In 1955, at the "Louisiana Hayride" in Shreveport, "Colonel" Tom Parker got his first look at a young singer named Elvis Presley singing "Hearts Of Stone,""That's All Right," and "Tweedle Dee."
In 1955, citing the recent success of white pop cover versions of R&B hits, Billboard magazine reported that "music with an R&B beat is no longer regarded as a passing phase by major recording firms."
In 1957, at Webster Hall in New York City, Perry Como recorded "Round And Round."
In 1958, the Champs released the single "Tequila." It became a #1 hit on both the pop and R&B charts at the time of its release and continues to be strongly referenced in pop culture to this day.
In 1958, the Everly Brothers made their debut on British TV in 1958, appearing on The Perry Como Show.
In 1960, singer Bobby Darin was pictured on the cover of LIFE magazine.
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In 1964, Vee Jay records filed a lawsuit against Capitol and Swan Records over manufacturing and distribution rights to Beatles recordings.
In 1964, singer/songwriter/trombonist/bandleader Jack Teagarden died of a heart attack at 58.
In 1965, at the Columbia Recording Studios in New York City, Bob Dylan completed three days of sessions for his fifth studio album, 'Bringing It All Back Home.'
In 1965, Murray the K, a New York deejay known as the "Fifth Beatle" told the "New Musical Express" that "outside of the Beatles, British bands can't carry a show by themselves."
In 1965, the Who's first single (with Jimmy Page on guitar), "I Can't Explain," was released in Britain. The record was ignored until the Who appeared on the TV program "Ready, Steady, Go," where Pete Townsend smashed his guitar and Keith Moon overturned his drums. "I Can't Explain" rose to #8 on the British chart, selling 100,000 copies in six weeks. The single was much less successful on the Billboard Hot 100 reaching only #93.
In 1966, Petula Clark's "My Love" entered the Billboard chart, where it would become her second #1 hit. Back home in the UK, it reached #4. Despite the success, Petula was later quoted as saying that she never liked the song and didn't want it released at all.
The Rolling Stones received their third gold record in 1966 for the album 'December's Children.' It featured the tunes "Get Off My Cloud,""Route 66,""As Tears Go By" and "I'm Free."
In 1967, the Buckinghams began recording "Don't You Care." The song reached #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart
In 1967, Roy Orbison and Sheb Wooley star in the Michael Moore produced movie The Fastest Guitar Alive, which premiered in New York. In his only acting role, Orbison is a Confederate spy who carries a bullet-shooting guitar and a bag of gold to smuggle across the Wild West.
Also in 1967, Donovan appeared at The Royal Albert Hall, London, Paul McCartney and George Harrison both attended the show.
In 1968, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded "Too Much Monkey Business."
In 1969, after George Harrison announced on January 10 that he was quitting the Beatles and failed to show up for recording sessions on January 13th, 14th and 15th, the band held a meeting at Ringo Starr's house where they urged Harrison to come back. George agreed to re-join the band under the provision that they give up the idea of a live concert, and move the filming of "Let It Be" to the Beatles' new studio at Apple headquarters.
In 1971, in Chicago, the band Chase, featuring vocalist Terry Richards, recorded "Get It On."
In 1972, Don McLean's "American Pie" started a four week run at #1 in the US singles chart. Although Don McLean never actually said so, most assumed he was singing about Buddy Holly's death as "The day the music died". When asked what "American Pie" meant, McLean replied, "It means I never have to work again." He later said "You will find many interpretations of my lyrics, but none of them by me... sorry to leave you all on your own like this, but long ago I realized that songwriters should make their statements and move on, maintaining a dignified silence."
In 1972, Jonathan Edwards only Billboard hit, "Sunshine," topped out at #4, earning a Gold Record for one million sales. At a time of the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon, many folks could relate to the lyrics "He can't even run his own life, I'll be damned if he'll run mine."
In 1973, the Rolling Stones announced they'll put on a benefit concert for the people of Managua, Nicaragua, which had been devestated by an earthquake back on December 23. Nicaragua is the home of Jagger's wife, Bianca.
In 1973, Brownsville Station, described by leader Cub Koda as "Chuck Berry filtered through three madmen," earned a gold record in 1974 for their only hit "Smokin' in the Boys' Room."
In 1973, the Four Tops released the single "Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)."
In 1976, guitarist Joe Walsh makes his debut with the Eagles. He’s onboard for the group’s Australia/Japan tour. Glenn Frey would later say "I personally thought that adding Joe Walsh was a dangerous move. 90% of the people who heard about it couldn't figure out how it was ever going to work."
The Eagles went to #1 on the US album chart in 1977 with 'Hotel California' the group's third US #1 album. The record was nominated for album of the year, but lost to Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours.'
In 1977, David Bowie released his 11th studio album, 'Low.'
In 1977, UK singer Leo Sayer went to #1 on the US singles chart with "You Make Me Feel Like Dancing." It was the first of two US #1's for the singer.
In 1982, Harry Wayne Casey, leader of KC and the Sunshine Band, was partially paralyzed in an automobile accident in Hialeah, Florida. His recovery took almost a year.
In 1982, in Boston, the Police played Boston Garden with the Go-Go's as their opening act.
In 1982, at Groundstar Laboratory in Nashville, Ronnie Milsap recorded "Any Day Now."
In 1983, Men At Work started a four week run at #1 in the US singles chart with "Down Under," the Australian act group's second US #1, also a #1 in the UK.
In 1991, Sean Lennon's remake of his father's "Give Peace A Chance" was released to coincide with the United Nation's midnight deadline for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. The lyrics are updated to reflect concerns of the 1990's.
In 1992, Dee Murray, long time bassist for Elton John, died of cancer. He was 45.
In 1992, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Booker T. & The MG's, Johnny Cash, Bill Graham, Jimi Hendrix, The Isley Brothers, Sam And Dave and The Yardbirds are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during ceremonies at New York's Waldorf Astoria hotel.
In 1993, lyricist Sammy Cahn, responsible for such Oscar-winning songs as "Call Me Irresponsible,""Three Coins in the Fountain" and "All the Way," died in Los Angeles (age 79).
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In 1996, orchestra leader Les Baxter died in Newport Beach, California, of a heart attack brought on by kidney failure at age 73.
In 1996, organist Artie Dunn, last surviving original member of the instrumental trio the Three Suns, died at age 73.
In 1998, harmonica player Junior Wells died (born Amos Blakemore). He worked with Muddy Waters, Van Morrison, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt and The Rolling Stones.
In 2002, the Statler Brothers announced they would be retiring from touring after their current dates.
In 2003, songwriter/singer Doris Fisher, who performed with the Eddie Duchin orchestra and was so popular in the 1940s she was called the "Queen of the Jukebox," died at the age of 87.
In 2003, soul singer Lou Rawls was arrested in Albuquerque, New Mexico and charged with one count of battery on a household member. A woman told officers that she and Rawls had been talking about their relationship at a hotel they were staying at, when the conversation escalated into a shoving match. Rawls posted bail and was later released.
In 2007, a lyric sheet to the Beatles'"While My Guitar Gently Weeps," handwritten by George Harrison, goes for $300,000 at an auction in Scottsdale, AZ. Producer George Martin's score for the version of "Weeps" created for the Beatles''Love' soundtrack album was also sold. A military tunic worn by John Lennon sells for $350,000 while a set of Beatles suits dating from '64 go for $30,000.
In 2010, 73-year-old country music legend Charlie Daniels suffered a stroke while snowmobiling in Durango, Colorado. Daniels also placed six songs on the Billboard Top 40, including 1979's "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" which climbed to #3. He recovered and was released from hospital 2 days later.
In 2013, Sony Music Entertainment won a legal case against two British hackers who downloaded close to 8,000 unreleased files by and about Michael Jackson. Two men in their mid-20s were sentenced to 100 hours of community service.
