In 1941, Gene Krupa & His Orchestra, featuring vocalist Irene Daye, recorded "Drum Boogie."
In 1960, nearly 20 million people watch Cliff Richard and the Shadows perform on Sunday Night At The London Palladium, where the singer is presented a Gold record for his hit, "Living Doll."
In 1955, Les Baxter and his orchestra recorded "Unchained Melody." Reaching #1, it was the most successful of the four versions of the song that charted that year. The others were by Al Hibbler (peaked at #3), Roy Hamilton (#6), and June Valli (#29).
In 1956, in Los Angeles, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra recorded Cole Porter's "Well Did You Evah?" for the soundtrack of the Crosby-Sinatra-Grace Kelly movie "High Society."
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In 1963, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts and Ian Stewart perform together for the first time at London's Marquee Jazz Club.
In 1964, the Rolling Stones released their first EP, which included, "You Better Move On,""Poison Ivy,""Bye Bye Johnny' and "Money." It peaked at #15 on the UK chart.
In 1966, NBC-TV in the US bought the Monkees series, placing it on their 1966 autumn schedule.
In 1967, 40-year-old David Mason recorded the piccolo trumpet solo for The Beatle's "Penny Lane" at Abbey Road Studios in London. He was paid 27 pounds, 10 shillings ($42) for his performance. In August, 1987, the trumpet he used was sold at a Sotheby's auction for $10,846.
In 1967, the Daily Mail ran the story about a local council survey finding 4,000 holes in the road in Lancashire inspiring John Lennon's contribution to the Beatles song "A Day In The Life."
Also in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded a session for Radio Luxembourg's Ready Steady Radio. The band ran up a bar bill of $6.21, which they were unable to pay.
In 1968, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded "U.S. Male." As with Presley's previously released single, "Guitar Man," the song was written and originally recorded by Jerry Reed, who played lead guitar on both Elvis sessions.
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On January 17, 1969, the Beatles released the 'Yellow Submarine' album. Only one side of the album contains songs performed by the Beatles; of the six, four were previously unissued. "Yellow Submarine" had been simultaneously issued in 1966 as a single and on the album 'Revolver,' and "All You Need Is Love" had been issued as a single in 1967. The second side features the symphonic film score composed by George Martin, in versions recorded specifically for the album.
In 1969, "Lady Samantha" was released in England. It was one of the very first recordings by Reginald Kenneth Dwight, better known as Elton John.
In 1969, the book Ode to a High Flying Bird by Charlie Watts was released. It was a tribute to Charlie Parker.
In 1970, the Doors played the first of several shows at the Felt Forum in New York City. The shows were recorded for use on their 'Absolutely Live' album.
In 1970, Billy Stewart and three of his band members were killed when their car went out of control and off a bridge over the River Neuse in North Carolina.
In 1971, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Marvin Gaye sang the US National Anthem before Super Bowl V. The Baltimore Colts beat the Dallas Cowboys, 16-13, in the first Super Bowl played on artificial turf.
In 1972, a section of Bellevue Boulevard in Memphis was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. The remaining length of road kept its original name after protests from the Bellevue Baptist Church. In 1976, Elvis released an album called "From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee", which was recorded at his home studio at Graceland.
In 1973, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Perry Como began recording Don McLean's "And I Love You So." The track was completed two days later.
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In 1973, Charlie Rich released the single "Behind Closed Doors." The single became Rich's first #1 hit on the country charts, spent 20 weeks on this chart, and also became a crossover hit on the pop charts.
In 1974, Dino Martin, singer and son of Dean Martin, was arrested on suspicion of possession and sale of two machine guns. He was arraigned and released the next day on $5,000 bail.
In 1976, Barry Manilow had the #1 record in the US with "I Write The Songs." Although he wrote many of his hits, he didn't write this one, Bruce Johnson of The Beach Boys did and Manilow has always been quick to point out that fact.
Also in 1976, Earth Wind and Fire started a three-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'Gratitude.'
In 1979, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton announced their plan to record an album together called "Trio." They finally made the album eight years later.
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In 1981, Mötley Crüe formed when bass guitarist Nikki Sixx left the band London and began rehearsing with drummer Tommy Lee and vocalist, guitarist Greg Leon, (who later left). Sixx and Lee then added guitarist Bob "Mick Mars" Deal. Vince Neil accepted an offer to join (after turning them down) in April of this year.
In 1982, Tommy Tucker died, aged 48, after being overcome by poisonous fumes while he was renovating the floors of his New York home. He had written the 1964 US #11 hit "Hi Heel Sneakers."
In 1983, the rise in popularity of Country music was evident at The American Music Awards, where Kenny Rogers took home three citations, Willie Nelson was given two and Alabama was named Favorite Band.
On this day in 1990, "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Michael Bolton was the #1 song.
In 1990, Hank Ballard, The Four Seasons, The Four Tops, The Kinks, Simon and Garfunkel, The Platters and The Who are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1992, "Michael Jackson…the Legend Continues" aired on CBS-TV.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton's Inauguration ceremonies featured a free outdoor concert with performances by Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, and Diana Ross.
In 1994, Donny Osmond fought the Partridge Family's Danny Bonaduce in a charity boxing match in Chicago, IL. Bonaduce won a split decision.
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In 1995, Shania Twain released her first hit single, "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under," written by her then-husband Mutt Lange. The song became Twain's first hit at country radio, peaking at #11.
In 1996, David Bowie, Tom Donahue, The Jefferson Airplane, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Willie John, Pink Floyd, Pete Seeger, The Shirelles and The Velvet Underground are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1998, Savage Garden started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Truly Madly Deeply."
In 1998, musician/songwriter/record producer/music publisher/artist manager/Country Music Hall of Famer Cliffie Stone died following a heart attack at age 80.
In 1999, Garth Brooks' first TV special, "This Is Garth Brooks," aired on NBC.
In 2003, Charlie Webber of The Swingin' Medallions, died of cancer at the age of 57. The group is best known for their 1966 hit, "Double Shot Of My Baby's Love".
Also in 2003, a long-lost recording featuring John Lennon and Mick Jagger was set to spark a biding war at a London auction. The acetate record was recorded in 1974 with Jagger singing the blues song "Too Many Cooks" and Lennon playing guitar. The track had never been release because the two artists were both signed to different record companies.
In 2011, Don Kirshner, the songwriter, manager, publisher and music executive who helped launch the careers of Neil Diamond, Bobby Darin, Carole King, Neil Sedaka, The Monkees, The Archies and Kansas, died of heart failure at the age of 76.
In 2012, disc jockey/bandleader/drummer/singer/songwriter Johnny Otis died at the age of 90.
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birthdays today inlcude (among others): Chris Montez (71), William Hart (Delfonics) (69), Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones) (65), Steve Earle (59), Paul Young (58), Susanna Hoffs (Bangles) (55), John Crawford (Berlin) (54), Andy Rourke (Smiths) (50), Ricky Wilson (Kaiser Chiefs) (36), John Wysocki (Staind) (43) and Kid Rock (born Robert Ritchie) (43)
In 1960, nearly 20 million people watch Cliff Richard and the Shadows perform on Sunday Night At The London Palladium, where the singer is presented a Gold record for his hit, "Living Doll."
In 1955, Les Baxter and his orchestra recorded "Unchained Melody." Reaching #1, it was the most successful of the four versions of the song that charted that year. The others were by Al Hibbler (peaked at #3), Roy Hamilton (#6), and June Valli (#29).
In 1956, in Los Angeles, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra recorded Cole Porter's "Well Did You Evah?" for the soundtrack of the Crosby-Sinatra-Grace Kelly movie "High Society."
In 1964, the Rolling Stones released their first EP, which included, "You Better Move On,""Poison Ivy,""Bye Bye Johnny' and "Money." It peaked at #15 on the UK chart.
In 1966, NBC-TV in the US bought the Monkees series, placing it on their 1966 autumn schedule.
In 1967, 40-year-old David Mason recorded the piccolo trumpet solo for The Beatle's "Penny Lane" at Abbey Road Studios in London. He was paid 27 pounds, 10 shillings ($42) for his performance. In August, 1987, the trumpet he used was sold at a Sotheby's auction for $10,846.
In 1967, the Daily Mail ran the story about a local council survey finding 4,000 holes in the road in Lancashire inspiring John Lennon's contribution to the Beatles song "A Day In The Life."
Also in 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded a session for Radio Luxembourg's Ready Steady Radio. The band ran up a bar bill of $6.21, which they were unable to pay.
In 1968, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Elvis Presley recorded "U.S. Male." As with Presley's previously released single, "Guitar Man," the song was written and originally recorded by Jerry Reed, who played lead guitar on both Elvis sessions.
In 1969, "Lady Samantha" was released in England. It was one of the very first recordings by Reginald Kenneth Dwight, better known as Elton John.
In 1969, the book Ode to a High Flying Bird by Charlie Watts was released. It was a tribute to Charlie Parker.
In 1970, the Doors played the first of several shows at the Felt Forum in New York City. The shows were recorded for use on their 'Absolutely Live' album.
In 1970, Billy Stewart and three of his band members were killed when their car went out of control and off a bridge over the River Neuse in North Carolina.
In 1971, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Marvin Gaye sang the US National Anthem before Super Bowl V. The Baltimore Colts beat the Dallas Cowboys, 16-13, in the first Super Bowl played on artificial turf.
In 1972, a section of Bellevue Boulevard in Memphis was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. The remaining length of road kept its original name after protests from the Bellevue Baptist Church. In 1976, Elvis released an album called "From Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee", which was recorded at his home studio at Graceland.
In 1973, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Perry Como began recording Don McLean's "And I Love You So." The track was completed two days later.
In 1974, Dino Martin, singer and son of Dean Martin, was arrested on suspicion of possession and sale of two machine guns. He was arraigned and released the next day on $5,000 bail.
In 1976, Barry Manilow had the #1 record in the US with "I Write The Songs." Although he wrote many of his hits, he didn't write this one, Bruce Johnson of The Beach Boys did and Manilow has always been quick to point out that fact.
Also in 1976, Earth Wind and Fire started a three-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'Gratitude.'
In 1979, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton announced their plan to record an album together called "Trio." They finally made the album eight years later.
In 1982, Tommy Tucker died, aged 48, after being overcome by poisonous fumes while he was renovating the floors of his New York home. He had written the 1964 US #11 hit "Hi Heel Sneakers."
In 1983, the rise in popularity of Country music was evident at The American Music Awards, where Kenny Rogers took home three citations, Willie Nelson was given two and Alabama was named Favorite Band.
On this day in 1990, "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Michael Bolton was the #1 song.
In 1990, Hank Ballard, The Four Seasons, The Four Tops, The Kinks, Simon and Garfunkel, The Platters and The Who are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1992, "Michael Jackson…the Legend Continues" aired on CBS-TV.
In 1993, President Bill Clinton's Inauguration ceremonies featured a free outdoor concert with performances by Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, and Diana Ross.
In 1994, Donny Osmond fought the Partridge Family's Danny Bonaduce in a charity boxing match in Chicago, IL. Bonaduce won a split decision.
In 1996, David Bowie, Tom Donahue, The Jefferson Airplane, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Willie John, Pink Floyd, Pete Seeger, The Shirelles and The Velvet Underground are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1998, Savage Garden started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Truly Madly Deeply."
In 1998, musician/songwriter/record producer/music publisher/artist manager/Country Music Hall of Famer Cliffie Stone died following a heart attack at age 80.
In 1999, Garth Brooks' first TV special, "This Is Garth Brooks," aired on NBC.
In 2003, Charlie Webber of The Swingin' Medallions, died of cancer at the age of 57. The group is best known for their 1966 hit, "Double Shot Of My Baby's Love".
Also in 2003, a long-lost recording featuring John Lennon and Mick Jagger was set to spark a biding war at a London auction. The acetate record was recorded in 1974 with Jagger singing the blues song "Too Many Cooks" and Lennon playing guitar. The track had never been release because the two artists were both signed to different record companies.
In 2011, Don Kirshner, the songwriter, manager, publisher and music executive who helped launch the careers of Neil Diamond, Bobby Darin, Carole King, Neil Sedaka, The Monkees, The Archies and Kansas, died of heart failure at the age of 76.
In 2012, disc jockey/bandleader/drummer/singer/songwriter Johnny Otis died at the age of 90.
