Born on this day 1893, Memphis blues artist Walter ‘Furry’ Lewis. He was the first guitarist to play with a bottleneck. He lost a leg in a railroad accident and once supported the Rolling Stones. Joni Mitchell wrote the song "Furry Sings The Blues" after him. Lewis died on September 14th 1981, aged 88.
In 1951, Welsh composer, singer and actor Ivor Novello died aged 58. He first became known for the song "Keep the Home Fires Burning," which he composed during World War I. The annual British songwriter award is named after him.
In 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford topped the UK singles chart with what music historians believe is the first Country tune to do so, "Give Me Your Word".
In 1957, the Diamonds become one of the first Canadian artists to have success in the US when their hit "Little Darlin" reaches #2 on the Billboard Pop chart and #3 on the R&B chart.
In 1959, the Drifters recorded "There Goes My Baby."
In 1962, at the Capitol Tower studios in Hollywood, Frank Sinatra recorded his final sides for Capitol Records. His last song at the session was "I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues."
In 1964, the Rolling Stones released the single "Not Fade Away" in North America.
In 1964, Elvis Presley's movie 'Kissin' Cousins' premiered.
In 1965, the Temptations went to #1 on the US singles chart with the Smokey Robinson penned "My Girl", making the group the first male act to have a chart topper for Motown Records. The single reached #43 in the UK.
In 1967, the Beatles recorded sound effects onto the song "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" at Abbey Road studios in London. The beginning audience murmurs and sounds of a band preparing for a performance are added, along with screams from a tape of the Beatles in concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
In 1967, singer Nelson Eddy died following a stroke at the age of 65.
In 1968, in New York City, the Rascals began recording "A Beautiful Morning." The track was completed two days later.
In 1970, the Beatles released "Let It Be" in the UK. (single)
In 1970, the Beatles' album "Hey Jude" was certified Gold.
In 1972, in Tokyo, Pink Floyd played the first night of a seven-date tour of Japan.
In 1973, John Lennon's visa extension is cancelled by the New York Office of the US Immigration Department, just five days after it was granted.
Also in 1973, an attempt to bring Elvis Presley to the UK for shows at London's Earl's Court failed when promoters were told that Elvis had US tour and filming commitments. The real reason was that Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, was an illegal US immigrant and would not leave the country for fear he would not be allowed back in.
On this day in 1974, "Seasons In The Sun" by Terry Jacks was the #1 song.
Also in 1974, Jim Stafford's single "Spiders & Snakes" was certified Gold.
In 1975, the Average White Band, a Scottish group playing Funk music, are awarded a Gold record for the instrumental "Pick Up the Pieces," which was #1 on the Cash Box Best Sellers chart this week.
Also in 1975, Led Zeppelin is awarded a Gold record for the double disc album 'Physical Graffiti.' The LP would eventually be certified as 16 times Platinum for sales of over 8 million copies.
In 1976, after placing 28 songs in the Top 40 of Billboard's Pop chart, the Miracles make the list for the last time when "Love Machine" went to the top. Their run included seven Top 10 hits and two number ones. "Love Machine" made it to #3 in the UK.
In 1976, EMI Records re-released all 22 British Beatles singles. In addition "Yesterday" was released for the first time on 45 in the UK.
In 1978, Billy Joel was awarded a rare platinum single for "Just The Way You Are."
In 1982, Billboard Magazine tells us that Dick Clark has donated the podium he stood behind on the original American Bandstand to the national museum at the Smithsonian.
In 1991, George Michael played the first of four sold-out nights at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan on his Cover to Cover world tour.
In 1993, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle went to #1 on the US singles chart with "A Whole New World' (Aladdin's Theme)." The single ended Whitney Houston's 14-week run at the top of the charts.
In 1995, during a 12-date tour of Australian and New Zealand, Pearl Jam played at Perth Entertainment Centre, Perth, Australia.
In 1998, a special concert was held at Carnegie Hall featuring the children of rock greats including Jen Chapin (Harry Chapin), Marvin Gaye III (Marvin Gaye), Wendy and Carnie Wilson (Brian Wilson), Issac Hayes III and Heather Hayes (Isaac Hayes) and Rachid (Ronald Bell of Kool & the Gang).
In 1999, Monica had the US #1 single with "Angel Of Mine," Britney Spears held the UK #1 position with "...Baby One More Time."
In 2000, Eric Clapton was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the third time, after receiving previous honors as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream.
In 2001, Led Zeppelin was named as "the most bootlegged band" when 422 illegal albums were counted. The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and The Beatles were next in line with over 350 unauthorized titles available.
Also in 2001, Mike "Smitty" Smith, the original drummer for Paul Revere and the Raiders died of natural causes at his home in Hawaii at the age of 58.
In 2001, a bad day for Napster. They are sued by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and a federal judge says that, as soon as he has a list of infringing titles, Napster will have 72 hours to remove them from their site.
In 2001, a man who hid for 24 hours in the rafters of a Cathedral and secretly filmed the Christening of Madonna's baby appeared in court. Security staff discovered the man after the ceremony when he made a noise as he climbed down from the rafters.
In 2007, according to Dr. Bill Bass, a forensic anthropologist hired by the son of J.P. Richardson, The Big Bopper suffered massive fractures and likely died immediately in the 1959 plane crash that also killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens. Jay Richardson had hired Dr. Bass of the University of Tennessee to look into rumors that a gun may have been fired on board the plane and that the Big Bopper might have survived the crash and died while trying to get help. Dr. Bass' report says that those rumors are groundless. "There was no indication of foul play. [He] died immediately. He didn't crawl away." Jay Richardson was pleased with the findings, saying "I was hoping to put the rumors to rest."
In 2008, a UK charity warned that nine out of ten young people had experienced the first signs of hearing damage after listening to loud music. The RNID said more should wear ear plugs to protect their hearing, without spoiling their appreciation of music. Experts said prolonged exposure to noise over 85 decibels would harm hearing over time. Music played in concerts, bars and clubs was often above this level.
In 2009, Michael Jackson was mobbed by screaming fans as he took his two youngest children to see Oliver! at Drury Lane. The youngest two of Jackson's three children - seven-year-old Prince Michael II (known as Blanket) and 11-year-old Paris, hid their faces as they were escorted through the crowd. Jackson was in London, England to announce his series of summer concerts at the O2. Jackson died three weeks before the shows were to start.
In 2010, Mark Linkous, frontman with band Sparklehorse committed suicide by shooting himself in the heart outside a friend's house in Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1996 Linkous "died" for two minutes after ingesting a mix of Valium and antidepressants while supporting Radiohead on tour in the UK. He recovered, but the incident left him paralysed, after lying unconscious for 14 hours, with circulation to his legs cut off. He suffered a heart attack when doctors tried to straighten the limbs, and he had surgery seven times to save his legs.
In 2012, Bruce Springsteen released 'Wrecking Ball,' his 17th studio album. It was named best album of 2012 by Rolling Stone and along with the album's first single, "We Take Care of Our Own," was nominated for three Grammy Awards
In 2013, country-folk singer "Stompin'" Tom Connors died at the age of 77.
In 2013, guitarist/singer Alvin Lee of Ten Years After died of complications that arose following routine surgery at age 68.
