Advertisement

Today in Music: a look back at pop music

By United Press International
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter

( (July 6)

Today's musical birthdays include the late Bill Haley, who was born in 1925; singer/actress Della Reese in 1932 (age 70); Gene Chandler in 1937 (age 65); Dr. Hook guitarist Rik Elswit in 1945 (age 57); singer/songwriter Nanci Griffith in 1953 (age 49); Spandau Ballet's John Keeble in 1957 (age 45); and Michael Grant of Musical Youth in 1969 (age 33).

Advertisement


Today in music history:

In 1954, at Sam Phillips' Sun Records in Memphis, Elvis Presley recorded his first single -- Arthur "Big Boy" Cruddup's "That's All Right Mama" backed with Bill Monroe's "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Presley had met Phillips seven months earlier when he made a demo at Phillips' open-to-the-public studio.

In 1957, John Lennon met Paul McCartney for the first time at a church event in Liverpool, England.

In 1964, the Beatles' first film -- "A Hard Day's Night" -- premiered in London.

Advertisement

In 1965, Jefferson Airplane was born in San Francisco. The original line-up was Marty Balin and Signe Anderson doing vocals, guitarist Paul Kantner, bassist Jack Casady and drummer Skip Spence.

In 1969, filming began in Australia on "Ned Kelly," with Mick Jagger making his movie debut in the title role.

In 1971, Louis Armstrong died at age 71.

In 1973, Queen's first single, "Keep Yourself Alive," was released.

In 1978, country singer Tammy Wynette married George Richey.

In 1984, the Jackson family launched its "Victory" tour in Kansas City, Mo.

Also in 1984, this was Tina Turner Day in Los Angeles.

In 1988, Roy Rogers traveled to his hometown of Cincinnati to help the city celebrate its bicentennial.

In 1992, Bruce Springsteen opened a series of five concerts in London, his first in four years.

In 1994, the National Library of Canada announced that Randy Bachman -- a founder of Bachman-Turner Overdrive -- had donated his entire collection of personal artifacts to the institution.

In 1995, in a statement, Pearl Jam said it was "disappointed" by the Justice Department's decision to drop its anti-trust probe of Ticketmaster.

Advertisement

In 1997, Sponge lead singer Vinnie Dombroski was arrested in Tulsa, Okla., after using the "f" word 11 times on stage during a performance at the R.O.A.R. tour festival. Prosecutors later decided not to press charges.

In 2000, Elton John held his Second Annual White Tie & Tiara Ball at Woodside, his palatial English estate overlooking Windsor Castle. The event benefited the Elton John AIDS Foundation.


Topping the charts on this date: "The Wayward Wind" by Gogi Grant (1956), "Song Sung Blue" by Neil Diamond (1972), "Coming Up" by Paul McCartney and Wings (1980.


Today's musical quiz:

What was the first theme song for the ABC sitcom "Happy Days"? Answer: "Rock Around the Clock," the Bill Haley tune credited by many with starting the rock 'n' roll era in 1955.

--------

(July 7)

Today's musical birthdays include former "Tonight Show" music director Doc Severinsen, who was born in 1927 (age 75); the late Mary Ford, Les Paul's wife and singing partner during the 1950s, was born in 1928; Weather Report keyboardist Josef Zawinul in 1932 (age 70); Ringo Starr in 1940 (age 62); Warren Entner of Grass Roots in 1944 (age 58); Argent bassist Jim Rodford in 1945 (age 57); guitarist Larry "Rhino" Rheinhardt of Iron Butterfly in 1948 (age 54); David Hodo of the Village People in 1950 (age 52); and Lynval Golding of Fun Boy 3 in 1952 (age 50).

Advertisement


Today in music history:

In 1954, Dewey Phillips, a disc jockey at Memphis radio station WHGB, played Elvis Presley's "That's All Right (Mama)." It marked the first time a Presley record had been played on the radio anywhere.

In 1968, the Yardbirds broke up -- leaving Jimmy Page to fulfill concert obligations with his own group. He initially called the band the New Yardbirds, but later dubbed it Led Zeppelin.

In 1971, Swedish pop stars Bjorn Ulvaeus and Agnetha Faltskog married in a Gothic church in the village of Verum, Sweden. Two years later, the couple joined Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad to form ABBA.

In 1980, exactly 12 years after the Yardbirds broke up, Led Zeppelin played its final gig -- in West Berlin.

In 1984, Franki Valli married Randy Clohessy.

In 1986, Boy George began substance abuse treatment at a secret site -- apparently for heroin addiction.

In 1992, the Red Hot Chili Peppers received eight nominations for the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards.

In 1993, the Recording Industry Association of America announced that Garth Brooks was the decade's leading recording artist, selling more than 24 million records.

Advertisement

Also in 1993, Paul Anka announced he was joining Garth Brooks' boycott of retailers selling used CDs.

In 1994, the fourth annual Lollapalooza rock music festival kicked off in Las Vegas.

In 1997, Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition pleaded guilty to resisting arrest following a scuffle with Louisville, Ky., police the previous February. He was ordered to perform 20 hours of community service.

In 2000, the wife of bad-boy rapper Eminem attempted suicide at the couple's suburban Detroit home following her husband's concert in nearby Auburn Hills, Mich. News reports said the incident may've been prompted by the bitter custody battle between Eminem and his mother over his 14-year-old half-brother.

Also in 2000, Bobby Brown was released from the North Broward, Fla., Detention Center, where he'd served 26 days for violating his parole in a 1996 drunk driving case.


Topping the charts on this date: "Rock Around The Clock" by Bill Haley and His Comets (1955), "Easier Said Than Done" by The Essex (1963), "It's Too Late/I Feel the Earth Move," by Carole King (1971),"Ring My Bell" by Anita Ward (1979).


Today's musical quiz:

Eminem prides himself on being from Detroit, but where was he born? Answer: Kansas City, Mo.

Advertisement

----------

(July 8)

Today's musical birthdays include Jerry Vale, who was born in 1932 (age 70); Steve Lawrence in 1935 (age 67); Allman Brothers Band drummer Jaimoe "Johanny" Johanson in 1944 (age 58); children's singer/songwriter Raffi (Cavoukian) in 1948 (age 54); Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode in 1961 (age 41); and Beck, whose last name is Hansen, in 1970 (age 32).


Today in music history:

In 1924, Uncle Dave Macon made his first recordings for Columbia Records.

In 1965, the Dave Clark Five movie "Catch Us If You Can" premiered in London. The film was retitled "Having A Wild Weekend" when it opened in the United States.

In 1978, Gerry Rafferty -- formerly with Stealer's Wheel -- topped the Billboard Top-200 albums chart with his "City to City" album.

In 1980, the Dead Kennedys' Jello Biafra ran for mayor of San Francisco. He lost.

In 1984, Van Morrison and U2's Bono joined Bob Dylan onstage in Dublin during the last concert of Dylan's tour. They sang "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue."

Also in 1984, Boy George appeared on CBS's "Face The Nation."

Advertisement

In 1985, Playboy and Penthouse raced to the newsstands -- each with nude photos of Madonna.

In 1986, Boy George's brother, Kevin O'Dowd, and his companion -- transvestite pop star Marylin -- were arrested in London on drug conspiracy charges.

In 1988, brothers Jonathan "Chico" DeBarge and Robert "Bobby" DeBarge were indicted in Grand Rapids, Mich., on charges of conspiracy to transport cocaine.

Also in 1988, Stevie Wonder repeated his statement that he'd probably run for mayor of Detroit in 1992. He didn't.

In 1991, Guns N' Roses played Dallas. It was the band's first concert since the July 2 riot in suburban St. Louis. Meanwhile, a fan filed a lawsuit against lead singer Axl Rose, saying the rocker assaulted him during the riot.

Also in 1991, the original members of the Fifth Dimension announced plans for their first concert since 1975.

Again in 1991, Sonny Bono's autobiography, "And The Beat Goes On," hit bookstores. It included the story of how Cher once asked Sonny to leave their Las Vegas hotel room so she could sleep with their guitarist. Sonny obliged by sleeping with the guitarist's girlfriend.

In 1992, rapper "Marky Mark" Wahlberg was charged with verbally assaulting a teenager in a Boston parking lot.

Advertisement

In 1996, rocker Meat Loaf and rapper LL Cool J took part in the first-ever All-Star Celebrity Softball Game in Philadelphia.

Also in 1996, a class-action lawsuit filed in Knoxville, Tenn., accused the nation's six largest makers of compact discs of conspiring to keep prices artificially high.

In 1998, rapper Foxy Brown and her mother were unhurt when two armed men burst into their Brooklyn, N.Y., home.

In 1999, famed Cleveland nightclub owner Leo Frank died, two weeks after the former site of his club, Leo's Casino, was designated a rock 'n' roll landmark. Frank is credited with helping to start the careers of such artists as Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.


Topping the charts on this date: "The Stripper" by David Rose (1962), "The Love You Save" by The Jackson 5 (1970), "Shadow Dancing" by Andy Gibb (1978), "There'll Be Sad Songs" by Billy Ocean (1986).


Today's musical quiz:

Beck's mother once hung out where? Answer: Beck's mom, guitarist Bibbe Hansen, was a regular at Andy Warhol's Factory.

--------

(July 9)

Today's musical birthdays include Ed Ames of the Ames Brothers, who was born in 1927 (age 75); Lee Hazlewood in 1929 (age 73); the late Donald McPherson of Main Ingredient was born in 1941; the late Bon Scott of AC/DC was born in 1946; Mitch Mitchell, drummer with the Jimi Hendrix Experience, also in 1946 (age 56); John Tesh in 1952 (age 50); Debbie Sledge, one of four sisters in Sister Sledge, in 1954 (age 48); Jim Kerr of Simple Minds and Soft Cell's Marc Almond, both in 1959 (age 43); singer/actress Courtney Love and Anthrax bassist Frank Bello, both in 1965 (age 37); and Musical Youth's Kevin Grant in 1971 (age 31).

Advertisement


Today in music history:

In 1955, "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley and His Comets was No.1 on the Billboard pop singles chart, then known as the "Best Sellers in Stores" chart. The event is considered by many to mark the beginning of the rock music era.

In 1956, this was Dick Clark's first official day as the regular host of "Bandstand" -- then based in Philadelphia.

In 1968, The Temptations played its first concert with new group member Dennis Edwards, who had replaced David Ruffin.

In 1972, Paul McCartney and Wings launched its first scheduled tour in Chateauvillon, France. It was McCartney's first scheduled live appearance since the Beatles' San Francisco concert in 1966.

In 1978, the Rolling Stones -- minus Bill Wyman -- jammed with Muddy Waters at a Chicago nightclub (the Quiet Knight).

In 1981, the Jacksons began a 36-city tour that earned $5.5 million. The road trip yielded the album "The Jacksons Live."

In 1984, Britain's Princess Anne visited the Los Angeles office and studios of Capitol Records. She was presented with a gold album.

In 1991, Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose interrupted the band's concert in Dallas after someone threw an empty whiskey bottle on stage. He lectured the audience about responsibility and safety.

Advertisement

In 1993, Barbra Streisand's 50th album, "Back to Broadway," debuted at No.1 on the charts.

In 1994, Meat Loaf was awarded a star on the "Walk of Fame" at Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe.

In 1996, Deep Purple performed "Smoke On the Water" at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. It was the first time the band had played the song in the Swiss city that inspired the tune.

Also in 1996, REO Speedwagon released "Building the Bridge," its first album in six years.

Again in 1996, Farm Dogs, Bernie Taupin's new band, released its first album -- "Last Stand in Open Country."

In 1997, Stanley Howse -- a.k.a. rapper Flesh-N-Bone of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony -- was arrested for a second time in less than a week. He was charged with intimidating a witness and possession of illegal explosives.

In 1998, Janet Jackson began her "Velvet Rope Tour" in Washington, D.C.

Also in 1998, Alice Cooper, Dave Koz and Kenny G played in a golf tournament at the Calabasas Country Club near Los Angeles. The event was a benefit for the T.J. Martell Foundation and Neil Bogart Memorial Fund for Chidren's Cancer Research.

Advertisement

In 1999, Tom Maxwell announced he had quit the Squirrel Nut Zippers. He said he left "with an open heart" but refused to discuss the reasons why.


Topping the charts on this date: "Quarter to Three" by U.S. Bonds (1961), "Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet": by Henry Mancini (1969), "Undercover Angel" by Alan O'Day (1977). "Sussudio" by Phil Collins (1985).


Today's musical quiz:

In her early teens, Courtney Love ended up in juvenile detention for what crime? Answer: She'd been caught stealing a KISS t-shirt from a department store.

-------

(July 10)

Today's musical birthdays include musician-composer Milt Buckner, who was born in 1915, jazz musician-arranger Dick Cary in 1916, Ian Whitcomb in 1941 (age 61); Moby Grape guitarist Jerry Miller in 1943 (age 59); Arlo Guthrie in 1947 (age 55); Ronnie James Dio of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath -- among others -- in 1949 (age 53); bassist Dave Smalley of the Raspberries also in 1949 (age 53); and Pet Shop Boys Neil Tennant in 1954 (age 48).


Today in music history:

In 1964, 200,000 people lined the route taken by the Beatles to a chic reception in Liverpool, England.

In 1965, "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" topped the charts -- becoming the Rolling Stones' first No.1 single.

Advertisement

Also in 1965, Sonny and Cher debuted on the pop singles charts with "I Got You Babe."

In 1967, Kenny Rogers left the New Christy Minstrels.

In 1968, Eric Clapton announced that Cream was breaking up.

Also in 1968, Nice was banned from playing London's Royal Albert Hall after burning an American flag on stage.

In 1974, David Bowie played a week of concerts in Philadelphia to promote his first U.S. Top-10 album, "Diamond Dogs." Several of the shows were recorded and released in album form later in the year as "David Live."

In 1975, Cher filed for divorce from Greg Allman. She accused him of seeing an old flame. They reconciled, and had a son, Elijah Blue, in 1977. The marriage eventually lasted about three years.

In 1979, Chuck Berry was sentenced to four months in jail after being convicted on income tax evasion charges.

In 1983, Bon Jovi signed with Mercury Records.

In 1984, Huey Lewis and the News sang the national anthem before baseball's All-Star game in San Francisco.

In 1986, the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia lapsed into a diabetic coma, brought on by what friends said was exhaustion and an abscessed tooth.

Advertisement

Also in 1986, it was reported that three women -- all claiming to be the widow of doo-wopper Frankie Lymon -- were fighting in a New York court over his estate.

In 1987, record company executive John Hammond died at age 76. It was Hammond who discovered Billie Holiday, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin and Bob Dylan. His nurse said he died listening to a Billie Holiday record.

In 1991, the owners/promoters of a suburban St. Louis amphitheater sued Guns N' Roses, claiming actions by the band led to the July 2 riot that injured 75 people. The rockers said poor security was to blame.

Also in 1991, Damn Yankees singer/bassist Jack Blades accidentally hit himself in the eye with his guitar. He ended up having surgery to repair the injury, which occurred during an encore in Louisville, Ky.

Again in 1991, Sea Lion Films announced an agreement to turn the book "Love, Janis" by Janis Joplin's sister, Laura, into a Broadway show about the life of the late rock singer.

In 1993, a Spanish newspaper reported Jerry Lee Lewis was booed offstage after he kicked a cameraman during a concert in La Coruna, Spain.

Advertisement

In 1997, Space resumed the U.S. concert tour that had been interrupted by health problems and a death in the family.

Also in 1997, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders married Colombian artist Lucho Brieva in London. She was 46, he 32.

In 1998, Variety reported Madonna had passed on the chance to play Maggie in the London production of "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof."

In 2000, two vandalism incidents in as many weeks led the families of dead Lynyrd Skynyrd rockers Ronnie VanZant and Steve Gaines to move their loved ones from an Orange Park, Fla., cemetery to a private location.


Topping the charts on this date: "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" by Connie Francis (1960), "This Guy's in Love with You" by Herb Alpert (1968), "Afternoon Delight" by Staland Vocal Band (1976).


Today's musical quiz:

What does the title of the Bon Jovi album "7800 Degrees Fahrenheit" refer to? Answer: That supposedly is the temperature of an exploding volcano.

---------

July 11)

Today's musical birthdays include actor/singer Tab Hunter, who was born in 1931 (age 71); Terry Garthwaite in 1938 (age 64); Commander Cody, whose real name is George Frayne, in 1944 (age 58); Deborah Harry, once and again with Blondie, in 1945 (age 57); Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1947 (age 55); Pointer Sister Bonnie Pointer in 1951 (age 51); Michael Rose of Black Uhuru and Peter Murphy of Bauhaus, both in 1957 (age 45); and Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora and Suzanne Vega, both in 1959 (age 43).

Advertisement


Today in music history:

In 1959, Joan Baez was recorded for the first time -- singing a duet with folk singer Bob Gibson at the Newport Folk Festival.

In 1964, the Supremes entered the pop charts for the first time with "Where Did Our Love Go?"

In 1967, Kenny Rogers announced the formation of his own band, the First Edition.

In 1969, Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsies -- featuring bassist Billy Cox and Buddy Miles on drums -- played a benefit for Biafra at Harlem's Apollo Theater.

In 1979, Neil Young's musical documentary "Rust Never Sleeps" premiered in Westwood, Calif.

In 1984, England's version of MTV, Music Box, began beaming its signal to Europe.

In 1988, Robert "Bobby" DeBarge was freed on bail on condition he enroll in a drug treatment program. He'd been arrested in Los Angeles on cocaine possession charges.

In 1991, a survey by the Unistar Radio Network found "Jailhouse Rock" was the No.1-requested Elvis Presley song -- followed by "Suspicious Minds," "Can't Help Falling In Love," "Love Me Tender" and "Heartbreak Hotel."

Also in 1991, songwriters Carole Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach filed for divorce after 10 years of marriage.

Advertisement

And in 1991, lyricist Roger Christian died in Los Angeles. He wrote the lyrics for the Beach Boys' "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Don't Worry Baby."

In 1992, the last of the original Ink Spots -- Herbert Kenny -- died of cancer at home in Columbia, Md. He was 77.

In 1994, a spokesman for Michael Jackson denied reports from the Dominican Republic that the pop star had married Lisa Marie Presley on the Caribbean island two months earlier.

In 1995, R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills underwent abdominal surgery in Germany, forcing the band to cancel its next seven dates on the "Monster" tour.

Also in 1995, the girlfriend of Blind Melon's Shannon Hoon gave birth to a baby girl in Los Angeles. She was the couple's first child.

In 1996, Porno for Pyros' New York concert was broadcast live over the Internet.

In 2000, in testimony before Congress, Metallica co-founder Lars Ulruch compared the ability to download music digitally for free via the Web site Napster to walking into a music store and stealing a CD. Metallica was suing Napster over alleged copyright violations.

Also in 2000, Motley Crue released "New Tattoo," its first studio album in three years.

Advertisement


Topping the charts on this date: "The Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton (1959), "Windy" by The Association (1967), "Love Will Keep Us Together" by The Captain and Tennille (1975), "Every Breath You Take" by The Police (1983).


Today's musical quiz:

Who "gave away" the bride at Elizabeth Taylor's 1991 wedding to Larry Fortensky? Answer: Michael Jackson.

-----------

(July 12)

Today's musical birthdays include classical pianist Van Cliburn, who was born in 1934 (age 68); Swamp Dogg in 1942 (age 60); Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac in 1943 (age 59); John Wetton of Asia in 1949 (age 53); and the late Eric Carr of Kiss in 1950.


Today in music history:

In 1943, Roy Rogers appeared on the cover of Life magazine.

In 1962, the Rolling Stones made its stage debut at London's Marquee Club. At the time, the band included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones -- who was using the name Elmo Lewis. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts joined later.

In 1968, Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees married Samantha Juste, the British woman he'd met on the set of a British TV show.

Advertisement

In 1969, Blind Faith played its first U.S. show at New York's Madison Square Garden.

In 1970, Janis Joplin -- having split from Big Brother and the Holding Company -- debuted with her new Full Tilt Boogie Band in Louisville, Ky.

In 1975, K.C. and the Sunshine Band debuted on the pop charts with "Get Down Tonight."

In 1977, Thin Lizzy headlined the Reading Rock Festival in England.

In 1979, Minnie Riperton died of cancer at age 31.

In 1986, as he was being treated for heroin use, Boy George was arrested by British narcotics agents and charged with possession of heroin.

In 1988, a Houston jury sided with country singer Mickey Gilley against his former manager. It ordered Sherwood Cryer to pay $17 million and remove Gilley's name from the famous Pasadena, Texas, nightclub.

In 1993, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince gave a concert at his Paisley Park Studios to benefit a Minneapolis community radio station.

Also in 1993, a man accused of stalking Janet Jackson was sentenced to two years in prison.

In 1994, the Rolling Stones released its "Voodoo Lounge" album. It was the band's first album in more than four years.

In 1996, Smashing Pumpkins backing musician Jonathan Melvoin died from a heroin overdose in a New York City hotel room. He was 34. Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was arrested on drug possession charges.

Advertisement

In 1997, John Denver's drunken driving trial in Aspen, Colo., ended in a hung jury.

In 1999, Smash Mouth performed at Boston's Fenway Park as part of the Major League Baseball All-Star game festivities. The band performed its new single "All Star."

Also in 1999, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst was arrested in St. Paul, Minn., after he allegedly kicked a security guard during a concert.

In 2000, the former 1970s pop singer once known as Cat Stevens was deported from Israel after Israeli authorities decided he was a threat to national security. Stevens -- now known as Yusef Islam -- had arrived in Jerusalem with a VH1 camera crew to film an episode of the "Behind the Music" series.


Topping the charts on this date: "Hard Headed Woman" by Elvis Presley (1958), "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles (1974), "Rock The Boat" by the Hues Corporation (1982), "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League (1982).


Today's musical quiz:

Did "Voodoo Lounge" win any Grammys? Answer: Yes. It was named Best Rock Album at the Feb. 1995 Grammy Awards.

--

Latest Headlines