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Today in Music: a look back at pop music

By United Press International
Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter

(Nov. 25)

Today's birthdays include Percy Sledge, who was born in 1941 (age 61); Electric Light Orchestra's Bev Bevan in 1946 (age 56); and Amy Grant in 1960 (age 42).

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Today's musical milestones:

In 1955, Bill Haley's "Rock Around the Clock" topped the British music charts.

In 1961, the Everly Brothers joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

In 1968, the Beatles album popularly known as the "white album" was released in the United States.

In 1969, John Lennon returned his MBE -- Member of the British Empire -- medal to protest British involvement in the civil war in Biafra and British support of the Vietnam War.

In 1976, Rick Wakeman rejoined Yes.

Also in 1976, The Band's "The Last Waltz" -- its last concert together -- was held in San Francisco's Winterland ballroom. The show was recorded and later released as a triple album. It was also filmed by director Martin Scorsese. It had its DVD debut in 2002.

In 1983, singer, actor and trumpter Johnny "Scat" Davis died at age 73.

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In 1984, British musicians led by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure recorded the anti-famine fundraiser "Do They Know It's Christmas?"

In 1991, a sprained ankle forced Rod Stewart to cancel his concert in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills, Mich.

In 1992, crooner Andy Williams announced that his upcoming Christmas tour would be his last.

In 1994, the Rolling Stones' pay-per-view concert aired live from Miami.

Also in 1994, Stevie Wonder appeared in the 67th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

In 1995, Whitney Houston's "Exhale" debuted No. 1 on the music charts.

In 1996, Bruce Springsteen performed the first of two benefit concerts in Asbury Park, N.J. The money raised went to a local boys and girls club.

In 1997, Boyz II Men spend the afternoon serving an early Thanksgiving dinner to families living in a homeless shelter.

In 1998, Spin magazine executive editor Craig Marks told New York police that he'd been assaulted by Marilyn Manson's bodyguards, two days after the rocker threatened him. He said he didn't know why Manson was mad at him or his magazine.

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In 1999, Yoko Ono unveiled a multimedia exhibit of her work at the Israeli Museum in Jerusalem.

In 2000, Marilyn Manson's drummer, Ginger Fish, suffered a broken collarbone during a show at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom. It happened when Marilyn Manson tore down the drum set during the concert's finale and Fish went with it.


Topping the charts on this date:

Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin (1959), Incense and Peppermints - Strawberry Alarm Clock (1967), That's the Way (I Like It) - KC and The Sunshine Band (1975), All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Ritchie (1985).


Today's musical quiz:

What was so precedent setting about the Beatles' "white album"? Answer: It had 30 songs -- more than anyone had ever put on an album before.

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