In 1950, at the Capital Recording Studio in Hollywood, Kay Starr recorded "Bonaparte's Retreat."
In 1957, the Bobbettes recorded "Mr. Lee."
In 1959, "Cash Box" magazine began using a red 'bullet' on its record charts to indicate the records that have the strongest upward movement each week.
In 1963, John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote "From Me To You" on a bus while touring with singer Helen Shapiro.
In 1963, in Hollywood, Sam Cooke recorded "Another Saturday Night."
In 1964, Peter & Gordon released "A World Without Love." It is one of two Lennon-McCartney songs to reach number one in the US by an artist other than the Beatles. The other is "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" by Elton John.
In 1964, the Yardbirds played at the Rhythm and Blues Festival at The Town Hall, Birmingham, England.
In 1968, singer/actress Juanita Hall died of diabetes complications at 66.
In 1970, after the family of the late Ferdinand von Zeppelin threatens a lawsuit, Led Zeppelin performs in Copenhagen, Denmark as The Nobs.
In 1970, in an interview with the New Musical Express, Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green talked about his plans to give all his money away. The following year Green confronted his accountant with a gun after he sent him an unwanted royalty check. The guitarist went to jail briefly before being transferred to an asylum and was committed to a mental hospital in 1973. He re- launched his career in the 90's.
Also in 1970, billed as 'David Bowie's New Electric Band' (so new they haven't got a name yet), David Bowie played at the Basildon Arts Lab experimental music club at the Basildon Arts Centre in Essex, England. Also on the bill were High Tide, Overson and Iron Butterfly.
In 1974, 28 year old Bobby Bloom dies of a gunshot wound to the head. His death was originally thought to be suicide, but is now considered accidental. Bloom had the 1970 US #8 & UK #3 single "Montego Bay."
In 1976, Rhythm Heritage went to #1 on the US singles chart with "Theme From SWAT."
In 1976, Paul Simon's 'Still Crazy After All These Years' in named Best Pop Vocal Performance and Album Of The Year at the 18th annual Grammy Awards. In his acceptance speech, Simon tells the audience "I'd like to thank Stevie Wonder for not releasing an album this year."
In 1977, Ray Charles is attacked onstage by a man who tried to strangle him with a microphone cord. The man was a member of a group called Project Heavy, a community program for disadvantaged youths. They promised that the matter would be handled within the organization and no charges were laid.
In 1984, doo-wop singer Joey Vann (Joseph Canzano), lead vocalist of the Duprees, died at age 40.
In 1984, John Denver hosts the Grammy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Michael Jackson wins 8 statues, including Best Album for 'Thriller' and Best Record for "Beat It". The Police's "Every Breath You Take" wins Best Song and Culture Club wins Best New Artist.
In 1985, David Byron, vocalist and co-founder of the British Rock band Uriah Heep, suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 38.
In 1986, George Michael announce the break-up of Wham! over the coming summer.
On this day in 1987, "Livin' On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi was the #1 song.
In 1988, in Calgary, singer k.d. Lang performed at the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
In 1989, Bob Dylan recorded the first sessions for the 'Oh Mercy' album at The Studio, New Orleans, Louisiana. What became Dylan's 26th studio album, released by Columbia Records in September 1989 was produced by Daniel Lanois.
In 1991, the Record Plant recording studio in Hollywood closed. Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' album was among the major works recorded there.
In 1994, Eric Clapton played his 100th performance at London's Royal Albert Hall, in aid of the 'Children In Crisis', charity.
In 1996, Grammy award winners included Alanis Morissette who won album of the year for 'Jagged Little Pill' best female rock vocal & best song for 'You Oughta Know', Nirvana's 'Unplugged won best alternative album and Coolio best rap performance with 'Gangsta's Paradise.' Additionally, the original members of Kiss appeared at the ceremony; the first time in 17 years that the band had appeared in full make-up and costumes.
In 1996, singer/drummer Phil Collins left the band Genesis.
In 1998, Cornershop went to #1 on the UK singles chart with "Brimful Of Asha." This song is based upon the history of film culture in India.
In 2000, in Los Angeles Superior Court, Céline Dion filed suit against the National Enquirer. The papers claimed an "intentional infliction of emotion distress, invasion of privacy, and unfair business practices." The headline that brought the suit was "Céline: I'm Pregnant With Twins."
In 2002, violinist/composer Helmut Zacharias died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at age 82.
In 2005, Chris Curtis, drummer, vocalist and charismatic front man for the 1960s pop group the Searchers, passed away at the age of 63. His band placed seven songs in Billboard's Top 40 including "Love Potion Number Nine" and "Needles And Pins".
In 2007, the Doors were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboardist Ray Manzarek were on hand, along with Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman, who signed the band and worked closely with them in the studio. Drummer John Densmore did not attend the event.
In 2008, Mike Smith, keyboard player and lead vocalist for The Dave Clark Five died of pneumonia less than two weeks before the band was to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was 64.
Also in 2008, at Buckingham Palace in London, Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) medal by Prince Charles.
Also in 2008, former Culture Club front man Boy George (O'Dowd) pleaded not guilty to charges of false imprisonment at a hearing in London, England. Prosecutors alleged that George tied a male escort to a bed after accusing him of obtaining private photos from his laptop. The 46 year old singer would be found guilty in January, 2009 and sentenced to 15 months in prison.
In 2010, Neil Young made a surprise appearance at the closing of the Vancouver Olympic Games where he sang "Long May You Run" as the Olympic flame was extinguished.
