Today In History
In 1956
Billy Haley began work on the film "Don't Knock the Rock."
Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" broke into the Top 40.
In 1957
Little Richard arrived in Los Angeles, a day after he announced his retirement from rock music during a concert in Sydney, Australia. However, his label arranged for him to record eight more songs before he completely called it quits.
In 1958
Bobby Day's "Rock-in Robin" peaked at number two on the pop singles chart.
Little Anthony and the Imperials' "Tears on My Pillow" peaked at number four on the pop singles chart.
The Teddy Bears' "To Know Him Is To Love Him" broke into the Top 40. The band was also featured in "Billboard" magazine.
Gene Vincent recorded the single "Say Mama."
In 1962
Peter, Paul, and Mary's "If I Had A Hammer" peaked at number ten on the pop singles chart.
The Beach Boys' "Surfin' Safari" peaked at number 14 on the pop singles chart.
In 1963
The Beatles performed on the British TV show "Sunday Night at the London Palladium," which was the UK equivalent to America's "Ed Sullivan Show." The show drew 15-million viewers and created the stir that was eventually called "Beatlemania."
In 1965
The Who recorded the band's signature tune, "My Generation," at Pye Studios in London.
In 1968
John Lennon recorded the song "Julia."
In 1969
Mary Hopkins performed at the Savoy Theatre in London. Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were among those in the audience.
In 1970
Janis Joplin's ashes were scattered off the coast of California.
In 1971
Three Dog Night's album "Harmony" and Donny Osmond's single "Go Away Little Girl" were certified Gold.
In 1973
The Allman Brothers Band's "Ramblin' Man" peaked at number two on the pop singles chart.
Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" peaked at number four on the pop singles chart.
The Edgar Winter Group's "Free Ride" peaked at number 14 on the pop singles chart.
Jim Croce's "I Got A Name" and Billy Preston's "Space Race" broke into the Top 40.
The Rolling Stones' album "Goats Head Soup" hit number one on the U.S. album chart.
In 1975
Neil Young had surgery on his throat in Los Angeles.
In 1978
Led Zeppelin began rehearsals in advance of recording a new album, which became 1979's "In Through the Out Door."
Kenny Loggins' album "Nightwatch" was certified Platinum.
In 1979
The Eagles' "Heartache Tonight" and Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" broke into the Top 40.
In 1980
AC/DC's album "Back in Black" was certified Gold and Platinum.
In 1984
Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say I Love You" hit number one on the pop singles chart.
In 1986
A Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young reunion and an appearance by Bruce Springsteen were among the highlights of Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit Concert in Mountain View, California.
In 1989
Billy Joel released the album "Storm Front."
In 1990
Bob Dylan performed at the U.S. Army academy West Point, in upstate New York.
In 1992
The Supreme Court decided against reinstating lawsuits alleging Ozzy Osbourne's music prompted two teenagers to commit suicide.
The San Francisco Civic Auditorium was renamed for the late famed rock promoter Bill Graham.
In 1993
Earth, Wind, and Fire's Wade Flemons died of cancer in Battle Creek, Michigan. He was 53.
In 1994
Glenn Frey was released from a hospital in Los Angeles after undergoing stomach surgery.
Yoko Ono donated a number of John Lennon personal items to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.
In 1995
Ozzy Osbourne released the album "Ozzmosis."
In 1997
Billy Joel's classical piano composition "Reverie" made its debut on National Public Radio.
In 1998
The Crossroads Center, an addiction recovery center underwritten by Eric Clapton, opened in Antigua.
The album "The Bootleg Series, Volume 4: Bob Dylan Live, 1966: The 'Royal Albert Hall Concert'" was released.
In 2000
Carlos Santana received the key to the city of Tijuana, Mexico.
Don Henley was sued by a fan in Arkansas who claimed the singer hit her on the head with a maraca at a concert when she tried to take a flash photograph of him.
In 2002
The man who coined the phrase, quote, "Elvis has left the building" died. Veteran radio personality Horace Lee Logan had helped Presley launch his career in the mid-1950 on his "Louisiana Hayride" program. He first uttered the famous phrase to settle a frenzied audience after a 1956 Presley "Hayride" appearance. Logan was 86.
A two-day auction of pop culture memorabilia wrapped up at Guernsey's in New York. Elvis Presley's first guitar was among the items that went under the hammer at the event.
In 2004
Ron Isley was indicted by a federal grand jury on five counts of tax evasion and one count of failing to file an income tax return between the years 1997 and 2002.
Sammy Hagar hosted his annual birthday bash in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The event wrapped up a six-day party at his club Cabo Wabo, and featured performances from artists ranging from Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony to pop band Smash Mouth to country superstar Kenny Chesney.
In 2005
Fats Domino returned to his home in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward, making his first trip back since the flooding following Hurricane Katrina seven weeks earlier.
Doubleday publishing announced it had struck a seven-figure book deal with Eric Clapton for the guitar great's autobiography.
In 2006
Paul McCartney registered his name with Britain's Trademarks Registry, so he could have the authorization to put his name on a wide variety of products.
In 2007
Sammy Hagar wrapped up his birthday bash at his night club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Ted Nugent and the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith were among the stars attending the event, while more than ten-thousand revelers camped outside the club to gain entry into the free party celebrating the rocker's 60th birthday.< |