parish or youth event. Later in the year, "The Twist" was also banned from community center dances in Tampa, Florida, as well.
In 1970, John Lennon and Phil Spector collaborated on "Instant Karma." It was released in the early part of February and wound up being one of Lennon's most successful singles.
In 1970, The Ourimbah Rock Festival, Australia's first major rock fest, was attended by 11,000. Only 26 people were arrested.
In 1977, Peter Green, the original lead guitarist for Fleetwood Mac, was committed to a mental hospital in England after firing a pistol at a delivery boy who was attempting to bring Green a royalties check accrued from Fleetwood Mac record sales. Green had left the band in May 1970 to pursue a life of religious seclusion.
In 1978, Some employees at EMI's record processing plant in England refused to press copies of The Buzzcocks' "Oh, Shit," the flip side of their single "What Do I Get?" The record, of course, eventually was pressed and "What Do I Get?" became a #1 hit in the U.K.
In 1984, In another wacky misadventure, Michael Jackson suffered scalp and neck burns when his hair was set ablaze in an accidental explosion on the set of a Pepsi commercial. The commercial debuted on MTV on February 27, 1984. The scene was cut out of the commercial.
In 1998, Texas-born blues drummer S.P. Leary died at 67 from cancer. He played with top-notch bluesmen like T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Hooker, Magic Sam, Lowell Fulson, Otis Spann and James Cotton.
In 2003, Billy Joel was flown to a Long Island hospital after he lost control of his Mercedes and crashed into a tree in The Hamptons.
1/27:
MARGO TIMMINS (Sweet and haunting voice of the Cowboy Junkies; "Misguided Angel," "Southern Rain," "Crescent Moon," "The Anniversary Song," "Blue Moon," "Sweet Jane," "A Common Disaster," "Miles From My Home") Born in 1961 in Toronto.
NICK MASON (Original drummer for Pink Floyd, only member of the group to be in the band throughout its existence; "See Emily Play," "Interstellar Overdrive," "Astronomy Domine," "Atom Heart Mother Suite," "One of These Days," "Money," "Us And Them," "Time," "Pigs," "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," "Wish You Were Here," "Have a Cigar," "Welcome To the Machine," "Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)," "Comfortably Numb," "Run Like Hell," "Learning To Fly") Born in 1945 in Birmingham, England.
BOBBY "BLUE" BLAND (born Robert Calvin Brooks) (Influential Memphis soul/blues giant, an inspiration to Eric Clapton, The Grateful Dead and many others; "Farther Up the Road," "I Pity the Fool," "Turn On Your Love Light") Born in 1930 in Rosemark, Tennessee.
TRICKY (born Adrian Thaws) (Electronica/hip-hop pop/rocker, member of Britain's Massive Attack before he met up with collaborator Martina in the early '90s; he has recorded with and remixed for a wide variety of artists, such as Björk, Luscious Jackson, Alison Moyet, Neneh Cherry, Elvis Costello, Garbage, Yoko Ono, Live's Ed Kowalczyk and Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis and John Frusciante; "I Be the Prophet," "Overcome," Aftermath," "Ponderosa," "Tricky Kid") Born in 1964 in Bristol, England.
MIKE PATTON (Singer, songwriter, bassist with innovative '80s/'90s post-punk bands Faith No More and Mr. Bungle; "Epic," "We Care A Lot" [a tongue-in-cheek thrash-funk commentary on "We Are The World") Born in 1968 in Eureka, California.
SETH JUSTMAN (Producer, keyboards, songwriter [with Peter Wolf] in the '70s/'80s hit rock/funk J. Geils Band; "Give It To Me," "Must of Got Lost," "Centerfold," "Love Stinks") Born in 1951 in Washington, DC.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/27:
In 1756, Mozart, classical composer of what many consider to be some of the most beautiful melodies of all time, was born in Salzburg, Austria. Considered instrumental in changing opera into the form we know today, he created over 600 musical works despite living only to age 35.
In 1958, Little Richard gave up rock & roll so he could serve God, entering Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, a school for blacks run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. As he explained it, while flying over the Philippines on tour, the wing of his plane caught fire and his prayers that the flames go out were answered. He figured it was payback time.
In 1964, Members of The Rolling Stones appeared as judges on the British rate-a-record TV show Juke Box Jury, exhibiting such impolite behavior on the set that the lads caused a considerable uproar in the British press.
In 1968, Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" was released, six weeks after his death in a plane crash.
In 1968, The Bee Gees made their U.S. debut with two shows at Southern California's Anaheim Convention Center. Following the performances, they banked $50,000 and immediately flew back to England without any further U.S. appearances.
In 1971, David Bowie arrived in the U.S. for the first time, but was not allowed to play anywhere due to work permit restrictions. However, he did turn manage to turn some heads when he wore a dress to a promotional event.
In 1972, The New Seekers received a Gold record for "I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing," a tune that would be better remembered as a Coca-Cola jingle.
In 1972, The great gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who once remarked that she sang "because I was lonely," died of heart problems at the age of 60.
In 1973, Stevie Wonder had his first #1 hit in a decade with "Superstition" from the Talking Book album.
In 1990, It was Tom Petty Day in his hometown of Gainesville, Florida.
In 1994, Oasis made their live debut in London at King's Cross Water Rats.
In 1998, James Brown was charged with possession of marijuana and unlawful use of a firearm when police were called to his North Carolina home.
1/28:
SARAH McLACHLAN (Unique Grammy-winning hit singer/songwriter who emerged in the mid '90s from Canada; career boosted by Lilith Fair, a series of tours she thought up; "Into The Fire," "Possession," "Good Enough," "Adia," "Building A Mystery," "Sweet Surrender," "I Will Remember You," "Fallen") Born in 1968 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
SAM PHILLIPS (born Leslie Phillips) (Folk/pop singer/song writer; married to producer T Bone Burnett; "I Need Love") Born in 1962 in Glendale, California.
ROBERT WYATT ('70s-era Brit progressive rock drummer, singer, songwriter; member of the influential Soft Machine; solo artist; "I'm A Believer") Born in 1945 in Bristol, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/28:
In 1956, Elvis made his national TV debut on The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show on CBS. Among the tunes the King performed were "Shake, Rattle & Roll" and "I Got A Woman." One of the Dorseys was heard to snicker, "He can't last."
In 1965, In front of a packed studio audience, The Who made their first appearance on the British TV rock show Ready Steady Go! Their performance helped spur the single, their first, "I Can't Explain" into the British Top Ten.
In 1965, The Moody Blues had their first hit hit with Denny Laine's (Wings) "Go Now."
In 1978, Fleetwood Mac's Rumours was #1 in both the U.S. and the U.K., and would ultimately sell 15 million copies worldwide.
In 1982, Jackson Browne and his second wife, Lynne Sweeney, had their first child, Ryan Daniel Browne.
In 1985, A who's who of rock and pop musicians, such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, showed up at the A&M Studios in Hollywood, "checked their egos at the door," and taped the benefit single, "We Are The World."
In 1996, Chris Isaak made a guest appearance on the popular TV show Friends.
1/29:
JONNY LANG (born Jon Gordon Langseth) (Young blues/rock sensation, broke on the scene after he moved to Minneapolis at age 16 with his major label debut 1997's Lie To Me; "Hit The Ground Running," "Wander This World," "Breakin' Me," "Red Light") Born in 1981 in Fargo, North Dakota.
TOMMY RAMONE (born Thomas Erdelyi) (Drummer for the famous pioneering '70s/'80s punk band The Ramones; "Rock And Roll High School," "Rockaway Beach," "I Wanna Be Sedated") Born in 1952 in Budapest, Hungary.
LOUIS PEREZ (Longtime guitarist and singer with Los Lobos; "Will The Wolf Survive," "One Time One Night," "La Bamba," "This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore," "Angels With Dirty Faces," "Hearts of Stone") Born in 1953.
RODDY FRAME (Singer, songwriter, leader of influential late '80s hit Brit folk/pop band Aztec Camera; solo artist; "Oblivious") Born in 1964 in East Kilbride, Scotland.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/29:
In 1958, Challenge Records released "Tequila" by The Champs, notable for making it to #1, and for featuring Jim Seals and Dash Crofts, two musicians who would go on to much greater fame as the '70s soft-rocker duo Seals & Crofts.
In 1962, Warner Bros. Records inked a folk trio in the forefront of the "Great Folk Scare" of the early '60s, Peter, Paul & Mary. They went on to have sizable hits with their versions of several Bob Dylan songs, including "Blowin' In The Wind," as well as hit singles with Pete Seeger and John Denver songs.
In 1966, The Bobby Fuller Four hit "I Fought The Law" was released. Fuller later committed suicide or was murdered; it was never known for certain which.
In 1969, Fleetwood Mac had their first—and last—#1 on the singles charts in the U.K. with the haunting instrumental called "Albatross."
In 1983, Stevie Nicks married Kim Anderson at her Los Angeles home. It was to be a short-lived union. They divorced the following year.
In 1983, The Australian band Men At Work went to the top spots on the U.S. and British album and singles charts simultaneously with Business As Usual and "Down Under." Rod Stewart was the last artist to accomplish this feat in 1971.
In 1992, Blues legend Willie Dixon died of heart failure in Burbank, California. Willie, in addition to being a more-than-capable singer/bassist/multi-instrumentalist and important producer at Chess Records, wrote perhaps more songs that became blues standards than any other artist in the field. "Evil," "Hoochie Koochie Man," "Bring It On Home," "Back Door Man" and "Little Red Rooster" were among his compositions made famous by the likes of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and Koko Taylor, later adopted and emulated (and, on occasion, stolen) by white British musicians. The Rolling Stones, to their credit, always acknowledged him and, in fact, named themselves after a line in one of his songs. Bob Dylan wrote a song influenced by the same line, and a magazine even named itself after that Willie Dixon line.
In 1996, Country mega-superstar Garth Brooks refused to accept his American Music Award for Favorite Overall Artist. Brooks humbly contended that Hootie & The Blowfish had done more for music that year than he had.
In 1998, Paul Simon's musical The Capeman opened in New York.
1/30:
RUTH BROWN (born Ruth Weston) (American R&B and blues great; early hit artist in the '50s for Atlantic Records; "Miss Rhythm," "Teardrops From My Eyes," "5-10-15 Hours," "[Mama] He Treats Your Daughter Mean" [covered by Susan Tedeschi on her first album], "That Train Don't Stop Here Anymore," "Outskirts Of Town" [duet with Bonnie Raitt]) Born in 1928 in Portsmouth, Virginia.
MARTY BALIN (San Francisco-based lead singer of psychedelic-era Jefferson Airplane ballads and later '80s pop hits with the Starship; solo artist; "Today," "Comin' Back To Me," "Miracles," "With Your Love," "Hearts") Born in 1942 in Cincinnati.
STEVE MARRIOTT (Powerful, wailing blues-rock vocalist with the late '60s-era Small Faces and then Humble Pie in the '70s [a band that would be a big influence on the Black Crowes]; Marriott was planning a comeback with Humble Pie band mate Peter Frampton when he perished in a house fire; a key influence on the Black Crowes; "Itchycoo Park," "30 Days In The Hole," "I Don't Need No Doctor") Born in 1947 in Bow, London, England. Died April 20, 1991, in Essex, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/30:
In 1956, Elvis began laying down tracks at RCA Victor's New York studios for what would be his first album. One of the memorable tunes waxed on this day was Presley's version of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes."
In 1956, Jerry Lee Lewis played his pumping piano for rockabilly singer Billy Lee Riley at Sun Studios in Memphis. They taped "Red Hot," which became Riley's most successful record.
In 1961, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, famed hit-writing duo, composers of "Hound Dog," "Charlie Brown," "Stand By Me," "On Broadway," "Leader Of The Pack" and innumerable others, announced that they were working on forming their own independent production company to make records for other companies. Among the biggies that expressed interest were Atlantic and RCA Victor.
In 1969, The Beatles made their last ever public appearance as a group, performing atop the roof of Apple Studios at 3 Saville Row, London. The performance, filmed for the documentary Let It Be, was eventually halted when police arrived after neighbors complained about the racket.
In 1971, Janis Joplin, the pride of Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas, released her most successful single, "Me And Bobby McGee," which was written by Kris Kristofferson. The single was released posthumously.
In 1971, "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison went to the top of the U.K., and eventually, U.S., singles chart, making him the first Beatle to have a #1 single as a solo artist.
In 1982, Influential blues guitarist Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins died of cancer in Houston.
In 1988, Australia's INXS had their first #1 single in America with "Need You Tonight."
In 1990, Bob Dylan was named commander in France's Order Of Arts And Letters by the country's Culture Ministry.
In 1990, The Stone Roses, not happy with plans to re-release their single "Sally Cinnamon," trashed the offices of Revolver FM, their London-based record company, and then hurled paint on cars parked outside. They were later arrested and charged.
1/31:
JOHNNY ROTTEN (born John Lydon) (Endearingly obnoxious lead singer for the legendary Sex Pistols; later formed Public Image Ltd.; godfather of late-'70s Brit punk trailblazers; "God Save The Queen") Born in 1956 in Finsbury Park, London, England.
PHIL COLLINS (Drummer and lead vocalist with Genesis after 1974 departure of Peter Gabriel; solo star; sometime actor; huge star in the '80s into the early '90s; remains one of the all-time biggest-selling solo artists in the world; "That's All," "Invisible Touch," "I Can't Dance," "In The Air Tonight," "I Missed Again," "Sussudio," "One More Night," "Against All Odds (Take a Look At Me Now)," "Another Day In Paradise") Born in 1951 in Chiswick, London.
TERRY KATH (Original lead guitarist, singer and one of the founders of hit rock/pop band Chicago; appeared on 11 of their albums before his untimely demise in 1978; "Beginnings," "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is," "Colour My World," "Make Me Smile," "25 Or 6 To 4") Born in 1946 in Chicago. Died of an accidental gunshot wound to the head on January 23, 1978, in Woodland Hills, California.
PHIL MANZANERA (born Philip Targett-Adams) (Guitarist, keyboards, producer; best known for his work with Roxy Music, 801; "Both Ends Burning," "Out of the Blue," "Love Is The Drug," "More Than This," "Avalon," "Sentimental Fool," "Miss Shapiro," "Amazona") Born in 1951 in London, England.
LLOYD COLE (Vocalist, guitarist, leader of '90s Brit band The Commotions; later relocated to New York City to launch a solo career; "Rattlesnakes," "Perfect Skin," "Love Ruins Everything") Born in 1961 in Buxton, England.
ROOSEVELT SYKES (Early blues man, singer, pianist; prominent in New Orleans music scene; "The Night Time Is The Right Time," "Driving Wheel") Born in 1906 in Elmar, Arkansas. Died July 17, 1983, in New Orleans.
CHUCK WILLIS (born Harold Willis) (R&B/rock singer "I Feel So Bad," "It's Too Late," "C.C. Rider," "Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes") Born in Atlanta in 1928. Died April 10, 1958, in Atlanta.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 1/31:
In 1957, Bill Haley & The Comets' record company announced that over a million copies of "Rock Around The Clock," mostly on 10-inch 78s, had been sold in the U.K.
In 1960, Jimmy Jones' "Handy Man" entered the R&B chart and rapidly made it to the #3 spot. James Taylor successfully revived the tune in 1977.
In 1972, More than 40,000 mourners paid their respects to gospel giant Mahalia Jackson at Chicago's Great Salem Baptist Church. Those in attendance included Coretta Scott King, Mayor Richard Daley and Sammy Davis, Jr., who read a telegram from President Nixon. Aretha Franklin concluded the services by singing "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."
In 1972, Joan Baez received a Gold record for her album Any Day Now, songs written entirely by Bob Dylan.
In 1979, With Bo Diddley as their opening act, The Clash began their first U.S. tour.
In 1981, Blondie had their third #1 single with "The Tide Is High."
In 1986, Down And Out In Beverly Hills opened. The film co-starred Little Richard.
In 1998, The "Come Together" concert, a benefit show for the family of Sgt. Patrick King, a Long Branch, NJ police officer who had been killed in the line of duty, took place at a small New Jersey shore theatre. The three-and-a-half-hour jam featured Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Southside Johnny, Little Steven and a load of other New Jersey musicians. It was, in essence, an E Street Band reunion with Max Weinberg, Danny Federici and Clarence Clemons joining in. Among the songs performed were "Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out," "Backstreets," "Thunder Road" and "Born To Run."
2/1:
MIKE CAMPBELL (Longtime guitarist with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers; he co-wrote "The Boys Of Summer" with Don Henley and recorded with Roy Orbison among others; "American Girl," "Breakdown," "I Need To Know," "Listen To Her Heart," "Don't Do Me Like That," "Here Comes My Girl," "Refugee," "The Waiting," "I Won't Back Down," "Free Fallin'," "Mary Jane's Last Dance") Born in 1954 in Panama City, Florida.
LISA MARIE PRESLEY (Daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley; successful pop/rock artist in her own right, finally debuted with 2003's acclaimed To Whom It May Concern; ex-wife of Michael Jackson; "Light's Out") Born in 1968 in Memphis.
DON EVERLY (Brother to Phil, guitarist and vocalist in one of the most famous and influential harmonizing duos in the history of rock; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986; "Bye, Bye Love," "Wake Up Little Susie," "Bird Dog," "Cathy's Clown," "When Will I Be Loved" [a hit for Linda Ronstadt], "All I Have To Do Is Dream," "Let It Be Me") Born in 1937 in Brownie, Kentucky.
RICK JAMES (Late-'70s, self-described "punk funk" hit artist; he fled to Canada AWOL from the Army in the late '60s and hooked up with Neil Young in a Toronto band called the Mynah Birds; "Super Freak," "Cold Blooded," "You and I") Born in 1948 in Buffalo, New York. Died August 6, 2004 of a heart attack.
RAY "DR. HOOK" SAWYER (Singer and frontman with the cowboy hat and eye-patch in '70s-era Dr. Hook And The Medicine Show; "Sylvia's Daughter," "Cover Of The Rolling Stone") Born in 1937 in Chicksaw, Alabama.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/1:
In 1964, The Beatles began a seven-week run at #1 with "I Want To Hold Your Hand." It was the first #1 single by a British group since the unlikely instrumental hit "Telstar" by The Tornadoes two years earlier.
In 1964, Indiana Governor Welsh determined somehow that the smash hit "Louie, Louie" by The Kingsmen was pornographic and requested that the Indiana Broadcasters Association ban the record. Although many stations rightfully claimed that it was impossible to exactly decipher the lyrics from "the unintelligible rendition as performed by The Kingsmen," Governor Welsh claimed that his "ears tingled" when he heard the song.
In 1968, Universal International Studios made The Doors an offer of half a million dollars to star in a feature film. The band also announced plans for an ABC-TV special, a "humor book" by the whole group and a book of lyrics and poetry by Jim Morrison. Of all these ambitious projects, only the latter ever came to fruition.
In 1968, Nine months after having wed Elvis, Priscilla Presley gave birth to Elvis' only child and sole heir, Lisa Marie, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.
In 1972, Chuck Berry finally had his first #1 record in the U.K. It was a song that he had been playing for years, "My Ding-A-Ling," a mostly silly but slightly salacious novelty tune. A few arbiters of morality in England tried to have it banned.
In 1973, Steppenwolf was back less than a year after they had "retired," although leader John Kay announced that he planned to continue with his solo career.
In 1977, Led Zeppelin's latest tour of North America was postponed indefinitely due to vocalist Robert Plant's persistent tonsillitis. The tour finally resumed in late June. It was the final time Page and Plant appeared together in North America until their '95 tour.
In 1978, Bob Dylan's film Renaldo And Clara, a rather bizarre and lengthy documentary of the Rolling Thunder Revue tour, premiered in Los Angeles.
In 1985, Memphis declares this day "Bar-Kays Day" in honor of the band that began as Otis Redding's backing band. They were fortunate enough not to be on the plane that took the lives of Redding and three members of his group, and went on to make hits like "Soul Finger."
In 1985, A short-haired Glenn Frey made his acting debut in a Miami Vice episode which bore the name of his song "Smuggler's Blues." The song was used in the show.
In 1988, The Cars finally called it quits in Boston.
In 1992, With all the proceeds going to AIDS charities, Elton John and George Michael's duet of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" was #1 in both the U.S. and the U.K.
In 1995, Manic Street Preachers' guitarist Richey James vanished without a trace.
In 2003, Master Cuban conga player Ramon "Mongo" Santamaria (Cal Tjader/Tito Puente) died in a Miami hospital after suffering a stroke.
2/2:
GRAHAM NASH (Tenor vocalist whose immaculate harmonizing was an integral part of The Hollies in the '60s and later Crosby, Stills, Nash and [sometimes] Young from 1969 to the present day; solo and sometimes partnered with David Crosby; "On a Carousel," "Carrie Anne," "Used To Be a King," "Military Madness," "Find the High Cost Of Freedom," "Guinevere," "Marakesh Express," "Our House," "Teach Your Children," "Cathedral," "Wasted on the Way," "Wind on the Water," "Southern Cross," "Just a Song Before I Go," "Carry Me," "Chicago," "Immigation Man," "Blizzard Of Lies") Born in 1942 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England.
EVA CASSIDY (Exceptional and versatile voice with a #1 Brit album in the posthumously released 1998 Songbird, native of Washington, D.C. area; "Fields Of Gold") Born in 1963 in Oxon, Maryland. Died of cancer in 1996.
STAN GETZ (Legendary American jazz tenor saxophonist, helped popularize bossa nova music in the U.S. with his hit recording of "The Girl From Ipanema") Born in 1927 in Philadelphia. Died in 1991.
SKIP BATTIN (Bass player and singer with late-'60s-era bands The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers and The New Riders Of The Purple Sage) Born in 1934 in Gallipolis, Ohio.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/2:
In 1957, One of New Orleans' finest, Fats Domino, played and sang "Blueberry Hill" and "Blue Monday" on Perry Como's popular TV show.
In 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper made their final concert appearances during the GAC Winter Show tour, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
In 1970, The opening line of The Beatles' "A Day In The Life," "I read the news today oh boy," was used by Look magazine to headline its '60s retrospective.
In 1974, Keith Emerson got a little carried away with the pyrotechnic special effects and suffered injuries to his hands when a rigged piano prematurely exploded during an Emerson, Lake & Palmer concert in San Francisco.
In 1979, Former Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose in the New York City apartment of his girlfriend, Michelle Robinson. He was 21.
In 1980, In remembrance of the first anniversary of the death of Sid Vicious, some 1,000 punks marched from London's Chelsea section to Hyde Park. Vicious' mother, Ann Beverly, who was supposed to have led the procession, was unable to do so as the result of a drug overdose.
In 1992, Todd Rundgren and his wife had a boy in Marin County, California. They named him Rebop.
In 1993, Willie Nelson and the IRS finally came to terms on Willie's tax problems.
2/3:
DAVE DAVIES (Guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and co-founder of one of the most influential rock bands of all time, the Kinks, with frontman brother Ray; raised in workingclass Muswell Hill, London; he had a U.K. hit with "Death of a Clown"; "You Really Got Me," "All Day and All of the Night," "Waterloo Station," "Set Me Free," "Sunny Afternoon," "Susanna's Still Alive," "Lincoln County," "Victoria," "Lola," "Apeman," "Celluloid Heroes," "Sleepwalker," "Don't Forget to Dance," "Stop Your Sobbing," "Come Dancing," "Better Days," "Living on a Thin Line") Born in 1947 in London.
LEE RENALDO (Sonic Youth)
MELANIE (born Melanie Safka) ('60s-era singer-songwriter who came to prominence after her 1969 Woodstock appearance and subsequent recording; although she may be a hippie-era trivia footnote, she did sell over 22 million records worldwide; "Lay Down [Candles in the Rain]," "Beautiful People," "Brand New Key") Born in 1947 in Queens, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/3:
In 1959, A plane crash near Mason City, Iowa, killed Buddy Holly, J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson and Ritchie Valens.
In 1961, Bob Dylan made his first recording, covering the blues standard "San Francisco Bay Blues."
In 1973, "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John was the number one song in the country on this day.
1991, Sinead O'Connor said she would not accept any Grammy Awards, although she had been nominated in four categories. O'Connor claimed the show was all about "false and destructive materialistic values."
In 1993, Harry Connick Jr. entered a plea bargain with New York authorities stemming from his arrest in for a gun in his carry-on luggage at Kennedy Airport. Under the agreement, Connick avoided jail by recording a public service announcement about not carrying guns in the city.
In 2003, Phil Spector, best known for his "Wall of Sound" production with the Beatles, was arrested in connection with the death of Lana Clarkson at his home near Los Angeles.
2/4:
NATALIE IMBRUGLIA (Aussie hit singer who broke through in the late '90s; also an actress, she co-starred with Rowan Atkinson in 2003's spy spoof Johnny English; "Torn") Born in 1975 in Sydney, Australia.
TIM BOOTH (Lead vocalist for Brit hit band James; "Sit Down," "Laid") Born in 1960.
ALICE COOPER (born Vincent Furnier) (Original '70s hit shock-rocker and precursor of Marilyn Manson; "I'm Eighteen," "Be My Lover," "School's Out," "Billion Dollar Babies" [with Donavon], "No More Mr. Nice Guy," "Only Women Bleed") Born in 1948 in Detroit.
JERRY SHIRLEY (Drummer with early ‘70s-era Humble Pie, David Gilmour and many others) Born in 1952.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/4:
In 1961, Nashville rockabilly star Johnny Burnette had to undergo an emergency appendectomy and was forced to postpone a 28-date tour of the U.K. Burnette was riding high at the time with his smash single, "You're Sixteen."
In 1965, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" by The Righteous Brothers was #1 in the U.S. and the U.K. simultaneously.
In 1969, In response to Lennon, Harrison and Starr acquiring the services of Allen Klein to represent them the previous day, Paul McCartney hired the law firm of Eastman & Eastman, Linda Eastman's father's law firm, as general legal counsel for Apple. It was the beginning of the end for The Beatles.
In 1970, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, shorn of their locks, donated their hair for an auction to raise funds for the Black Power movement.
In 1977, Dick Clark's American Bandstand celebrated its 25th anniversary with an ABC-TV special. For the occasion a very impressive all-star band was assembled, consisting of Chuck Berry, Seals & Crofts, Gregg Allman, Junior Walker, Johnny Rivers, The Pointer Sisters, Charlie Daniels, Doc Severinsen, Les McCann, Donald Byrd, Chuck Mangione and three quarters of Booker T & The MG's. They jammed together on Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven."
In 1983, Soft rock queen Karen Carpenter died of heart failure, a complication of her anorexia nervosa. She was 32.
In 1996, Obscure fallen pop star footnote: One-time Milli Vanilli guy Rob Pilatus had to be hospitalized when a man struck him over the head with a baseball bat in Hollywood. This was in retaliation for Pilatus reportedly attempting to steal the man's car.
In 2000, ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus revealed that the band had refused a $1 billion offer from a British and American consortium to regroup.
2/5:
AL KOOPER (Versatile musician, vocalist, keyboards, session man [was on some of Dylan's most famous recordings]; co-wrote "This Diamond Ring"; produced The Zombies and the famous Super Session album with Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills; discovered Lynyrd Skynyrd; was the original leader of the Blues Project and Blood Sweat & Tears; solo albums) Born in 1944 in Brooklyn.
CHRIS BARRON (born Christopher Barron Gross) (Lead singer for pioneering '90s hit jam band, the Spin Doctors; formed a 1989 Princeton, NJ, post-high school band called the Trucking Company with John Popper [Popper went on to form Blues Traveler while Barron formed the Spin Doctors]; solo artist; "Cleopatra's Cat," "Two Princes," "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong," "You Let Your Heart Go Too Fast") Born in 1968 in Honolulu.
ALEX HARVEY (Singer, songwriter, guitarist; U.K. rocker who enjoyed some commercial success in the British Isles, but gained only marginal attention in the U.S.) Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1935. Died in Belgium of a heart attack 1982.
BARRETT STRONG (Early Motown star who was famous for his song "Money [That's What I Want]" which The Beatles and numerous others covered) Born in 1941 in Westpoint, Mississippi.
CORY WELLS (One of the founders and vocalists in the massively popular '70s band Three Dog Night;) Born in 1942 in Buffalo, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/5:
In 1961, A pair of highly influential artists made their debut on vinyl, Mary Wells with "Bye Bye Baby" and Gene Pitney with "Love My Life Away."
In 1966, Before the body bags began arriving back on U.S. shores en masse, Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler's macho "The Ballad Of The Green Berets" entered the lower rung of the pop chart, but swiftly climbed all the way to #1 and stayed there for 13 weeks. The song went on to inspire John Wayne's highly jingoistic movie of the same name.
In 1967, "Pop Stars And Drugs—Facts That Will Shock You" was the headline in the British tabloid News Of The World. The lurid and not entirely true exposé reported on LSD parties put on by The Moody Blues, attended by Pete Townshend, Ginger Baker and others. The story went on to quote Mick Jagger as having taken acid, and claimed Jagger displayed Benzedrine tablets and a chunk of hashish while in the reporter's company. That afternoon, Jagger had his lawyers file a writ against the tabloid. It turned out that the reporter in question had overheard Brian Jones talking about drugs in a London disco and mistook him for Jagger. The suit started a feud between the tabloid and the band which led to a police raid on Keith Richards' home five days later.
In 1969, The Beatles' Yellow Submarine movie soundtrack album was awarded a Gold record. The disc contained only four previously unheard Beatles songs: Harrison's "It's All Too Much" and "Only A Northern Song," and the Lennon/McCartney numbers "Hey Bulldog" and "All Together Now."
In 1972, Neil Young's "Heart Of Gold" was released from Harvest. It would be his biggest hit single to date.
In 1981, Joni Mitchell was inducted into Canada's Juno Hall of Fame by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
In 1994, The Chieftains' Long Black Veil album, featuring Mick Jagger and other guest artists, entered the Top 30.
2/6:
BOB MARLEY (born Robert Nesta Marley) (The most successful, influential and iconic of all reggae stars; a larger-than-life international hit artist; an ambassador of reggae and highly revered in his homeland Jamaica where his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday; backed up by his excellent band, the Wailers; father of Ziggy, Damian "Junior Gong" and Julian; his wife Rita Marley continues to tour, record and help run the Tuff Gong studios and record company; "Stir It Up," "Satisfy My Soul," "Kinky Reggae," "Get Up, Stand Up," "I Shot The Sheriff," [hit cover by Clapton], "No Woman, No Cry," "Concrete Jungle," "Positive Vibration," "Redemption Song," "Roots, Rock, Reggae," "Natural Mystic," "Is This Love," "Three Little Birds," "Waiting In Vain," "Natural Mystic," "Jamming," "Could You Be Loved," "Exodus," "Iron Lion Zion") Born in 1945 in St. Anne, Jamaica. Died of cancer in 1981.
NATALIE COLE (Soul-pop singer; daughter of legendary Nat King Cole; "This Will Be," "Pink Cadillac") Born in 1950 in Los Angeles.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/6:
In 1958, George Harrison became a member of an obscure Liverpool group known as The Quarrymen. They would change their name and go on to some fame.
In 1960, Jesse Belvin, an innovator in '50s West Coast R&B, was killed in an automobile accident in Fairhope, Arkansas. He had made his biggest impact as the co-author of "Earth Angel," the Penguin's 1954 classic. Jesse was only 20.
In 1970, John Lennon's "Instant Karma" b/w Yoko's "Who Has Seen The Wind?" was released on the Apple label in the U.K and soon thereafter in the U.S.
In 1981, A New York Post headline proclaimed "Surviving Beatles Plan New Album As Lennon Tribute." This, as we know, never came to pass. The rumor got started when word got out that Ringo was in Montserrat working with Paul McCartney on his Tug Of War album. George Harrison was nowhere near the scene. The record did contain McCartney's tribute to his late partner John Lennon, the song "Here Today."
In 1982, The J. Geils Band, featuring Peter Wolf, began a six-week run at #1 in the U.S. with their single "Centerfold."
In 1987, Rocker Joan Jett made her acting debut, co-starring with Michael J. Fox, in the motion picture Light Of Day.
In 1987, Pop star turned politician when the late Sonny Bono declared that he intended to run for mayor of Palm Springs on this day. He would go on to victory. And the beat goes on.
In 1990, Billy Idol was involved in a serious motorcycle accident and broke several bones. He had been slated for a major role in Oliver Stone's The Doors film but had to bow out as a result of the crash.
In 1990, Over 200 women filed suit against Chuck Berry when they learned that he had allegedly been secretly videotaping them while they used the bathroom at a restaurant he owned.
In 1998, Beach Boy Carl Wilson died of lung cancer in Los Angeles. He was 51.
In 1998, Hit singer Falco ("Rock Me Amadeus"), died in a traffic accident in the Dominican Republic.
2/7:KING CURTIS (born Curtis Ousley) (Legendary R&B tenor sax player, producer; sought-after '60s session man; worked with Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers Band, Aretha Franklin, The Coasters ["Yakety Yak"], Delaney & Bonnie, Freddie King, Sam & Dave and plenty more; one of his last recording sessions was for John Lennon's
Imagine album; had a couple of hit records of his own; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000; "Soul Twist," "Soul Serenade," "Memphis Soul Stew") Born in 1934 in Fort Worth, Texas. Murdered by an unknown assailant outside his New York City apartment on August 14, 1971.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/7:
In 1976, Paul Simon's "Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover" was the #1 single in the land, while the best-selling album was Bob Dylan's Desire.
In 1979, The Clash launched their first American tour at the Berkeley, California Community Theatre. Bo Diddley served as the opening act and The Clash began their set with "I'm So Bored with the USA".
In 1979, Stephen Stills had the distinction of being the first rock musician to record utilizing digital equipment at Los Angeles' Record Plant Studio. However, Stills wasn't happy with the results and none of the stuff ever saw the light of day, so slide guitarist and singer Ry Cooder wound up being the first rock performer to release a digitally recorded album, Bop Till You Drop. Also dissatisfied with the digital sound, he later disowned the work.
In 1980, Pink Floyd began a rather unusual "coast-to-coast" tour for The Wall in Los Angeles, performing the first of only 14 shows. The only other city they would visit would be New York. The staging featured a 120-by-60-foot wall made of foam blocks, which gradually engulfed and concealed the group as the show went on.
In 1981, John Lennon's "Woman," from Double Fantasy, was climbing the singles chart.
In 1986, Using dancers and animation, The Rolling Stones shot footage for their new single, "Harlem Shuffle" in New York City.
In 1989, A Georgia state representative introduced a bill that would make Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" the state's official rock song.
In 1994, Blind Melon vocalist Shannon Hoon was thrown out of the American Music Awards presentation for obnoxious behavior. He was ultimately charged with battery, assault, resisting arrest and destroying a police station phone.
In 2001, U2 played a "secret" show at London's Astoria. Mick Jagger, Queen's Roger Taylor, Bob Geldof and actor John Hurt were among those in attendance.
2/8:
MERLE WATSON (born Eddy Merle Watson) (Top-notch Grammy-winning folk, blues and country guitarist; an American icon; son of legendary bluegrass picker, Doc Watson; he began touring and recording with his father at age 15; the popular annual Merlesfest in Wilkesboro, NC, is dedicated to his memory; "Southbound," "Brown's Ferry Blues," "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down," "Corrina, Corrina") Born in 1949 in Deep Gap, North Carolina. Died on October 23, 1985, following a tractor accident in Lenoir, North Carolina.
TOM RUSH (Key singer/songwriter to emerge from the early '60s-era Cambridge folk scene; "No Regrets," "Kids These Days," "Lost My Driving Wheel") Born in 1941 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/8:
In 1960, The House of Representatives' Special Subcommittee on Legislative Oversight began its investigation into disc jockey payola. Deejays from Boston and Cleveland were called to testify.
In 1964, On the occasion of The Beatles landing on American shores for the first time, they were interviewed by The Ronettes on the radio.
In 1964, Max Firetag, who had published "Louie, Louie" as recorded by The Kingsmen for Wand Records, refuted Indiana Governor Matthew Welsh's assertion that the song was "pornographic." Firetag offered $1,000 to anyone who could detect anything objectionable in the song's lyrics. No one stepped up.
In 1969, Ex-Cream guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker, and ex-Traffic keyboardist and singer Steve Winwood revealed that they were putting together a new band and auditioning for a bassist. They settled on ex-Family bassist/violinist Rick Grech, and, ladies and gentlemen, Blind Faith, the first rock supergroup, was born.
In 1973, Max Yasgur died of a heart attack. He was the owner of the Woodstock farm where the legendary festival was held. Joni Mitchell sang about him in her song "Woodstock."
In 1972, Frank Zappa's concert at London's Royal Albert Hall was canceled due to what were deemed by some to be obscene lyrics in the score of 200 Motels.
In 1973, Carly Simon received a Gold record for her single "You're So Vain," the only song of her career to make it to #1. Many speculated on the identity of the song's subject, assuming it was either Mick Jagger, Cat Stevens, Kris Kristofferson or Warren Beatty, all of whom she'd dated prior to marrying James Taylor. The mystery stud jet-setter was, in fact, Beatty.
In 1975, The #1 album in the country was Bob Dylan's Blood On The Tracks, boosted by the hit single, "Tangled Up In Blue”.
In 1980, David Bowie and his wife Angie were divorced in London after nearly 10 years of marriage. Bowie got custody of their nine-year old son, Zowie. The Rolling Stones song "Angie" was allegedly inspired by her.
In 1981, R.E.M. recorded their early songs at the Bombay Studios in Smyrna, Georgia.
In 1990, Long suffering from manic depression, Del Shannon ("Runaway") committed suicide by gunshot. He was 50.
In 1994, Oasis were forced to cancel their first tour abroad following some drunken shenanigans aboard a cross-channel ferry on the way to Holland.
2/9:
CAROLE KING (born Carole Klein) American pop/folk icon, singer/songwriter; along with her husband Gerry Goffin, wrote tons of rock/pop gems like The Shirelles' "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?," Little Eva's "Do The Locomotion," The Chiffons' "One Fine Day," The Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday," The Drifters' "Up On The Roof," The Byrds' "Wasn't Born To Follow," Aretha Franklin's "[You Make Me Feel] Like A Natural Woman," and The Animals' "Don't Bring Me Down"; best known for her 1971 classic solo album, Tapestry, which remains one of the biggest-selling discs of all time at over 22 million copies; mother of talented rock/pop singer Louise Goffin; active in supporting environmental causes; "It's Too Late," "I Feel The Earth Move," "Smackwater Jack," "Sweet Seasons," "So Far Away," "You've Got A Friend" [a hit for James Taylor], "Jazzman," "Only Love Is Real") Born 1942 in Brooklyn, New York.
JOE ELY (Texas honky-tonk legend, singer/songwriter; one of the original purveyors of "outlaw country" in the '70s; began with fellow West-Texans Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore in The Flatlanders; Merle Haggard took him on a tour of England in 1979 where met Joe Strummer, he later toured Europe with The Clash and played on their 1982 Combat Rock album; he reunited with The Flatlanders in 1999 to record "South Wind Of Summer" for The Horse Whisperer soundtrack and then two subsequent successful albums; many of his most memorable solo disc songs are by his Flatlander pals Jimmy Dale and Butch Hancock; Ely recorded with acclaimed singer/songwriter Terry Allen on his classic 1979 Texas album Lubbock On Everything; "I Had My Hopes Up High," "She Never Spoke Spanish To Me," "Dallas," "Musta Notta Gotta Lotta," "Boxcars," "All Just To Get To You," "Gallo Del Cielo" [with Bruce Springsteen on backing vocals], "Pay The Alligator," "Wheels Of Fortune") Born in 1947 in Amarillo, Texas.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/9:
In 1964, It was day three for the Fab Four on American soil. The Beatles made their American television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show before 73 million people-over one-third of the entire U.S. population (the largest television audience ever). George Harrison had a sore throat, but no matter. He was barely audible above the screaming fans in the audience.
In 1981, Bill Haley, of The Comets fame, died of a heart attack at his home in Harlingen, Texas. He sold an estimated 60 million records in his lifetime, most notably for "Rock Around The Clock."
In 1993, Annie Lennox and her husband Uri Fruchtman had a daughter named Tali.
In 1993, Mick Jagger released Wandering Spirit, his third solo album. Although it was slagged back in England, the album was well-received here in the States.
In 1999, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters, along with his Roswell Records label, EMI Entertainment World and EMI Virgin Songs, filed suit against Miramax for unauthorized use of the Foo Fighters' song "Big Me" in trailers for the movie Rounders.
In 2000, The Million Dollar Hotel, a film starring Mel Gibson and co-written by Bono, opened at the 50th Berlin Film Festival.
2/10:
ROBERTA FLACK (Mellow '70s-era hit soul-pop singer; "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly With His Song," "Feel Like Making Love," "Where Is the Love" [with the late Donny Hathaway]) Born in 1939 in Asheville, North Carolina.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/10:
In 1942, Big Band giant Glenn Miller became the first recipient of a Gold record after having sold over a million copies of "Chattanooga Choo-Choo."
In 1968, The Beatles shut down "Beatles U.S.A.," their American fan club and business office, and dismissed their U.S. press agents, cutting ties with all their American business connections. John, Paul, George and Ringo also withdrew from the late Brian Epstein's NEMS Enterprises and turned all business affairs over to their newly formed record company, Apple.
In 1971, It was a turning point in the career of Carole King as Tapestry, soon to be a smash hit album, was released.
In 1973, The historic Liverpool venue, the Cavern Club, was given a three-month reprieve by British Rail who were constructing an underground railroad, requiring the historic building to be demolished. If the club had to relocate, said owner Roy Adams, he could at least preserve the original cellar room where The Beatles had performed 292 times back in the early '60s.
In 1975, Legendary record producer Phil Spector was injured seriously in an accident, but the details were kept secret from even his best friends. The mishap took place somewhere between L.A. and Phoenix, and according to a statement released by Spector's office, he had suffered multiple head and body injuries.
In 1976, Law and order superstar Elvis Presley was made a reserve officer in his hometown Memphis police department.
In 1977, The Clash began recording sessions in London for their first album.
In 1986, John Lennon's Live In New York City album was finally released.
In 1990, Eric Clapton concluded an 18-show run at London's Royal Albert Hall. The shows were recorded and, together with shows from 1991's run at the same venue, was released as 1991's live set 24 Nights.
In 1993, Recluse Michael Jackson granted his first interview in 15 years to Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Jackson claimed that he had a disorder that destroyed the pigmentation of the skin and that he had had very little plastic surgery.
In 1997, Liam Gallagher of Oasis postponed his wedding to actress Patsy Kensit because of what he termed "obsessive and intrusive" attention from the media. They eventually wed in a quiet ceremony two months later.
In 1999, Musician magazine called it quits after 21 years.
In 2002, Folk singer Dave Van Ronk, who had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer, died in New York. He was 65.
2/11:
SHERYL CROW (One of the biggest-selling pop/rock singers of the past decade; songwriter; started out as a back-up singer with Michael Jackson and Don Henley; broke through in 1994 with her 1993 debut, Tuesday Night Music Club; after earning a degree at the University of Missouri in classical piano, she taught music in a St. Louis elementary school; "Strong Enough," "All I Wanna Do," "Leaving Las Vegas," "Love Is A Good Thing," "Everyday Is A Winding Road," "If It Makes You Happy," "My Favorite Mistake," "Steve McQueen," "Soak Up The Sun") Born in 1962 in Kennett, Missouri.
JIMMY CARTER (Member of Grammy-winning soul/gospel group The Blind Boys Of Alabama; long known as the Five Blind Boys Of Alabama; they have been together in various forms since 1936 when they met at the Talladega Institute for the Blind; career revived in 2000; recent guests on their albums have included Tom Waits, Solomon Burke, Chrissie Hynde, Shelby Lynne, Ben Harper, Robert Randolph, David Lindley, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite and more; "Go Tell It On The Mountain," "Higher Ground," "I Found A Friend") Born in 1932 in Birmingham, Alabama.
GENE VINCENT (born Vincent Eugene Craddock) (Short-lived but outstanding rockabilly original; was only 36 when he died of various health problems, most notably a ruptured stomach ulcer; "Be-Bop-A-Lula," "Bluejean Bop") Born in 1935 in Norfolk, Virginia. Died October 12, 1971, in Los Angeles.
OTIS CLAY (Chicago/Memphis soul and blues legend; "Trying To Live My Life Without You," (covered by Bob Seger) Born in 1942 in Waxhaw, Mississippi.
SLIM HARPO (born James Moore) (Legendary blues singer, best known for his funky original of "I'm A King Bee," which was covered by The Rolling Stones early on; also "Baby, Scratch My Back") Born in 1924 in Lobdell, Louisiana. Died of cardiac arrest on January 31, 1970, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
GERRY GOFFIN (Smash hit marriage and songwriting partner to Carole King; responsible for co-writing over 100 hit songs in the '60s; father of talented artist Louise Goffin; "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?," "Wasn't Born To Follow," "The Loco-motion," "One Fine Day," Up On The Roof") Born in 1939 in Queens, New York.
SERGIO MENDES (Bossa nova lounge lizard, international hit jazz artist, numerous hits in the late '60s and early '70s; "Mas Que Nada," "Fool On The Hill," "Scarborough Fair") Born in 1941 in Niteroi, Brazil.
BOBBY "BORIS" PICKETT (Singer, songwriter; only had one big single but it was a memorable hit and a perennial favorite, the "Monster Mash") Born in 1940 in Georgetown, Texas.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/11:
In 1963, The Beatles taped "I Saw Her Standing There," "Boys," "Do You Want To Know A Secret," "There's A Place," "Twist And Shout" and some nine others for their first British album, Please Please Me and for single releases at EMI's Abbey Road studios in London. The session lasted less than ten hours despite Lennon's cold. The boys nailed "Twist And Shout" on the first take.
In 1964, Another milestone for The Beatles as they played their first U.S. concert at the Washington Coliseum in D.C. That evening they were guests of honor at a masked ball held by the British ambassador to the United States, Sir David Ormsby-Gore, Lord Harlech. The British prime minister, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, was to have attended the ball, but deliberately delayed his arrival in Washington in order to not to be upstaged.
In 1967, The Monkees, stung by various critiques, announced that henceforth they would play all the instruments on their recordings. It would prove to be an ill-advised move.
In 1970, The satirical film The Magic Christian, starring Ringo Starr and Peter Sellers, premiered in New York City. The film's soundtrack album, featuring Badfinger's "Come And Get It" (which was written and produced by Paul McCartney, was released by Apple Records on this same day.
in 1972, David Bowie unveiled his Ziggy Stardust alter-ego for the first time at a concert in Tollworth, England.
In 1983, The Rolling Stones concert film Let's Spend The Night Together opened in New York during the city's most severe snow storm of the century.
In 1984, John Mellencamp's "Pink Houses," from his best-selling Uh-Huh album, broke into the Top 10.
In 1985, The Police won an award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music at the fourth annual Brit Music Awards held in London. Prince was named Best Solo Artist.
In 1989, The Pretenders' "Middle Of The Road," from Learning To Crawl, and U2's "Angel Of Harlem," from Rattle And Hum, were both spinning heavily on the FM airwaves.
In 1999, Sarah McLachlan's Surfacing album climbed into the Top 30.
2/12:RAY MANZAREK (Original jazz-oriented keyboardist and backing vocalist for one of the most influential rock bands of all time, the Doors; solo albums; met Jim Morrison at the U.C.L.A. Graduate School of Film; after Manzarek recited the poem/song "Moonlight Drive" to Jim one night on a Southern California beach, the band was born and quickly became a major force on the vibrant late '60s L.A. rock scene; "Light My Fire," "Break On Through," "Hello, I Love You," "Strange Days," "Wishful Sinful," Love Street," "Peace Frog/Blue Sunday," "The WASP (Texas Radio and the Big Beat)," Spanish Caravan," "Touch Me," "When The Music's Over," "Land Ho," "Riders On The Storm," "Love Her Madly," "L.A. Woman") Born in 1935 in Chicago.
MICHAEL McDONALD (Sang backing vocals on Steely Dan's Pretzel Logic but best known as the soulful deep tenor vocalist and keyboardist who refined the Doobie Brothers' sound starting with 1976's Taking It To The Streets album; hit '80s/'90s solo career; "What A Fool Believes," "Minute By Minute," "Depending On You," "For Someone Special," "It Keeps You Running," "I Keep Forgetting' [Every Time Your Near]," "Yah Mo B There," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough") Born in 1952 in St. Louis.
STEVE HACKETT (Guitarist for Genesis during the band's "progressive" phase of 1971-1977; later briefly in GTR and solo albums; "Watcher of the Skies," "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe), "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway," "Your Own Special Way") Born in 1950 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/12:
In 1956, Screamin' Jay Hawkins recorded "I Put a Spell On You" in a New York studio. The song would later be covered by Credence Clearwater Revival.
In 1957, "Too Much" by Elvis Presley was the number one hit record in America.
In 1964, The Beatles played two shows at New York's Carnegie Hall. Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller brought her two kids.
In 1968, Chynna Phillips (Wilson Phillips) was born to John Phillips and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas & the Papas.
In 1972, Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" hit number one.
In 1974, The soon-to-be world famous Bottom Line opened in New York City.
In 1977, The Police recorded their first single called "Fall Out."
In 1989, Tiny Tim ("Tiptoe Through the Tulips") declared himself a candidate for mayor of New York City.
In 1997, U2 held a press conference on this day to announce their Popmart world tour dates at the Manhattan K Mart. The tour began April 25 in Las Vegas.
2/13:
PETER GABRIEL (Fronted Genesis for seven years, replaced by Phil Collins in 1975; debuted his first solo album in 1977; started WOMAD (World Of Music And Dance) Fest in 1982 and joined up with Amnesty International, recording and playing Amnesty benefits with Senegalese star Youssou N'Dour; Gabriel later invited artists from all over to record at his own Real World studios in Bath, England and wound up starting his own label and mixing elements of the world music he found into his own material; scored film soundtracks for Birdy, The Last Temptation Of Christ and The Rabbit-Proof Fence; "I Know What I Like [In Your Wardrobe]," "The Carpet Crawlers," "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway," "Solsbury Hill," "Games Without Frontiers," "Biko," "Sledgehammer," "In Your Eyes," "Red Rain," "Don't Give Up" [duet with Kate Bush], "D.I.Y.," "Shock the Monkey," "Shaking the Tree," "Big Time," "Steam," "Digging In The Dirt," "Kiss That Frog," "The Barry Williams Show") Born in 1950 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/13:
In 1961, Frank Sinatra started his own recording label, Reprise.
In 1964, The Beatles flew to Miami to make a second appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, broadcast from the Deauville Hotel.
In 1971, "I Hear You Knockin'" by Brit rockabilly artist Dave Edmunds went Top 5 on the charts. The song was a cover of the original Smiley Lewis 1955 hit.
In 1981, Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of Moon became the longest-running rock record on the Billboard album chart, concluding its 402nd week.
In 1989, Edie Brickell's Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars broke into the Top Five albums.
In 2002, Roots music maverick and American icon Waylon Jennings died from diabetes-related health problems. He was 64.
2/14:
ROB THOMAS (Lead vocalist and singer/songwriter for phenomenonal late '90s rock/pop success Matchbox Twenty; formed in 1995 in Orlando, their 1996 debut album Yourself or Someone Like You had gone platinum 10 times over by 2000; also guest vocalist with Carlos Santana on 1999 #1 international hit "Smooth"; "Push," "3 A.M," "Real World," "Unwell," "Disease," "When You're Gone") Born in 1972 in Germany.
MACEO PARKER (Best known as lontime funky sax player for the Godfather of Soul, James Brown; also played with George Clinton's P-Funk conglomerations and Bootsy's Rubber Band in the '70s/'80s and 10,000 Maniacs, Prince and Living Colour in the '90s; also hit solo jazz career; "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," "Cold Sweat") Born in 1943 in Kinston, North Carolina.
TIM BUCKLEY (Acclaimed and influential late '60s to mid '70s-era unique folk/jazz singer/songwriter; father of the talented late Jeff Buckley [who also tragically died young]; "Get On Top," "Sweet Surrender," "Move With Me") Born in 1947 in Washington, D.C. Died of a drug overdose on June 29, 1975 in Santa Monica, California.
MERLE SAUNDERS (Soulful San Francisco vocalist and keyboardist, best known for his early '70s tenure in Jerry Garcia's band; has performed and recorded with artists ranging from Frank Sinatra and Miles Davis to Bonnie Raitt and John Popper; also wrote scores for TV and movies [Tales From The Crypt, Twilight Zone, Heavy Traffic and Fritz The Cat]; active in environmental causes and benefits with his Rainforest Band; "It Takes a Lot To Laugh, It Takes a Train To Cry") Born in 1934 in San Mateo, California.
ERIC ANDERSEN (Acclaimed '60s folk singer/songwriter; came up through the Cambridge folk scene in the early '60s; his songs have been recorded by numerous artists, including Judy Collins, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt and the Grateful Dead; currently resides in Norway where he recently recorded a pair of albums with Norwegian folksinger Jonas Fjeld and The Band's Rick Danko; "Thirsty Boots," "Is it Really Love at All?") Born in 1943 in Pittsburgh.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/14:
In 1931, Ted Lewis had a hit with "Just A Gigolo." Over a half century later, David Lee Roth covered the same tune.
In 1958, CBS TV newsman Walter Cronkite reported that the Iranian government had banned rock and roll music because it was against the concepts of Islam.
In 1967, Aretha Franklin recorded "Respect" at New York's Atlantic Studios.
In 1970, A headline in Billboard read, "R.I.A.A. Mounting Total War Against Tape Pirating of Prerecorded Music."
In 1969, The Who recorded a concert at Leeds University in Leeds, England for their next milestone album, Live At Leeds.
In 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began a week-long stint as co-hosts on the midday variety TV show The Mike Douglas Show.
In 1974, David Bowie said no thanks when asked to write the "world's first Gay National Anthem."
In 1976, The novelty single "Squeeze Box" off The Who By Numbers by the Who moved into the Top 20.
In 1986, Frank Zappa played a bad guy named "Mr. Frankie" on Miami Vice.
In 1990, The Rolling Stones played the first of 10 packed nights at Tokyo's Korakuen Dome. It was their first tour of Japan.
In 1996, B my valentine! The Artist Formerly Known as Prince married backup singer Mayte Garcia.
In 1999, Jewel's Spirit album ascended into the Top 20.
2/15:
MICK AVORY (Longtime drummer for one of the most enduring and influential bands to emerge from the early-mid '60s British invasion, the Kinks; "A Well Respected Man," "You Really Got Me," "All Day and All of the Night," "Set Me Free," "Till the End of the Day," "Where Have All the Good Times Gone?" "Tired of Waiting," "Sunny Afternoon," "Victoria," "Apeman," "Lola," "Celluloid Heroes," "20th Century Man," "Sleepwalker," "Low Budget," "Come Dancing," "Better Things," "Don't Forget To Dance") Born in 1944 in London.
ALI CAMPBELL (Guitarist and singer with international pop/reggae mainstay UB40; the band took their name from a British unemployment form; "One in Ten," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "I Got You Babe," [with Chrissie Hynde] "Red Red Wine," "The Way You Do the Things You Do") Born in 1959 in Birmingham, England.
BRIAN HOLLAND (One third of the '60s Motown hit songwriting triumvirate along with his brother Eddie and Lamont Dozier; "Please Mr. Postman," "How Sweet It Is," "Where Did Our Love Go?" "I Can't Help Myself," "You Keep Me Hanging On," "Take Me in Your Arms") Born in 1941 in Detroit.
DAVID BROWN (Longtime bass player with Santana) Born in 1947.
MELISSA MANCHESTER (‘70s-era pop/rock singer-songwriter; "Midnight Blue," "Don't Cry Out Loud," co-wrote 1978's "Whenever I Call You Friend" (a hit for Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks]) Born in 1951 in Bronx, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/15:
In 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis tore it up, blasting out "Great Balls of Fire" on American Bandstand. Later in the day, The Dick Clark Show, a new Saturday night rock and roll TV show, made its bow on the ABC network. The program showcased Jerry Lee, Pat Boone, Connie Francis, Chuck Willis, the Royal Teens and Johnnie Ray.
In 1964, A headline in Billboard Magazine read, "U.S. Rocks & Reels From Beatles Invasion. The Beatles Begin New British Artist Push." The story went on to note that "Great Britain hasn't been as influential in American affairs since 1775." Also, Billboard, for the first time in its history, listed one act, the Beatles, as having five songs in the Hot 100. In addition, the #1 album on this day was Meet the Beatles, the Fab Four's first American triumph in that realm.
In 1965, The much loved and respected crooner/jazz singer and pianist Nat "King" Cole died of complications following surgery for lung cancer in Santa Monica. He was 48.
In 1968, George and Patti Harrison and John and Cynthia Lennon arrived in India to study meditation techniques with the Maharishi. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr joined them a few days later. Ringo was the first to leave, likening the experience to "a Butlin's holiday camp."
In 1969, Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People" zoomed to #1 on the singles chart, while the Doors' "Touch Me" topped out at #3.
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt's version of "You're No Good" ruled the singles chart on this day. The song had originally been only a marginal success for Betty Everett a number of years earlier.
In 1975, Gino Vannelli became the first white musician to perform on Soul Train.
In 1977, Sid Vicious replaced Glen Matlock on bass with the Sex Pistols.
In 1978, On this day, Chicago blues guitarist Michael Bloomfield was found dead in his car in San Francisco. Bloomfield was in the vanguard of white musicians who championed the blues resurgence of the early to mid-'60s. An accidental drug overdose was ruled to be the cause. He was only 39.
In 1979, The Grammy Award winners were announced. Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" was named Record and Song of the Year.
In 1998, The Rolling Stones brought their Bridges To Babylon North American tour to a close in Las Vegas. The Stones performed at a place called The Joint, the 1,400 seat theatre inside the Hard Rock Casino in Vegas. Among those in the audience were Brad Pitt, Leonardo DeCaprio, Johnny Depp, Sting and Eddie Murphy. Jagger remarked during the show, "well this is a fantastic audience. It's got to be the best-dressed audience I have ever seen in my life."
In 2000, In protest of the inclusion of Jorg Haider's far right, fascistic "freedom" party in Austria's new government, Sting canceled a concert appearance in Vienna. Lou Reed did the same earlier, bailing out of several scheduled shows in that country.
2/16:
ANDY TAYLOR (Singer, songwriter, guitarist for '80s pop/new wave monsters Duran Duran, formed in 1978 in Birmingham; the band took their name from the late '60s Jane Fonda film Barbarella; also in Power Station in 1985 with Robert Palmer; "Rio," "Girls On Film," "Hungry Like The Wolf," "Is There Something I Should Know?" "Union Of The Snake," "Some Like It Hot," "Bang A Gong [Get It On]") Born in 1961 in Dolver-Hampton, England.
SONNY BONO (born Salvatore Bono) (Singer, songwriter and producer who is best remembered for his string of hits in the mid to late '60s with his wife Cher; co-starred with her in a popular TV variety show for several years; left show business to enter politics and become mayor of Palm Springs and later a congressman in California; died in a Lake Tahoe skiing accident; "I Got You Babe," "Bang Bang [My Baby Shot Me Down]") Born in 1935 in Detroit. Died January 5, 1998, in Stateline, Nevada.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/16:
In 1968, It was Aretha Franklin Day in her hometown of Detroit.
In 1971, A biker named Alan David Pasaro sued The Rolling Stones. He was the Hell's Angel who was tried and later acquitted in the stabbing death of Meredith Hunter at the Altamont Speedway concert in 1969. Pasaro alleged invasion of privacy because the Maysles brothers' film of the event, Gimme Shelter, showed the actual stabbing.
In 1972, Charlie Watts' wife was arrested at the Nice, France, airport for swearing and otherwise being abusive to customs officials.
In 1974, Bob Dylan had his first U.S. #1 album with Planet Waves. It began a four-week run at the top on this day. The album featured "On A Night Like This" and "Forever Young."
In 1974, Elton John released the catchy chart-topping single, "Bennie And The Jets."
In 1985, Born In The U.S.A. officially became Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band's first chart-topping album in Britain.
In 1988, Billy Vera, singer, songwriter, record producer and rock historian, received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
In 1990, Ike Turner was sentenced to four years in prison on cocaine possession charges.
In 1992, Mick Jagger spent the night at a Tokyo airport hotel because he lacked the proper papers to enter the country. Japanese Immigration officials eventually issued him a visa and he was on his way.
In 1993, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones and Bill Wyman (filling in for an ailing Ronnie Lane) participated in a Faces reunion at the Brit Awards in London. They played "Stay With Me" and "Sweet Little Rock & Roller."
2/17:
BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG (Guitar and vocalist with ‘90s stylistic punk revivalists Green Day; inspired by The Sex Pistols and The Buzzcocks; broke with 1994’s Grammy-award winning, Diamond-selling (10 million) Dookie and endured with the 2006 Grammy-award winning American Idiot; “When I Come Around,” “Good Riddance [Time Of Your Life]," "American Idiot," "Boulevard of Broken Dreams") Born in 1972 in Berkeley, California.
GENE PITNEY (Successful ‘60s pop vocalist, songwriter; the first U.S. artist to record a Jagger-Richards song [“That Girl Belongs To Yesterday]; “Town Without Pity,” “Only Love Can Break Your Heart,” “(Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance,” “Hello Mary Lou” [a big hit he wrote for Rick Nelson]) Born in 1941 in Hartford, Connecticut.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/17:
In 1960, Elvis earned his first Gold album for 1956’s Elvis, which featured “Rip It Up,” “Old Shep,” “When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again” and “Ready Teddy.”
In 1970, For the first, but not last time, Joni Mitchell announced her retirement from the concert stage following her gig at London's Royal Albert Hall. Within a year she had returned to performing live.
In 1971, Singing “Fire And Rain” and “Carolina On My Mind,” James Taylor made his primetime television debut on The Johnny Cash Show.
In 1971, Elton John's self-titled U.S. debut, which had been released in August of 1970, went Gold, making it into the Top 5 on the album chart. His actual debut disc, Empty Sky, was released in the U.K. in 1969 but not in the states until 1975, by which time he was a huge star.
In 1972, Country-rocker Jonathan Edwards picked up a Gold record for his hit, “Sunshine.” He bought himself a new pickup with the money he earned.
In 1972, Pink Floyd premiered Dark Side Of The Moon during a four-night stand at London’s Rainbow Theater a full year before the epic album was released.
In 1975, John Lennon released the Phil Spector-produced Rock ’n’ Roll album, a collection of some of his favorite rock and R&B oldies, including "Stand By Me". It was his final record before his self-imposed five-year exile from making records.
In 1976, The Eagles released their their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 album. At nearly 30 million and counting, it remains the best-selling American album of all time (Michael Jackson's Thriller is #2 with 26 million).
In 1982, A major influence on Steely Dan, among other pop groups, pianist, composer and innovative jazz giant Thelonious Monk died in Weehawken, New Jersey, after a long illness. He was 64.
In 1988, A 12-year old Hollywood, Florida, Mötley Crüe fan set his legs ablaze while attempting to duplicate a stunt he had seen in the group’s “Live Wire” video. He suffered burns over 10% of his body. Mötley Crüe promptly issued a statement advising the band’s stunts should not be tried at home.
In 1996, A Platinum American Express card that had once belonged to Bruce Springsteen was auctioned off for $4,500 at a memorabilia sale in New York. The Boss had given the expired card to a waiter in an L.A. restaurant as a souvenir.
In 2000, The Steinway piano at which John Lennon composed “Imagine” went on display at The Beatles Story Museum in Liverpool. Later in the year the piano went on the auction block via the Internet and sold for nearly $2 million.
2/18:
YOKO ONO (Perhaps the world's best-known performance/conceptual artist, musician; second wife to John Lennon from 1969 until his death in 1980 and member of his Plastic Ono Band; Yoko's caterwauling, warbling and wailing vocals annoyed many early on, but proved to more accepted later–she even scored a recent electronica dance hit; her best-known album is 1981's Season Of Glass, released months after Lennon's assassination; Lennon felt limited in his role with The Beatles and, with Yoko, stepped out to explore avant-garde art, music and film, which he wrote about in the song "The Ballad Of John And Yoko"; Yoko is the keeper of the Lennon legacy and flame, but remains an original and challenging artist in various media in her own right; mother of artist Sean Ono Lennon; "Give Peace A Chance," "Happy Xmas [War Is Over]," "Kiss, Kiss, Kiss," "Give Me Something," "Beautiful Boys," "I'm Moving On," "You're The One," "Walking On Thin Ice," "Open Your Box," "Yang, Yang") Born in 1933 in Tokyo.
SEAN WATKINS (Modern bluegrass guitarist in upstart country/rock group Nickel Creek; formed in 1989 in San Diego with younger sister fiddler Sara Watkins and mandolin/banjo player Chris Thile; band signed to Sugar Hill in 1998 and was a slow-building hit by 2002; solo career; "The Smoothie Song") Born in 1978 in San Diego.
IRMA THOMAS ('60s-era soul/gospel singer; "Don't Mess With My Man," "It's Raining," "Ruler Of My Heart," "Cry On," "Wish Someone Would Care"; first to record "Time Is On My Side," (later a hit for The Rolling Stones) Born in 1941 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
DENNIS DE YOUNG (Lead vocalist, keyboardist for '70s/'80s hit rock band Styx; solo artist; currently touring and playing symphony-versions of Styx classics; "Lady," "Come Sail Away," "The Grand Illusion," "Babe") Born in 1947 in Chicago.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/18:
In 1968, Syd Barrett, one of the founding members of Pink Floyd, left the band and checked into a psychiatric hospital before going into complete seclusion for the rest of his life. He was replaced by guitarist David Gilmour.
In 1970, Yoko Ono celebrated her 37th birthday at a party hubby John Lennon put together at the London offices of Apple Records.
In 1972, Neil Young was awarded a Gold record for Harvest, the only #1 album of his long and storied career. The album featured the top single "Heart Of Gold."
In 1974, Yes performed the first of two nights at Madison Square Garden. Remarkably, the first date sold out without any advertising. Fans found out about the engagement from barely visible listings at ticket outlets and bought up all the tickets in a matter of days.
In 1974, Ringo Starr released "Oh, My My," the third hit single from his Ringo album.
In 1978, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' "Breakdown" was receiving heavy play on FM rock radio.
In 1980, Bill Wyman revealed that he intended to leave The Rolling Stones in 1983. He was dissuaded and remained for an another nine years, finally departing for good in 1992.
In 1995, Bob Stinson, one of the founders of The Replacements, died in Minneapolis after years of drug and alcohol abuse.
2/19:
SEAL (born Sealhenry Olumide Samuel) (Grammy-winning vocalist who emerged from England's house-music scene to forge a unique blend of soul, folk, pop, dance and rock that made him an international star in the early '90s; "Crazy," "Prayer For the Dying," "Kiss From a Rose," "Love Divine") Born in 1963 in Paddington, London, England.
SMOKEY ROBINSON (born William Robinson) ('60s/'70s-era hit soul singer/songwriter; one of Motown's biggest stars with The Miracles and later on his own; "Shop Around," "You've Really Got a Hold On Me," "The Tracks of My Tears" [a hit for Linda Ronstadt as well], "Ooh Baby Baby," "The Tears of a Clown" [covered by the English Beat], "My Girl," "My Guy" [hits for The Temptations and Mary Wells, respectively]) Born in 1940 in Detroit.
DAVE WAKELING (Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with innovative '70s/'80s Brit ska/pop bands The English Beat [known as The Beat everywhere but in the U.S.] and General Public; "Tears of a Clown," "Mirror In the Bathroom," "Best Friend," "Can't Stand Losing You," "Too Nice To Talk To," "Save It For Later," "Tenderness") Born in 1956 in Birmingham, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/19:
In 1958, Carl Perkins, whose rockabilly classic "Blue Suede Shoes" had been one of the biggest hits of 1957, followed the example of Elvis and Johnny Cash and split Sun Records to sign with a major label. Carl went with Columbia and released "Pink Pedal Pushers" two weeks later.
In 1966, It was reported that The Rolling Stones, following their tour down under, would fly to L.A. and record nine songs for their proposed film, Back, Behind and In Front. The movie never happened and the Stones never followed in the cinematic footsteps of the Fab Four.
In 1972, Paul McCartney released the controversial "Give Ireland Back To The Irish," a song inspired by the ongoing British/Irish conflict. It was promptly banned by the BBC, which only increased interest in the single, propelling it to the Top 20 in the U.K.
In 1972, Badfinger's Straight Up album entered the Billboard chart. Produced by George Harrison and Todd Rundgren, the record featured the Top 5 single "Day After Day."
In 1974, Attempting to give the Grammys a run for their money, Dick Clark concocted his own awards show, the American Music Awards. Held just days before the Grammys, the winners were elected by the record-buying public as opposed to music industry professionals. The debut show was hosted by Smokey Robinson, Helen Reddy and Roger Miller.
In 1976, Former Tower Of Power lead singer Rich Stevens was arrested and charged with the murder of three men at a home in the hills near Los Gatos, California, on the previous night. The motive was a suspected drug deal gone wrong. Stevens and an accomplice were found guilty on two counts of murder in November.
In 1977, Recorded in L.A. in the wake of the breakups of John and Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, and Mick Fleetwood and his wife, Fleetwood Mac's Rumours was released. In this case, the heartbreak paid off and translated into monster sales. The album remained the #1 pop album for 31 weeks. Over 19 million copies have been sold in the U.S. alone.
In 1977, Manfred Mann's Earth Band's version of Bruce Springsteen's "Blinded By The Light" went to #1. Springsteen was said to be amused by the new synthesizer-laden version of his song.
In 1977, Stevie Wonder won the Grammy for Album Of The Year for Songs In The Key Of Life.
In 1985, Mick Jagger gave us his first solo album, She's The Boss, which featured cameo appearances by Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend and Vernon Reid (who would go on to become a member of Living Colour).
In 1998, The Stray Cats reunited for a single performance at L.A.'s House Of Blues to benefit the Carl Perkins Foundation. They played a couple of Carl Perkins tunes and an Eddie Cochran number for the sold-out crowd.
In 2000, After 68 weeks on the charts, Supernatural by Santana was parked at the number one spot.
2/20:
KURT COBAIN (born Kurt Donald Cobain) (Frontman, guitarist, singer/songwriter with groundbreaking alternative band Nirvana; patron saint of existential angst; started the band with guitarist Krist Novoselic in 1987, playing college parties in Olympia, WA; broke with 1992's landmark Nevermind album catapulted grunge music into mainstream; late husband of Courtney Love; "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "On A Plane," "Come As You Are," "All Apologies," "Heart-Shaped Box") Born in 1967 in Hoquiam, Washington. Died April 5, 1994, in Seattle from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
WALTER BECKER (Together with Donald Fagen, he is one-half of the songwriting genius/creative force behind Steely Dan; after a 13-year hiatus beginning in 1980, Becker reunited with Fagen for more Steely Dan albums and tours; one solo album to date, 11 Tracks Of Whack; Steely Dan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001; "Reeling In The Years," "Do It Again," "My Old School," "Show Biz Kids," "Pretzel Logic," "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," "Dirty Work," "Bodhisattva," "FM [No Static At All]," "Dr. Wu," "Peg," "Josie," "Asia," "Black Cow," "Hey Nineteen," "Deacon Blues," "The Last Mall," "Blues Beach") Born in 1950 in Queens, New York.
J. GEILS (born John "Jerome" Geils, Jr.) (Guitarist and leader of the band named after him, although Seth Justman wrote most of the songs and lead vocalist Peter Wolf and harp blower Magic Dick were each higher profile) Born in 1946 in New York City.
RANDY CALIFORNIA (born Randy Wolfe) (Guitarist, singer, songwriter; dubbed Randy "California" by Jimi Hendrix; co-founder of Southern California late '60s/early '70s psychedelic band Spirit and later Kapt. Kopter And The Fabulous Twirly Birds; "Fresh Garbage," "Nature's Way," "Mr. Skin," "I Got A Line On You") Born in 1946 in Los Angeles. Died in 1997 by accidental drowning off the coast of Molokai, Hawaii.
BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE (Native American [Cree Indian] singer/songwriter, actor, activist; worked in children's television; "Now That The Buffalo's Gone," "My Country 'Tis Of Thy People You're Dying," "Universal Soldier," "Until It's Time For You To Go") Born in 1941 in Piapot Reserve, Saskatchewan, Canada.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/20:
In 1960, Jimi Hendrix made his live performance debut at a high school concert in Seattle.
In 1965, The Supremes entered both the pop and R&B charts with "Stop! In The Name Of Love." It would be their fourth consecutive #1 pop single.
In 1969, Goodbye Cream, a documentary chronicling Cream's November 26, 1968, farewell concert at London's Royal Albert Hall, debuted in Baltimore with small audiences in attendance. The film received very negative reviews as a result of sub par sound quality and overly "arty" editing.
In 1969, The controversial film Candy opened; it featured Ringo Starr in his first real acting role.
In 1970, John Lennon's "Instant Karma" single was released in the U.S.
In 1971, A couple of pop classics-to-be were released: Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" and Santana's "Oye Como Va." On this same day, the top album in the country was the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack.
In 1974, Cher filed for separation from Sonny Bono after 10 years of marriage.
In 1982, Hot on the charts, Pat Benatar took her second trip to the alter, marrying her guitarist, Neil Geraldo, on the island of Maui.
In 1982, Genesis's Abacab broke into the Top 30 album chart. The name was derived from A-B-A-C-A-B, the chord progression for the song of the same name.
In 1997, Ben & Jerry's introduced a new flavor: Phish Phood was named after the band Phish. It consisted of chocolate ice cream, marshmallows, caramel and fish-shaped fudge chunks. Benny & Jerry's had scored a number of years earlier with their Cherry Garcia flavor, named in honor of the late Grateful Dead guitarist.
In 1998, The first of two concerts in remembrance of the late Nicolette Larson was conducted at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joe Walsh, Carole King, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Jimmy Buffett were among the artists who performed and paid their respects. The concerts raised funds for the UCLA Children's Hospital in the name of Larson, who had died in late 1997 of a rare disease called cerebral edema.
In 1998, Bob Dylan's Time Out Of Mind album was named Best Album Of The Year in the Village Voice's annual poll of U.S. pop music critics.
2/21:
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER (Hit country/folk/Americana singer/songwriter; emerged from Washington, D.C., area in mid-'80s; author of children's books; "Never Had It So Good," "Quittin' Time," "He Thinks He'll Keep Her," "I Feel Lucky," "Shut Up And Kiss Me," "Passionate Kisses" [written by Lucinda Williams]) Born in 1958 in Princeton, New Jersey.
JERRY HARRISON (Talented keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter, producer; member of Jonathon Richman & The Modern Lovers and Elliot Murphy's band in the '70s, but best known as a longtime member of the Talking Heads in the '80s; solo career; "Psycho Killer," "Take Me To The River," "Once In a Lifetime," "Burning Down The House," "Road To Nowhere," "Stay Up Late," "Wild Wild Life," "And She Said," "Rev It Up") Born in 1949 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
COREY HARRIS (Modern acoustic folk Delta bluesman; influenced by Lightnin' Hopkins; versatile in styles ranging from African to Latin; subject of first episode of Martin Scorsese's Blues series; "Fish Ain't Bitin'," "Wild West," "Capitaine," "Santoro") Born in 1969 in Denver, Colorado.
NINA SIMONE (Eclectic quality soul singer who has dabbled in jazz, pop, gospel and Broadway material) Born in 1933 in Tryon, North Carolina. Died at her home in Carry-le-Rouet, France, on April 21, 2003.
DAVID GEFFEN (Important figure in rock music as founder of Asylum and his own Geffen Records labels, and as all-around guru who helped guide the careers of CSN&Y, Laura Nyro, Jackson Browne and the Eagles) Born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/21:
In 1964, The Rolling Stones' third single, "Not Fade Away," a remake of the old Buddy Holly tune, was released in the U.K. on Decca Records. It struck pay dirt, becoming the group's first British Top 10 single.
In 1966, The Beatles issued the single "Nowhere Man" b/w "What Goes On."
In 1968, McGraw-Hill, Inc. outbid eight other American publishers and spent $150,000 for the U.S. rights to Hunter Davies' authorized biography of the Fab Four.
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water was Top 20. It would be the duo's last full-fledged studio album together.
In 1982, Legendary New York rock & roll deejay Murray "The K" Kaufman died in Los Angeles. He was 60.
In 1999, Sarah McLachlan's Surfacing album broke into the Top 20.
In 2001, U2 and Steely Dan each picked up three Grammy awards.
In 2003, Folk singer-songwriter Tom Glazer died. Glazer, 88, wrote the 1963 novelty song "On Top of Spaghetti."
2/22:
JUDE JOHNSTONE (Singer-songwriter from Maine via the West Coast, perhaps best known for writing "Unchained" for Johnny Cash and "Wounded" for Bonnie Raitt's Silver Lining; also has written songs for Stevie Nicks, Jennifer Warnes, Bette Midler and Trisha Yearwood; Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt are featured on her second album, On a Good Day).
ERNIE K-DOE (Born Ernest Kador, Jr.) (Singer, songwriter; had one of the biggest hits in the history of New Orleans R&B with 1961's "Mother-In-Law") Born in 1936 in New Orleans. Died of kidney and liver failure on July 5, 2001, in New Orleans.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/22:
In 1956, Billboard raved about James Brown's first record, "Please, Please, Please"; "A dynamic, religious fervor runs through the pleading solo here. Brown and the Famous Flames group let off plenty of steam."
In 1956, Elvis enjoyed his first Top 10 single, "Heartbreak Hotel."
In 1957, At a small club in Blytheville, Arkansas, Jerry Lee Lewis pumped out "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." Although Lewis did not write the song, it had been a favorite of his since he had first heard it a year previously. On this occasion, for the first time, Lewis ad-libbed his own bawdy lyrics to replace the ones he had forgotten.
In 1963, The Beatles put together their Northern Music Publishing Company. Many years later Michael Jackson outbid Paul McCartney for the rights to the songs.
In 1968, Genesis, a group envisioned as a songwriters' cooperative by Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, three English schoolboys at the time, released its first single, "The Silent Sun."
In 1969, T. Rex departed on a tour of England with a concert in Manchester. The opening act was David Bowie, though he did not perform or sing any music; his act consisted of miming the story of a young Tibetan Buddhist monk.
In 1973, Roberta Flack earned a Gold record for "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which was #1 for five weeks. Don McLean was rumored to be the subject of the tune.
In 1975, John Lennon's "#9 Dream" was a Top Ten song while while "Pick Up The Pieces" by the Scottish soul group Average White Band held down the top spot.
In 1976, One-time Supremes member Florence Ballard died of coronary thrombosis in Detroit. Despite having been an original member of the top female vocal trio of all time, she died destitute. Ballard was only 32. Steve Forbert has revealed that his song "Romeo's Tune" was written in Florence's memory.
In 1978, In an event they would prefer to be unknown, The Police appeared in a TV commercial for Wrigley's chewing gum. They had to dye their hair blonde for the occasion; a look they retained for awhile.
In 1979, "Advertising Creeps Into Rock," read the headline in Rolling Stone magazine. In the article it was revealed that Journey had joined forces with Budweiser for promotional and advertising purposes. Of course, this practice became common in the ensuing years.
In 1986, The Dream Academy's haunting "Life In A Northern Town," which had been produced by Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, peaked at #7 on the singles chart.
In 1986, INXS's Listen Like Thieves album found its way onto the Billboard chart. The LP, which contained the title track as well as the hit "What You Need," would eventually climb into the Top Ten.
In 1987, Andy Warhol died of complications following a gall bladder operation.
In 1989, The Grammy winners included Tracy Chapman for Best New Artist, Bobby McFerrin for Best Song ("Don't Worry, Be Happy"), and Jethro Tull for Best Hard Rock/Metal Group. The latter left some folks scratching their heads.
In 1992, Kurt Cobain married Courtney Love.
In 1994, Veteran Jefferson Airplane/Starship electric violinist Papa John Creach died of heart failure in Los Angeles. He was 76.
In 2001, Among Grammy recipients at the 43rd annual presentation were U2 for Best Record and Best Song ("Beautiful Day"), Steely Dan for Album Of The Year for Two Against Nature and Shelby Lynne for Best New Artist.
2/23:
JOHNNY WINTER (Popular scorching Texas blues guitarist who emerged in the late '60s/'70s; worked with Muddy Waters; "Highway 61 Revisited," "Rock And Roll Hoochie Coo," "Still Alive And Well," "Silver Train") Born in 1944 in Beaumont, Texas.
HOWARD JONES (Born John Howard Jones) ('80s Brit hit keyboard synth-pop star; "Things Can Only Get Better," "No One Is To Blame") Born in 1955 in South Hampton, Hants, England.
RUSTY YOUNG (Pedal steel and slide guitarist on legendary Buffalo Springfield sessions and later in Poco; left Denver for the bright lights of L.A. early '70s country/rock scene where Gram Parsons invited him to join the Flying Burrito Brothers [he chose to stay with Poco]; "Kind Woman," "Pickin' Up The Pieces," "C'Mon," "A Good Feeling To Know," "Crazy Eyes," "Keep On Tryin'," "Crazy Love," "The Heart Of The Night," "Call It Love") Born in 1946 in Denver.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/23:
In 1959, Three weeks after their untimely demise, Buddy Holly entered the singles chart with "It Doesn't Matter Anymore”.
In 1963, The Chiffons' "He's So Fine" appeared on the pop chart for the first time, on its way to #1. George Harrison was sued years later for unconsciously plagiarizing the melody for his "My Sweet Lord."
In 1970, Ringo Starr made a cameo on the popular TV comedy show Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In.
In 1972, Elvis Presley and wife Priscilla Presley split.
In 1974, Columbia Records released Billy Joel's Piano Man.
In 1974, On this day, "Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker)" by The Rolling Stones and Gregg Allman's solo version of the Allman Brothers' classic "Midnight Rider" were both big on FM rock radio.
In 1978, Some of the 20th annual Grammy winners were the Eagles (who boycotted the ceremony) scoring Record Of The Year for Hotel California and Best Arrangement For Voices for "New Kid In Town" and Fleetwood Mac for Album Of The Year with Rumours.
In 1979, Dire Straits launched their first U.S. tour in Boston.
In 1980, Queen's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," a bit of an Elvis parody, landed at #1 on the singles chart, a position it would cling to for four weeks.
In 1980, The Boomtown Rats' "I Don't Like Mondays" was getting receiving airplay on FM rock stations. The Bob Geldof tune took its title from a whacked-out San Diego teenager who went on a killing spree. When asked why she did it, she replied, "I don't like Mondays."
In 1983, Toto won six Grammys, including Album Of The Year for Toto IV, an effort that included the hits "Africa" and "Rosanna."
In 1985, The Honeydrippers, a retro group featuring Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, were all over the radio.
In 1986, The Rolling Stones made an appearance at London's 100 Club, playing nearly a dozen tunes for an intimate gathering of invited guests to pay tribute to the late keyboardist, Ian Stewart. Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Pete Townshend were among those who joined The Stones onstage. It was the first time the Stones had played live in almost five years.
In 1994, Chris Isaak and B.B. King were some of the notables who gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
In 1995, Original Temptations singer Melvin Franklin died of a brain seizure.
In 2000, Santana broke Michael Jackson's record for Grammys in one night by winning nine. Santana's awards included Album Of The Year for Supernatural, while "Smooth" won the Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year prizes. Elton John, who was honored with the Living Legend award, dismissed the award shows at a press conference afterwards as "bulls***."
In 2003, Howie Epstein, 47, former bassist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, of a drug overdose. He was 47.
In 2003, It was all about Norah Jones. She emerged the big winner at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards, snagging five awards for her debut Come Away With Me and "Don't Know Why," including Best New Artist, Album Of The Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Record Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
2/24:
MICHELLE SHOCKED (born Michelle Johnston) (Acclaimed and versatile folk/punk singer/songwriter from Dallas via Austin, San Francisco, New York, Amsterdam and Los Angeles; has recorded with artists ranging from Taj Mahal to the Hothouse Flowers to Uncle Tupelo; social activist; "When I Grow Up," "Memories Of East Texas," "If Love Was A Train," "Anchorage," "On The Greener Side," "Come A Long Way," "The Quality of Mercy," "That's So Amazing") Born in 1962 in Dallas.
NICKY HOPKINS (One of the most in-demand session men of his time, best known as keyboard player/pianist on albums by The Rolling Stones (Let It Bleed, Exile On Main Street, Black And Blue); also The Beatles, The Kinks [Ray Davies wrote "Session Man" in his honor], Quicksilver Messenger Service, The Who, the Jefferson Airplane and others) Born in 1944 in London. Died September 6, 1994, of complications from intestinal surgeries.
LONNIE TURNER (Acclaimed bluesman; longtime bass player and guitarist with Steve Miller; solo career ("Your Saving Grace," "Space Cowboy," "The Joker," "Fly Like An Eagle," "Rockin' Me") Born in 1947 in Berkeley, California.
THIS DAY IN 2/24 music:
In 1956, Police in Cleveland invoked a 1931 ordinance prohibiting people under the age of 18 from dancing in public unless accompanied by an adult. Cleveland, apparently, did not rock back at the time.
In 1964, The Beatles made their third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. They were seen via tape this time, performing three songs.
In 1965, The Beatles began work on their second movie, Help!.
In 1969, Before breaking up, the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed its last British concert at Royal Albert Hall in London.
In 1971, Janis Joplin's posthumous release, Pearl, was awarded a Gold record.
In 1973, The Doobie Brothers had a hit with "Jesus Is Just Alright."
In 1976, The Eagles: Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975) became the first album in history to be certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A. The new certification indicated sales of at least one million copies for albums and two million for singles. The album has now sold nearly 30 million copies in the U.S.
In 1979, The Police released the single, "Roxanne".
In 1981, The Double Fantasy album won John Lennon a posthumous Grammy for Best Album.
In 1987, Graceland won Paul Simon a Grammy for Album Of The Year, while Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" won in the Record Of The Year category. Bruce Hornsby was voted Best New Artist.
In 1992, The U.S. Postal Service unveiled two versions of its proposed Elvis stamp; fans were encouraged to vote for their favorite. Ultimately, the younger Elvis version prevailed and the stamp was issued on January 8, 1993.
In 1993, The Grammys for the best of '92 were awarded. Eric Clapton was the big winner, taking home six awards, including Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for "Tears In Heaven," and Album Of The Year for Unplugged.
In 1998, Elton John became Sir Elton John (Reginald Dwight), knighted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.
In 1998, John Fogerty was awarded the 1998 Orville H. Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award. The annual Gibson Awards are bestowed the day before the Grammys, recognizing the best rock, blues and jazz guitarists as determined by music critics and editors of guitar magazines. Lindsey Buckingham and Sheryl Crow received awards for best male and female rock guitarists.
2/25:
GEORGE HARRISON (Singer, songwriter, accomplished guitarist; original member of the unique legacy called The Beatles, "the quiet one"; contributing a handful of songs to their 1963-66 albums, but more active in the 1968-70 period; upon the dissolution of The Beatles, he released his magnum opus, the Phil Spector-produced triple album set All Things Must Pass, in 1970; Harrison followed that with rock's first major charity event, The Concert for Bangladesh, recorded from two shows at New York's Madison Square Garden in 1971 to help raise money for aid to that famine-ravaged nation; returned to the top of charts in 1987 with "Got My Mind Set On You"; joined forces with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison in 1988 to record under the moniker the Traveling Wilburys for a pair of albums; toured one last time in 1991, then spent the rest of his life in relative seclusion up until his death; his last album, the acclaimed Jeff Lynne-produced Brainwashed, was released posthumously; "If I Needed Someone," "Taxman," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Here Comes The Sun," "Something," "My Sweet Lord," "What Is Life," "Isn't It A Pity," "Wah-Wah," "Awaiting On You All," "Beware Of Darkness," "If Not For You," "Give Me Love [Give Me Peace On Earth]," "Sue Me, Sue You Blues," "Dark Horse," "All Those Years Ago," "Got My Mind Set On You," "Any Road") Born in 1943 in Liverpool, England. Died of cancer November 29, 2001, in Los Angeles.
MIKE PETERS (Lead singer and guitarist with the '80s hit group The Alarm; solo artist; "Sixty Eight Guns," "Blaze of Glory," "Strength," "Absolute Reality," "Spirit of '76," "Rain in the Summertime," "Sold Me Down the River") Born in Prestatyn, Wales, in 1959.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY 2/25:
In 1957, Buddy Holly And The Crickets taped "That'll Be The Day" at their first session with producer Norman Petty at his studio in the Eastern New Mexico town of Clovis. It would become Holly's biggest hit, rising to #2 on the singles chart.
In 1963, Vee Jay Records, a small Chicago-based label, had the distinction of releasing the first single by The Beatles in the U.S., "Please Please Me" b/w "Ask Me Why." While a smash in the U.K., it tanked on these shores.
In 1978, Jefferson Starship released their new album, Earth. Two days later the record went Gold.
In 1984, U2 launched their first full-scale tour of the U.S.
In 1986, The benefit song "We Are The World" scored a Grammy for Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year.
In 1993, Toy Caldwell of The Marshall Tucker Band passed away at age 45.
In 1995, Lyle Lovett broke his collarbone while riding a motorcycle in Mexico. The mishap made it impossible for him to accept his two Grammys at the ‘95 ceremonies.
In 1998, Bob Dylan won three Grammys, including Album Of The Year for Time Out Of Mind while Dylan's son, Jakob, won an award for Song Of The Year with "One Headlight," a tune he had recorded with his band The Wallflowers.
In 2004, Chicago blues legend and sax player A.C. Reed died of complications from cancer. He was 77.
2/26:
JOHNNY CASH (One of the all-time most influential roots singer/songwriters; a down-to-Earth American rock, country and pop icon; "the Man in Black"; began as part of the now legendary Sun Records roster of artists which also included Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins; signed with Columbia in 1958 and became one of the biggest country stars in the world over the next two decades; huge in the late '60s/early '70s in the U.S., even hosting his own network TV show; recorded with everyone from Dylan, Willie and Waylon, Tom Waits and Leonard Cohen to Nick Cave and Trent Reznor; fought serious personal battles with addiction and illness, and lived to tell the tale; guested on Bob Dylan's 1969 Nashville Skyline album; subject of 2006 hit movie Walk the Line; "Folsom Prison Blues," "Cry, Cry, Cry," "Get Rhythm," "I Walk The Line," "One Piece At A Time," "I Still Miss Someone," "Ballad Of A Teenage Queen," "Don't Take Your Guns To Town," "Five Feet High And Rising," "Guess Things Happen That Way," "Sunday Morning Coming Down," "A Boy Named Sue," "Ring Of Fire," "Understand Your Man," "Jackson" [with wife June Carter], "The Beast In Me," "I've Been Everywhere," "Unchained," "Hurt") Born in 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas. Died of complications from diabetes on September 12, 2003, in Nashville.
FATS DOMINO (born Antoine Domino) (Singer, pianist, songwriter; one of the leading exponents of classic New Orleans R&B; over 30 hit singles; "Ain't That A Shame" [later a hit for Cheap Trick] "Blueberry Hill," "Walkin' To New Orleans," "I'm Walking") Born in 1928 in New Orleans.
ERYKAH BADU (born Erica Wright) (Modern R&B/soul singer; "On & On," "Bag Lady") Born in 1972 in Dallas, Texas.
PAUL COTTON (Vocalist, guitarist; founded '70s band Illinois Speed Press and then went on to become a longstanding member of '70s/'80s hit L.A./Colorado country-rock outfit Poco; "Pickin' Up The Pieces," "C'mon," "A Good Feelin' To Know," "Crazy Eyes," "Keep On Tryin'," "Indian Summer,"' "Heart Of The Night," "Call It Love") Born in 1943 in Los Angeles.
BOB "THE BEAR" HITE (Vocalist with late '60s/early '70s era West Coast hit band Canned Heat; also recorded with John Lee Hooker; performed at the original Woodstock with Canned Heat in 1969; "Goin' Up the Country," "On The Road Again," "Let's Work Together") Born in 1945 in Torrance, California. Died of a heart seizure in 1981 in Mar Vista, California.
MITCH RYDER (William Levise, Jr.) (Original and influential mid- to late-'60s Detroit rock & roller; with his band, the Detroit Wheels he lit up the nation's AM radio airwaves with explosive versions of Little Richard and Chuck Willis songs like "Jenny, Jenny" [later covered by Springsteen], "Good Golly Miss Molly," "C.C. Rider" and "Devil With A Blue Dress") Born in 1945 in Hamtramck, Michigan.
SANDIE SHAW ('60s-era hit Brit pop vocalist; "[There's] Always Something There To Remind Me," "Puppet On A String") Born in 1947 in Dagenham, Essex, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/26:
In 1955, Billboard reported that for the first time since being introduced in 1949 45rpm discs were outselling the old standard 78rpm records. Another change in the industry was also noted. On some New York City jukeboxes, it took a dime instead of a nickel to play a record.
In 1955, LaVern Baker appealed to Congress in a letter to Michigan Representative Charles Digges Jr., to revise the Copyright Act of 1909 in order for black recording artists to be protected from note-for-note copying of previously recorded R&B tunes and arrangements by white artists.
In 1965, London guitarist Jimmy Page, who had already contributed to some Kinks records, released his first solo single, "She Just Satisfies." Page went on to join The Yardbirds and became a founding member of Led Zeppelin with Robert Plant.
In 1966, The Temptations' "Get Ready" entered the singles chart and The Rolling Stones' "19th Nervous Breakdown" was released. Meanwhile, The Beatles had the top album in the country with Rubber Soul.
In 1970, Hey Jude, a collection of Beatles singles that had previously been unavailable on a long player, was released in the U.S.
In 1979, Former Sex Pistols vocalist Johnny Rotten accused manager Malcolm McLaren and former band mates Steve Jones and Paul Cook of using money that was owed to him to bankroll a documentary movie about the band. A judge ruled that of the nearly £900,000 the band had earned from 1975-1978, only £30,000 remained. The great rock & roll swindle, indeed.
In 1980, Island Records reps offered U2 a recording contract after witnessing their performance at Dublin's National Boxing Stadium before an audience of 2,400.
In 1985, Tina Turner's "What's Love Got To Do With It" won Grammys for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year, while Cyndi Lauper was named Best New Artist.
In 1987, Capitol Records released the first four Beatles albums on compact disc.
In 1997, The Grammys were held at New York's Madison Square Garden with host Ellen DeGeneres. The big winners were Eric Clapton and The Beatles. Clapton won three trophies, all for the song "Change The World": Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Male Pop Vocal. The Beatles scored Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group for "Free As A Bird." The three surviving members of the Fab Four, with Yoko representing John Lennon, also won the Best Music Video, Short Form as well as the Best Music Video, Long Form awards for "Free As A Bird." Bruce Springsteen won Best Contemporary Folk Award for The Ghost Of Tom Joad.
2/27:
NEAL SCHON (Longtime guitarist for Journey who he co-founded with former Santana vocalist and keyboardist Gregg Rolie; joined the original Santana band with Carlos Santana when he was just 17; in the '80s, Neil worked with Jan Hammer and was a member of Bad English with John Waite; maker of several solo albums; "Of a Lifetime," "Lights," "Feeling That Way/Anytime," "Wheel In The Sky," "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin,'" "Anyway You Want It," "Who's Crying Now," "Open Arms," "Don't Stop Believin'") Born in 1954 in San Mateo, California.
PAUL HUMHREYS (Singer, songwriter and co-founder of '80s Brit synth-pop band Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark; "Enola Gay," "If You Leave") Born in 1960 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/27:
In 1956, What would become Little Richard's first #1 R&B hit, "Slippin' And Slidin'" b/w "Long Tall Sally," was released on the Specialty label.
In 1967, Pink Floyd laid down tracks for their first single, the psychedelic nugget "Arnold Layne," written by Syd Barrett. It would make it to #1 in the U.K. but have no impact whatsoever in the U.S.
In 1970, Members of the Jefferson Airplane were fined $1,000 for using profane language during a concert in Oklahoma City.
In 1974, Joni Mitchell had her most successful album ever with Court And Spark, which went Gold on this day, boosted by airplay of "Help Me" and "Free Man In Paris."
In 1977, Keith Richards' Toronto hotel suite was raided by Royal Canadian Mounted Police while he was sleeping. They seized 22 grams of heroin, five grams of cocaine and narcotics paraphernalia. Richards was arrested, charged with possession of heroin with intent to traffic and possession of cocaine. He was released on $25,000 bail and a trial was set for October. In light of Richards' previous brushes with the law, including numerous drug busts, there were fears that this might be the beginning of the end for The World's Greatest Rock & Roll Band.
In 1980, The Grammy winners for 1979 were announced: The Doobie Brothers' "What A Fool Believes" won both Record and Song Of The Year awards, while Billy Joel's 52nd Street was named both Album Of The Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
In 1981, The Police were awarded a Gold record for Zenyatta Mondatta, their third and probably most commercial album to date.
In 1990, Time magazine quoted Milli Vanilli "singer" Rob Pilatus as saying, "Musically, we're more talented than any Bob Dylan or Paul McCartney. Mick Jagger can't produce a sound. I'm the new Elvis." He would later eat those words and then some.
In 1991, James Brown was granted an early parole and set free in Columbia, South Carolina, after having done some time for leading police on a high-speed chase through two states.
In 2001, Carlos Santana went home to his native Mexico to unveil a plaque in Autlan de Navarro declaring him the "favorite son" of the Mexican town where his father was also a musician. The town's main street is even named after the Santana family.
2/28:
BRIAN JONES (Founding member of The Rolling Stones; he was replaced by Mick Taylor in the summer of 1969 after Let It Bleed; vocalist and multi-instrumentalist [guitar, sitar, autoharp, marimba, sax, clarinet and harmonica] who lent diversity and subtle depth to many early Rolling Stones recordings; started out playing in London's Blues Inc. with Alexis Korner [which later featured Charlie Watts]; After having been more or less fired by the band, Jones accidentally drowned in his backyard swimming pool—his drowning death remains controversial to this day; "Get Off of My Cloud," "Time Is On My Side," "Heart of Stone," "[I Can't Get No] Satisfaction," "Play With Fire," "Paint It Black" [featuring Jones on sitar], "Out Of Time," "Let's Spend the Night Together," "She's A Rainbow," "Sympathy For the Devil," "Street Fighting Man") Born in 1942 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England. Died July 3, 1969, in Hertford, England.
CINDY WILSON (Yoko Ono-influenced warbler with hit '80s band The B-52s; "Private Idaho," "Rock Lobster," "Love Shack," "Deadbeat Club," "Roam") Born in 1957 in Athens, Georgia.
PAT MONAHAN (Lead vocalist and frontman for Train)
JOHN FAHEY (Acoustic guitarist and American music icon; founded Takoma Records and is credited for bringing modern acoustic guitar music to the masses in the late '60s/early '70s; he launched the careers of Leo Kottke and Canned Heat; Fahey's first album, issued in 1959, Blind Joe Death is a highly coveted collector's item) Born in 1939 in Takoma, Maryland. Died in 2001 in Salem, Oregon, of multiple health problems.
JOE SOUTH (born Joe Souter) (Talented late '60s/early '70s-era hit singer/songwriter, guitarist and in-demand session man in his day; never big on performing, inviting the audience to "kiss his ass" on more than one occasion; "Down In The Boondocks," "Games People Play," "Walk a Mile In My Shoes," "Rose Garden") Born in 1940 in Atlanta.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 2/28:
In 1966, Liverpool's fabled Cavern Club, where The Beatles first rose to prominence, closed its doors.
In 1970, In an interview in New Musical Express, Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green revealed his intention to give away all his money. He was committed to a mental hospital for a stay in 1973. He would later come out of seclusion and resume his career in the mid-'90s.
In 1970, Led Zeppelin played Copenhagen under the pseudonym of "Nobs" thanks to a lawsuit threatened by Count Evan von Zeppelin, a relative of the airship designer.
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was the #1 song in the land.
In 1974, Bobby Bloom, famed for his 1970 funky hit record, "Montego Bay," died from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in West Hollywood. He was 28 years old.
In 1977, Ray Charles, while performing live onstage, was attacked by a deranged audience member who attempted to strangle him with a rope.
In 1979, Mr. Ed, TV's talking horse, died.
In 1984, The Grammy Awards presentation took place at the Shrine Auditorium with host John Denver. Michael Jackson won eight awards, including Album Of The Year for Thriller and Record Of The Year for "Beat It," which featured Eddie Van Halen on guitar. "Every Breath You Take" by The Police nabbed the Song Of The Year award, while Boy George's Culture Club had the honor of being named Best New Artist.
In 1988, K.D. Lang performed at the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.
In 1994, In aid of the Children In Crisis charity, Eric Clapton and his band performed for the 100th time at London's Royal Albert Hall.
In 1996, Among the Grammy Award winners were Alanis Morissette, who won four times, including Album Of The Year for Jagged Little Pill, and Hootie & The Blowfish, who received the Best New Artist award.
In 2000, Tracy Chapman's Telling Stories album busted into the Top 50.
3/1:
ROGER DALTREY (Longtime dynamic lead singer for The Who; solo artist; actor [Tommy, Lisztomania, The Legacy, McVicar]; "The Kids Are Alright," "Magic Bus," "Happy Jack," "I Can See For Miles," "Substitute," "Giving It All Away," "Avenging Annie," "Say It Ain't So, Joe" "Free Me," "We're Not Gonna Take It," "Baba O'Riley," "Love, Reign O'er Me," "The Real Me," "5:15," "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Song Is Over," "Join Together," "Long Live Rock," "Squeeze Box," "Eminence Front," "You Better You Bet," "Who Are You") Born in 1944 in Hammersmith, London, England.
NIK KERSHAW ('80s-era Brit rock/pop singer, songwriter; "Wouldn't It Be Good") Born in 1958 in Bristol, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/1:
In 1957, Chess Records released Chuck Berry's "School Days."
In 1966, Over 100 youths in Liverpool barricaded themselves inside the recently closed Cavern Club, where The Beatles' career had launched. They were upset about the club being shuttered due to bankruptcy.
In 1969, Following a performance at Miami's Dinner Key Auditorium, Jim Morrison of The Doors was arrested for allegedly displaying his manhood during the show. Morrison was officially charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, indecent behavior, open profanity and public drunkenness. That particular sentence, amounting to eight months hard labor and a $500 fine, was on appeal when Morrison died in Paris in 1971.
In 1973, The New York Joffrey Ballet gave its premiere performance of its Deuce Coupe Ballet, which was set entirely to the music of The Beach Boys.
In 1975, Winners of the 17th annual Grammy Awards were announced during ceremonies at the Hollywood Palladium. The Album Of The Year was Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale.
In 1977, Sara Lowndes Dylan filed for divorce from her husband of 11 years, Bob Dylan. The divorce was granted in June when Sarah was given custody of their five kids and possession of their million-dollar home. Sara had reportedly been the inspiration for songs such as "Sad-Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands," "Lay Lady Lay" and, of course, "Sara."
In 1977, Manfred Mann's Earth Band picked up their first Gold record for "Blinded By The Light," one of several Springsteen songs covered by the group. It was the first #1 for Manfred since his "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" hit back in 1964.
In 1980, Singer and poet Patti Smith wed veteran Detroit underground rocker and one-time MC5 member Fred "Sonic" Smith in Detroit.
In 1982, Swan Song Records released the soundtrack for the film Death Wish II, which had been written and produced by Jimmy Page. It was his first solo album.
In 1995, Sheryl Crow won a Grammy for Best New Artist and Song Of The Year ("All I Wanna Do"), while Tony Bennett's Unplugged was named Album Of The Year.
In 1995, R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry had to leave the stage in the midst of a Switzerland concert after suffering a brain aneurysm. He would later leave the band.
1997, 'Bowie Bonds' were issued by David Bowie on the US Stock Exchange, linked to his back catalogue albums with money earned on the bonds via interest from royalties. Investors could expect to make an 8% profit.
3/2:
CHRIS MARTIN (Vocals and piano with dramatic Brit band Coldplay; band broke through huge in the U.S. in 2002; Martin was influenced by Tom Waits and Jeff Buckley, among others; "Yellow," "Trouble," "Clocks," "In My Place," "The Scientist," "Moses") Born in 1977 in Devon, England.
LOU REED (born Louis Firbank) (Enigmatic and talented frontman for the creative and highly-influential mid-'60s to early 70's New York band the Velvet Underground; solo career, guitarist, keyboardist; an artist who has, over the years, metamorphosed from glam-rocker to avant-garde noisemaker to straight-ahead rocker to spoken word and acoustic singing and playing; "Foggy Notion," "Waiting For My Man," "Heroin," "Sweet Jane," "Rock And Roll," "Vicious," "Walk On The Wild Side," "A Busload of Faith," "Dirty Blvd.," "What's Good," "I Love You, Suzanne") Born in 1942 in Freeport, Long Island, New York.
DOC WATSON (born Arthel Watson) (Flat-picking guitar legend of country/folk and bluegrass; father of the late Merle Watson) Born in 1923 in Deep Gap, North Carolina.
ALVIN YOUNGBLOOD HART (Modern blues slide guitarist, best known from his exposure on the 1996 Furthur festival tour) Born in 1963 in Oakland, California.
EDDIE MONEY (born Eddie Mahoney) (Late-'70s/early '80s hit blue collar rocker; singer/songwriter; former NYPD desk clerk-turned-San Francisco rock star; "Baby Hold On," "Two Tickets To Paradise," "Take Me Home Tonight" [with Ronnie Spector], "I Wanna Go Back") Born in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York.
RORY GALLAGHER (Passionate and driving '70s blues guitarist and singer; influenced by great American R&B and blues artists such as Leadbelly, Buddy Guy and the Kings [B.B. and Freddie]; "Walk On Hot Coals") Born in 1949 in Ballyshannon, Ireland. Died after a liver transplant on July 14, 1995, in London.
JON BON JOVI (born John Bongiovi) (Career-enduring pretty-boy Jersey rocker; "Living on a Prayer," "wanted: Dead Or Alive") Born in 1962 in Sayreville, New Jersey.
KAREN CARPENTER (Heavenly voiced, sugar-coated '70s-era hit pop singer in The Carpenters, with her brother Richard) Born in 1950 in New Haven, Connecticut. Died February 4, 1983, in Downey, California, from complications related to anorexia nervosa.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/2:
In 1964, The Beatles' "Twist And Shout" with "There's A Place" (on the "flip side") was released in the States on Tollie Records, the fourth label to release a Beatles disc in America. Also on this day, The Beatles began filming their first feature-length movie, A Hard Day's Night.
In 1967, The ninth annual Grammys presentation was conducted. Record Of The Year went to Frank Sinatra for "Strangers In The Night," while the Song Of The Year came from the next generation, "Michelle" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
In 1968, Blue Cheer's "Summertime Blues" was released. The band once laid claim to being the loudest band on the planet, according to the Guinness Book Of World Records.
In 1974, Stevie Wonder took home five Grammy Awards, including Album Of The Year for Innervisions.
In 1975, Upon pulling over a late-model Lincoln Continental early in the morning for running a red light, LAPD busted Linda McCartney for possession of marijuana found in her pocketbook. Paul was driving and not charged.
In 1988, At the Grammys, U2's The Joshua Tree picked up the Album Of The Year prize, while Paul Simon's Graceland took the Record Of The Year honors.
In 1999, Dusty Springfield died of cancer at the age of 59, just 11 days before her scheduled induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1999, Bob Dylan was the first musician to play at the House Of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. For the encore, Dylan was joined by Bono on "Knockin' On Heaven's Door."
3/3:
ROBYN HITCHCOCK (Quirky British '80s folk/rock singer-songwriter with a devoted American following, first with his band The Soft Boys in the late '70s/'80s and later with The Egyptians; R.E.M's Peter Buck has played with the Egyptians; "Balloon Man," "So You Think You're in Love") Born in 1953 in London.
JUNIOR PARKER (born Herman Parker) (Respected blues singer and harp player; "Feelin' Good," "Driving Wheel") Born in 1927 in West Memphis, AR. Died November 18, 1971 in Blue Island, IL.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/3:
In 1957, Cardinal Samuel Strich, the head of the Catholic archdiocese of Chicago (the largest in the world), banned rock & roll from Catholic schools and various associated events in his district. He complained about the "tribal rhythms" and "encouragement to behave in a hedonistic manner" inherent in the music. Chicago record retailers reported no apparent drop in sales of the devil's music.
In 1966, In Los Angeles, Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay formed a new group which they called Buffalo Springfield. A year or so later, the group's self-titled debut was released; it contained "For What It's Worth," the band's biggest hit.
In 1966, On this day, The Rolling Stones went into RCA's Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles to begin work on the album Aftermath.
In 1967, In Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, The Animals refused to play a slated concert unless they were paid up front. Consequently, over 3,000 fans in the audience broke into a riot, causing about $5,000 in damages.
In 1967, The new Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart, bassist Ron Wood (now with The Stones) and drummer Aynsley Dunbar, made its debut in London.
In 1972, Harry Nilsson snagged a Gold record for Nilsson Schmilsson, the best-selling album of his career; it featured "Without You," "Jump Into The Fire" and "Coconut." The CD was recently remastered and re-released.
In 1973, The Grammy Awards were held at the Tennessee Theatre in Nashville. The Album Of The Year award went to George Harrison's The Concert For Bangladesh and America was named Best New Artist.
In 1980, Sotheby Park-Bernet in London auctioned off a paper napkin from the Rivera Hotel in Las Vegas, which had been signed by Elvis Presley, for approximately $1,000. Also auctioned off were four American dollar bills, inscribed by The Beatles, for about $450, while a batch of Rolling Stones letters and autographs went for about the same amount.
In 1982, The reformed Mamas & Papas, with original members John Phillips and Denny Doherty joined by Phillips' daughter MacKenzie and Spanky McFarlane of Spanky & Our Gang, played the first show of their brief reunion tour. Even though Mama Cass Elliot had been deceased for nearly 10 years, they didn't alter the lyric of "Creeque Alley," which contained the line, "No one's getting fat except Mama Cass."
In 1994, Kurt Cobain lapsed into a coma in Italy after consuming a large amount of tranquilizers and champagne.
In 1995, R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry underwent surgery to halt bleeding caused by a brain aneurysm. The operation was a success, but he still felt it was best that he retire from the band.
3/4:EVAN DANDO (Punk/folk/pop singer, songwriter, film actor, former leader of The Lemonheads; "It's A Shame About Ray," "Mrs. Robinson") Born in 1967 in Boston.
BOBBY WOMACK (Legendary R&B/soul singer and composer; worked with Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Sly Stone and the Stones, along with his solo work; "It's All Over Now" [the Stones first #1 in the U.K.], "I'm In Love," "It's Gonna Rain," "Trust Me" [covered by Janis Joplin], "Check It Out") Born in 1944 in Cleveland.
MIRIAM MAKEBA (Passionate world beat folk/pop singer who left her native land of South Africa in objection to its apartheid policies and returned for her first concert there in three decades in 1991; "Pata Pata") Born in 1932 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
CHRIS SQUIRE (Best known for his work as bassist with Yes; "Time And a Word," "Roundabout," "Long Distance Runaround," "And You And I," "Close to the Edge," "Going For The One") Born in 1948 in London.
CHRIS REA (Unique singer, songwriter, guitarist; big star in the U.K. and Europe; "Fool [If You Think It's Over]," "Working On It," "The Road To Hell," "Let's Dance," "Auberge," "Looking For the Summer," "Nothing To Fear," "Texas") Born in 1951 in Middlesbrough, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/4:
In 1960, In connection with the congressional investigation into payola in the music and broadcast industry, it was made known that Federal Communications Chairman John Doerfer had taken a six-day trek to Florida courtesy of Storer Broadcasting.
In 1966, John Lennon made his infamous remarks that led to an uproar, even the banning and burning of records by The Beatles for a brief period. In an interview with The Evening Standard, Lennon commented, "Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue that. I'm right and will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus right now."
In 1967, The Rolling Stones had the #1 single in the land with "Ruby Tuesday," their fourth #1 in the U.S. It was originally the "B" or flip side of "Let's Spend The Night Together," but in the wake of many puritanical radio stations banning the latter, London/Decca Records made the flip-flop.
In 1967, It was reported that Stevie Winwood and his brother Muff would be leaving the Spencer Davis Group after four years. With young Stevie's soulful, Ray Charles-influenced vocals, the group had enjoyed several significant hits, including "Gimme Some Lovin''' and "I'm A Man." The 18-year Winwood went on to form Traffic.
In 1971, On this day The Rolling Stones announced that they were moving to France, mostly for tax purposes.
In 1973, Pink Floyd, in promotion of their new album, Dark Side Of The Moon, launched a three-week tour of the U.S. in Madison, Wisconsin.
In 1977, The Rolling Stones played the first of two gigs at El Mocambo, a small club in Toronto, Canada. Portions of their performances, mostly old blues standards, wound up on Love You Live.
In 1977, CBS released the first album by The Clash in the United Kingdom. It would not appear in the U.S. for another two years, and then in altered form. The original would become one of the best-selling import albums of all time.
In 1978, The I.R.S. descended on the home of Jerry Lee Lewis in a dawn sneak attack, confiscating about $200,000 worth of vehicles to help pay off past tax debts.
In 1982, Rolling Stone revealed that Frank Zappa's son Dweezil and daughter Moon Unit had formed a band called Fred Zeppelin. The first single was a thing called "My Mother is a Space Cadet."
In 1986, At the age of 41, Richard Manuel—a longtime member of one of America's highly-respected roots music bands, The Band—committed suicide. He had been plagued by psychological and substance abuse problems. Counting Crows released a song in 2002 that was inspired by Manuel's death, called "If I Could Give All My Love -Or- Richard Manuel Is Dead."
In 2002, Mark Vann, Leftover Salmon banjo player and beloved member of the Colorado music community, died of cancer at his home. He was 39.
3/5:
EDDY GRANT (U.K. '80s reggae/pop singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer; "Living On The Frontline," "Can't Get Enough," "Electric Avenue") Born in 1948 in Plaisance, Guyana.
JOHN FRUSCIANTE (Guitarist, singer, songwriter and member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers off and on; solo artist; nearly derailed by heroin but since recovered; "Higher Ground," "Under The Bridge," "Breaking The Girl," "Give It Away") Born in 1971 in New York City.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/5:
In 1955, Following complaints from certain quarters about the supposedly offensive lyrics heard on R&B records, BMI, the largest organization of music publishers, proposed plans to tighten controls on "objectionable" lyrics. As a result, BMI never granted clearance to nearly a dozen singles, including Big Joe Turner's "Shake Rattle & Roll," which became a major hit anyway.
In 1955, Elvis made his TV debut on the regionally telecast Louisiana Hayride show. His first national exposure on the tube was on the Dorsey Brothers' Stage Show early in '56.
In 1960, Sergeant Elvis Presley was honorably discharged from the army. Two days earlier, he had departed Germany and arrived at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.
In 1963, Patsy Cline, the soulful country crooner who had won crossover fame for pop hits such as "Crazy" and "I Fall To Pieces," perished in a small plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. Cline was on her way to Nashville from St. Louis.
In 1965, The Yardbirds released "For Your Love".
In 1971, Badfinger, on the Beatle's Apple label, kicked off their first U.S. tour in Toledo, Ohio.
In 1974, Gregg Allman's first solo album, Laid Back, achieved Gold status. At the same time, rumors were afoot that the Allman Brothers Band was breaking up.
In 1982, Manic rock & roll comic/actor and Blues Brother John Belushi overdosed at the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles. He was only 33.
In 1992, R.E.M. made a clean sweep at the Rolling Stone Music Awards, winning the Album Of The Year honors for Out Of Time, the Artist Of The Year award and plaques for Best Single and Best Video for "Losing My Religion." Not only that, they were named Best Band with the Best Guitarist and Best Songwriter.
In 1994, Grace Slick aimed a shotgun at deputies after they showed up at her Marin County, CA home to settle a domestic dispute. Cool heads prevailed. The following June, she was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and mandatory attendance at a long series of Alcoholic's Anonymous meetings.
3/6:
DAVID GILMOUR (Longtime guitarist and vocalist for mega-selling Pink Floyd, the mother of all progressive bands, formed in 1967 in Cambridge, England; he joined the band for their second album, 1968's obscure A Saucerful Of Secrets, then, nearly two decades later, assumed leadership of a reconstituted version of the band with members Rick Wright and Nick Mason on albums such as 1994's The Division Bell; has also recorded with Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry and Kate Bush, among others; solo albums including 2006 release On An Island; "Fat Old Sun," "One of These Days," "Time," "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," "Wish You Were Here," "Have a Cigar," "Comfortably Numb," "Murder," "There's No Way Out of Here," "On the Turning Away," "Keep Talking," "On An Island") Born in 1944 in Cambridge, England.
PHIL ALVIN (Guitarist and vocalist, along with brother Dave, in The Blasters, Los Angeles-based '80s rockabilly revivalist band influenced by early roots greats like Big Joe Turner, T-Bone Walker, Jimmy Reed and Elvis; Little known fact: Phil has a PHD in mathematics and artificial intelligence; "American Music," "I'm Shakin," "Border Radio") Born in 1953 in Los Angeles.
KIKI DEE (born Pauline Matthews) (Late-'70s-era pop-rocker; first blue-eyed Brit to be signed by Motown, and later one of the first acts to be signed to Elton John's own Rocket Records; "I've Got The Music In Me," "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart" [a duet with Elton John]) Born in 1947 in Bradford, Yorkshire, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/6:
In 1965, History was made when the Smokey Robinson-written "My Girl" made The Temptations the first male Motown act to score a #1 single.
In 1970, The Beatles' album Hey Jude went Gold.
In 1973, John Lennon's visa extension was revoked by the New York Office of the Immigration Department, five days after it was granted. Lennon said that he was being persecuted by the paranoid Nixon administration.
In 1973, West Coast band War, fresh from a break with former leader Eric Burdon, received their second Gold single of the week for "Cisco Kid"; it followed four days after "The World Is A Ghetto" achieved the same honor.
In 1975, The Average White Band, an all-white Scottish band that specialized in authentic sounding black funk and soul, received their first Gold record for the instrumental "Pick Up The Pieces." The song had hit #1 the previous month.
In 1982, Dick Clark donated his original American Bandstand podium to the Smithsonian.
In 1982, Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind" climbed into the Top 100. The original song had been waxed in 1972 by Elvis Presley. Nelson's rendition would reach the top spot on the Country singles chart and win a Grammy for Song Of The Year.
In 1999, Sheryl Crow's The Globe Sessions was poised to crack the Top 30 album list.
3/7:
PETER WOLF (Vocalist, keyboards; best known as animated frontman for hit '70s Boston speed-blues rock band the J Geils Band; once was a painter, a deejay on WBCN Boston and was married to Faye Dunaway; has worked with Aretha Franklin and Mick Jagger/Keith Richards; six solo albums; "Looking For A Love," "Give It To Me," "Must Of Got Lost," "Sanctuary," "Love Stinks," "Centerfold," "Lights Out," "I Need You Tonight," "Can't Get Started," "Long Line," "Romeo Is Dead," "Long Way Back Again," "Never Like This Before") Born in 1946 in the Bronx, New York.
TOWNS VAN ZANDT (born John Townes Van Zandt) (Prolific and influential Texas singer/songwriter; an inspiration to artists like Cowboy Junkies [Van Zandt contributed two tracks to their 1992 Black Eyed Man album], Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle; "If I Needed You" [covered by Emmylou Harris], "Pancho and Lefty" [covered by Willien Nelson and Emmylou Harris] Born in 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas. Died on January 1, 1997 in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.
ARTHUR LEE (born Arthur Taylor Porter) (Creative guitarist, singer, songwriter and founder of the acclaimed late-'60s L.A. folk/rock psychedelic band Love; recorded with Jimi Hendrix; did a little time in the '90s for drugs and gun-related convictions; "My Little Red Book," "7 And 7 Is," "Alone Again Or") Born in 1945 in Memphis, Tennessee.
MATTHEW FISHER (Original keyboard player with late-'60s/early-'70s lyrical rock sensation Procol Harum; producer, including several of Robin Trower's albums; solo career; "A Whiter Shade of Pale," "A Salty Dog," "Shine On Brightly") Born in 1946 in Croydon, London, England.
CHRIS WHITE (Chief songwriter and bass player for successful and influential mid-late-'60s Brit pop/rock band The Zombies; "She's Not There," "Time of The Season") Born in 1943 in Barnet, Herts, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/7:
In 1955, Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" entered the R&B chart. It was an historical occasion in that it was the first time a C&W artist had made the R&B chart.
In 1964, The Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You" were vying for the top spot on the singles chart.
In 1964, For the first time in its history, the British Top 10 consisted entirely of songs performed by U.K. artists.
In 1966, The Shadows Of Knight, a Chicago garage band, made the Top 10 for the first and only time with their version of "Gloria."
In 1966, Brian Wilson's "Caroline No," the first solo single by a member of The Beach Boys, was released.
In 1969, The Who released the "Pinball Wizard" single from Tommy in the U.K. It was the first glimpse of Pete Townshend's unique rock concert concept.
In 1970, Simon & Garfunkels' last album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, went to #1 on the U.S. album chart, where it would remain for 10 weeks.
In 1973, "Dueling Banjos," from the soundtrack of Deliverance, became one of the very few instrumentals to earn a Gold record in the '70s. It was performed on banjo and acoustic guitar by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandell.
In 1973, John Hammond, Sr., long-time discoverer and nurturer of musical talent, then director of talent acquisition for Columbia Records, suffered a heart attack while attending a concert at Max's Kansas City club by one of his most important finds ever, Bruce Springsteen. It was Hammond's third attack, which he attributed to overwork. Others, including his physicians, felt that he had become too worked up by Springsteen's frenzied and entrancing performance.
In 1975, David Bowie's "Young Americans" was released. He later described it as "plastic soul."
In 1976, Elton John had the honor of being the first rock star since The Beatles to be replicated in wax and put on display at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in London.
In 1987, The first rap act to have a #1 album in the U.S. turned out to be The Beastie Boys with their License To Ill disc.
In 1991, The readers of Rolling Stone magazine voted George Michael the world's sexiest male performer in the world.
3/8:
SHAWN MULLINS (Folk/pop singer/songwriter; broke through in the late '90s with help from fellow Atlanta pals The Indigo Girls; also, member of The Thorns; "Lullaby," "Shimmer," "I Can't Remember," "Blue") Born in 1968.
RANDY MEISNER (Singer, songwriter, bass player with Poco, but best known as a member of the original Eagles lineup in the early ‘70s; solo artist, "A Certain Kind Of Fool," "Is It True," "Take It To the Limit," "Try And Love Again") Born in 1946 in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska.
GARETH "GAZ" COOMBES (Vocalist and guitarist with '90s-born Brit pop/rock band Supergrass; "Alright," "Caught By The Fuzz") Born in 1976.
GARY NUMAN (born Gary Anthony James Webb) (Vocals, keyboards, one of the founding fathers of ‘80s synth-pop; "Cars") Born in 1958 in Hammersmith, London, England.
MICKY DOLENZ (Wacky drummer and singer for hit '60s pop band, The Monkees; child film star; "Last Train To Clarksville," "I'm a Believer," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "[Theme From] The Monkees," "Stepping Stone") Born in 1945 in Los Angeles.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/8:
In 1962, The Beatles appeared on television for the first time, performing Roy Orbison's "Dream Baby" on the BBC program Teenager's Turn.
In 1965, David Bowie made his TV debut, appearing with The Mannish Boys on a British TV program called Gadzooks! It's All Happenin'. They played their new single, "I Pity The Fool."
In 1968, Bill Graham, owner of the fabled San Francisco rock ballroom The Fillmore, opened The Fillmore East in an abandoned movie theater on Second Avenue and Sixth Street in New York City. The opening night show presented Albert King, Tim Buckley and Big Brother & The Holding Company.
In 1973, Grateful Dead keyboardist, singer and founding member Ron "Pigpen" McKernan died of a stomach hemorrhage, a result of advanced alcoholism, in the Central California town of Madera. He was just 27.
In 1976, Former Spooky Tooth singer and keyboardist Gary Wright scored a Gold record for his smash solo "Dream Weaver" single.
In 1978, Steely Dan's sixth album, Aja, become their first album to be certified Platinum.
In 1979, It was officially acknowledged in the mainstream press that hard times were affecting the record industry. Rolling Stone magazine reported that because of the "skyrocketing costs of producing, promoting and supporting a new album, now put at between $350,000 and $500,000," labels would have to start cutting back on their new releases.
In 1990, In Rolling Stone's annual awards, some for dubious achievements, Cher "won" for Worst Dressed Female and Worst Video for "If I Could Turn Back Time." The recipient of the Most Unwelcome Comeback award was Donny Osmond.
In 1993, The cartoon series, Beavis And Butthead debuted on MTV.
In 2003, Norah Jones' Come Away With Me was the number one album in the country, after spending 53 weeks on the chart.
3/9:
ROBIN TROWER (Guitar god who began as member of late-'60s/early-'70s-era hit band Procol Harum; later fronted his own highly successful Hendrix-influenced band with James Dewar on lead vocals, broke through with 1974's Bridge Of Sighs album; has recorded with Jack Bruce [B.L.T] and Bryan Ferry [Taxi and Mamouna]; "Whiskey Train," "Simple Sister," "Daydream," "Man of the World," "Bridge of Sighs," "Long Misty Days") Born in 1945 in Catford, London, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/9:
In 1969, The Smothers Brothers' Comedy Hour was canceled by CBS-TV after the pair refused to censor comments made by Joan Baez about her husband, David Harris. Harris was bound for jail for objecting to the draft on moral convictions.
In 1972, James Taylor, Carole King and others played a benefit concert for Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern.
In 1975, Elvis Presley went into RCA's Hollywood studios for what would be his final recording session.
In 1987, Legendary singer/songwriter Carole King was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City.
In 1987, U2 released The Joshua Tree. It would go on to win a Grammy for Album Of The Year and go Diamond (sales of 10 million copies).
3/10:
EDIE BRICKELL (Unique and successful singer/songwriter, first as lead vocalist with The New Bohemians, then as a solo artist; semi-retired, but still recording since marrying Paul Simon and raising a family in the '90s; "What I Am," "Circle," "Stay Awhile," "Rush Around," "Volcano") Born in 1966 in Oak Cliff, Texas.
TOM SCHOLZ (Lead guitarist, songwriter, producer and general mastermind behind late-'70s/early-'80s rock monsters Boston; one-time design engineer for Polaroid; "More Than a Feeling," "Peace of Mind," "Hitch a Ride," "Rock And Roll Band," "Foreplay/Long Time," "Smokin'," "Don't Look Back," "Amanda") Born in 1947 in Toledo, Ohio.
JEFF AMENT (Bass player and co-founder of Seattle grunge pioneers Green River, Mother Love Bone and Pearl Jam) Born in 1963 in Havre, Montana.
DEAN TORRENCE (One-half of '60s surf duo Jan & Dean, who not only used The Beach Boys as their backing band for a while, but also influenced the early Beach Boys' sound; "Surf City," "Little Old Lady From Pasadena," "Dead Man's Curve") Born in 1940 in Los Angeles.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/10:
In 1956, Elvis Presley was proclaimed "the new singing rage" by RCA Victor Records in a half-page spread in Billboard magazine.
In 1962, Bruce Channel's "Hey Baby" (with a young Delbert McClinton on harmonica) was #1, and would stay there for three weeks.
In 1972, "There were plants and birds and rocks and things" as America's self-titled debut album went Gold. The Neil Young sound-alike single containing the aforementioned lyric, "Horse With No Name," went Gold two weeks later. When Neil's father heard it on the radio, he thought it was his son's latest hit.
In 1973, It was a monumental day for veteran cosmic rockers Pink Floyd on this day, who released their magnum opus, Dark Side Of The Moon. A remarkably produced and recorded work, flowing seamlessly from track to track, it would go on to sell 15 million copies and enjoy a record-breaking 14-year run on the album charts.
In 1977, The Sex Pistols inked a contract with A&M Records on a little table that was set up in London near Buckingham Palace. It lasted for six days.
In 1979, James Brown got off on the good foot, packing 'em in at the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1988, Singer Andy Gibb of the Bee Gees died of an inflammatory heart virus in Oxford, England.
In 1996, Alanis Morissette won big for her Jagged Little Pill album at the Juno Awards, Canada's equivalent of the Grammys.
In 2000, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders was arrested for being the ringleader of a group protesting at a Gap store in Manhattan. They objected to cows being slaughtered for their hides to make leather.
In 2000, Paul McCartney was out having a bit of fun. A London tabloid published photos of him dancing with a girl atop a bar at a New York night spot. He also reportedly had sung "Whole Lotta Shakin'" through a megaphone and did a little mock striptease.
3/11:
PETE DROGE (Solo singer/songwriter and guitarist from the Northwest; member of The Thorns along with Shawn Mullins and Matthew Sweet; portrayed Gram Parsons in Almost Famous, "If You Don't Love Me [I'll Kill Myself]," "Straylin Street," "Spacey And Shakin'") Born in 1969.
LISA LOEB (Singer, songwriter, leader of the band Nine Stories and later a solo star; first unsigned artist to have a #1 single ["Stay" was #1 in 1994 from the Reality Bites soundtrack]; girlfriend to Dweezil Zappa; "Stay," "I Do," "The Way It Really Is") Born in 1968 in Dallas.
BOBBY McFERRIN ('90s international hit vocal virtuoso and human sound effects machine; "Don't Worry, Be Happy") Born in 1950 in New York.
NINA HAGEN (Unique hit '80s German rock/pop singer; "New York, New York") Born in 1955 in Berlin, Germany.
FLACO JIMENEZ (Tex-Mex star, accordion player, singer, songwriter, guitarist; worked with Ry Cooder, Freddy Fender, Doug Sahm and Linda Ronstadt; "The Free Mexican Force") Born in 1939 in San Antonio, Texas.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/11:
In 1968, The great Otis Redding had his only Gold record with "[Sittin' On] the Dock of the Bay." It had been released three months after his untimely demise in a plane crash in Wisconsin.
In 1970, The Grammy Award winners were announced. Crosby Stills & Nash took home the Best New Artist award.
In 1971, Jim Morrison arrived in Paris, checking into the Hotel Georges. Shortly thereafter, he moved into an apartment at 17 Rue Beautreillis, where he resided until he died on July 3.
In 1971, Neil Young's Harvest album, featuring the hit single, "Heart of Gold," went to #1 in both the U.S. and the U.K.
In 1971, Following in the dubious footsteps of The Monkees and The Archies, The Partridge Family, another fictional or pre-fabricated-for-TV rock band, received a Gold record for "Doesn't Somebody Want to Be Wanted."
In 1977, The Clash played the Roxy Club in London. The opening act was the first all-female punk-rock group, The Slits. It was their live debut.
In 1978, The first single by Kate Bush, "Wuthering Heights," inspired by the Emily Bronte novel, began a four-week run at #1 in the British Isles.
In 1993, Oasis made their first recordings at The Real People's Studio in Liverpool. Among the tunes cut on this day were early versions of "Rock 'N' Roll Star," "Slide Away" and "Columbia."
In 1997, Call him "Sir". Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
In 2001, Everyday by the Dave Matthews Band was the #1 album in the country.
3/12:
JAMES TAYLOR (Talented and popular hit singer, songwriter; a young Taylor—then in the band Flying Machine—traveled to London and was discovered by Peter Asher, then working for The Beatles' Apple label, and signed to Apple for his first solo record; was married to Carly Simon; father of artist Ben Taylor; "Fire And Rain," "Country Road," "Carolina In My Mind," "Something In the Way," "Steam Roller," "Mud Slide Slim," "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," "How Sweet It Is," "Handy Man," "Wonderful World," "Up on the Roof," "Shower the People," "Your Smiling Face," "Rainy Day Man," "Her Town Too," "Never Die Young," "Copperline," "Line 'Em Up," "October Road") Born in 1948 in Boston.
PAUL KANTNER (Singer, songwriter and co-founder of the Jefferson Airplane [with Mary Balin], the most successful '60s psychedelic rock group to ever emerge from San Francisco; solo artist and duo with former wife Grace Slick; regrouped under the name of Jefferson Starship for various successful ‘70s and ‘80s incarnations; formed the K.B.C. Band with Balin and Jack Casady for one self-titled album in 1986; "Somebody To Love," "White Rabbit," "Today," "Crown Of Creation," "We Can Be Together," "Volunteers," "Have You Seen the Stars Tonight," "Ride The Tiger," "Caroline," "Miracles," "Fast Buck Freddy," "No Way Out") Born in 1942 in San Francisco.
BILL PAYNE (Veteran longtime keyboardist with Little Feat; also singer, songwriter and remains an in-demand session man; "Truck Stop Girl," "Got No Shadow," "Fat Man in the Bathtub," "Easy To Slip," "Willin'," "Dixie Chicken," "Time Loves a Hero," "All That You Dream," "Oh, Atlanta," "Day Or Night," "The Fan," "Hate To Lose Your Lovin'," "Texas Twister," "Let It Roll," "Ain't Had Enough Fun") Born in 1949 in Waco, Texas.
AL JARREAU (Pop-jazz singer, only vocalist to ever win Grammys in three different categories [jazz, pop & R&B]; "Breakin' Away," "We're In This Love Together") Born in 1940 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
JACK KEROUAC (Influential '50s/'50s San Francisco stream of conciousness 'beat' poet best known for his 1957 novel, On the Road, based upon years of cross-country adventures with his friend and muse Neal Cassady; a key influence on the music of the Grateful Dead and others) Born in 1922 in Lowell, MA.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/12:
In 1955, In New York City, legendary jazz saxophonist, junkie and genius Charlie "Bird" Parker, only 34, died of heart failure. Parker, along with Dizzy Gillespie and a few others, had more or less invented the then-radical form of bebop jazz music in the mid-'40s. He remains a tremendous influence.
In 1958, Jazz singer Billie Holiday, who had who had admitted guilt in a narcotics possession charge in 1956, was given a one year probation by a Philadelphia court.
In 1969, The 11th annual Grammy Awards were handed out with Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" being named Record Of The Year.
In 1969, Paul McCartney married American photographer Linda Eastman in London. Paul's brother Mike McGear served as best man. Mr. and Mrs. McCartney remained married up until Linda's death from breast cancer in 1998.
In 1969, While Paul PcMcCartney was getting married, George Harrison and his wife Patti were arrested in Esher in Surrey, south of London, on charges of cannabis possession after police discovered a sum total of 120 joints in their home.
In 1974, John Lennon, during his famous "lost weekend," was involved in a punch-up with a photographer outside the Troubadour club in Los Angeles. Lennon and Harry Nilsson had been razzing comedian Tommy Smothers and were forcibly ejected from the club. This was the infamous occasion where Lennon wore a tampon scotch-taped to his head.
In 1981, Bow Wow Wow was forced to cancel its initial U.K. engagements because of the age of the band's lead singer, Annabella Lwin. At 15, she would have been charged with truancy.
In 1983, U2's War entered the British album chart at #1. It was their third album, and first to reach the top spot in the U.K.
In 1988, Producer Jimmy Iovine presented the Special Olympics with a check for $5 million that had been generated by sales of the A Very Special Christmas album.
In 1995, The Spin Doctors performed at their lead singer Chris Barron's old school in Princeton to raise funds for the school's choir to make a trip to the U.K. and France.
3/13:
ADAM CLAYTON (Bass player and co-founder of one of the world's biggest rock band bands, U2; "I Will Follow," "New Year's Day," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Bad," "Pride [In The Name Of Love]," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," "Where The Streets Have No Name," "With Or Without You," "Mysterious Ways," "Desire," "Stay [Faraway, So Close]," "Beautiful Day," "Walk On") Born in 1960 in Chinner, Oxfordshire, England.
DANNY KIRWAN (Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with Fleetwood Mac, bridging the gap between the Peter Green and Buckingham-Nicks eras, most notably on 1970's Kiln House; solo artist; "Bare Trees," "Coming Your Way," "Station Man," "Jewel Eyed Judy") Born in 1950 in London, England.
TONI PRICE (Spunky modern Nashville folk/Americana singer, songwriter via Austin; "Too Much Coffee") Born in 1961 in Philadelphia.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/13:
n 1965, The now defunct Cash Box trade mag listed four Beatles singles in the top four positions. They were "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand," "Please Please Me" and "Twist And Shout." Meet The Beatles had already sold over 3.5 million copies in the U.S., at that point, the biggest seller in the country's history.
In 1965, The Kinks' "Tired Of Waiting For You" was released and became their third single to enter the chart. It would stay on the chart for 11 weeks, eventually topping out at #6.
In 1965, Unhappy with the less blues-oriented direction that the group was taking, Eric Clapton bailed out of The Yardbirds. He thought that "For Your Love" was too "commercial-sounding," so Slowhand joined John Mayall's Bluesbreakers for 1966's The Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton album.
In 1966, Rod Stewart departed the band Steampacket to pursue a solo career.
In 1970, A group calling itself Revolutionary Force 9 took responsibility for three bombings in New York City. In a real stretch, the New York Times speculated on a "possible connection" to The Beatles song "Revolution 9."
In 1971, The Allman Brothers Band taped its breakthrough album, Live At The Fillmore East. Over the years, it would appear in numerous remastered, remixed and extended versions.
In 1975, "D-i-v-o-r-c-e." George Jones and Tammy Wynette called it quits after six years of marriage.
In 1980, Pink Floyd's The Wall achieved Platinum status a few weeks into its 15-week run at #1. The two-record set was mostly the concept of the band's morose but brilliant bass player, singer and lyricist, Roger Waters.
In 1987, Bryan Adams' "Heat Of The Night" was the first commercially released cassette single, or "cassingle," in the U.S.
In 1987, Bob Seger And The Silver Bullet Band got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 1993, Eric Clapton's Unplugged album was #1 in the U.S., thanks in part to the popular acoustic remake of "Layla."
In 1996, Mississippi lawmakers revoked a commendation that had been bestowed upon Glen Ballard, who produced Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill album. Some of the lawmakers felt that the lyrics of "You Oughta Know" were offensive.
In 2002, Wall Of Voodoo guitarist Marc Moreland died of kidney failure.
3/14:
LORETTA LYNN (Gritty down home Country/Americana superstar with a bunch of hits in the '60s and '70s; she collaborated with rocker Jack White of the White Stripes on the 2004 hit album Van Lear Rose; "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)," "You Ain't Woman Enough," "Fist City," "I'm a Honky-Tonk Girl," "Coal Miner's Daughter" [Lynn was portrayed by Sissy Spacek in the acclaimed motion picture]), "Portland, Oregon" [with Jack White]) Born in 1934 in Butchers Hollow, Kentucky.
QUINCY JONES (Multi-talented hit machine; jazz and R&B trumpeter, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, film music composer, but best known as producer for artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson; winner of numerous Grammys) Born in 1933 in Chicago.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/14:
In 1960, Sam Cooke launched his first tour of the West Indies with a show in Montego Bay, Jamaica. In the ensuing two weeks, Cooke set attendance records wherever he appeared.
In 1964, Billboard reported that The Beatles had cornered an amazing 60% of the singles record market.
In 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience taped a performance for Fan Club, a Dutch TV show.
In 1972, Carole King was the big Grammy winner, scoring awards for Album Of The Year for Tapestry and Record Of The Year for "It's Too Late." Carly Simon was tabbed Best New Artist.
In 1973, Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" was the #1 single in the land.
In 1981, Roxy Music had their only U.K. #1 single, a version of John Lennon's "Jealous Guy."
In 1990, Red Hot Chili Peppers members Flea and Chad Smith were arrested for sexually harassing a woman in Daytona Beach, Florida. Each was later fined $1,000.
In 1991, Legendary songwriter Jerome "Doc Pomus" Felder died in New York of cancer. He had penned many hits, among them "A Teenager In Love" for Dion & The Belmonts, "Save The Last Dance For Me" for The Drifters, and a number of successful songs for Elvis.
In 1992, Some 40,000 attended Farm Aid 5 in Irving, Texas. The show, hosted as usual by Willie Nelson, featured John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Paul Simon.
In 2000, Two Against Nature by Steely Dan was Top Ten on the album chart.
3/15:
PHIL LESH (Bass player with the Grateful Dead for over three decades; has toured as Phil Lesh & Friends, and with Mickey Hart and Bob Weir in The Other Ones; once teamed up with electronic music composer Ned Lagin to record Seastones; "Ripple," "Box Of Rain," "Uncle John's Band," "Casey Jones," "Truckin'," "Bertha," "Playin' in the Band," "Alabama Getaway," "Estimated Prophet," "Touch Of Grey") Born in 1940 in Berkeley, California.
MARK McGRATH (Singer, songwriter, leader of '90s Southern California punk/funk/pop outfit Sugar Ray; "Fly," "Every Morning," "Someday") Born in 1968 in Hartford, Connecticut.
RY COODER (Top-notch folk/blues/world guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with a distinctive sound; his work has included forays into rock, reggae, Tex-Mex and Hawaiian; much in-demand Southern Cal session man; has recorded with artists ranging from The Rolling Stones, John Hiatt and Taj Mahal to Captain Beefheart, Ali Farka Toure and the Buena Vista Social Club; recorded the first in a long series of solo albums in 1970; was the first rock musician to record an all-digital album, Bop Till You Drop in 1979; formed one-album Little Village with John Hiatt and Nick Lowe; "Little Sister," "That's the Way the Girls Are from Texas," "Solar Sex Panel") Born in 1947 in Los Angeles.
MIKE LOVE (Lead vocalist with The Beach Boys, songwriter; only member of the band to be present at all the group's recording sessions and concerts; "Don't Worry Baby," "Surfin' U.S.A.," "California Girls," "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "Good Vibrations," "Fun, Fun, Fun" "Sail On Sailor") Born in 1941 in Los Angeles.
SLY STONE (born Sylvester Stewart) (Creative but erratic singer, songwriter, keyboardist, producer and leader of San Francisco late-'60s/early-'70s hit funk legends Sly & the Family Stone, a band that played a wild blend of funk, soul, rock, R&B and psychedelia; one of the highlights at the first Woodstock; inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993; one-time '60s soul deejay on KDIA-AM Oakland, California; "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People," "Stand," "I Want to Take You Higher," "Hot Fun in the Summertime," "Thank You [Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin]," "Family Affair") Born in 1944 in Dallas, Texas.
LIGHTNIN' HOPKINS (born Sam Hopkins) (Early Texas country blues legend who enjoyed a significant comeback in the late '60s and '70s; "Katie Mae," "T-Model Blues," "Lightnin's Boogie") Born in 1912 in Centerville, Texas. Died January 30, 1982, in Houston.
TERRENCE TRENT D'ARBY (Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist of soul, R&B, pop and rock; "If You Let Me Stay," "Wishing Well," "Sign Your Name") Born in 1962 in New York City.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/15:
In 1955, Colonel Tom Parker assumed the role of Elvis Presley's manager. Parker's previous show biz experience had included managing country stars Hank Snow, Eddy Arnold and Gene Autry. Parker would handle Presley's affairs for the rest of Elvis's life and for many years thereafter.
In 1966, The eighth annual Grammys presentation was held. The Record Of The Year award went to Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass for "A Taste Of Honey." Frank Sinatra's September Of My Years was named Album Of The Year. Clearly, the Grammys were not yet ready to rock.
In 1968, Although disturbed about the prospect, The Diocese of Rome decided not to prohibit "rock & roll masses" at the Church of San Lessio Falconieri.
In 1968, Life magazine described Jimi Hendrix as "the most spectacular guitarist in the world."
In 1972, KHJ Los Angeles deejay Robert W. Morgan spun Donny Osmond's "Puppy Love" over and over for 90 continuous minutes, leading LAPD to mistakenly raid the station studios after receiving numerous calls from listeners. The perplexed officers left without making any arrests.
In 1975, "Black Water" was the first of two #1 U.S. singles for The Doobie Brothers.
In 1978, American Hot Wax, a movie about a week in the life of pioneer rock & roll disc jockey Alan Freed, debuted in New York. Freed had coined the appellation "rock & roll" to apply to the new music, had appeared in several motion pictures and had hosted TV programs, in addition to his radio duties. It all came crashing down when Freed became the main scapegoat in the 1959/'60 payola scandal.
In 1986, The Starship, with Mickey Thomas on lead vocals, went to #1 with "Sara." Critics claimed that the slick '80s Starship bore scant resemblance to the earlier psychedelic, rebellious incarnation of the group.
In 1989, The Rolling Stones signed a contract for $70 million to play 50 concerts in the U.S. It was, at the time, the richest fee for a series of gigs in the history of rock.
In 1999, Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Dusty Springfield, The Staple Singers, Del Shannon, Curtis Mayfield and the Beatles producer George Martin were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Springfield had died just 11 days earlier.
In 2000, By court order, Mick Jagger had to increase his monthly child support payments to Brazilian model Luciana Morad to $10,000 dollars. She had sought a $10 million settlement.
In 2000, Sir Paul McCartney revealed that he was romantically involved with Heather Mills, a former model that he had previously met at a charity event. They later married.
In 2002, Yoko Ono unveiled a seven-foot bronze statue of John Lennon, which overlooked the check-in area of Liverpool's John Lennon Airport. The newly renamed airport's logo featured a sketch of Lennon's face with the inscription, "Above Us Only Skies."
3/16:
JERRY JEFF WALKER (born Ronald Clyde Crosby) (Americana singer/songwriter, leader of his own Lost Gonzo Band; emerged from the early '70s Austin Cosmic Cowboy scene; perhaps best known for his song "Mr. Bojangles," a big hit for both the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Sammy Davis, Jr., and the signature tavern hit, "Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother"; published his autobiography Gypsy Songman in 1999; "The Wind," [with original psychedelic folk group Circus Maximus], "Mr. Bojangles," "Gettin' By," "L.A. Freeway" [written by Guy Clark], "Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother" [written by Ray Wylie Hubbard], "Jaded Lover," "Pissin' In The Wind") Born in 1942 in Oneonta, New York.
NANCY WILSON (Guitarist and singer/songwriter; best known as the blond sister of '70s/'80s hit Zeppelin-influenced rock band Heart, along with lead singing sister, Ann; wife of filmmaker and rock writer Cameron Crowe; "Dreamboat Annie," "Barracuda," "Crazy Over You," "Dog And Butterfly," "These Dreams") Born in 1954 in Bellingham, Washington.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/16:
In 1959, Plans were to launch the first package tour of U.S. rock stars in Europe and the U.K. Slated to commence later in the month in London, the roster included Duane Eddy, Bobby Darin, Dale Hawkins and the Poni-Tails.
In 1963, Peter Paul & Mary's "Puff The Magic Dragon" was released. This innocent and whimsical children's song was interpreted by some as a pro-marijuana song and later actually banned by some U.S. radio stations.
In 1964, Over 1.5 million advance orders were placed for The Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" single (b/w "You Can't Do That"). When it was released, it debuted at a resounding #1.
In 1965, The Rolling Stones straddled the Top of the Pops in the U.K. with their single "The Last Time."
In 1968, Otis Redding's only single to make it to #1 began a five-week run. Unfortunately, Otis had perished in an airplane crash the previous December and wasn't around to enjoy the success of "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay."
In 1970, Tammi Terrell, only 24, best known for her duets with Marvin Gaye ("It Takes Two," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing"), died after a long illness resulting from a brain tumor.
In 1971, Bob Dylan was backed up by pianist Leon Russell on "Watching The River Flow." It would later appear on the compilation, Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits, Vol. II.
In 1971, The big winner at the 13th annual Grammys was Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water. The song and/or album won Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists, Best Engineered Record and Best Contemporary Song.
In 1972, John Lennon filed an appeal with the U.S. Immigration Office. He had been served with deportation orders stemming from a conviction of possession of cannabis four years earlier.
In 1991, All seven members of Country superstar Reba McIntire's back-up band were killed when their plane went down near San Diego.
In 1996, The Ramones played their last concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
In 1999, Legendary British guitarist Jeff Beck released one of his relatively rare albums, this one modestly titled, Who Else!.
In 2003, For the third time, Norman Greenbaum's hippie spiritual "Spirit In The Sky" was #1 in the U.K. The first time had been with Greenbaum's original recording in 1970. The second occasion was with the version by Doctor And The Medics in 1986. This time out, Gareth Gates featuring The Kumars scored with the tune. Not bad for a old one-hit-wonder by a goat farmer.
3/17:
BILLY CORGAN (Guitarist, singer and main songwriter for Smashing Pumpkins from 1989 until their split in 2000 when he formed his own band Zwan; solo career; "Drown," "Cherub Rock," "Disarm," "1979," "Zero") Born in 1967 in Chicago.
JOHN SEBASTIAN (Singer/songwriter, leader of the late '60s hit folk/pop band the Lovin' Spoonful; solo artist; appeared at the original 1969 Woodstock; "Do You Believe in Magic?" "Daydream," "Summer in the City," "Younger Girl," "Rain on the Roof," "Nashville Cats," "She's a Lady," "Welcome Back" [theme for the ABC-TV series Welcome Back, Kotter]) Born in 1944 in New York.
NAT "KING" COLE (born Nathaniel Adams Coles)('50s/'60s hit jazz/pop crooner and pianist; father of Natalie; "Mona Lisa," "Too Young," "Unforgettable") Born in 1919 in Montgomery, Alabama. Died in 1965 of lung cancer.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/17:
In 1962, Ray Charles launched his own record label, Tangerine Records.
In 1967, It was the opening night of a 17-date tour of the U.K. headlined by Otis Redding, and featuring Eddie Floyd, Carla Thomas, Sam and Dave and Booker T. and the MG's. The venue was London's Finsbury Park Astoria.
In 1968, The Bee Gees made their U.S. TV debut on The Ed Sullivan Show. They performed two of their pre-disco ballads, "To Love Somebody" and "Words."
In 1990, Rick Grech, fine bassist/violinist and veteran of bands Family, Blind Faith and Traffic, died of liver and kidney failure.
In 1995, Madonna hosted the "world's biggest pajama party" with 1,500 guests gathering in their pajamas, accompanied by teddy bears. This event was conducted in the name of promotion for her new "Bedtime Stories" video.
In 1995, Suzanne Vega married her record producer, Mitchell Froom in New York.
3/18:
WILSON PICKETT ('60s hit Memphis soul/R&B star; "In The Midnight Hour," "Land Of A Thousand Dances," "Mustang Sally") Born in 1941 in Prattville, Alabama.
JERRY CANTRELL (Guitarist and vocalist for early '90s pioneering Seattle grunge band Alice In Chains; solo career; "Man In The Box," "Angry Chair," "Rooster," "No Excuses") Born in 1966 in Tacoma, Washington.
CHARLIE PRIDE (Hit '60s country star; one of the very few, if not the only black star of country music; had 36 #1 singles on the C&W singles chart; "[Is Anyone Goin' To] San Antone," "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin'") Born in 1938 in Sledge, Mississippi.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/18:
In 1957, Bill Haley & The Comets returned from a triumphant 11-week tour of Australia, Europe and the British Isles. They had played for half a million fans.
In 1965, In London, Rolling Stones Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman performed a natural function that was described by police as "insulting behaviour," namely, urinating on the wall of the Francis Garage, a petrol station where the band members had sought use of the facilities. When the owner told them that it was out of order, they did what they had to do. The owner instigated a private prosecution against the boys and each ultimately was fined a total of £5.
In 1967, The Beatles had their 13th U.S. #1 single with McCartney's "Penny Lane."
In 1968, At 3am, the staff of pioneering San Francisco progressive free-form radio station, KMPX-FM, walked out on strike, citing a lack of control of musical content and "hassles over the whole long-hair riff." Performers like The Rolling Stones, Joan Baez, the Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead asked that the station no longer play their music as long as the station was run by strikebreakers.
In 1970, Country Joe McDonald was convicted of obscenity and fined $500 for leading a crowd in his infamous (gimme an F!) "Fish Cheer" at a concert in Massachusetts.
In 1972, Neil Young began a three-week run at #1 on the singles chart with "Heart Of Gold" from his Harvest album. It was his only solo record to bust the Top 20.
In 1972, Ringo Starr started work on his Marc Bolan documentary, Born To Boogie, by filming a T. Rex concert at Wembley, England.
In 1976, The Man Who Fell To Earth, the surreal science fiction movie starring David Bowie and directed by Nicholas Roeg, premiered in London.
In 1977, The Clash released their first single, "White Riot."
In 1989, Some radio stations in the country began tossing their Cat Stevens records. The stunts were in reaction to Stevens' (a.k.a. Yusef Islam) perceived support of Iran's Ayatollah Khomeini.
In 1991, U2 were fined about $750 after being convicted of selling condoms illegally at the Virgin Megastore in Dublin.
In 1994, Nirvana leader Kurt Cobain had four guns and 25 boxes of ammo confiscated after his wife, Courtney Love, had notified police. She was afraid he would commit suicide, which, of course, he did about three weeks later.
In 1994, After a long search and many auditions, The Rolling Stones hired Darryl Jones to replace bassist Bill Wyman; Wyman had earlier announced that he was tired of the whole thing.
In 1996, The Sex Pistols announced that they were reuniting for a 20th anniversary tour. Sneers and jeers for everyone.
In 2001, The late Eva Cassidy had a #1 album in the U.K. with Songbird. It would go on to be the third-biggest selling album of the year there. There was a ripple effect in the U.S.
In 2001, John Phillips, singer, songwriter and leader of Southern California's The Mamas & The Papas, died at the age of 65.
3/19:
CLARENCE "FROGMAN" HENRY (New Orleans '50s/'60s-era R&B original; he proudly sang like a girl and croaked like a frog; "Ain't Got No Home" [later covered by The Band on Moondog Matinee]) Born in 1937 in Algiers, Louisiana.
RUTH POINTER (One of the soul-pop sisters in The Pointer Sisters; "Yes We Can Can," "Fairytale") Born in 1946 in Oakland, California.
RICKY WILSON (Guitarist with freaky '80s hit band The B-52's; "Rock Lobster," "Love Shack") Born in 1953. Died in 1985 from complications from AIDS.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/19:
In 1957, Elvis purchased a big house, in fact, a mansion, in Memphis and christened it Graceland.
In 1958, Big Records released "Our Song," the first record by a teenage duo from Queens, New York, who called themselves Tom And Jerry. The pair would go on to much greater fame in the '60s under their real names, Simon & Garfunkel.
In 1963, Prime Minister Harold Wilson presented The Beatles with Show Business Personalities Of The Year awards at London's Dorchester Hotel.
In 1968, Both Bob Dylan's John Wesley Harding and the Jimi Hendrix Experience debut album, Are You Experienced?, went Gold.
In 1974, The Jefferson Airplane undertook their first tour as the Jefferson Starship. The lineup featured Paul Kantner on rhythm guitar and vocals, Grace Slick on vocals, David Freiberg on vocals and keyboards, Papa John Creach on electric violin, John Barbata on drums, Craig Chaquico on lead guitar and Peter Kaukonen on bass.
In 1976, Former Free and Back Street Crawler guitarist Paul Kossoff ("All Right Now") died of unknown causes during a flight from London to New York. The 26-year-old had been suffering from various health problems throughout his life.
In 1980, Elvis's autopsy was subpoenaed in the "Dr. Nick" drug case. Dr. George Nichopoulous, Presley's personal physician, would ultimately be found guilty of over-prescribing drugs to Presley and other patients, including Jerry Lee Lewis.
In 1981, The J. Geils Band, featuring Peter Wolf, had the #1 single in the U.S. with "Centerfold."
In 1996, Volume Two of The Beatles' Anthology series was released. It featured the song "Real Love," an old John Lennon demo track that the surviving members of the Fab Four had embellished.
In 1999, Nude photos of Mick Jagger's alleged mistress, Luciana Morad, were posted on Internet. Also displayed were photographs of Keith Richards sunbathing in the nude. Now, that's scary.
3/20:
JIMMIE VAUGHN (Texas blues guitarist and founding member of hit '70s/'80s blues-rockers the Fabulous Thunderbirds; older brother and original inspiration to Stevie Ray Vaughn; recorded the 1990 Family Style album with Stevie Ray before he died and later organized an all-star tribute concert in Austin with Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Buddy Guy; Grammy-winning solo star in the '90s; "She's Tuff," "Tuff Enuff," "Wrap It Up," "White Boots," "Good Texan," "Like A King," "Tilt-A-Whirl") Born in 1951 in Dallas.
SLIM JIM PHANTOM (born James McDonnell) (Drummer for '80s/'90s Dave Edmunds-produced rockabilly band the Stray Cats, from Long Island via Britain; "Stray Cat Strut," "Rock This Town") Born in 1961.
MARCIA BALL (Modern queen of cajun honky-tonk, rockin' gospel and blues; singer/songwriter and pianist; "Red Beans," "Let Me Play With Your Poodle," "Big Shot," "Sing It!" "Count The Days") Born in 1949 in Orange, Texas.
CARL PALMER (Drummer for early '70s progressive rock legends Emerson Lake and Palmer; "Stones of Years," "Lucky Man," "From The Beginning," "Still, You Turn Me On") Born in 1951 in Birmingham, England.
ALPHONSO MARTIN (Vocalist and percussionist of veteran '70s/'80s hit U.K. reggae band Steel Pulse; "Ku Klux Klan," "Macka Splaff," "Soldier," "Not King James Version") Born in 1956.
JERRY REED ('50s/'60s-era hit rock, country and novelty singer/songwriter, guitarist; wrote huge hits for Elvis, "Guitar Man" and "U. S. Male"; recorded three albums with Chet Atkins; "Tupelo Mississippi Flash," "Amos Moses," "The Streak," "When You're Hot You're Hot") Born in 1937 in Atlanta.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/20:
In 1968, Eric Clapton and three members of Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young, Richie Furay and Jim Messina, were arrested in Los Angeles. The charge, "being at a place where it is suspected marijuana is being used." Clapton was later found innocent of the misdemeanor charge, while the others had to pay small fines.
In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were married on the island of Gibraltar.
In 1970, David Bowie wed American-born model Angela Barnett in Bromley, England. They had first met at a press reception for King Crimson's In the Court of the Crimson King in London the previous year. They were divorced in 1980.
In 1971, The album, In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida by L.A. psychedelic band Iron Butterfly, had been on the charts for 138 weeks, selling more than 3 million copies.
In 1971, Almost a year after her death, Janis Joplin's recording of "Me & Bobby McGee," a song Kris Kristofferson had written especially for her, began a two-week run at #1 in the U.S.
In 1972, Ringo Starr's record company released the second of his seven singles to make the top ten, "Back Off, Boogaloo," produced by George Harrison. Boogaloo was, supposedly, a nickname for McCartney, and the song pertained to the ongoing lawsuits swirling about the Fab Four.
In 1976, Boz Scaggs' biggest album ever, the slick Silk Degrees, containing "Lowdown," ascended the charts. It was his seventh solo album, but the first to go platinum.
In 1977, Lou Reed was banned from performing at the London Palladium because of his punk image.
In 1984, Slim Jim Phantom of the stray Cats married actress Britt Eckland.
In 1980, A troubled 28 year-old truck driver from Texas walked into the New York offices of Elektra/Asylum Records, promptly drew a gun and took the office manager hostage. He demanded to see either Jackson Browne or the Eagles, from whom he wanted financial backing to start a trucking operation. Eventually, the staff talked him down and he surrendered to police without incident.
In 1991, It was an awful tragedy for Eric Clapton. His four year-old son, Conor, fell to his death from a 53rd story New York City apartment window. It would be the inspiration for his hit song, "Tears in Heaven."
In 1991, Michael Jackson signed the biggest deal in recording history when Sony inked him to a 1 billion dollar contract.
In 1999, Gibralter issues a set of postage stamps commemorating what would have been the 30th wedding anniversary of John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
3/21:
SOLOMON BURKE (Soul/R&B legend)
CONRAD R. LOZANO (Bass and guitarron player, vocalist and longtime member of Los Lobos; "La Bamba," "Will The Wolf Survive," "One Time One Night," "That Train Don't Stop Here," "Hearts Of Stone") Born in 1951 in Los Angeles.
ROGER HODGSON (Vocalist, songwriter, keyboards, guitar, bass with '70s/'80s hit band Supertramp; solo artist; "Dreamer," "School," "Hide In Your Shell," "Give A Little Bit," "Take The Long Way Home," "Goodbye Stranger," "The Logical Song") Born in 1950 in London.
SON HOUSE (born Eddie James House, Jr.) (Singer, songwriter, slide guitarist; early and influential Delta folk/blues legend; big influence on artists ranging from Bonnie Raitt to Bob Dylan; "Preachin' The Blues") Born in 1902 in Riverton, Mississippi. Died in Detroit on October 19, 1988.
OTIS SPANN (Pianist and longtime member of Muddy Waters band in the '50s/'60s; solo career; "I'm Ready," "Hungry Country Girl") Born in 1930 in Jackson, Mississippi. Died of cancer on April 24, 1970, in Chicago.
VIV STANSHALL (born Vivian Stanshall) (Accomplished vocalist, trumpet and ukulele player in the late '60s Brit parody group The Bonzo Dog Band; he wrote most of their material with Neil Innes [who went on to join Monty Python and later The Rutles]; Stanshall's voice is heard on Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells and David Bowie's Peter And The Wolf, and he contributed lyrics to Steve Winwood's first two solo albums; "I'm The Urban Spaceman" (a 1968 Top 5 U.K. hit produced by one Apollo C. Vermouth, aka Paul McCartney), "The Intro And The Outro," "Canyons Of Your Mind") Born in 1943 in Shillingford, England. Died in a house fire on March 5, 1995, in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/21:
In 1961, The Beatles played Liverpool's Cavern Club for the first time.
In 1970, The reconstituted Small Faces, with Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood having replaced Steve Marriott on vocals and guitar, respectively, released their debut disc, First Step, as simply Faces.
In 1973, After a riot following an appearance by David Cassidy on the BBC's Top Of The Pops, they banned all so-called "teeny-bopper acts" from the show.
In 1976, David Bowie and Iggy Pop were busted for drug possession in a hotel room in Rochester, New York.
In 1980, British punk rockers The Jam enter the U.K. singles chart at #1 with "Going Underground." It was the first single to do so since Gary Glitter's "I Love You Love Me Love" in 1973.
In 1981, New wave pop rockers Blondie entered the R&B album chart with Autoamerican, which peaked at #7. "Rapture," from the same album, turned out to be one of the first big crossover rap hits, going to #1 for two weeks. Another song from the album, "The Tide Is High," also topped the pop chart.
In 1984, "Strawberry Fields," an area of New York's Central Park dedicated to the memory of John Lennon, opened. Yoko had instigated and paid for the project.
In 1987, The Joshua Tree became U2's third #1 U.K. album; it featured the hit singles "With Or Without You," "Where The Streets Have No Name" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." It would be the fastest seller in U.K. history, and a smash as well in the U.S.
In 1991, The man who played a large part in the development of the electric guitar, Leo Fender, died in Fullerton, California, from Parkinson's Disease. Fender, of course, invented the Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars, two of the most popular electric guitar designs ever (Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and Bonnie Raitt are just a few who swear by Fender electrics).
In 1994, Bruce Springsteen won an Oscar for Best Original Song for "Streets Of Philadelphia." It was featured in the Tom Hanks film, Philadelphia.
3/22:
GEORGE BENSON (Talented jazz guitarist and smooth jazz crooner; "Breezin'," "'This Masquerade," "On Broadway") Born in 1943 in Pittsburgh.
SUSANNE SULLEY (Lead singer for early "New Wave" Brit band the Human League; "Don't You Want Me Baby?") Born in 1963 in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
KEITH RELF (Original lead singer of '60s hit Brit rock invasion band The Yardbirds; later in '70s band Armageddon; "The Train Kept-A Rollin'," "I'm Not Talkin'," "Smokestack Lightnin'") Born in 1943 in Richmond, London, England. Died May 14, 1976, after tragically being electrocuted, while recording at home.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/22:
In 1956, Carl Perkins was almost fatally injured in an automobile accident near Wilmington, Delaware, while on his way to New York City to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show. Perkins had to spend several months in the hospital. By the time he was well enough to resume his career, Elvis Presley had covered his hit "Blue Suede Shoes," and Perkins never really rebounded.
In 1958, At the age of eight, Hank Williams, Jr., made his stage debut in Swainsboro, Georgia.
In 1963, EMI-Parlophone released The Beatles' debut album, Please Please Me in the U.K. In just three weeks, it would be #1 on the British charts.
In 1969, Two days after they were married in a private ceremony in Gibraltar, John Lennon and Yoko Ono began their first "bed-in for peace" in the presidential suite of the Amsterdam Hilton.
In 1972, Joe Tex grabbed a Gold record for "I Gotcha," which turned out to be his most successful single. His first hit in four years, it topped out at #2.
In 1976, Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter told potential voters at the National Association of Record Merchandisers' Scholarship Foundation Dinner that Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin and other bands had inspired him during his late nights as the Governor of Georgia. To prove he would never lie to them, he quoted lines from the Beatles' "Yesterday" and Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind."
In 1977, Stevie Wonder released the single "Sir Duke," a tribute to the great jazz composer and bandleader Duke Ellington; it went to #1 for three weeks.
In 1978, Win Anderson, who had been promoting a benefit concert for the environmentalist group Friends Of The Earth, held a press conference in New York to announce that a Beatles reunion was definitely in the works.
In 1980, Pink Floyd's "Another Brick In The Wall" was the #1 single in the U.S.
In 1989, The World's Oldest Teenager, Dick Clark, announced that he would relinquish hosting American Bandstand, bringing a 33-year run to an end.
In 1992, It was officially revealed that Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, Tears For Fears, had hung it up, although Orzabal would continue to use the band name.
In 2000, Yusef Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, lent his support to the campaign to preserve the ban on the promotion of homosexuality in U.K. schools.
3/23:
RIC OCASEK (Leader, chief singer and songwriter for late-'70s/'80s Boston band The Cars; solo artist; producer of various artists, including Bad Brains, Romeo Void, Iggy Pop, Black 47, D Generation, Guided By Voices, Hole, Jonathon Richman, Amy Rigby and Weezer; "Just What I Needed," "My Best Friend's Girl," "Let's Go," "It's All I Can Do," "You Might Think," "Magic," "Drive," "Emotions In Motion") Born in 1949 in Baltimore.
DAMON ALBARN (Vocalist, keyboardist and leader of hit Brit band Blur; the group's mid-'90s UK success paved the way for bands like Oasis; "Country House," "Song 2") Born in 1968 in London.
CHAKA KHAN (born Yvette Marie Stevens) (Member of Rufus; solo star; "Tell Me Something Good," "I Feel For You" [written by Prince]) Born in 1953 in Great Lakes, Illinois.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/23:
In 1963, The Beach Boys released "Surfin' U.S.A."
In 1963, Jackie Wilson's "Baby Workout" entered the R&B chart on this day.
In 1964, John Lennon's first book, In His Own Write, a collection of poems, musings and sketches, was published.
In 1969, A crowd of 30, 000, including Jackie Gleason, Kate Smith, The Lettermen and Anita Bryant, turned out for the Rally For Decency in Miami. It was proclaimed that "longhairs and weird dressers" would not be allowed to attend the rally. Four days later, President Richard Nixon sent a letter of commendation to the organizers of the event.
In 1972, The Concert For Bangladesh film, featuring George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Ravi Shankar and Leon Russell opened in New York.
In 1973, U.S. immigration authorities ordered John Lennon to leave the country within 60 days. He was an "undesirable alien" due to an earlier marijuana possession conviction. In an ironic twist, on the same day Yoko Ono was finally granted permission to remain in the US permanently. Lennon began his long battle to get his Green Card, which he finally won in July of 1976.
In 1975, San Francisco's Kezar Stadium was the setting for a benefit show that Bill Graham organized for SNACK (Students Need Athletics, Culture and Kicks). The extravaganza featured Tower Of Power, the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Starship, Joan Baez, Graham Central Station, Neil Young and special guest Bob Dylan. The cause was to raise funds for the San Francisco school district, which had canceled most sports and after-hour activities because of a budget deficit.
In 1978, It was reported that Fleetwood Mac was finalizing arrangements to perform at Moscow's 3,000-seat Russian Concert Hall on July 8, 9 and 10. Their advisor, Michael Shapiro, remarked, "Everything of course, depends on world peace."
In 1978, The Police signed a contract with A&M Records.
In 1985, Billy Joel married model Christy Brinkley in New York. They would divorce in 1994.
In 1988, Mick Jagger made his first live solo appearance in Japan in front of a crowd of 46,000. The Rolling Stones had earlier been banned from the country because of their unsavory reputation.
In 2003, For the first time, U2 performed at the 75th Academy Awards. They played "The Hands That Built America" from The Gangs Of New York movie.
3/24:
NICK LOWE (Rockabilly hit singer, songwriter and producer, whose music has run the gamut from punk to roots rock to Americana; member of influential early '70s Brit folk/rock outfit Brinsley Schwarz; launched Stiff Records in 1976 with Dave Edmunds; Lowe is perhaps best known for his years in Rockpile with Dave Edmunds in the ‘80s and for writing the Elvis Costello hit, “[What's So Funny ‘Bout] Peace, Love And Understanding”; has also worked with Elvis Costello, the Damned, the Pretenders, Graham Parker and John Hiatt; was a member of '90s band Little Village with John Hiatt and Ry Cooder; Johnny Cash recorded his “Without Love” and “The Beast In Me”; was married to Cash's stepdaughter Carlene Carter; “So It Goes,” “I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass,” “I Knew the Bride [When She Used To Rock And Roll],” “All Men Are Liars,” ”Cruel to Be Kind”) Born in 1949 in Woodchurch, Suffolk, England.
SHARON CORR (Violinist, vocalist, one of three sisters and one brother in the hit Celtic/pop group The Corrs; played President Clinton’s inauguration; “When The Stars Go Blue” [with Bono]) Born in 1970 in Ireland.
LEE OSKAR (Harmonica player with California '70s/’80s-era hit group War; solo artist; “The World Is a Ghetto,” “All Day Music,” “Cisco Kid,” “Low Rider,” “Summer,” “Peace Sign”) Born in 1948 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
NENA (International hit pop/rocker, best known for her 1984 hit, “99 Red Balloons”) Born in 1960 in Hagen, West Germany.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/24:
In 1958, Elvis Presley, at 23 years old, was inducted into the Army in Memphis. Over the next two years, his serial number, 53310761, would become one of the most famous series of digits in history.
In 1959, “There Goes My Baby,” by the reformed Drifters, was issued by Atlantic Records. Not only was it the group's first disc with new lead singer Ben E. King replacing the departed Clyde McPhatter, it was the first R&B recording to utilize a string section prominently.
In 1965, On the first date of their anniversary tour, Rolling Stones bass player Bill Wyman was zapped and knocked out by an electrical shock from a microphone stand in Odense, Denmark.
In 1966, Simon & Garfunkel made their first appearance on the Brit singles chart with “Homeward Bound.”
In 1966, The New York State Assembly passed a bill making it a misdemeanor to sell bootlegs (unauthorized copies of records or tapes).
In 1973, Lou Reed was bitten on the ass by a rabid fan at a concert in Buffalo, New York. No kidding. This display of affection happened as Reed got ready to play the classic Velvet Underground tine “Waitin' For The Man.” Screaming, “Leather!” the fan evaded security as he attacked Reed. The fan was ejected, and Reed commented afterward that the U.S. "seems to breed real animals."
In 1991, The Black Crowes were dropped as ZZ Top's opening act for repeatedly criticizing Miller Beer, which was sponsoring the tour.
In 1992, A Chicago judge settled the Milli Vanilli class-action suit by authorizing cash rebates of up to $3 to anyone who could prove that they had purchased the group’s music before November 27, 1990, the date it was revealed that they were imposters.
In 2000, Sir Elton John's production of Aida opened on Broadway. It had only taken him 21 days to complete the score, but five years for it to make it onstage.
3/25:
ELTON JOHN (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) (International pop-rock superstar from his American debut in 1970 to the present day, in partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin; "Come Down in Time," "Your Song," "Ballad of a Well-Known Gun," "Burn Down the Mission," "Where To Now St. Peter," "Levon," "Tiny Dancer," "Rocket Man," "Honky Cat," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Love Lies Bleeding/Funeral For a Friend," "Candle in the Wind," "Crocodile Rock," "Daniel," "Bennie and the Jets," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me," "The Bitch Is Back," "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" and countless others) Born in 1947 in Pinner, Middlesex, England.
ARETHA FRANKLIN (Lady Soul circa '60s/'70s; singer, pianist, one of the all time greatest artists of soul, R&B and gospel; "Respect," "I Never Loved a Man," "Chain of Fools," "I Say a Little Prayer," "Baby I Love You," "Think," "The House That Jack Built," "Rock Steady," "Who's Zoomin' Who?" and many others) Born in 1942 in Memphis.
JEFF HEALEY (Canadian blues guitarist and singer; "Angel Eyes") Born in 1966 in Toronto.
JOHNNY BURNETTE (Early '50s rockabilly/rock & roll artist, later a teen idol; recorded the first rock version of "Train Kept A-Rollin'" [with the Rock 'N' Roll Trio], "You're Sixteen," "Dreaming") Born in Memphis in 1934. Died August 1, 1964, in a boating accident at Clear Lake, California.
HOYT AXTON (Singer, songwriter, actor; son of Mae Axton who wrote "Heartbreak Hotel" for Elvis; Axton himself wrote and/or recorded "Greenback Dollar," "The Pusher," [The Steppenwolf cover was an early progressive FM radio late-night favorite], "Joy To the World," "Never Been to Spain," "The No No Song" [covered by Ringo], "Boney Fingers") Born in 1938 in Duncan, Oklahoma. Died October 26, 1999, in Victor, Montana.
MICHAEL STANLEY (born Michael Stanley Gee) (Singer, songwriter, leader of the acclaimed Midwestern group, the Michael Stanley Band; "He Can't Love You," "Lover," "My Town") Born in 1948 in Cleveland.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/25:
In 1956, At the conclusion of Alan Freed's three-day Rock & Roll Show at the Stage Theater in Hartford, Connecticut, police arrested 11 teenagers and revoked the theater's license to operate. Hartford Institute of Living psychiatrist Dr. Francis J. Braceland testified at later license hearings that rock & roll was "a communicable disease with music appealing to adolescent insecurity and driving teenagers to do outlandish things. It's cannibalistic and tribalistic."
In 1958, Having been sworn in as an Army private the previous day, Elvis received the customary regulation short-back-and-sides haircut. His pay would be $78 a month.
In 1961, Elvis performed his last live show for nearly eight years at Block Arena in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The concert was a benefit, and $62,000 was raised for the USS Arizona memorial fund.
In 1964, The Beatles made their debut on the British TV show Top Of The Pops, singing "Can't Buy Me Love."
In 1967, The Who made their US concert debut in New York as part of a rock & roll extravaganza put together by the legendary deejay, Murray The K.
In 1968, The 58th and final episode of The Monkees TV show was telecast.
In 1970, The first studio album by all four, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Déjà Vu, went Gold. Among the songs on the album were "Teach Your Children," featuring Jerry Garcia on pedal steel, and Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock."
In 1977, Elvis Costello's debut single, "Less Than Zero," was released. It hardly made a dent in the U.S. charts.
In 1977, After a decade of being in the second tier of rock stars, gritty Detroit rocker Bob Seger got his big break as his seventh album, Night Moves, broke though huge, achieving Platinum status.
In 1985, At the Academy Awards, Prince's "Purple Rain" won the Oscar for Best Song.
In 1989, Mike The Mechanics, aka Mike Rutherford of Genesis, had a number one hit on their hands with the tearjerker single, "The Living Years."
In 1995, Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder was rescued from drowning after a riptide dragged him 250 feet offshore in New Zealand.
In 2002, Bono appeared at the "air rage" trial of R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, and spoke on his behalf. "I came to court," Bono stated, "because Peter is actually famously known for being a peaceable person. I once had to twist his arm to get him to a boxing match.”
3/26:
JAMES IHA (Lead guitarist, singer and member of premier Chicago '90s band Smashing Pumpkins; solo artist; "1979," "Tonight, Tonight," "Landslide") Born in 1968 in Chicago.
STEVEN TYLER (born Steven Victor Tallarico) (Lead singer for long-running Boston rockers Aerosmith; "Walk This Way," "Sweet Emotion," "Dream On," "Janie's Got a Gun," "Dude [Looks Like AaLady]") Born in 1948 in New York.
DIANA ROSS (born Diane Earle) (Soul diva, came to the forefront as lead vocalist of famous Motown '60s girl group The Supremes; solo; "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Touch Me in the Morning," "Love Hangover," "Do You Know Where You're Going To") Born in 1944 in Detroit.
RUFUS THOMAS (Early Memphis soul/blues/R&B legend; father of Carla; "Walkin' The Dog") Born in 1917 in Cayce, Mississippi. Died December 15, 2001, in Memphis.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/26:
In 1957, Ricky Nelson recorded his first single, and thanks to exposure on the Ozzie And Harriet TV show he would become a big star.
In 1965, It was announced that guitarist Eric Clapton's replacement in The Yardbirds would be Jeff Beck.
In 1971, The Rolling Stones rolled tape for TV on a live performance at the Marquee Club. Although the program was later broadcast in Europe, British television turned up its collective nose.
In 1972, Mott The Hoople had decided to call it all off after four albums, when David Bowie came to their rescue. He had a song called "All The Young Dudes" and Mott recorded it with Bowie producing. It became a huge hit in the UK and a sizeable success in the U.S., as well.
In 1974, "Rock On" by David Essex went Gold. It was his only hit in the States.
In 1975, The Ken Russell-directed film version of Tommy premiered in London. It would open to negative reviews.
In 1980, The Police became the first Western band to play Bombay in over a decade when they performed a one-night stand in the Indian city.
In 1980, Seven years after the release of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, the album broke the record for the longest-charting pop album, a title previously held by Carole King's Tapestry.
In 1985, South African radio stations banned all Stevie Wonder songs when he dedicated the Academy Award he had received the night before to Nelson Mandela.
In 2000, Phil Collins scored an Oscar at the 72nd Academy Awards for Best Original Song for "You'll Be In My Heart," from the Disney animated feature Tarzan.
In 2004, Howie Day was arrested the night before in Madison, Wisconsin, charged with disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and intimidation of a victim after one of several women onboard tried to leave Day's tour bus. Day allegedly tried to keep her from leaving.
3/27:
ANDREW FARRISS (Guitar and keyboards for hit Aussie '80s band INXS; "Need You Tonight," "The Devil Inside," "Listen Like Thieves," "Never Tear Us Apart") Born in 1959.
TONY BANKS (Keyboards, vocalist and founding member of Genesis; solo artist; "Watcher of the Skies," "The Musical Box," "I Know What I Like [In Your Wardrobe]," "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway," "Your Own Special Way," "A Trick of the Tail," "Misunderstanding," "Turn It On Again," "No Reply At All," "That's All," "Illegal Alien") Born in 1950 East Heathly, Sussex, England.
DERRICK McKENZIE (Drummer for hit UK pop/rock band Jamiroquai; "Virtual Insanity") Born in 1962.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 3/27:
In 1964, The British Invasion had made its way around the world as The Beatles held down the top six spots on the Australian pop chart.
In 1965, The Who's single "I Can't Explain" was released.
In 1967, The British Music Industry awarded John Lennon and Paul McCartney the prestigious Ivor Novello award for writing "Michelle," the most performed song in Britain in 1966.
In 1971, New York radio station WNBC banned "One Toke Over The Line" by Brewer & Shipley because of its alleged drug references. Other stations around the U.S. followed suit. The composer of the tune, Tom Shipley, responded, "In this electronic age, pulling a record because of its lyrics is like the burning of books in the '30s."
In 1973, It was announced that Carlos Santana had changed his name to Devadip, which means "the eye, the lamp and the light of the Supreme." Santana had become a devotee of Sri Chinmoy.
In 1978, The hilarious spoof of The Beatles, All You Need Is Cash, featuring The Rutles, debuted on BBC-TV.
In 1979, Eric Clapton wed Patti Boyd, the ex-wife of his good friend George Harrison, in Tucson, Arizona. She had been the prime inspiration for his great Layla album. They would later divorce.
In 1979, Amid all The Sex Pistols wannabes and disco ducks emerged Dire Straits, whose straight-forward, rockin' single "Sultans Of Swing" made its way up the charts to the Top 10. The band's debut album went Platinum.
In 1982, Ronnie Lane, ex-bassist for the Faces and partner with Pete Townshend
4/3:
RICHARD THOMPSON (Acclaimed Celtic folk-rock singer/songwriter; founder of influential late-'60s/early-'70s Fairport Convention; solo career; once married to musical partner Linda Thompson; father of talented son Teddy Thompson; Richard has played on albums by Suzanne Vega and Robert Plant; Jo-El Sonnier had a Top 10 country hit with Thompson's "Tear Stained Letter"; the 1994 Beat The Retreat tribute album to Thompson featured Bonnie Raitt, R.E.M., Los Lobos, David Byrne and others covering his songs; "1952 Vincent Black Lightning," "Beeswing," "Hide It Away," "Shoot Out The Lights," "When The Spell Is Broken," "Beat The Retreat," "I Misunderstood," "King Of Bohemia," "I Feel So Good," "I'll Tag Along") Born in 1949 in London.
RICHARD MANUEL (Piano and vocals for legendary roots group The Band; "Don't Do It," "The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down," "I Shall Be Released," "The Weight," "Chest Fever," "Up On Cripple Creek," "Across The Great Divide," "Stage Fright") Born in 1945 in Stratford, Canada. Died after hanging himself on March 4, 1986, in a hotel room in Winter Park, Florida.
JAN BERRY (Along with Dean Torrence, Berry was half of hit '60s surf duo Jan & Dean; "The Little Old Lady [From Pasadena]," "Dead Man's Curve," "Surf City" [co-written by The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson) Born in 1941 in Los Angeles. Died on March 26, 2004, in Los Angeles after a seizure.
DEE MURRAY (Longtime bass guitar player for Elton John; "Your Song," "Daniel," "Crocodile Rock," "Honky Cat," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding") Born in 1946. Died in Nashville in 1992 from a stroke suffered during treatment for skin cancer.
JOHN MOONEY (Modern acoustic Delta slide guitarist, singer/songwriter; taught by country blues legend Son House; from Rochester, NY, via New Orleans; "Sacred Ground") Born in 1955 in East Orange, New Jersey.
MITCH WOODS (Leader of San Francisco-based jump blues boogie-woogie band Mitch Woods And His Rocket 88s; "Solid Gold Cadillac") Born in 1951 in Brooklyn, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/3:
In 1956, Elvis Presley made the first of two heavily watched appearances on The Milton Berle Show. Elvis belted out "Heartbreak Hotel," "Money, Honey" and "Blue Suede Shoes."
In 1959, The BBC initially banned The Coasters' "Charlie Brown" because of the word "spitball."
In 1965, "She's About a Mover," the Country/R&B-flavored hit by the Sir Douglas Quintet, featuring Doug Sahm, hit the airwaves and the pop charts, ultimately reaching Top 15 status.
In 1972, The Mar y Sol Festival, held under the blazing sun on the island of Puerto Rico, came to a close. The concert was reportedly plagued with problems from the start. Four people died, food and water was scarce and many wound up stranded at the San Juan airport.
In 1978, B.B. King teamed up with famed defense lawyer F. Lee Bailey for a talk and a few tunes for the inmates at Norfolk Prison near Boston.
In 1990, Singer Sarah Vaughan died of lung cancer in Los Angeles. She was 66.
In 2000, Vertical Horizon debuted on the Top 50 album chart with Everything You Want.
In 2001, Bluesman Lester "Big Daddy" Kinsey died of prostate cancer in Gary, Indiana. He was 74. His sons Donald, Kenneth, and Ralph formed The Kinsey Report.
4/4:
MUDDY WATERS (born McKinley Morganfield) (Magisterial, swaggering Chicago blues singer and guitarist whose influence in rock can hardly be overstated; "I Can't Be Satisfied," "Mannish Boy," "Got My Mojo Working," "Rollin' Stone," "I'm Ready," "Hoochie Coochie Man," "You Shook Me," "You Need Love" and numerous others, many penned by Willie Dixon) Born in 1915 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. Died April 30, 1983, in Westmont, Illinois.
BERRY OAKLEY (Original bass player for The Allman Brothers Band; died in a motorcycle accident three blocks from the site where Duane Allman died one year earlier; "Revival," "Dreams," "Whipping Post," "In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed," "Statesboro Blues," "Melissa," "Ain't Wastin' Time No More," "One Way Out," "Midnight Rider") Born in 1948 in Chicago. Died November 11, 1972, in Macon, Georgia.
GARY MOORE (Power blues guitarist, vocalist; played with Thin Lizzy; teamed briefly with Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker; solo career; "Still Got The Blues") Born in 1952 in Belfast, Ireland.
HUGH MASEKELA (Pioneering world/jazz and soul artist, trumpet player; a member of Paul Simon's Graceland touring band; "Grazing In The Grass" [covered by The Friends Of Distinction], "Bring Him Back Home [Nelson Mandela]") Born in 1939 in Witbank, South Africa.
MAYOR LANCE (Unique Chicago '60s-era soul singer; "The Monkey Time," "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um") Born in 1941 in Chicago. Died of heart failure September 3, 1994, in Decatur, Georgia.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/4:
In 1960, It was revealed that, from now on, RCA Victor Records would release all their pop singles in mono and stereo, the first record company to do so. Elvis's first post-army single, "Stuck On You," had the distinction of being RCA's first mono/stereo release.
In 1964, The Beatles held down the top five positions on the Top 100 with, in descending order, "Can't Buy Me Love," "Twist And Shout," "She Loves You," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" and "Please Please Me." An article in Billboard read in part, "Just about everyone is tired of The Beatles. Disc jockeys are tired of playing the hit group, the writers of trade and consumer publications are tired of writing about them and the manufacturers of products other than Beatles records are tired of hearing about them. Everyone's tired of The Beatles, except the listening and buying public."
In 1968, Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated on the balcony of a Memphis hotel, resulting in riots erupting in 30 American cities, leaving 39 dead. James Brown went on national television to plea for calm and restraint.
In 1969, The most popular show on TV, The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, was cancelled by CBS because Tom and Dick failed to pre-submit and "clear" an episode to network executives before airing. Known for their irreverent political satire, the brothers had already been in several censorship battles with the network.
In 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young were #1 in the land with the Déjà Vu album.
In 1977, British CBS released the self-titled debut album by The Clash, a 14-song collection featuring such punk anthems as "White Riot," "Police And Thieves" and "London's Burning." U.S. Columbia refused to release it until 1979, and even then excised what they deemed the more inflammatory songs. Meanwhile, Americans bought 100,000 imported copies of The Clash, making it one of the biggest-selling import records ever.
In 1987, U2's The Joshua Tree entered the US album chart at #7.
In 1996, Bob Weir and Jerry Garcia's widow, Deborah, scattered a portion of Garcia's ashes over the Ganges River in India.
4/5:
PAULA COLE (Hit folk/pop singer, songwriter and pianist; sang backup for Peter Gabriel for the '93-'94 Secret World tour, but her solo career blossomed after the mid-'90s Lilith Fair tours; not entirely an overnight sensational, her first album was released in 1994 and she won a Grammy for Best New Artist four years later; attended the Berklee College of Music in Boson, then moved to San Francisco and later New York; "I Am So Ordinary," "Bethlehem," "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone," "I Don't Want To Wait") Born in 1968 in Rockport, Massachusetts.
MIKE McCREADY (Lead guitarist for groundbreaking Seattle grunge band Pearl Jam; also in Temple Of The Dog and Mad Season [with the late Layne Staley of Alice In Chains] projects; "Hunger Strike," "Jeremy," "Even Flow," "Alive," "Daughter," "Betterman," "Last Kiss") Born in 1965 in Pensacola, Florida.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/5:
In 1964, The Searchers performed on The Ed Sullivan Show, giving them the rough chore of being the first British Invasion group to appear on the show after The Beatles.
In 1970, A New York Times article came to the defense of rock music, calling it "the most popular of creative arts today."
In 1976, In Tokyo, at a three-day rally dubbed Japan Celebrates The Whale And Dolphin, Jackson Browne and other performers joined together to raise $150,000 to help protect our wet and wild friends from the nets of the international fishing industry.
In 1980, R.E.M. made their onstage debut at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia.
In 1981, Canned Heat vocalist Bob "The Bear" Hite died of a heart attack in Mar Vista, California (LA). He was 36.
In 1984, The second annual MTV Video Music Awards show was held. Among the winners were The Police for "Every Breath You Take," Michael Jackson for "Beat It" and Cyndi Lauper for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."
In 1985, At 3:50pm Greenwich Mountain Time, 5,000 radio stations around the world played the benefit single "We Are The World" simultaneously.
In 1994, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana committed suicide by firearm at his home in Seattle. Strangely, like Jimi, Janis, Jim Morrison and Brian Jones, he was 27 when he died.
In 1998, Legendary rock drummer Cozy Powell lost his life in a high-speed car crash near Bristol, England. Powell was renowned as one of Britain's best players, having worked with Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Jeff Beck, Brian May, Whitesnake and ELP. He was 50.
In 2000, The Doors' Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger played a gig at the Whisky in Los Angeles. Manzarek reminisced about the days when The Doors were the house band at the club.
4/6:
MERLE HAGGARD (Influential "California Okie"; traditional country/Americana veteran singer/songwriter, backed by his longtime band The Strangers; sometime actor; Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely, Dave Alvin and others recorded a 1994 tribute album Tulare dust: A Songwriters' Tribute To Merle Haggard; "Okie From Muskogee," "Mama Tried" [covered by the Grateful Dead], "The Fighting Side Of Me," "Sing Me Back Home," "White Line Fever," "Big City") Born in 1937 in Bakersfield, California.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/6:
In 1957, On the same day that Elvis released "All Shook Up," Paramount Pictures contracted The King for a three-picture deal just five days after making he'd made his first screen test in Hollywood.
In 1965, The Beach Boys recorded "California Girls."
In 1968, While touring England, Steve Miller penned an article for Billboard deploring the British rock scene as "more an industry than a scene...it's at a low, lifeless point...the only good bands I've seen are Traffic, Marmalade and Procol Harum. I've seen bands doing queer bits in their underwear to get attention."
In 1968, Apple Corps Ltd., The Beatles' new record company, management and publishing enterprise, opened up for business at 95 Wigmore Street, London.
In 1968, Pink Floyd reluctantly announced that founder Syd Barrett had officially departed the group. He had been suffering from psychiatric disorders.
In 1969, Ike and Tina Turner, Procol Harum, John Mayall and others headlined at the first - and last - Palm Springs Pop Festival and San Andreas Boogie in Palm Springs, California. The festival site had a capacity of 15,000 people but 25,000 showed up which caused more than a few crowd control problems.
In 1971, The Rolling Stones launched their own label, Rolling Stones Records.
In 1974, The film Ladies And Gentlemen The Rolling Stones opened at New York City's Ziegfeld Theatre. The premiere was transformed into an extravaganza with a 40-foot high Rolling Stones winged tongue that rose in the air, 2,000 white doves being released and a 65-foot long dragon on display. It was first movie to feature a quadraphonic soundtrack.
In 1974, The California Jam rock festival drew 200,000 people to see Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Black Oak Arkansas and the Eagles at Southern California's Ontario Motor Speedway. The event came off with few problems.
In 1979, Blondie had their first big hit in the U.S. with "Heart Of Glass." The tune went Platinum on this day, two months after it had gone to #1.
In 1984, Steve Van Zandt left The E Street Band to focus on his new band, Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul.
In 1998, Country superstar Tammy Wynette ("Stand By Your Man") died of a host of maladies.
In 1999, Tipper Gore, the wife of Vice President and presidential candidate Al Gore, sat in on conga drums with former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart during a fund-raiser for her husband's presidential campaign in San Jose, California. They jammed on Dylan's "Queen Jane Approximately."
In 2000, A star-studded tribute to Joni Mitchell was conducted in New York featuring performances by Shawn Colvin, James Taylor, Cyndi Lauper, Richard Thompson, Sweet Honey In The Rock, Elton John, Cassandra Wilson, Wynonna Judd, K.D. Lang, Bryan Adams and Mary Chapin Carpenter. The special later aired on cable TV.
4/7:
BILLIE HOLIDAY (born Eleanora Fagan Gough) ("Lady Day" was one of the first great hit female jazz singers in the '30s and '40s; her life ended prematurely, her voice a magnificent ruin, following years of drug and alcohol abuse; "Miss Brown To You," "He's Funny That Way," "God Bless The Child" [covered by Blood, Sweat & Tears]) Born in 1915 in Baltimore. Died July 17, 1959, in New York from the affects of heroin addiction, and heart and liver disease.
RAVI SHANKAR (born Lakshminarayana Shankar) Sitar player and composer, best known for his influence on the Beatles; father of modern pop star Norah Jones) Born in 1920 in Varanasi, India.
BILL KREUTZMANN (Longtime drummer for the Grateful Dead; joined the Warlocks in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area with Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Phil Lesh and Pigpen, who later evolved into the Grateful Dead; "Friend Of The Devil," "Ripple," "Box Of Rain," "Uncle John's Band," "Casey Jones," "Bertha," "Truckin'," "Alabama Getaway," "Touch Of Grey") Born in 1946 in Palo Alto, California.
JANIS IAN (born Janis Eddy Fink) (Folk/pop singer/songwriter who had her first hit at the age of 15 in 1967, the then controversial interracial romance song, "Society's Child"; bounced back in the mid '70s with a steady career of performing and recording up to the present; "At Seventeen," "Jesse") Born in 1951 in New York.
JOHN OATES (Singer, songwriter, guitarist; half of the massively popular Philly blue-eyed soul duo Hall & Oates; worked with Robert Fripp on Hall's 1982 solo album Sacred Songs; "Sara Smile," "She's Gone," "Rich Girl," "One On One," "Out of Touch") Born in 1949 in New York.
MONGO SANTAMARIA (born Ramon Santamaria) (Famed Latino percussionist; "Afro-Blue," "Watermelon Man") Born in 1922 in Havana. Died February 1, 2003, in Miami.
FREDDIE HUBBARD (Great veteran jazz trumpeter) Born in 1938 in Indianapolis.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/7:
In 1956, The CBS Radio Network began broadcasting the first regularly scheduled national rock & roll radio show, Rock & Roll Dance Party, with famed deejay Alan Freed hosting. Appropriately enough, Little Richard's great rock classic "Long Tall Sally" was released on this day. Seems as if the new music was busting out all over.
In 1962, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and early Rolling Stones pal Dick Taylor met Brian Jones for the first time at the Ealing Club, a London spot where Brit blues lovers liked to hang out.
In 1968, Janis Ian, known later for her hit "At Seventeen," actually turned 17.
In 1969, John and Yoko recorded "Give Peace A Chance" in their Toronto hotel room during one of their bed-ins for peace.
In 1973, Elton John's hit single "Daniel" was released.
In 1979, The Doobie Brothers had their only U.S. #1 album, Minute By Minute.
In 1981, Kit Lambert, early manager for The Who, died from injuries sustained in a fall down a flight of stairs at his mother's London home. With his partner Chris Stamp, Lambert had overseen The Who from 1964 through 1967, producing many of their albums, including The Who Sell Out and Tommy.
In 1981, Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band embarked on their first European tour in Hamburg, Germany.
In 1990, Bonnie Raitt finally got her due. Her multiple-Grammy-winning Nick Of Time album was #1 and would remain there three weeks.
In 1990, Farm Aid IV was held at the Indiana Hoosierdome. Among the musicians contributing their services were Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, John Mellencamp and Jackson Browne. Elton John, also one of the featured performers, dedicated "Candle In The Wind" to young AIDS patient Ryan White during the show. White died later that night.
In 1997, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher wed actress Patsy Kensit.
In 1998, Wendy O. Williams, the chainsaw-wielding singer for the late '70s punk rock band the Plasmatics, committed suicide near her Connecticut home.
4/8:
JULIAN LENNON (born John Charles Julian Lennon) (Brit rock/pop singer/songwriter; John Lennon's first son; the subject of McCartney's "Hey Jude" (originally sung as "Hey Jules" by McCartney to a young Julian to soothe him in the wake of his parents' divorce); "Valotte," "Too Late For Goodbyes") Born in 1963 in Liverpool.
STEVE HOWE (Longtime guitarist for Yes; solo artist; "All Good People/Your Move," "Roundabout," "Long Distance Runaround," "And You And I," "Close To The Edge," "The Clap") Born in 1947 in London.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/8:
In 1972, Paul McCartney's controversial single, "Give Ireland Back To The Irish," was released. Written in the wake of the Bloody Sunday Massacre in Northern Ireland and banned by the BBC, it would nevertheless make it to #16 in the UK and #21 in the U.S.
In 1973, Neil Young's docu-autobiographical film Journey Through The Past premiered at the U.S. Film Festival in Dallas.
In 1976, Folk singer Phil Ochs ("Outside of a Small Circle of Friends) hanged himself at his sister's home in Queens, New York.
In 1977, The Damned were among the first British punk outfits to perform in America when they played New York's legendary CBGB's.
In 1997, Influential singer/songwriter Laura Nyro died of ovarian cancer in Danbury, Connecticut. Her compositions, mostly hits for other people, included classics such as "Stoney End," "And When I Die," "Eli's Coming," "Wedding Bell Blues," "Stoned Soul Picnic," "Sweet Blindness" and "Save The Country."
In 1998, Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood and 10 other passengers were rescued from a boat off the coast of Brazil after the engine caught fire.
4/9:
CARL PERKINS (Early American rock & roll icon and rockabilly pioneer; singer, songwriter and guitarist from the Sun Records days; widely admired by fellow musicians from George Harrison to Tom Petty to The Stray Cats; he wrote no less than three hits for The Beatles; his career momentum was slowed by a serious auto accident, but he continued to record and perform until his death; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee; wrote "Daddy Sang Bass" for Johnny Cash and "I Was So Wrong" for Patsy Cline; "Blue Suede Shoes," "Honey Don't," "Matchbox," "Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby" [the last three covered by The Beatles]) Born in 1932 in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Died of cancer in Nashville on January 19, 1998.
GENE PARSONS (Charter member of the influential early-‘70s California country-rock scene; drummer and multi-instrumentalist with the [post-Gram Parsons, no relation] Byrds from 1969-1972 and later the Flying Burrito Brothers; singer/songwriter and guitar/banjo player; solo career; married to folk legend Bob Gibson's daughter Meridian Green and recording and performing under Parsons Green in Mendocino County, California, where they reside; "Nashville West," "The Ballad Of Easy Rider," "Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man," "Jesus Is Just Alright," "Birds Of A Feather") Born in 1944 in Los Angeles.
HAL KETCHUM (Country and Americana singer, songwriter, guitarist; member of the Grand Ole Opry; "Small Town Saturday Night," "I Know Where Love Lies," "Hearts Are Gonna Roll," "The King Of Love") Born in 1953 in Greenwich, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/9:
In 1966, A pair of soon-to-become soul classics were released on this day: Percy Sledge's “When A Man Loves A Woman” and Jr. Walker And The All Stars' ”(I'm A) Road Runner.”
In 1973, Paul McCartney released "My Love," a slightly syrupy ballad which would become his biggest U.S. solo hit to date, staying at #1 for four weeks.
In 1974, At Charley's Place in Harvard Square, Massachusetts, Bruce Springsteen met Jon Landau, rock critic-turned-producer and manager. Soon thereafter Landau wrote the now infamous line, "I saw the rock and roll future and its name is Springsteen." Landau would become instrumental in Springsteen's ensuing monumental fame and fortune, and remains his manager to this day.
In 1988, Mellow pop/soul singer Brook Benton (“Rainy Night In Georgia”) died from complications of spinal meningitis. He was 56 years old.
In 1988, Dave Prater, of Sam & Dave, died on this day in a car wreck, at 50 years old.
In 1989, 52-year-old Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman announced that he would marry 19-year-old Mandy Smith. He also revealed that the two had been dating for six years. Do the math.
In 1992, Rock & roll comedian Sam Kinison was killed when a pickup truck smashed into his car on a desert highway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The 17-year-old driver of the car was arrested for DUI.
In 1997, It was announced that the members of Soundgarden had mutually and amicably decided to call it quits.
In 1997, Feisty Mae Boren Axton, writer of the Elvis hit “Heartbreak Hotel” and mother of singer/songwriter and actor Hoyt Axton, died at the age of 82.
In 2003, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow, Ray Charles and John Mellencamp, among others, performed at Willie Nelson's 70th birthday concert at New York's Beacon Theatre.
In 2003, On what would have been Carl Perkins' 71st birthday, Paul McCartney bought the late rockabilly star’s song catalog.
4/10:
BRIAN SETZER (Guitarist and singer with hit '80s rockabilly/boogie-woogie/big band The Stray Cats and later the Brian Setzer Orchestra; moved to London from Long Island, where The Stray Cats first struck it big; has recorded with Dave Edmunds, The Clash's Joe Strummer [1996's Guitar Slinger album], Rickie Lee Jones and Dan Hicks; he played Eddie Cochran [at the request of Eddie's mother] in the 1987 film La Bamba; "Stray Cat Strut," "Rock This Town," "[She's] Sexy 17," "The House Is Rockin'," "Jump, Jive, An' Wail," "The Dirty Boogie") Born in 1959 in Long Island, New York.
BUNNY WAILER (born Neville O'Riley Livingston) (Singer/songwriter, percussionist; last surviving member of the original Wailers, co-founded by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh; he left the band after their initial tour of Britain and the US because he didn't like to travel; "Let Him Go," "Who Feels It," "Jail House," "Pass It On," "Collie Man," "Cool Runnings") Born in 1947 in Kingston, Jamaica.
KATRINA LESKANICH (Lead vocalist and songwriter with '80s hit band Katrina & The Waves; "Walking On Sunshine") Born in 1960 in Topeka, Kansas.
BABYFACE (born Kenneth Edmonds) (R&B singer, songwriter and producer who produced one of Eric Clapton's biggest singles, the 1996 hit "Change The World" from the soundtrack for the John Travolta film Phenomenon) Born in 1959 in Indianapolis.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/10:
In 1956, Leo Fender patented the Stratocaster, arguably the most popular guitar in rock & roll history.
In 1962, Stuart Sutcliffe, an original member of The Beatles, died of cerebral paralysis brought about by a brain hemorrhage in Hamburg, Germany. Sutcliffe had met John Lennon when the two were at art school. Sutcliffe introduced Lennon to modern art and literature while Lennon turned Sutcliffe on to rock & roll. He joined The Beatles as bassist (McCartney was on rhythm guitar at the time), but departed in 1961 due to serious headaches and to resume painting. Sutcliffe was responsible for giving The Beatles the look that would become famous the world over—the shaggy, brushed-forward hairstyles (somewhat in the manner of Moe of the Three Stooges) known as "Beatle Haircuts." Sutcliffe was only 22.
In 1968, Percussionist Mickey Hart accepted drummer Bill Kreutzmann's invitation to join the Grateful Dead.
In 1970, At a concert in Boston, Jim Morrison paused to ask the audience, "Does anyone wants to see my genitals?" Apparently, he had some takers.
In 1970, In a press release announcing his imminent debut solo album, Paul McCartney quit The Beatles. McCartney was released 10 days later.
In 1971, The Doors' single "Love Her Madly" was released from the L.A. Woman album.
In 1976, A former guitarist for gritty Brit rockers Humble Pie, Peter Frampton shot to #1 with Frampton Comes Alive. It would stay at #1 for 10 weeks and go on to become the biggest-selling live album of all time.
In 1982, "Ebony And Ivory," a plea for racial harmony by Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney, debuted on the U.S. charts at #29. It would eventually top the singles charts in both the U.S. and the UK, becoming Wonder's first #1 record in the British Isles.
In 1990, A jury awarded Tom Waits $2.5 million in punitive damages following his suit against Doritos chips for unauthorized usage of a Waits' sound-alike in a commercial. Said Tom, "Now by law I have what I always felt I had, a distinctive voice."
In 1999, Here, There And everywhere: A Concert For Linda, a benefit tribute concert in honor of the late Linda McCartney, was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Among the performers were Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, Elvis Costello, Sinéad O'Connor and George Michael. Proceeds went to animal rights causes.
In 2000, Sony Music announced its intention to make 50 songs available as the first-ever commercial digital download.
4/11:
JOSS STONE (Young breakout U.K. soul/pop singer-songwriter)
CHRIS DIFFORD (Half of the songwriting team of Difford and Glenn Tilbrook who have been recording and performing on and off together since 1973; together they formed hit pop/rock group Squeeze with Jools Holland in 1974 in London; solo career; "Up the Junction," "Pulling Mussels [From a Shell]," "Tempted," "Black Coffee In Bed") Born in 1974 in London.
STUART ADAMSON (Lead vocals, keyboards and guitar in hit '80s Celtic-flavored Big Country; formed in 1982 in Scotland; enjoyed more hits in the UK than here; "In A Big Country") Born in 1958 in Manchester, England. Committed suicide by hanging himself on December 16, 2001, in a hotel room in Honolulu.
RICHARD BERRY (Singer, songwriter, keyboardist; minor hit maker on the Los Angeles R&B scene in the '50s; wrote and recorded the original version of the garage band classic "Louie, Louie" in 1956, a song which has been covered an estimated 1,000 times; uncredited singer for The Robins' "Riot In Cell Block #9") Born in Extension, Louisiana, in 1935. Died in Los Angeles on January 23, 1997.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY 4/11:
In 1956, The Godfather of Soul and the hardest working man in show business, James Brown, had his first chart entry on the R&B chart with "Please, Please, Please."
In 1956, While winging his way to Nashville, Elvis's plane developed engine trouble and was forced to make an emergency landing, forever instilling a fear of flying in the King.
In 1961, Bob Dylan made his New York City stage debut at Gerde's Folk City, a small Greenwich Village club, opening for John Lee Hooker. He debuted "Blowin' In The Wind" during his set.
In 1963, Parlophone Records released The Beatles "From Me To You" b/w "Thank You Girl." The third single by The Fab Four, it would be their first to make it to #1 in the UK. Neither song was released in the States until the following year.
In 1966, NBC telecast the last episode of Hullabaloo. It featured Paul Anka, Lesley Gore, Peter & Gordon and The Cyrkle. The show began in January 1965, a year after ABC had concocted the similar Shindig!
In 1967, After visiting The Beach Boys' Smile recording sessions the previous day, Paul McCartney was inspired to produce The Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour film.
In 1970, Peter Green, guitarist, vocalist and founding member of Fleetwood Mac, announced that he would leave the band on May 25 to devote himself to "what God would have me do."
In 1970, Nice organist Keith Emerson and ex-King Crimson bassist/singer Greg Lake were attempting to recruit a drummer for a new trio in London. Settling on percussionist Carl Palmer, they would emerge as '70s art-rock supergroup Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
In 1970, The day after Paul McCartney announced his departure from The Beatles, “Let It Be” hit #1 on the chart, staying there for two weeks.
In 1981, Van Halen lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen married Valerie Bertinelli, co-star of the '80s sitcom, One Day At A Time.
In 1990, Elton John and Michael Jackson attended (and Elton performed at) the Indianapolis funeral of 18-year-old AIDS victim Ryan White.
In 1997, Paul McCartney performed a 20-minute set on a London rooftop.
In 2000, Sting's Brand New Day and Red Hot Chili Peppers' Californication were Top 25 albums.
4/12:
AMY RAY (Hit folk-rock singer/songwriter, guitarist and co-founder of the Indigo Girls in Decatur, Georgia, in 1980 [with Emily Saliers]; social activist; has recorded two solo albums, and toured behind it in 2001; "Hammer and Nail," "Closer To Fine," "Least Complicated," "Galileo," "Get Out The Map," "Peace Tonight," "Moment of Forgiveness," "Shame On You," "Perfect World") Born in 1964 in Atlanta.
HERBIE HANCOCK (Grammy-winning jazz and fusion keyboardist who emerged in the mid-'60s after playing in Miles Davis' band; produced Wynton Marsalis' self-titled 1981 album; "Watermelon Man," "Rockit" [won MTV 1983 video awards for the video produced by 10cc's Godley & Creme]) Born in 1940 in Chicago.
JOHN KAY (born Joachim Fritz Krauledat) (Leader of late-'60s-era hit LA band Steppenwolf; solo artist; Mick Jagger once had him tossed from a Stones party for his boorish behavior; "The Pusher," "Rock Me," "Born To Be Wild," "Magic Carpet Ride") Born in 1944 in Tilsit, East Prussia, Germany.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/12:
In 1954, Bill Haley & The Comets taped "Rock Around The Clock" for Decca Records. The song came out the following year to coincide with the release of the film Blackboard Jungle, in which it was featured prominently.
In 1954, Jazz, blues and R&B legend Joe Turner's "Shake, Rattle And Roll' was released.
In 1961, The winners of the third annual Grammy Awards were announced, and for the first time rock & roll was noticeably absent. Ray Charles swept the Awards.
In 1962, Columbia Records recorded Bob Dylan's concert at Town Hall, New York, eventually releasing the live version of "Tomorrow Is a Long Time."
In 1966, "Dead Man's Curve" almost became a reality for Jan Berry, the creative force behind the very popular surf-rock vocal duo Jan & Dean, after he ran his Corvette into a parked truck on Beverly Hills' Whittier Drive. Berry was in a coma for a month, and inflicted with paralysis of the right side of his body for over a year, in addition to brain damage, which made it difficult for him to return to the stage.
In 1968, Frank Zappa And The Mothers Of Invention played at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences dinner in New York City. Zappa glared down at the audience and pronounced the event to be "a load of pompous hokum. All year long you people have manufactured this crap, now for one night you're gonna have to listen to it!"
In 1968, Life magazine published a piece on The Doors called "Wicked Go The Doors." The magazine said, "Jim Morrison is 24 years old, out of UCLA and he appears in public and on his records to be moody, temperamental, enchanted in the mind and extremely stoned on something."
In 1969, Simon & Garfunkel released "The Boxer."
In 1969, Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman, of Eastman/Kodak family fame.
In 1971, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's live Four Way Street was certified Gold even before it hit the album chart. The two-record set quickly made it to the top spot, giving the foursome the distinction of two #1 albums in a row. It would be the last album the quartet would record together until 1988's American Dream album with Neil Young.
In 1975, The movie version of Tommy premiered.
In 1975, Linda Ronstadt released a version of "When Will I Be Loved," the old Everly Brothers song.
In 1979, Mickey Thomas, the former lead vocalist with Elvin Bishop ("Fooled Around And Fell In Love"), took Marty Balin's place in the Jefferson Starship.
In 1990, James Brown was released from a South Carolina prison on work furlough after having served 15 months of a six-year sentence for various drug charges.
In 1990, The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, named four recently discovered asteroids after The Beatles.
In 1992, Don Henley and 6,000 people embarked on a Walk For Walden Woods to help preserve the area commemorated by Henry Thoreau.
In 1993, Actress Lisa Bonet filed for divorce from Lenny Kravitz.
In 2000, Metallica filed suit against Napster, Inc., Yale University, the University of Southern California and Indiana University for copyright infringement. Napster's computer software made it possible for users to trade mp3 music formats for free. Yale and Indiana were dropped from the suit after they blocked access to Napster on campus servers.
In 2002, Elton John testified to Congress that the U.S. must help prevent the global spread of AIDS.
In 2004, Eric Clapton's Me And Mr. Johnson, his tribute to early blues great Robert Johnson, debuted at #6 on the Billboard album chart.
4/13:
LOWELL GEORGE (Influential and beloved singer-songwriter and founder of '70s-era versatile blues/rockin' Los Angeles band Little Feat, a group that remains vital; slide guitarist; a rock & roll original; grew up in the Washington, DC, area; one-time member of Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention; left Little Feat in 1978 to pursue a solo career [Thanks, I'll Eat It Here], ill health on the road and substance abuse led to a subsequent heart attack; "Willin'" [covered by Linda Ronstadt], "Sailin' Shoes," "Easy To Slip," "Dixie Chicken," "Fat Man in the Bathtub," "Roll Um Easy," [covered by Linda Ronstadt], "Two Trains," "Time Loves a Hero," "Rock and Roll Doctor," "Oh, Atlanta," "Long Distance Love," "Rocket In My Pocket," "Down on the Farm") Born in 1945 in Hollywood, California. Died June 29, 1979, in Arlington, Virginia, at the age of 34.
AL GREEN (born Al Greene) (Living soul and gospel legend who emerged in the '70s as one of that decade's most popular vocalists, selling over 20 million records; an ordained pastor; "I Can't Get Next To You," "Take Me To The River" [covered by the Talking Heads], "Let's Stay Together," "I'm Still In Love With You," "Here I Am [Come And Take Me]," "Rainin' In My Heart") Born in 1946 in Forrest City, Arkansas.
JACK CASADY (Original bassist with the Jefferson Airplane and offshoot Hot Tuna; also in '80s one-off trio KBC Band with Paul Kantner and Marty Balin; solo album [2003]; best known for some of the most famous bass lines ever played in rock, the opening notes of "White Rabbit"; "Somebody To Love," "Volunteers," "We Can Be Together," "Crown of Creation," "Keep On Truckin'," "Hesitation Blues") Born in 1944 in Washington, DC.
MAX WEINBERG (Most renowned as the longtime drummer with Springsteen's E Street Band, but also a much in-demand session man and long-time musical director/house band drummer on Late Night With Conan O'Brien; "Born To Run," "Born In The U.S.A," "Prove It All Night," "Hungry Heart," "Dancing in the Dark," "I'm Goin' Down," "Cover Me," "Glory Days," "Brilliant Disguise") Born in 1951.
ROY LONEY (Singer, guitarist, member of acclaimed San Francisco/New York late-'60s band The Flamin' Groovies; recorded a comeback album [Shake Some Action] with Dave Edmunds producing; enjoyed some commercial success with his band the Phantom Movers in the late '70s; "You Tore Me Down") Born in 1946.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/13:
In 1962, The Beatles were the unknown Liverpudlian house band at the Star Club in Hamburg, Germany. Both the club and The Beatles would go on to achieve a certain amount of notoriety.
In 1965, Winners of the seventh annual Grammy Awards included Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto for Record Of The Year for "The Girl From Ipanema" and The Beatles for Best Performance By A Vocal Group for "A Hard Days Night." The Fab Four were also named Best New Artist.
In 1966, The Beatles recorded "Paperback Writer" at Abbey Road Studios in London.
In 1967, The Rolling Stones played their first concert behind the Iron Curtain at the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, Poland. Police with batons and tear gas bombs were on hand to greet 2,000 fans outside hoping to get into the sold-out show.
In 1967, Catch My Soul, an updated version of Shakespeare's Othello featuring Jerry Lee Lewis as the villain Iago, closed after grossing over $500,000. Lewis, who received the best reviews, played his role straight except on one occasion when he ad-libbed, "Great Balls of Fire, My Friend Roderigo!" in Act V.
In 1971, The Rolling Stones released their future #1 record "Brown Sugar," the first on their own Rolling Stones Records. The 45 single introduced the infamous tongue-and-lips logo, soon to appear again on the Sticky Fingers album, which contained the hit.
In 1973, The J. Geils Band made an appearance on ABC-TV's In Concert to sing their hit "Give It To Me," but were asked to alter the song lyrics because of the line, "Get it up."
In 1973, The Who's Roger Daltrey put out his first solo album. The material consisted of compositions by Leo Sayer and David Courtney, and was produced by Adam Faith. Townshend was nowhere in sight. Daltrey barely broke into the Top 50.
In 1980, The nostalgic Broadway musical Grease finally closed after a run of 3,883 performances, which made it the longest-running show in Broadway history to that point.
In 1982, For the second time in three weeks, David Crosby was arrested on drug possession charges in Dallas.
In 1999, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers released Echo.
In 2001, Beloved guitar legend Chet Atkins died of cancer at his home in Nashville. He was 77. Atkins sold millions of copies of his Country/pop instrumental albums in the '60s. More recently, he was a major influence on guitarists such as Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton.
4/14:
LORETTA LYNN (born Loretta Webb) (Americana icon and longtime superstar of country music; first woman to be named Country Entertainer Of The Year; sometime actress [The Dukes of Hazard]; In 1976, her autobiography became a top-seller, and a film, featuring Sissy Spacek; recorded Grammy-winning 2004 album Van Lear Rose with Jack White of the White Stripes; "I'm a Honky-Tonk Girl," "Coal Miner's Daughter," "The Pill," "Rated X," "Portland, Oregon" [with Jack White]) Born in 1934 in Butcher Holler, Kentucky.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/14:
In 1955, Fats Domino's "Ain't That A Shame" was released. Pat Boone would later enjoy much greater success with a cover version of the tune, although he had to be dissuaded from changing it to "Isn't That a Shame." Tsk-tsk. Cheap Trick, ofcourse, would later have a hit with the tune as well.
In 1965, The Beatles changed the name of their second movie from Eight Arms To Hold You to Help!
In 1967, The David Bowie single "The Laughing Gnome" was released. It went unnoticed in North America.
In 1969, Only two of The Beatles were actually present for the recording of "The Ballad Of John And Yoko." Paul McCartney played drums, piano and bass, while John Lennon sang and played guitars. It was the first Beatles single in stereo.
In 1971, The Illinois Crime Commission came out with a list of drug-oriented tunes. The songs of infamy included "White Rabbit" by the Jefferson Airplane, "Let's Go Get Stoned" by Ray Charles "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" by The Beatles and "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum.
In 1972, David Bowie released "Starman" b/w "Suffragette City," the advance single from his acclaimed conceptual The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. Ziggy would remain on the album chart for more than a year, finally putting Bowie over the top in the States.
In 1974, Pete Townshend performed for the first time as a solo artist. The leader of The Who was accompanied only by his homemade tapes.
In 1975, Following many rumors and much speculation that Jimmy Page, Chris Spedding, Jeff Beck or even Eric Clapton would replace Mick Taylor in The Rolling Stones, it was announced that Faces guitarist Ron Wood would fill the shoes.
In 1976, Motown Records and Stevie Wonder held a news conference to announce that he had signed an unprecedented "$13 mill-plus" contract with the label.
In 1980, A New Jersey State assemblyman proposed that Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" be made the official state song. Bruce kept his reaction to himself, but it is documented that the Boss was less than thrilled when Ronald Reagan tried to use "Born In The U.S.A" as his official campaign song four years later.
In 1980, Upstart Los Angeles rockers The Knack released their second album, ...But The Little Girls Understand, just seven months after their smash debut, Get The Knack. The sophmore album stalled and would never find its way on to President George W. Bush's iPod like the first one.
In 1980, Gary Numan released The Touring Principle, a 45-minute concert video. It was the first commercially available home videocassette.
In 1983, Pete Farndon, 29, of the Pretenders died of a drug overdose. He had been dismissed from the band the year before because of his drug issues.
In 1987, Fleetwood Mac's Tango In The Night was released.
In 1989, Tom Petty's Full Moon Fever came out.
In 1995, Radiohead released The Bends, featuring "High & Dry" and "Fake Plastic Trees." Thanks to an opening slot for the band on the R.E.M. Monster tour, The Bends acheived Gold status in the U.S. by early '96.
In 2004, Jesse Harris, Norah Jones' former songwriter and guitarist, announced a July release date for his third album, While The Music Lasts (Verve Forecast). The record features Norah Jones singing and playing piano. Harris wrote half of the songs on Jones' Grammy award-winning 2002 debut album, Come Away With Me and wrote the breakthrough hit for Jones, "Don't Know Why." Come Away With Me went on to sell more than 17 million copies around the world.
4/15:
DAVE EDMUNDS (British roots-rock revivalist; guitarist, keyboardist, vocalist, producer; formed Rockpile with Nick Lowe in the '70s, produced The Stray Cats in the '80s; has worked with Brinsley Schwarz, The Flamin' Groovies, K.D. Lang, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Everly Brothers, among others; "I Hear You Knockin'," [originally by Smiley Lewis], "Teacher, Teacher," "Crawling From the Wreckage," "Here Comes The Weekend," "Girls Talk" [written by Elvis Costello], "Slipping Away" [produced by Jeff Lynne]) Born in 1944 in Cardiff, Wales.
BESSIE SMITH (Early influential empress of the blues; idol of Janis Joplin and many others; "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out," "Empty Bed Blues," "St. Louis Blues," "Gimme a Pigfoot [And a Bottle of Beer]") Born in 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Died September 26, 1937, in a car accident in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/15:
In 1967, Decca released The Who's "Happy Jack" in the U.S., the band's first single to crack the Top 40 here.
In 1976, Former Spooky Tooth keyboardist/vocalist-turned-Dream Weaver, Gary Wright released his second hit single, "Love Is Alive".
In 1977, Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd presented a Gold disc awarded them for One More From The Road to Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson. It was a gesture of appreciation to their fans in Atlanta, Georgia, where the live album had been recorded.
In 1982, Billy Joel was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on Long Island. He remained in the hospital for over a month undergoing therapy on a damaged piano-playing hand.
In 1982, EPs, or mini albums, were becoming increasingly more popular, according to Rolling Stone. In particular, EP releases by The B-52's, Devo and the Pretenders were selling well.
In 1996, The remainder of Jerry Garcia's ashes were strewn near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. A small portion had been scattered in the Ganges River in India 11 days earlier.
In 1999, The film Entropy had its world premiere at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival. The movie featured U2 in their acting debut. Bono was the only band member who had any lines in the romantic comedy starring Stephen Dorff and co-produced by Robert DeNiro. The band played themselves.
In 2001, Joey Ramone (The Ramones) died of complications from lymphoma. He was 49.
In 2003, After nine albums with the Meldy Makers, Bob Marley's oldest son, Ziggy Marley released his first solo album, Dragonfly.
4/16:
DAVE PIRNER (Singer, songwriter, frontman for Bob Mould-produced Minneapolis thrash band turned song-oriented Soul Asylum, emerging in the mainstream in 1992 with the post-grunge hit album Grave Dancer's Union; solo artist; wrote the score to the film Chasing Amy; "Somebody To Shove," "Runaway Train," "April Fool," "Black Gold," "Misery") Born in 1964 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
DUSTY SPRINGFIELD (born Mary Isabel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien) (Highly regarded, sultry-voiced Brit chanteuse; Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee; influential on a number of European and American artists, including Shelby Lynne; "I Only Want To Be With You," "Wishin' And Hopin'," "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me," "The Look Of Love," "Son Of A Preacher Man"; enjoyed a huge comeback in 1987 with "What Have I Done To Deserve This," a duet with the Pet Shop Boys) Born in Hampstead, London, England, in 1939. Died in 1999 of breast cancer.
GERRY RAFFERTY (British singer/songwriter who struck gold in the early '70s with his co-writer Joe Egan in Stealers Wheel, and later as a solo artist in the '80s with at least a couple of well-crafted pop monsters; "Stuck In The Middle With You," "Star," "Baker Street," "Right Down The Line," "Days Gone Down," "Take The Money And Run," "Already Gone," "Wise As A Serpent") Born in 1947 in Paisley, Scotland.
STEFAN GROSSMAN (Acclaimed acoustic country blues picker, singer, songwriter and teacher; a student of acoustic blues great Reverend Gary Davis; has recorded with Paul Simon, Maria Muldaur, John Sebastian and David Grisman; "Blues For The Mann," "Yazoo Strut") Born in 1945 in Brooklyn, New York.
HERBIE MANN (born Herbert Solomon) (Renowned jazz, early fusion and world music flautist; recorded with Duane Allman in the '70s, among other rock artists; "Push, Push") Born in 1930 in Brooklyn, New York. Died of prostate cancer July 1, 2003, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/16:
In 1956, One week after the unveiling of the first nationally broadcast rock radio show on CBS, the ABC network followed suit with a program called Rhythm On Parade, broadcast live from the Flam Show Bar in Detroit.
In 1964, The Rolling Stones' first album was released in the UK. Two weeks later, it had ascended to #1.
In 1965, The Hollies kicked off their first tour of the US at the Brooklyn Paramount. The English group had so far scored only one minor hit in America, a cover of Doris Troy's "Just One Look."
In 1966, Bob Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" was released, best known to most casual radio listeners as "Everybody…must get stoned."
In 1969, "The Israelites" by Desmond Dekker became the first single by a Jamaican artist to be a bona fide hit in the U.K. and later the U.S.
In 1972, In Cannes, France, The Rolling Stones informally celebrated the launch of their label, Rolling Stones Records.
In 1976, Boz Scaggs, whose Silk Degrees album was on its way to becoming a huge smash, was roughed up by two bouncers outside the Austin, Texas, club Antone's when he attempted to go backstage to meet and greet the headliner, Bobby "Blue" Bland. Evidently, his name had been inadvertently left off the guest list.
In 1977, Stevie Wonder made the soul chart with "Sir Duke," a tune that would ultimately achieve #1 status. The song was a tribute to Duke Ellington.
In 1990, Over 72,000 fans assembled at London's Wembley Stadium for an anti-apartheid concert featuring Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt. The show honored Nelson Mandela, who had recently been released from prison.
In 1993, Paul McCartney was the headliner for a concert at the Hollywood Bowl celebrating Earth Day. The last time he had played there he was a member of The Beatles in 1965. Other musicians contributing performances to the concert included Ringo, Steve Miller and Don Henley.
In 1993, Singer/songwriter Billy Burnette, who took over in Fleetwood Mac temporarily from Lindsey Buckingham, announced that he would be departing the Big Mac to concentrate on a career in country music.
In 1994, Bonnie Raitt was enjoying her long-overdue success with Longing In Their Hearts at the #1 spot on the album chart.
In 1999, Skip Spence, an original member of Jefferson Airplane and founding member of Moby Grape, died of lung cancer in San Francisco at the age of 52. Throughout his life, Skip had fought schizophrenia and alcoholism, but was considered an eccentric musical genius by some, particularly for his one solo album, Oar.
4/17:
LIZ PHAIR (born Elizabeth Clark Phair) (Bold '90s hit singer/songwriter and rocker; indie breakout with 1993's Exile In Guyville, a song-by-song response to The Rolling Stones 1972 classic Exile On Main Street; toured with Lilith Fair; grew up in Chicago suburbs; "Whip-Smart," "Superman," "Jealousy," "Rocket Boy," "Why Can't I") Born in 1967 in New Haven, Connecticut.
PETE SHELLEY (born Peter McNeish) (Vocalist, guitarist and leader of influential [Nirvana, Green Day] late-'70s/early-'80s Brit punk band the Buzzcocks; solo career; "What Do I Get?," "Everybody's Happy Nowadays," "Harmony In My Head," "Ever Fallen In Love?," [a hit for Fine Young Cannibals], "Homosapien") Born in 1955.
JAN HAMMER (Keyboard and synthesizer master; worked with John McLaughlin in The Mahavishnu Orchestra; recorded with Jeff Beck; perhaps best known for the background music he composed and performed for the TV show Miami Vice) Born in 1948 in Prague, Czechoslovakia.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/17:
In 1960, In Bath, England, Eddie Cochran, best known for his "Summertime Blues," died from severe brain injuries he suffered in a car crash near Chippenham, Wiltshire. Also injured in the crash were Cochran's girlfriend, Sharon Sheeley, and fellow rocker Gene Vincent.
In 1965, "Help Me Rhonda" by The Beach Boys was released.
In 1970, At the invitation of President Nixon, Johnny Cash performed at the White House. Nixon awkwardly requested that Cash perform "Okie From Muskogee" (which was actually a Merle Haggard hit), but Cash politely refused. Instead, Cash sang his top hit, "A Boy Named Sue."
In 1970, Paul McCartney released his epic debut solo album, McCartney (the black cover with the cherries). The self-interview included with the album essentially confirmed that The Beatles had indeed broken up.
In 1973, Pink Floyd was awarded a Gold album for The Dark Side of The Moon, one of the most innovative and memorable albums in the history of rock. The disc would stay on the charts for more than 10 years, the longest-charting rock album of all time.
In 1976, Veteran jazz guitarist George Benson's Breezin' entered the album chart. It would become one of the best-selling jazz albums ever, going Platinum in August.
In 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers performed at and were official guests of State at Zimbabwe's Independence festival. Marley described the occasion as the "greatest honor of my life."
In 1982, Toto, a group of veteran Los Angeles studio musicians, including Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro, crashed the singles chart again with "Rosanna," a song about Lukather's then-girlfriend, actress Rosanna Arquette. It would later be named Record Of The Year at the 1983 Grammy Awards.
In 1998, Linda Eastman McCartney, the beloved wife of Paul McCartney, died of cancer in Tucson, Arizona.
4/18:
CLARENCE "GATEMOUTH" BROWN (Louisiana country-blues icon; an influence on artists ranging from Frank Zappa to Albert Collins; got the nickname "Gatemouth" from a high school teacher who claimed Clarence had a "voice like a gate." "Mary Is Fine," "Okie Dokie Stomp," "Take The 'A' Train," "Alligator Eating Dog") Born in 1924 in Vinton, Louisiana.
SKIP SPENCE (born Alexander Spence) (Singer, songwriter and guitarist who was the original drummer with the late-'60s/early-'70s legend the Jefferson Airplane; co-founder of Moby Grape; worked with Quicksilver Messenger Service; recorded one acclaimed solo album, Oar; he reportedly gave The Doobie Brothers their name; "Blues From an Airplane," "My Best Friend," "Omaha") Born in 1946 in Windsor, Ontario. Died April 16, 1999, in Santa Cruz, California.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/18:
In 1973, 19-year-old Declan "Costello" McManus played his first solo gig in Twickenham, England. He would change his first name to Elvis by the time his 1977 debut, My Aim Is True, was released.
In 1975, John Lennon released his cover of "Stand By Me."
In 1981, Pioneering British progressive rock band Yes announced that they were splitting up after drummer Alan White and bassist Chris Squire begin rehearsing with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page for a supergroup that never happened. During their 13-year run, Yes had became one of the world's leading exponents of ornate, cosmic, symphonic rock, despite the fact that "Roundabout" was their only chartbuster (it went to #13 in 1972). Of course, Yes would be back in various configurations over the next two decades, an on and off affair.
In 1985, Wham's Make It Big was the first Western album to be released in China.
In 1988, The Motown songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They were behind numerous hits for The Supremes, Temptations and others in the Motown stable.
In 1988, The trial begins in Jamaica for the September 11, 1987, murder of reggae star Peter Tosh. Tosh and six others had been gunned down execution style in his home. His friend Dennis Lobban was convicted and sentenced to death for the shootings.
In 1995, After more than two years on the album chart, Cracked Rear View by South Carolina's Hootie and the Blowfish remained parked at the #3 on the Billboard chart.
4/19:
DAR WILLIAMS
ALEXIS KORNER (Vocalist, guitarist, early Brit blues revivalist; the godfather of British blues/rock; Charlie Watts, Jack Bruce, Long John Baldry and Robert Plant all got their start in his group Blues Incorporated; "Operator," "Lo and Behold," "Geneva") Born in 1928 in Paris, France. Died of lung cancer January 1, 1984, in London, England.
ALAN PRICE (Original keyboard player with The Animals—he split early on in '65, film music composer [O Lucky Man!], solo artist; "House Of The Rising Sun," "We Gotta Get Out of this Place," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood") Born in Durham, England, in 1942.
MARK VOLMAN (Vocalist with the hit late '60s band The Turtles with Howard Kaylan, then with Frank Zappa in the Mothers of Invention [Chunga's Revenge, 200 Motels, Live At The Fillmore, Just Another Band From L.A.], and later with Kaylan in the satirical pop duo Flo & Eddy; "Happy Together," "You Showed Me," "Eleanor," "Keep It Warm") Born in 1947 in Los Angeles.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/19:
In 1965, The film T.A.M.I. [Teen-Age Music International] Show, starring The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, The Four Tops, The Beach Boys, James Brown and Smokey Robinson & The Miracles opened in London. For British release, it was renamed Teenage Command Performance.
In 1965, The Beatles released "Ticket To Ride" in the U.S.
In 1967, "Somethin' Stupid," by Frank Sinatra and his daughter Nancy, was certified Gold.
In 1968, John Lennon, George Harrison and their wives departed the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India, two weeks before the completion of their studies. Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney had already packed it up and split. Three weeks later, all four of The Beatles renounced their association with the Maharishi.
In 1972, Former school teacher Roberta Flack earned a Gold record for her hit "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." She would go on to have a number of hits, including successful duets with the late Donny Hathaway.
In 1975, At the height of his popularity, Elton John dismissed longtime drummer and Nigel Olsson and bassist Dee Murray.
In 1978, Arista Records released the Patti Smith single, "Because The Night." A track that Bruce Springsteen left off of Darkness At The Edge Of Town, Smith somehow got a copy, changed some of the words and took a co-writing credit with Springsteen. It would be her only charting single, reaching #13 later in the year.
In 1978, Over 40 musicians petitioned President Jimmy Carter to bring a halt to America's commitment to nuclear power. Among the musicians were Jackson Browne, The Doobie Brothers, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Carly Simon, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor and others. They would later conjoin for the No Nukes M.U.S.E. [Musicians United for Safe Energy] concerts.
In 1982, Simon & Garfunkel, who had made a big splash with their New York Central Park concert the year before, reunited for a European tour. The U.S. leg never materialized because of continued friction between the two.
In 1988, The late Sonny Bono was inaugurated Mayor of Palm Springs. "And The Beat Goes On."
In 1999, Although the Madison Square Garden marquee in New York read, Bob Dylan, Tonight At 8pm, Neil Young was actually slated to perform. Following one number during the show, prankster Neil quipped, "That was Bob playing guitar with me on the last song."
In 2002, Alice In Chains singer Layne Staley was found dead in his Seattle area apartment after going missing for two weeks.
In 2003, Loretta Lynn was joined onstage in New York for three songs by The White Stripes.
4/20:
No birthdays listed
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/20:
In 1957, Elvis had the #1 single with "All Shook Up."
In 1959, "Puppy Love," the first record by Dolly Parton, was released on Gold Band Records. One capsule review observed, "She sounds about 12 years old." Actually, she was 13.
In 1970, According to The New York Times, The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" has been adopted by Christian youth groups as a religious symbol.
In 1976, The Rolling Stones' Black And Blue album came out and was greeted by a lukewarm response from critics and feminists, who objected to the ad campaign for the disc which featured a photo of a bound, black and blue model. Nonetheless, the album made the #1 spot and went Platinum in two months.
In 1981, Former leader of The Mamas & The Papas, John Phillips, was incarcerated in Los Angeles after pleading guilty to drug possession charges. His five-year sentence was suspended after 30 days in exchange for 250 hours of community service.
In 1991, Steve Marriot, rip-snorting lead vocalist of the Small Faces and Humble Pie, perished in a house fire. He was 44 years-old and planning a musical comeback with ex-Humble Pie band mate Peter Frampton. Marriot was a big influence on the Black Crowes.
In 1992, In London, Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Roger Daltrey, David Bowie, Def Leppard, Spinal Tap and others performed at a memorial concert for the late Queen singer, Freddie Mercury.
In 1999, Billy Joel performed what he claimed was his last public pop music concert at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, announcing instead, that he intended to devote his efforts to classical music.
In 2000, Robert Plant played Disney's Theatre of the Stars in Orlando, Florida. After the concert, he made hand imprints in cement outside the theatre.
In 2003, Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Moby and others were featured on Hope, an album to benefit child war victims in Iraq, which was released on this day.
4/21:
IGGY POP (born James Osterberg) (Rabblerousing, death-defying, multi-generation rock star who started out in the late-'60s/'70s with influential Ann Arbor/Detroit thrash band The Stooges; the Godfather of punk; solo artist; has worked extensively with David Bowie, who produced Iggy's Raw Power; recently reunited the Stooges; co-wrote "China Girl" with Bowie; Bowie's "Jean Genie" was said to be written for Iggy; "Lust For Life," "Candy" [with B-52 Kate Pierson]) Born in 1947 in Ypsilanti, Mississippi.
MICHAEL FRANTI (Spearhead) Born in 1967 in Oakland, CA
MICHAEL TIMMINS (Guitarist, vocalist and co-leader/chief songwriter [with his sister Margo] in the Cowboy Junkies, who formed in Toronto in 1985; "Sweet Jane," "A Common Disaster," "Miles From My Home") Born in 1959 in Montreal.
ROBERT SMITH (Singer, songwriter and brooding leader of immensely popular goth-pop/rock late-'70s/'80s/'90s Brit band The Cure; recorded with The Banshees in the mid-'80s; "Killing An Arab," "Boys Don't Cry," "Let's Go To Bed," "The Lovecats," "Why Can't I Be You?," "Just Like Heaven," "Love Song," "Friday I'm in Love") Born in 1959 in Blackpool, England.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/21:
In 1960, Dick Clark, characterized as "the single most influential person in pop music," testified before the congressional committee investigating payola. He admitted that he had a financial interest in 27% of the records that he played on his show during a 28-month period. Somehow he emerged unscathed while others went down.
In 1976, Ex-Raspberries lead vocalist Eric Carmen entered the singles chart with his first and biggest solo hit, "All By Myself." It would peak at #2.
In 1978, Famed British folk/rock singer Sandy Denny died following a fall down a flight of stairs at a friend's house. She had been a member of Fairport Convention, a solo artist, and had teamed with Robert Plant for a duet on "The Battle Of Evermore" on the fourth Led Zeppelin album.
In 1982, The Clash had to cancel a tour when Joe Strummer disappeared for three weeks. He was eventually found living on the streets in Paris.
In 1984, Phil Collins had his first solo US #1 hit with the dramatic theme from the film Against All Odds.
In 1990, Paul McCartney appeared before 184,000 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. At the time, it was the largest audience ever to attend a performance by a single rock act.
In 1990, Sinéad O'Connor began a four-week run at #1 in the U.S. with her cover of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U."
In 1993, Former Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman wed Suzanne Accosta.
In 2001, Peter Buck, guitarist for R.E.M., was arrested for being drunk on an aircraft and accosting British Airways personnel following a flight from Seattle to Heathrow Airport in London. He would be acquitted nearly a year later.
4/22:
PETER FRAMPTON (Skilled singer, songwriter and guitarist from the London suburbs who exploded with 1976's Frampton Comes Alive, the best-selling live album of all time at 16 million copies worldwide, which ultimately led to a serious case of overexposure; former member of '60s/'70s rockers Humble Pie with Steve Marriott; has played on numerous records, including George Harrison's All Things Must Pass and David Bowie's Never Let Me Down; "Shine On," "The Lodger," "Lines On My Face," "Do You Feel Like We Do," "Baby, I Love Your Way," "Show Me The Way," "I'm In You," "Lies," "I Can't Stand It No More") Born in 1950 in Beckenham, Kent, England.
PAUL CARRACK (Soulful low-key hit pop/rock singer, songwriter and keyboardist; member of Ace, briefly in Squeeze [where he replaced Jools Holland] and Mike The Mechanics; has also recorded with Eric Clapton [Pilgrim and Reptile], Roxy Music, Frankie Miller and others; solo career; "How Long," "Tempted," "I Need You," "All I Need Is a Miracle,"The Living Years," "Don't Shed A Tear") Born in 1951 Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.
JAMES ARMSTRONG (Modern West Coast blues-rocker who emerged in 1995 with a solid Robert Cray-style debut, Sleeping With A Stranger, on HighTone; career slowed by a near-fatal stabbing in an attempted robbery at his home in 1997, but he has since returned to recording and performing; "2 Sides," "Six Bar City") Born in 1957 in Los Angeles.
CHARLES MINGUS (Innovative jazz composer and bass player; his last work was the 1978 Mingus collaboration with Joni Mitchell; "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," "Better Git It In Your Soul," "Haitian Fight Song," "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting") Born in 1922 in Nogales, Arizona. Died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) on January 5, 1979, in Cuernavaca, Mexico.
GLEN CAMPBELL (Country-pop hit vocalist and accomplished guitarist, in-demand session man; once married to Tanya Tucker; was actually a Beach Boy briefly before his solo career took off in the '70s with Jimmy Webb-penned hits; "By The Time I Get To Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" [covered by Dwight Yoakam]) Born in 1936 in Delight, Arkansas.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/22:
In 1959, Alan Freed's last movie, Go Johnny Go, opened. It featured artists such as Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Ritchie Valens and Jackie Wilson.
In 1964, The President of the National Federation of Hairdressers offered free haircuts to the next shaggy rock group to make it to #1 on the pop chart. He called The Rolling Stones the worst, stating that "one of them looks as if he's got a feather duster on his head."
In 1966, The outrageous "Wild Thing," by The Troggs, was released in the U.S. simultaneously on the Atco and Fontana labels. The song went to the top in June and would later be covered by Jimi Hendrix, among others.
In 1969, The Who gave their first unabridged live performance of the rock opera Tommy at a show in Dolton, England.
In 1969, The smitten John Lennon altered his name from John Winston Lennon to John Ono Lennon during a short ceremony atop the Apple Records building in London.
In 1976, Bob Dylan and his Rolling Thunder Revue taped a show at the Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Clearwater, Florida. The performance was auctioned off to NBC's Midnight Special, but Dylan decided to scrap the footage and went with a later performance recorded in Fort Collins, Colorado. It was telecast as Hard Rain.
In 1976, Johnnie Taylor's "Disco Lady" became the first single ever to sell over two million copies.
In 1978, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd donned the guise of The Blues Brothers for the first time on Saturday Night Live, opening the show with "Hey Bartender."
In 1978, Bob Marley And The Wailers played the One Love Peace Concert in Jamaica. It was Marley's first public appearance after having been wounded in an assassination attempt a year and a half earlier.
In 1979, As part of reparations for his 1977 Canadian drug bust, Rolling Stone Keith Richards played a benefit concert in Oshawa for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Richards' band, making its debut, was dubbed the New Barbarians. Along with Keith, the band featured guitarist Ron Wood, Stanley Clarke on bass, Ian McLagan on keys and drummer Ziggy Modeliste. The group departed shortly thereafter for a big tour of the US, but never made any recordings.
In 1980, Boston’s J. Geils Band had a big comeback with the Top 20 hit album Love Stinks.
In 1981, After being released from St. Paul's Hospital in Minnesota five days earlier, following an extended stay for bleeding ulcers, Eric Clapton was readmitted to a hospital after suffering bruised ribs and a lacerated shin in a Seattle car accident.
In 1993, On the 24th anniversary of The Who's first ever unabridged performance of Tommy, the rock opera opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre.
4/23
ROY ORBISON (American rock & roll icon and hit singer/songwriter who broke in the late '60s and soon became the master of the heartbroken ballad with his passionate, almost operatic tenor, but a rocker as well; was enjoying a tremendous comeback with an album produced by T Bone Burnette and the first album by The Traveling Wilburys (Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne) at the time of his untimely death; "Only The Lonely," "Crying," "In Dreams," "It's Over," "Dream Baby," "Oh, Pretty Woman," "Candy Man," "Handle With Care," "End Of The Line") Born in 1936 in Vernon, TX.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/23:
In 1956, Accompanied by Bill Black and Scotty Moore, Elvis made his Las Vegas debut at the New Frontier Hotel as the opening act for the extremely unhip Freddie Martin Orchestra and comedian Shecky Greene. What was supposed to be a two-week run ended after just one week because it couldn't draw flies. Presley didn't play Vegas again for almost 13 years, by which time he was hailed as King of the Strip.
In 1960, At the Fox And Hounds in Caversham, Berkshire, England, the Nerk Twins performed a one-off acoustic set. Who? It was a nom de stage for the teenage duo of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, who at the time were part of a group called Johnny And The Moondogs.
In 1965, The Rolling Stones kicked off their third North American tour with a show at the Forum in Montreal.
In 1969, The Ash Grove, an LA folk-blues club where performers such as Canned Heat, The Chambers Brothers and Taj Mahal had launched their careers, went down in flames. A new incarnation of the club later opened on the Santa Monica Pier in 1996.
In 1970, Norman Greenbaum's fuzz-tone, freaky hippie anthem, "Spirit In The Sky" went Gold, earning Greenbaum the dubious title of "one-hit-wonder." He continues to raise goats on a ranch in Northern California.
In 1975, Pete Ham, guitarist and songwriter for Badfinger, hanged himself in his London garage. He was reportedly distressed by the group's financial woes. Like so many other rock musicians (Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones, Kurt Cobain), Ham was 27 at the time of his death.
In 1976, New York punk originals The Ramones released their first album.
In 1978, Ex-Sex Pistol bassist Sid Vicious filmed his cheeky rendition of Paul Anka's "My Way" for the Sex Pistols' film The Great Rock & Roll Swindle. Frank Sinatra's reaction was never revealed, but we doubt that he was pleased.
In 1981, Early Sun Records stars Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins reunited in Stuttgart, Germany, to record what would later be released as The Survivors album.
In 1988, During a Bruce Springsteen concert, the audience serenaded Roy Orbison, who went onstage with the boss to soak up a couple of choruses of "Happy Birthday" on the occasion of his 52nd birthday.
In 1991, Johnny Thunders died in New Orleans of a reported methadone overdose. He was one of the founding members of seminal punk rock group The New York Dolls.
4/24:
DOUG CLIFFORD (Credence Clearwater Revival drummer; "Born On The Bayou," Proud Mary," Fortunate Son," "Down On The Corner") Born in 1945 in Palo Alto, California.
GLEN CORNICK (Original bassist for Jethro Tull, he played on their first three albums; formed relatively obscure '70s band Wild Turkey; joined ex-Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch in even more obscure band Paris during mid-'70s; "Bourée," "Teacher," "Living In The Past") Born in 1947 in England.
BARBRA STREISAND (Pop singer and superstar who has occasionally dabbled in rock; had a hit with Laura Nyro's "Stoney End," but has mostly sung Broadway, vintage standards and the occasional power-ballad; actress) Born in 1942 in Brooklyn, New York.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/24:
In 1957, Verve Records, the famous jazz label, branched out by releasing Ricky Nelson's first record, "Teenager's Romance" b/w with his cover of Fats Domino's "I'm Walkin'." At only 16 years old, Ricky's exposure on television's popular The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet, helped sell nearly 60,000 copies of the record within three days.
In 1959, Your Hit Parade, the Saturday night pop music show which had been broadcast since April 23, 1935, was aired for the last time. The cast and crew could not deal with rock & roll.
In 1961, Del Shannon had the #1 tune in the country with "Runaway," which was later covered by Bonnie Raitt.
In 1961, Session man Bob Dylan was paid $50 for playing harmonica on Harry Belafonte's recording of "Midnight Special."
In 1970, Tricia Nixon, daughter of the president, had invited the Jefferson Airplane's Grace Slick to a party at the White House. Slick arrived escorted by Abbie Hoffman, who was on trial at the time for conspiring to riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. They were both turned away at the gate. Slick reportedly planned to spike Ms. Nixon's tea with LSD.
In 1971, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's live double-album Four Way Street was #1 in the country.
In 1972, Perhaps John Lennon's most controversial single, "Woman Is The Nigger Of The World," was released. The song made it to #57 despite being banned by virtually every radio station in the nation.
In 1977, Joan Baez and Santana, among others, played a free concert for inmates of California's maximum security Soledad Prison.
In 1982, Although his "I Need A Lover" had been a big hit for Pat Benatar, John Cougar was far from a household name. On this day, he released his first successful single, "Hurts So Good," which eventually hit #2 on the charts. "Jack And Diane," also from American Fool, would become Cougar's first #1 smash hit record.
In 1990, Roger Waters' roadies discovered an unexploded bomb dating back to World War II while putting together the set for The Wall concert in Potsdamer Platz, Germany.
In 1992, David Bowie and model Iman were married in a secret ceremony in Switzerland.
In 1993, 40,000 people turned out in Ames, Iowa, for Farm Aid VI. Organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young, as always, the concert also featured performances by Bruce Hornsby, Bryan Adams, Ringo Starr, Marty Stuart, Martina McBride, The Highwaymen and Dwight Yoakam.
4/25:
ALBERT KING (Influential guitarist and singer, a tremendous influence on Stevie Ray Vaughan [with whom he recorded], Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Robert Cray, among others; "Laundromat Blues," "I'll Play The Blues For You, Parts 1 & 2" "I Wanna Get Funky," "Cross Cut Saw," "Born Under a Bad Sign") Born in 1923 in Indianola, Mississippi. Died of a heart attack on December 21, 1992, in Memphis.
ELLA FITZGERALD (The First Lady of Song or Lady Time; a long-lived jazz singer of impeccable tone, taste and swing; "Summertime," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," "How High The Moon," "A-Tisket, A-Tasket") Born in 1917 in Newport News, Virginia. Died June 15, 1996, in Beverly Hills, California.
STU COOK (Bass player with Creedence Clearwater Revival; "Suzie Q," "Born On the Bayou," "Proud Mary," "Down On the Corner," "Run Through The Jungle," "Up Around the Bend," "Lodi," "Lookin' Out My Back Door") Born in 1945 in Oakland, California.
VASSAR CLEMENTS (Legendary bluegrass/jazz picker with his group The Vassar Clements Band; has appeared on albums by Steve Goodman, Gordon Lightfoot, David Bromberg, J.J. Cale, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Band, the Grateful Dead, Jimmy Buffett and many, many others; was in '70s bluegrass supergroup Old & In The Way along with Jerry Garcia and David Grisman; had a cameo role in Robert Altman's 1975 film Nashville; "Turkey In the Straw") Born in 1928 in Kinard, South Carolina.
THIS DAY IN MUSIC 4/25:
In 1964, Peter & Gordon made it all the way to the top of the U.K. singles chart with "World Without Love," a tune penned by Paul McCartney. Ironically, the song it knocked out of the top spot was The Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love."
In 1968, The Beatles refused to play for the Queen of England at a British Olympic Appeal Fund show. "Our decision would be the same no matter what the cause," Ringo elaborated, "we don't do benefits."
In 1974, Due in part to the attention generated by Ray Stevens' hit, "The Streak," streaking was popular in the mid '70s. Streakers struck concerts by Yes, Gregg Allman and The Beach Boys. The latter were victimized by two of their own band members, Mike Love and Dennis Wilson, who dashed across the stage wearing nothing but a smile.
In 1974, Gregg Allman performed the final gig of his first-ever solo tour. "I want to squelch a few rumors right now," he told the Cincinnati audience before bringing on the rest of The Allman Brothers Band for a 90-minute encore.
In 1974, Pam Morrison, Jim Morrison's widow, died of a drug overdose in her Hollywood apartment. She was 27.
In 1977, Elvis Presley made what turned out to be the final recordings of his life. Three songs taped at a concert in Saginaw, Michigan, would appear, in extensively remixed versions, on Moody Blue, the last album released during his lifetime.
In 1979, Rock & Roll High School, a film featuring The Ramones, made its debut.
In 1981, With the departure of singer/guitarist Denny Laine, formerly of The Moody Blues, Paul McCartney's Wings, unraveled once and for all.
In 1990, The Fender Stratocaster that Jimi Hendrix had utilized to play the "Star Spangled Banner" at Woodstock was auctioned off in London for a record of nearly $300,000.
In 1997, U2 launched its PopMart tour in Las Vegas.
In 2000, Eric Clapton reunited with former Derek & the Dominos keyboardist/vocalist Bobby Whitlock for their first performance together in 29 years on the BBC2 TV series Later With Jools Holland. The duo played three songs, including "Bell Bottom Blues."
4/26:
GARY WRIGHT (Keyboards and vocals with '70s-era rock band Spooky Tooth [with Mike Harrison]; hit solo artist in the late '70s; "Dream Weaver," "Love Is Alive") Born in 1943 in Creskill, New Jersey.
DUANE EDDY (Influential hit guitar instrumentalist of the late '50s/early '60s with his signature twangy style; influenced artists ranging from George Harrison to Tom Petty; "Rebel Rouser," "Peter Gunn," "Cannonball," "Apache") Born in 1938 in Corning, New York.
ROGER TAYLOR (Drummer for hit '80s MTV pop/glam stars Duran Duran; "Rio," "Hungry Like The Wolf," "Is There Something I Should Know?" "Union of the Snake," "Save a Prayer," "New Moon On Monday," "The Reflex," "A View To A Kill") B
