Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe (July 31) Today's musical birthdays include Bob Welch, former guitarist with Fleetwood Mac who later went solo, was born in 1946 (age 56); Gary Lewis, of Gary Lewis and the Playboys and also Jerry Lewis's son, also in 1946 (age 56); Herman's Hermits' Karl Green in 1947 (age 55); Electric Light Orchestra's Hugh MacDowell in 1953 (age 49); guitarist Daniel Ash, with Bauhaus and also Love and Rockets, in 1957 (age 45); and former REM drummer Bill Berry in 1958 (age 44). Advertisement Today in music history: In 1964, police in Belfast, Northern Ireland, shut down a Rolling Stones concert after 12 minutes when fans being rioting. Also in 1964, country singer Jim Reeves was killed in a plane crash. He was 39. In 1967, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were released from jail after spending a month locked up on drug possession charges. Richards' conviction was later overturned, while Jagger was given a conditional discharge. In 1980, John Philips of the Mamas and the Papas was arrested at his Long Island, N.Y., summer home and charged with running a pill-pushing ring. He was later convicted. Advertisement In 1981, Blondie lead singer Deborah Harry released a solo album--"Koo Koo"--produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic. The album sleeve featured a picture of Harry with long needles penetrating her cheeks. In 1990, Harry Nilsson was charged with drunk driving in Beverly Hills, Calif. Also in 1990, Joe Cocker organized and performed at a benefit concert to help his adopted hometown of Santa Barbara, Calif., recover from a wildfire. In 1993, Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickie Betts was arrested after a fight with his wife at a Saratoga Springs, N.Y., hotel. He pleaded innocent to the charges but left the group to undergo alcoholism treatment. In 1996, the New York City medical examiner confirmed it was an overdose of alcohol and drugs that killed Smashing Pumpkins backing keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin earlier in the month. Also in 1996, rap artist LB--real name, Seagram Miller--was gunned down in Oakland, Calif. He was 26. In 1998, the Beastie Boys launched their North American tour in Seattle in support of their fifth CD "Hello Nasty." In 2000, Christina Aguilera's first headlining concert tour kicked off in Kansas City. Also in 2000, Britney Spears helped launch a Web site for young girls and teenagers with a live online chat and a behind-the-scenes look at her "Oops, I Did It Again Tour 2000." Advertisement Topping the charts on this date: Rock Around The Clock -- Bill Haley and his Comets (1955), Surf -- Jan and Dean (1963), It's Too Late/I Feel The Earth Move -- Carol King (1971), Bad Girls - Donna Summer (1979). Today's musical quiz: Who sang backing vocals on Bob Welch's 1977 single "Sentimental Lady"? Answer: His Fleetwood Mac colleagues, Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham.
