Music History - June 30

In 1922, A.C. "Eck" Robertson became the first fiddler and country musician to record. He set down eight tracks for the Victor Talking Machine Company.

In 1939, at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore, Frank Sinatra made his first public appearance with the Harry James band.

In 1948, the use of transistors to replace tubes was announced by Bell Labs, making the transistor radio possible. Their pocket size sparked a change in popular music listening habits, allowing people to listen to music anywhere they went. 

In 1953, the Orioles recorded "Crying in the Chapel."

In 1956, police are called to deal with a series of fights that broke out at the Asbury Park Convention Hall in New Jersey during a show by Bill Haley And His Comets. City council will later vote to ban all Rock 'n' Roll concerts.

In 1957, the Everly Brothers sang "Bye Bye Love" on CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1962, Pat Boone's "Speedy Gonzales" enters the Billboard Hot 100 where it will reach #6. It was a song that Pat had to plead with his producer Randy Wood to let him record after he had first heard it in The Philippines. The tune would prove to be Boone's last Top 40 entry after a run of 7 years and 37 other hit singles.

In 1965, ABC-TV's afternoon music show "Where the Action Is" welcomed guest performers Jackie DeShannon, Eddie Hodges, and the Velvelettes.

In 1965, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chad & Jeremy, Jackie Wilson, the Righteous Brothers, Glen Campbell, the Blossoms, Donna Loren, and Bobby Sherman performed on ABC-TV's primetime music program "Shindig!"

In 1966, the Beatles played the first of three concerts at the Nippon Budokan Hall, Japan. The concert was filmed with The Beatles wearing black suits. The following day's first performance was also filmed; with The Beatles wearing white suits. There was a strict police presence with 3,000 police observing each concert played in front of 10,000 fans.

In 1966, the Supremes started the studio recording of "You Keep Me Hangin' On." The track was completed on August 1, 1966. The song became the group's eighth #1 single when it topped the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart for two weeks in the US in November of 1966  The original version was #339 on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

In 1966, Neil Diamond and the Cryan' Shames performed on ABC-TV's "Where the Action Is."

In 1969, Fleetwood Mac, Pentangle and Duster Bennett all appeared at London's Royal Albert Hall 'Pop Proms.'

In 1971, Paul Revere And The Raiders receive a Gold record for their only US #1 hit, "Indian Reservation." The song, written by John D. Loudermilk, had been a US #20 hit and had reached #3 in the UK for Don Fardon in 1968.

In 1972, the Rolling Stones began their seventh North American tour with a concert in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In 1973, George Harrison knocked Paul McCartney from the top of the US singles chart with "Give Me Love, Give Me Peace On Earth" (his second US #1 hit) .

In 1973, Sly and the Family Stone released their sixth album 'Fresh.' The album's biggest hit was "If You Want Me to Stay." Other notable tracks include "Frisky" and "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be." George Clinton has listed 'Fresh' as one his favorite albums and in 2003, the album was ranked #186 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

In 1975, Cher married Greg Allman four days after her divorcing Sonny Bono. She filed for divorce nine days later, citing his heroin and liquor problems, but they reconciled and remained married until 1979. They had one son, Elijah Blue, on July 10, 1976

Also in 1975, the Jackson Five announced that they were leaving Motown Records for Epic Records. The brothers were forced to change their name to The Jacksons since Motown owned the other name.

In 1976, police raided the home of Neil Diamond searching for drugs. After a three hour search, they found nothing. Some of the officers involved left with an autograph.

In 1976, Stuart Goddard, (Adam Ant), placed the following ad in the classified section of the Melody Maker, 'Beat on a bass, with the B-Sides.' Andy Warren answered the ad and the pair went on to form Adam and The Ants.

In 1977, Kiss released the LP 'Love Gun.' It is notable for being their first album to feature a lead vocal performance from Ace Frehley and it was the first Kiss album to feature lead vocal performances from all four band members. It was also the last studio album to feature the entire original Kiss lineup on every track. A cardboard "Love Gun" (assembly required) was included inside the album. The album cover was painted by fantasy artist Ken Kelly.  The LP was certified Platinum, two weeks after its release.

Also in 1977, Marvel Comics published a Kiss comic book.  The popular rumor of the day was that red ink was mixed with small amounts of blood from each group member, which turned out to be a hoax. However, Kiss merchandise became a substantial source of income for the group and some of the products released included a pinball machine, Kiss dolls, "Kiss Your Face Makeup" kits, Halloween masks, board games, bubble gum trading cards, and many other pieces of memorabilia. Membership in the Kiss Army, the band's fan club, was in the six figures. Between 1977 and 1979, worldwide merchandise sales (in-store and on tour) reached an estimated $100 million.

In 1978, Martin Mull hosted NBC-TV's "The Midnight Special," with guest performers Jethro Tull, Robert Palmer, Flo & Eddie, and Mink De Ville.

In 1978, United Artists released the Buzzcocks single "Love You More," at 1 minute 29 seconds it was the second shortest single ever released. Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs 1960 hit "Stay" was the shortest hit at one minute 28 seconds.

In 1979, one of the first records to use a synthesized drum track, "Ring My Bell," reached #1 in the US for Anita Ward. It also topped the charts in the UK.

In 1979, Donna Summer held the number two and number three positions on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls." She was the first solo entertainer to hold two of the top three positions simultaneously.

In 1980, Queen released their eighth studio album 'The Game.' It was the only Queen album to reach #1 in the US and became their best selling studio album in the US with four million copies sold. Notable songs on the album include the bass-driven "Another One Bites the Dust" and the rockabilly "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," both of which reached #1 in the US.

In 1981, forty-five year old Jerry Lee Lewis was rushed to a Memphis hospital, suffering from a hemorrhaging stomach ulcer. After two operations, he would recover and was back in the studio recording an album for MCA Records four months later.

In 1983, after a ten-year split, the Everly Brothers announced that they would be reuniting for a concert at London's Albert Hall. The pair had parted company after Phil smashed his guitar and walked off the stage during a 1973 performance.

In 1984, Huey Lewis and the News went to #1 on the US album chart with 'Sports'.

In 1986, Madonna released the album 'True Blue.' The album was an immediate global success, reaching #1 in then record-breaking 28 countries across the world, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK and the US. The album's singles and their accompanying music videos have sparked debates among scholars and social groups and it remains one of the best-selling albums of all time with sales of more than 25 million copies worldwide.

In 1986, Steve Winwood released his fourth solo album, 'Back in the High Life.'

In 1987, the "La Bamba" soundtrack album was released. The first six songs consist of Los Lobos covers of Ritchie Valens' songs: "La Bamba,""Come On Let's Go,""Ooh My Head,""We Belong Together,""Framed" and "Donna." Other performers include: Howard Huntsberry, Marshall Crenshaw, Brian Setzer, and Bo Diddley performing a new version of his blues classic "Who Do You Love?"

In 1989, the Beatles sued Dave Clark to stop him from selling a recording of the show Ready Steady Go that featured the group.

In 1989, police were called in to control over 4,000 Bobby Brown fans trying to see him at the HMV Record store in London's Oxford Street.

In 1989, the Stone Roses played at Leeds Polytechnic in England. The gig almost didn't take place after a security man wouldn't let singer Ian Brown into the gig.

In 1989, 26 year old Paula Abdul was the featured performer of the Club MTV: Live show in Miami. Her debut album 'Forever Your Girl' was also climbing towards the top of the Billboard chart.

In 1990, New Kids On The Block started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Step By Step," the group's third US #1 hit.

In 1990, police raided Chuck Berry's estate and seized homemade porn videos, drugs and guns.

In 1991, Frank Zappa performed with Hungarian musicians as the country celebrated the withdrawal of Soviet troops after 46 years of occupation.

In 1993, Kenny Chesney signed with Capricorn Records, his first recording contract.

In 1994, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam testified at a congressional hearing concerning rising concert ticket prices.

In 1995, soul singer Phyllis Hyman committed suicide by overdosing on pentobarbital and secobarbital in her New York City apartment aged 45. She was found hours before she was scheduled to perform at the Apollo Theatre, in New York.

In 1998, the Black Eyed Peas released their debut album 'Behind the Front.'

In 1998, System Of A Down released their self-titled debut album. The album is featured in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

In 1998, Lucinda Williams released her fifth album 'Car Wheels on a Gravel Road.' It was recorded in Nashville and Canoga Park, California. Williams co-produced the album, which includes guest appearances by Steve Earle and Emmylou Harris.  The album won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album, and was Willams' first album to go gold. In 2003, the album was ranked #304 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

In 1999, an Eric Clapton & Friends concert with Sheryl Crow and Bob Dylan at NY's Madison Square Garden raised $1 million for Clapton`s drug rehab clinic in Antiqua.

In 2000, nine people were crushed to death at a Copenhagen Pearl Jam concert. People push forward because they can’t hear due to broken speakers. Vocalist Eddie Vedder had told the audience to move back but to no avail.

In 2001, jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson died of heart failure after a long battle with emphysema at 64.

In 2001, Beach Boys member Al Jardine went to court in a bid to sue his former band mates, claiming he had been frozen out of the Beach Boys. The $4 million suit was filed against Mike Love, Brian Wilson, the Carl Wilson Trust and Brother Records Incorporated in a New York Superior Court. In 1998 a US judge temporarily barred Jardine from performing under the name “Beach Boys Family And Friends” after representations from Mike Love and Brother Records. Jardine lost the case in 2003.

In 2001, legendary guitarist and producer Chet Atkins died in Nashville (age 77). He recorded over 100 albums during his career, produced records for Perry Como, Elvis Presley, Don Gibson, Jim Reeves and Waylon Jennings and was a major influence on George Harrison and Mark Knopfler.  Among many honors, Atkins received 14 Grammy Awards as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, nine Country Music Association Instrumentalist of the Year awards, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.

In 2004, Gloria Estefan announced she was retiring from the road after her Live and Re-Wrapped Tour.

In 2004, Kinks founder member Dave Davies was left paralysed on the right-hand side of his body after suffering a stroke. The 57-year-old guitarist and brother of fellow Kinks star Ray Davies had been promoting his solo material when he collapsed.

In 2005, the record industry said Led Zeppelin has sold 107.5 million albums in the US. That secures the #3 spot on the all-time list. Only the Beatles (168.5 million) and Elvis Presley (116.5 million) have done better.

In 2006, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers are honored in an exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland. "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers: Thirty Years of Rock and Roll," displays the flowered shirt Petty wore for the "Free Fallin'" video and a gray jacket from his time in the Traveling Wilburys.

In 2006, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were on hand for the premiere performance of Love, the Beatles-themed Las Vegas production featuring the Cirque du Soleil troupe. At the end of the show, McCartney takes the stage and declares, "This is for John and George!"

In 2007,  R.E.M. played a five-night series of shows at Dublin's Olympia Theatre. Dubbed ‘working rehearsals’ by the band, many songs from their forthcoming album ‘Accelerate’ were debuted, with many of them still as works in progress.

In 2008, a long lost ’64 interview with John Lennon and Paul McCartney was broadcast on the BBC. In the interview McCartney expounds on their songwriting technique. “Normally, we sit down and try and bash one out,” says the Beatles' bassist. He adds that sometimes each writes a complete song on his own – though they both take credit for it.

U2’s 2009 worldwide stadium trek in support of "No Line On The Horizon" began in Barcelona, Spain. U2 360° featured an innovative in-the-round configuration. The 90,000 in attendance hear a 22-song set that includes a two song-tribute to the recently deceased Michael Jackson. "We wrote this one for Billie Holiday but we are going to play it tonight for Michael Jackson," says Bono before the group performs “Angel Of Harlem.” "Unspeakable talent, that's all there is to say, really," concludes the singer. "Angel" morphs into Jackson hits "Man In The Mirror" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." 

In 2009, music licensing agency, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), determined that Queen’s “We Will Rock You” was the most played song at NFL (football), MLB (baseball) and NHL (hockey) games during the previous 12-month period.

In 2010, singer Ditta Zusa Einzinger, who recorded under the stage name Lolita, died at age 79.

In 2011, Canada Post issued stamps honoring Canadian recording artists Bruce Cockburn, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Ginette Reno, and Robbie Robertson.

In 2011, singer Jimmy Roselli died from complications of a heart ailment at age 85.

In 2012, Bob Dylan began his European summer tour at England's Hop Farm Festival and surprised fans by performing half the show seated at a grand piano, the biggest change in his stage presentation in a decade.

In 2012, one of Paul McCartney's iconic violin shaped Hofner bass guitars sold for more than $64,000 US at a fundraiser for music charity Nordoff Robbins. Exactly which one of Macca's guitars it was is unclear, as he has been known to have acquired several copies of the Hofner 500/1 over the years.

birthdays today include (among others):  Glen Shorrock (Little River Band) (70), Andy Scott (Sweet) (65), Stanley Clarke (63), Adrian Wright (Human League) (58), Doug Sampson (Iron Maiden) (57), Phil Anselmo (Pantera) (46), Andy Knowles (Franz Ferdinand) (33) and Fantasia Barrino (30)