In 1847, "Oh, Susannah" was sung in public for the first time. Stephen Foster sold the rights to the song for a bottle of whiskey.
In 1952, Ahmet Ertegun began recording his newest signing, 21 year old Ray Charles at Atlantic Records on West 56th St in New York City. Ertegun had purchased the singers contract from the Swingtime label for $2,500.
In 1954, at Sun Studio in Memphis, Elvis Presley recorded "Good Rockin' Tonight."
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In 1956, police were called to break up a crowd of rowdy teenagers following the showing of the film Rock Around The Clock at the Trocadero Cinema in London, England. The following day, The Times printed a reader's letter that said: "The hypnotic rhythm and the wild gestures have a maddening effect on a rhythm loving age group and the result of its impact is the relaxing of all self control." The film was quickly banned in several English cities.
In 1957, in Cincinnati, Alan Freed's "The Biggest Show of Stars For 1957" concert tour played the Cincinnati Gardens. Performers included Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, Frankie Lymon, Clyde McPhatter, the Everly Brothers, LaVern Baker, the Drifters, Eddie Cochran, the Bobettes, Buddy Knox, Johnnie & Joe, the Spaniels, and Jimmy Bowen.
In 1958, at Atlantic Records studios in New York City, LaVern Baker recorded "I Cried A Tear," featuring saxophonist King Curtis.
In 1958, at Bell Sound Studio in New York City, Lloyd Price, backed by the Ray Charles Singers, recorded "Stagger Lee."
In 1958, at the Capitol Tower Studios in Los Angeles, Frank Sinatra recorded "Mr. Success," "Sleep Warm" and "Where Or When."
In 1960, Nina Simone sang "I Loves You, Porgy" on CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show."
In 1961, Judy Garland started a 13-week run at #1 on the US album chart iwith "Judy At Carnegie Hall."
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In 1961, after George Martin insisted that session drummer Andy White took Ringo Starr's place, the Beatles returned to EMI Studios in London for a third attempt at recording their first single. "Love Me Do" was selected to be The Beatles' first A-side, with "P.S. I Love You" on the flip side (a reversal of the original plan). The single that was released on October 5th featured a version of "Love Me Do" with Ringo on drums, but the album ‘Please Please Me’ included a version with Andy White on drums.
In 1963, a two-record "bootleg" set of Bob Dylan songs, called 'The Great White Wonder' first appeared in a Los Angeles record store. It's believed to be the first bootleg album.
In 1964, Beatle George Harrison formed his own song publishing company, Harrissongs.
In 1964, a 16-year-old youth won a Mick Jagger impersonation contest at The Town Hall Greenwich. The winner turned out to be Mick's younger brother Chris Jagger. Can anyone say Ringer?
In 1965, the Beatles started a nine-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'Help!,' the group's sixth US chart topper.
In 1965, the Gentry's "Keep on Dancing" entered the Hot 100 where it stays for 13 weeks. It get up to #4. It will be the group's biggest hit.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones hit #1 in England with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
In 1966, the Rolling Stones performed "Paint It, Black" "Lady Jane," and "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In the Shadow?" on CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show."
In 1966, the Beatles' single "Yellow Submarine" was certified Gold.
In 1967, Frank Sinatra was denied credit at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas and breaks two teeth in the resulting fight.
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In 1967, filming began for the Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour.' There was no script, nor a very clear idea of exactly what was to be accomplished, not even a clear direction about where the bus was supposed to go. The film was made up along the way. Ringo Starr recalled: "Paul had a great piece of paper — just a blank piece of white paper with a circle on it. The plan was: 'We start here, and we’ve got to do something here...' We filled it in as we went along." The British public's reaction to the film was scathing. The film initially aired in the UK as a made-for-television film on BBC1. It was broadcast in black and white, although the film was shot in colour. The Beatles and the others they worked with on the film felt this was one of the main reasons it received bad reviews.
In 1967, the Beatles's "All You Need Is Love" was certified as a million-seller.
In 1968, the Beatles recorded 34 takes of "Glass Onion" in 1968. The song refers to several earlier Beatles songs, including "Strawberry Fields Forever," "I Am the Walrus," "Lady Madonna," "The Fool on the Hill" and "Fixing a Hole."
In 1970, Elvis Presley played Olympia Stadium in Detroit.
In 1971, Donny Osmond started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Go Away Little Girl." The singer's only US solo chart topper. The song had also been a #1 for Steve Lawrence in 1963.
Also in 1971, "The Jackson Five" animated TV series debuts on ABC. The show featured the voices of the five brothers.
In 1974, at London's Wembley Stadium, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell and the Band performed for 80,000 fans.
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In 1975, Janis Ian earns her first gold record for the album 'Between the Lines.' The album contains her single "At Seventeen," which was climbing the charts and ultimately peaking at #3.
In 1976, KC and the Sunshine Band went to #1 on the US singles chart with '(Shake Shake Shake), Shake Your Body," the group's third US #1 (a #22 hit in the UK).
In 1977, David Bowie accepted Bing Crosby's invitation to appear as a special guest on Bing's annual Christmas television special. Bowie and Bing sing duets on "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth." The songs were recorded for Crosby's album Merrie Olde Christmas LP. It was subsequently released as a single and has become a perennial holiday favorite.
In 1979, The Who made their first US concert performance since the death of drummer Keith Moon. It's at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey and with Kenny Jones on drums.
In 1982, "Valley Girl" by Frank Zappa and his daughter Moon Unit peaked at #32 on the singles chart.
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In 1983, John Cougar's 'American Fool' LP topped the charts. Cougar becomes the first artist in over a year and a half to have the #1 album, and two singles in the top ten, "Jack & Diane" and "Hurt So Good," in the same week. This was Mellencamp's last album to be released under the name John Cougar. His next album, 'Uh-Huh,' would be released under the name John Cougar Mellencamp.
In 1984, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, country music singer Barbara Mandrell was seriously injured in a head-on crash that killed the driver of the other car who had veered into her lane on the highway.
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen broke the attendance record at Philadelphia's Spectrum when 16,800 fans attend the first of six sold-out shows.
In 1987, Elton John's 'Greatest Hits Volume 3' was released.
In 1987, Prince's Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis officially opened.
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In 1987, singer Peter Tosh, founding member of the reggae group the Wailers, was shot and killed in a botched burglary at his home. He was 42. Though robbery was officially said to be the reason behind Tosh's death, many believe that there were ulterior motives, citing the fact that nothing was taken from the house.
In 1988, Metallica opened their Damaged Justice world tour in Budapest, Hungary.
In 1988, Michael Jackson appeared at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England on his Bad World Tour. Over 3,000 fans were treated by the St. John Ambulance service for passing out, hysteria and being crushed amongst the crowd of 125,000 fans, the largest concert of the 123-date world tour.
In 1990, Bob Dylan released his 27th studio album, 'Under The Red Sky.'
In 1990, the Judds released the album 'Love Can Build a Bridge.'
In 1993, Mariah Carey started a eight week run at #1 on the US singles chart with 'Dreamlover'.
In 1995, Green Day told a British magazine that they turned down an invitation to perform on "Sesame Street" because "we couldn't handle a mosh pit full of 5 year olds."
In 1995, Janet Jackson's "Runaway" made history by becoming the first single by a woman to make its debut in the top 10 of Billboard's Hot 100.
In 1996, Noel Gallagher walked out on the rest of Oasis half way through an American tour after a fight with his brother Liam in a hotel in Charlotte North Carolina. Noel flew back to London the following day.
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In 1996, for the first time, a new single by a major recording artist was released exclusively on the Internet. David Bowie's "Telling Lies" was released on Bowie's web site, where it was available for 24 hours.
In 2000, the Jimi Hendrix Surround Sound Theater and Exhibit was opened at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2001, Dream Theater's album Live Scenes From New York was released but quickly pulled back after the original cover ironically pictured the New York skyline with the World Trade Towers on fire.
On this day in 2001, "I'm Real" by Jennifer Lopez f/ Ja Rule was the #1 song.
In 2001, Olivia Newton-John released the compilation album "Magic: The Very Best Of Olivia Newton-John."
In 2003, Tommy Chong, one-half of the comedy team of Cheech and Chong, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison and fined $20,000 for selling drug paraphernalia over the Internet. The 65 year-old Chong pled guilty to the charges last May. He remained free until April, 2004, when he went to jail.
In 2004, lyricist Fred Ebb died following a heart attack at age 76.
In 2006, a study from the University of Leicester found that more than a quarter of classical music fans had tried cannabis. Researchers were trying to find out what people's taste in music revealed about their lifestyles. The UK study also revealed that blues buffs are the most likely to have received a driving penalty. Hip hop and dance music fans were more likely to have multiple sex partners and were among the biggest drug-takers surveyed. More than 2,500 people were interviewed for the study, which was published in the scientific journal Psychology of Music.
In 2007, Ann Wilson of Heart released her first solo album, "Hope & Glory."
In 2012, drummer/songwriter/recording studio owner Johnny Perez, a member of the Sir Douglas Quintet, died of complications from cirrhosis of the liver at 69.
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birthdays today include (among others): Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead) (70), Leo Kottke (68), Dennis Tufano (Buckinghams) (67), Tommy Shaw (Styx, Damn Yankees) (60), Moby (born Richard Hall) (48), Harry Connick, Jr. (46), Richard Ashcroft (Verve) (42), Mark Klepaski (Breaking Benjamin) (38), Ludacris (born Christopher Bridges) (36) and Johnny Buckland (Coldplay) (36)
In 1952, Ahmet Ertegun began recording his newest signing, 21 year old Ray Charles at Atlantic Records on West 56th St in New York City. Ertegun had purchased the singers contract from the Swingtime label for $2,500.
In 1954, at Sun Studio in Memphis, Elvis Presley recorded "Good Rockin' Tonight."
In 1957, in Cincinnati, Alan Freed's "The Biggest Show of Stars For 1957" concert tour played the Cincinnati Gardens. Performers included Fats Domino, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, Frankie Lymon, Clyde McPhatter, the Everly Brothers, LaVern Baker, the Drifters, Eddie Cochran, the Bobettes, Buddy Knox, Johnnie & Joe, the Spaniels, and Jimmy Bowen.
In 1958, at Atlantic Records studios in New York City, LaVern Baker recorded "I Cried A Tear," featuring saxophonist King Curtis.
In 1958, at Bell Sound Studio in New York City, Lloyd Price, backed by the Ray Charles Singers, recorded "Stagger Lee."
In 1958, at the Capitol Tower Studios in Los Angeles, Frank Sinatra recorded "Mr. Success," "Sleep Warm" and "Where Or When."
In 1960, Nina Simone sang "I Loves You, Porgy" on CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show."
In 1961, Judy Garland started a 13-week run at #1 on the US album chart iwith "Judy At Carnegie Hall."
In 1961, after George Martin insisted that session drummer Andy White took Ringo Starr's place, the Beatles returned to EMI Studios in London for a third attempt at recording their first single. "Love Me Do" was selected to be The Beatles' first A-side, with "P.S. I Love You" on the flip side (a reversal of the original plan). The single that was released on October 5th featured a version of "Love Me Do" with Ringo on drums, but the album ‘Please Please Me’ included a version with Andy White on drums.In 1964, Beatle George Harrison formed his own song publishing company, Harrissongs.
In 1964, a 16-year-old youth won a Mick Jagger impersonation contest at The Town Hall Greenwich. The winner turned out to be Mick's younger brother Chris Jagger. Can anyone say Ringer?
In 1965, the Beatles started a nine-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'Help!,' the group's sixth US chart topper.
In 1965, the Gentry's "Keep on Dancing" entered the Hot 100 where it stays for 13 weeks. It get up to #4. It will be the group's biggest hit.
In 1965, the Rolling Stones hit #1 in England with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction."
In 1966, the Rolling Stones performed "Paint It, Black" "Lady Jane," and "Have You Seen Your Mother, Baby, Standing In the Shadow?" on CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show."
In 1966, the Beatles' single "Yellow Submarine" was certified Gold.
In 1967, Frank Sinatra was denied credit at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas and breaks two teeth in the resulting fight.
In 1967, the Beatles's "All You Need Is Love" was certified as a million-seller.
In 1968, the Beatles recorded 34 takes of "Glass Onion" in 1968. The song refers to several earlier Beatles songs, including "Strawberry Fields Forever," "I Am the Walrus," "Lady Madonna," "The Fool on the Hill" and "Fixing a Hole."
In 1970, Elvis Presley played Olympia Stadium in Detroit.
In 1971, Donny Osmond started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Go Away Little Girl." The singer's only US solo chart topper. The song had also been a #1 for Steve Lawrence in 1963.
Also in 1971, "The Jackson Five" animated TV series debuts on ABC. The show featured the voices of the five brothers.
In 1974, at London's Wembley Stadium, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell and the Band performed for 80,000 fans.
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In 1975, Janis Ian earns her first gold record for the album 'Between the Lines.' The album contains her single "At Seventeen," which was climbing the charts and ultimately peaking at #3.In 1977, David Bowie accepted Bing Crosby's invitation to appear as a special guest on Bing's annual Christmas television special. Bowie and Bing sing duets on "Little Drummer Boy" and "Peace on Earth." The songs were recorded for Crosby's album Merrie Olde Christmas LP. It was subsequently released as a single and has become a perennial holiday favorite.
In 1979, The Who made their first US concert performance since the death of drummer Keith Moon. It's at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, New Jersey and with Kenny Jones on drums.
In 1982, "Valley Girl" by Frank Zappa and his daughter Moon Unit peaked at #32 on the singles chart.
In 1983, John Cougar's 'American Fool' LP topped the charts. Cougar becomes the first artist in over a year and a half to have the #1 album, and two singles in the top ten, "Jack & Diane" and "Hurt So Good," in the same week. This was Mellencamp's last album to be released under the name John Cougar. His next album, 'Uh-Huh,' would be released under the name John Cougar Mellencamp.In 1984, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, country music singer Barbara Mandrell was seriously injured in a head-on crash that killed the driver of the other car who had veered into her lane on the highway.
In 1984, Bruce Springsteen broke the attendance record at Philadelphia's Spectrum when 16,800 fans attend the first of six sold-out shows.
In 1987, Elton John's 'Greatest Hits Volume 3' was released.
In 1987, Prince's Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis officially opened.
In 1988, Metallica opened their Damaged Justice world tour in Budapest, Hungary.
In 1988, Michael Jackson appeared at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England on his Bad World Tour. Over 3,000 fans were treated by the St. John Ambulance service for passing out, hysteria and being crushed amongst the crowd of 125,000 fans, the largest concert of the 123-date world tour.
In 1990, Bob Dylan released his 27th studio album, 'Under The Red Sky.'
In 1990, the Judds released the album 'Love Can Build a Bridge.'
In 1993, Mariah Carey started a eight week run at #1 on the US singles chart with 'Dreamlover'.
In 1995, Green Day told a British magazine that they turned down an invitation to perform on "Sesame Street" because "we couldn't handle a mosh pit full of 5 year olds."
In 1995, Janet Jackson's "Runaway" made history by becoming the first single by a woman to make its debut in the top 10 of Billboard's Hot 100.
In 1996, Noel Gallagher walked out on the rest of Oasis half way through an American tour after a fight with his brother Liam in a hotel in Charlotte North Carolina. Noel flew back to London the following day.
In 1996, for the first time, a new single by a major recording artist was released exclusively on the Internet. David Bowie's "Telling Lies" was released on Bowie's web site, where it was available for 24 hours.In 2001, Dream Theater's album Live Scenes From New York was released but quickly pulled back after the original cover ironically pictured the New York skyline with the World Trade Towers on fire.
On this day in 2001, "I'm Real" by Jennifer Lopez f/ Ja Rule was the #1 song.
In 2001, Olivia Newton-John released the compilation album "Magic: The Very Best Of Olivia Newton-John."
In 2003, Tommy Chong, one-half of the comedy team of Cheech and Chong, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison and fined $20,000 for selling drug paraphernalia over the Internet. The 65 year-old Chong pled guilty to the charges last May. He remained free until April, 2004, when he went to jail.
In 2004, lyricist Fred Ebb died following a heart attack at age 76.
In 2006, a study from the University of Leicester found that more than a quarter of classical music fans had tried cannabis. Researchers were trying to find out what people's taste in music revealed about their lifestyles. The UK study also revealed that blues buffs are the most likely to have received a driving penalty. Hip hop and dance music fans were more likely to have multiple sex partners and were among the biggest drug-takers surveyed. More than 2,500 people were interviewed for the study, which was published in the scientific journal Psychology of Music.
In 2007, Ann Wilson of Heart released her first solo album, "Hope & Glory."
In 2012, drummer/songwriter/recording studio owner Johnny Perez, a member of the Sir Douglas Quintet, died of complications from cirrhosis of the liver at 69.
