In 1914, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (known as ASCAP) was formed in New York City. The society was founded to protect the copyrighted musical compositions of its members.
Born on this day in 1920, Boudleaux Bryant, songwriter with his wife Felice. They wrote The Everly Brothers hits, "Bye Bye Love,""All I Have To Do Is Dream" and "Wake Up Little Susie" as well as "Raining In My Heart," which was a hit for Buddy Holly. Bryant died on June 25th 1987.
In 1940, Earl 'Fatha' Hines and his orchestra recorded the classic "Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues."
In 1955, in his first concert booked through Col. Tom Parker, Elvis Presley performed at the Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas, billed as "The Be-Bop Western Star of the Louisiana Hayride." Also performing were Buddy & Bob, a country duo featuring 18-year-old Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery.
In 1956, disc jockey/concert promoter Alan Freed signed a deal with Coral Records to compile and front four rock 'n' roll dance and party albums over the course of the next year.
In 1957, Cuban officials announce a ban on all rock and roll programs on television, calling the music "offensive to public morals and good customs." They would soften their stance a couple of days later, but strict guide lines were put in place.
In 1959, the Skyliners appeared on American Bandstand, performing their new release, "Since I Don't Have You." The song would climb to #12 on the Billboard Pop chart and #5 on the R&B chart.
In 1961, Lawrence Welk started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Calcutta."
In 1965, Gary Lewis recorded "Count Me In," which will climb to #2 on the Billboard chart by next May.
In 1965, Jr. Walker and The All Stars enter the US charts for the first time with "Shotgun," which will make it to #1 on the R&B chart and #4 on the Pop chart.
In 1966, the Rolling Stones appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show." The appearance had been taped the day before. The group performed " (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,""As Tears Go By," and "19th Nervous Breakdown."
In 1969, the Doors'"Touch Me" and Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People" were awarded Gold records.
In 1969, Mary Hopkin released the album "Postcard." A launch party for the album was held at the Post Office Tower in London with guests including Jimi Hendrix, Donovan, Paul McCartney and his new girlfriend Linda Eastman.
In 1971, the Osmonds started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "One Bad Apple." The group had been appearing on TV in the US from 1962, on the Andy Williams Show and then the Jerry Lewis show.
In 1972, Led Zeppelin was forced to cancel a concert in Singapore when officials wouldn't let them off the plane because of their long hair.
In 1972, the Greasy Truckers concert took place at the Roundhouse in London, featuring Man, Brinsley Schwarz and Hawkwind. The eveining was recorded and released as a double vinyl album, in a limited edition of 20,000 which sold at just £1.50. The release rapidly sold out, becoming a collector's item.
In 1973, during a concert in Las Vegas, Elvis Presley is suddenly taken ill. He is quickly attended to by Dr. Sidney Bowers, who was later presented with a white Lincoln Continental in appreciation for his services.
In 1974, David Bowie turned down an offer from the Gay Liberation group to compose 'the world's first Gay National Anthem.'
In 1975, at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, Jefferson Starship recorded the Marty Balin composition "Miracles."
On this day in 1975, "You’re No Good" by Linda Ronstadt was the #1 song.
In 1980, police raided the home of former Sex Pistol John Lydon who greeted them waving a ceremonial sword, the only illegal item they found was a canister of tear gas, claimed to be for defence against intruders.
In 1981, Steve Winwood's 'Arc Of A Diver' becomes the first album to be released in Britain in the new "1+1" format, which contains the artist's music on one side, while the other is left blank for the consumer to record on.
In 1981, Island Records introduced the "one-plus-one" cassette with an album on one side and the other side blank for recording.
In 1982, the 300 pound gravestone on the grave of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant was stolen from an Orange Park, FL, cemetery. Police found it two weeks later in a dry river bed.
In 1988, Michael Jackson bought a ranch in Santa Ynez, California that he called "Neverland."
In 1989, this years Brit Awards was hosted by Sam Fox and Mick Fleetwood in which just about everything went wrong - lines were fluffed and bands mis-cued onto the stage. Winners included Phil Collins who won British Male Solo Artist, British Female Solo Artist was Annie Lennox, Erasure won Best British Group, Best British Album went to Fairground Attraction for 'First Of A Million Kisses,' British Breakthrough Act was Bros, Michael Jackson won International Male, International Female went to Tracey Chapman and U2 won Best International Group. This was the last year the show was broadcast live.
In 1992, it was announced that Vince Neil was leaving Mötley Crüe. Neil then sued the band for 25% of their future profits and $5 million in damages for being fired. In 1997, with Neil's solo career and Mötley Crüe's fortunes both declining, he accepted their invitation to rejoin the band.
In 1993, founder member of Musical Youth, Patrick Waite died aged 24, of natural causes (hereditary heart condition), whilst awaiting a court appearance on drug charges. Scored the 1982 UK #1 and Grammy-nominated single "Pass the Dutchie."
In 1996, Take That split up, the biggest band of the 90s announced their demise in front of the world's press at The Hilton in Manchester, the band had achieved 7 #1 singles & 2 #1 albums. They released one more single and a Greatest Hits album. (Take That reformed in 1996 and have now scored another 5 #1 albums in the UK ).
In 1999, Blondie tops the UK chart with "Maria", giving them a British number one single in the '70s, '80s and '90s.
In 2002, Jennifer Lopez was at #1 on the US album chart with 'Jo To Tha L-o! The Remixes.'
In 2003, Australian police find stolen material from the Beatles White Album and Abbey Road sessions that were taken in 1969.
In 2004, Led Zeppelin were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's Grammys. Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham all attended. Robert Plant did not, since he was working on a new album and tour.
At the 47th Grammy awards in 2005, Ray Charles's duets album 'Genius Loves Company' won eight trophies, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year. Former Beach Boy's leader Brian Wilson won his first ever Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental for "Mrs. O'Leary's Cow" from his CD 'Smile,' the album he was forced to delay for nearly 40 years because of emotional problems. Led Zeppelin received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Guitarist Jimmy Page was on hand along with bassist John Paul Jones and the children of late drummer John Bonham. Other classic rockers who took home statues were Rod Stewart - Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for 'Stardust...The Great American Songbook Volume III' and Bruce Springsteen - Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance for "Code Of Silence" from his album 'The Essential Bruce Springsteen.'
In 2005, readers of UK newspaper The Sun voted George Michael’s "Careless Whisper" as the greatest British pop single of the past 25 years. Oasis came second with "Wonderwall" and Kate Bush third with "Wuthering Heights." The rest of the Top 10: #4, Robbie Williams, "Angels," #5, The Jam, "Going Underground," in equal 6th, The Sex Pistols, "God Save The Queen" and Joy Division, "Love Will Tear Us Apart," 7th was Queen, "We Are The Champions," 9th, The Stone Roses, "Fool’s Gold" and 10th The Undertones "Teenage Kicks,"
In 2007, Rod Stewart was paid $1million when he performed at a billionaire's birthday bash. Stewart was booked to play a one-hour gig to help Steve Schwarzman celebrate his 60th birthday held at New York's Park Avenue Armory.
In 2010, singer/songwriter/guitarist Philadelphia TV dance party host/record producer/record company executive Dale Hawkins, a cousin of fellow rockabilly pioneer Ronnie Hawkins, died of colon cancer at the age of 73.
In 2011, with appearances by Mick Jagger, Barbra Streisand, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry, the CBS broadcast of The Grammy Awards played to their largest audience in 10 years. 26.55 million viewers tuned in to see Country trio Lady Antebellum win Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year with "Need You Now".
In 2012, Adele won all six categories she was nominated for at this years Grammy Awards. The British singer won song of the year for "Rolling In the Deep," and also received Grammys for best pop solo performance for "Someone Like You," best pop vocal album and album of the year for '21,' and record of the year and best short form music video for "Rolling In the Deep."
In 2013, Lady Gaga was forced to postponed her world tour after sustaining an injury which left her unable to walk. The singer had severe inflammation of the joints, known as synovitis.
