(Aug. 14)
Today's musical birthdays include Dash Crofts, one half of Seals and Crofts, in 1940 (age 62); David Crosby, whose real last name is van Cortland, in 1941 (age 61); country's Connie Smith also in 1941 (age 61); Gil Bridges of Rare Earth in 1942 (age 60); Vanilla Fudge's Tim Bogert in 1944 (age 58); Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone, as well as Graham Central Station, in 1946 (age 56); and George Newsome of the Climax Blues Band in 1947 (age 55).
Today in music history:
In 1956, Eddie Cochran was signed to appear in the movie "The Girl Can't Help It," alongside a galaxy of other early rock 'n' roll stars -- including Little Richard, Fats Domino and Gene Vincent.
In 1958, Gladys Presley, Elvis' mother, died from a heart attack.
In 1965, the McCoys' "Hang On Sloopy" was released.
In 1970, Stephen Stills was arrested on drug charges at a motel in La Jolla, Calif., near San Diego.
In 1976, Nick Lowe's "Heart of the City" became the first single released on the new Stiff Records label.
In 1987, a 39-year-old Chicago woman who called herself "Billie Jean Jackson" filed a $150 million paternity suit against Michael Jackson.
In 1988, John Mellencamp became a grandfather at the age of 37.
In 1990, jazz musician Tito Puente received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 1991, a judge in San Fernando, Calif., refused to lower bail for Rick James. The pop/funk singer was accused in the torture and sexual assault of a woman he and his girlfriend allegedly held captive for three days at his Hollywood Hills home.
Also in 1991, a consumer fraud lawsuit was filed against the promoter of a July 27 concert in Chicago where most of the advertised acts -- including Aretha Franklin and Little Richard -- didn't show up.
And in 1991, singer Tony Orlando's second wife, Francine, gave birth in Los Angeles to the couple's first child -- a girl they named Jenny Rose.
In 1992, Tony Williams -- original lead singer with The Platters -- died at age 64 from emphysema complicated by diabetes.
In 1993, country's Wynonna Judd was presented with a plaque commemorating the fact that her solo debut album "Wynonna" had gone triple platinum.
In 1995, Beach Boy Brian Wilson was presented with BMI's highest honor -- the President's Award -- at the Los Angeles screening of the documentary "Brian Wilson: I Just Wasn't Made For These Times."
In 1996, Aerosmith announced the hiring of Wendy Laister as the band's new manager. Laister replaced Tim Collins, who'd been fired two weeks earlier.
Topping the charts on this date:
Teddy Bear - Elvis Presley (1957), I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher (1965), The Morning After - Maureen McGovern (1973), Jessie's Girl - Rick Springfield (1981).
Today's musical quiz:
Prior to Crosby Stills and Nash (and, at one point, Young), David Crosby was a founder of what 1960s group? Answer: The Byrds.
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