Today In History
In 1956
Elvis Presley finished filming his first movie, "Love Me Tender."
In 1957
Jerry Lee Lewis recorded the hit "Great Balls of Fire."
In 1962
Little Richard began a gospel tour of England, which marked his return to rock 'n' roll.
The Beatles taped a segment for Radio Luxembourg's "Friday Spectacular" show.
In 1964
Roy Orbison's "Oh, Pretty Woman" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.
Ringo Starr took and passed his driving test.
In 1966
The Rolling Stones' "Have You Seen Your Mother Baby" broke into the Top 40.
Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels released the medley "Devil With a Blue Dress/Good Golly Miss Molly."
In 1968
"Mama" Cass Elliot played her first solo concert at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. However, her two-week run at the venue was cut short because she became ill and the band wasn't playing well.
The Beatles were in the studio working on the song "The Continuing Story of Bungalo Bill." Yoko Ono provided what became the first female "lead vocal" on a Beatles song.
In 1971
John Lennon released the single "Imagine" in the UK.
In 1977
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page denied rumors that the group was breaking up, and lashed out at the press for reporting that he was dabbling in black magic.
Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" peaked at number 30 on the pop singles chart.
The Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love" and Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bayou" broke into the Top 40.
In 1978
New album releases included Billy Joel's "The Stranger" and Styx's "Pieces of Eight."
In 1979
Fleetwood Mac's album "Tusk" was rushed to stores ahead of schedule because songs were mysteriously leaked to FM radio stations.
In 1983
Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" broke into the Top 40.
In 1985
Little Richard was seriously injured when his sports car ran into a phone pole in West Hollywood. The rock 'n roll legend had apparently fallen asleep at the wheel of his car.
In 1987
Chuck Berry received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In addition, his movie "Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll" had its premiere.
In 1988
Keith Richard made a solo appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."
Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side Of The Moon" fell off the Billboard 200 album chart. It had been on the chart for nearly 15 years
Cheap Trick's "Don't' Be Cruel" peaked at number four on the pop singles chart.
In 1991
New releases included Eric Clapton's album and video "24 Nights" and John Mellencamp's album "Whenever We Wanted."
In 1992
The U.S. Postal Service announced plans to honor rock pioneers with a series of stamps featuring Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, Ritchie Valens, Otis Redding, Clyde McPhatter, and Dinah Washington.
In 1994
Cheap Trick and Iggy Pop were among those participating in the pay-per-view special "A Tribute To Elvis."
In 1997
Paul McCartney revealed in an interview that he hated being called "Sir," and almost turned down the knighthood he received earlier in the year.
In 1998
Black Sabbath released the album "Reunion."
In 2001
Sammy Hagar postponed his annual birthday bash at his club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, because of the destruction left behind following Hurricane Juliette. The event was to have taken place on October 12th and 13th.
In 2002
Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and James Taylor teamed up to file a lawsuit against the Vivendi Universal-owned website MP3.com, claiming the site had been illegally offering their music.
Convicted killer Mark David Chapman, who is in prison for the murder of John Lennon, went before the New York State parole board asking for early an release. He was denied.
New releases included Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' album "The Last DJ," Vanilla Fudge's album "The Return," and Kansas' live CD and DVD "Device Voice Drum."
In 2003
Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr appeared at the UK premiere of the movie "The Concert for George," the film of the 2002 benefit tribute that took place on the first anniversary of George Harrison's death.
In 2004
Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood joined Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings on stage in London, performing seven songs with the group. Stones drummer Charlie Watts was in the audience for the show.
Elton John, Billy Preston, Stevie Wonder, and Al Green were among those who took part in the taping of "Genius: A Night For Ray Charles" for a TV special honoring the late R&B great. The concert was staged at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
In 2005
Little Richard played a homecoming show at the Macon Music and Heritage Festival in Macon, Georgia. It was his first concert in his hometown in four years.
The late Badfinger drummer Mike Gibbins was honored at "A Service of Remembrance" at the Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home in Oviedo, Florida. He died four days earlier at his Florida home.
In 2007
Paul McCartney received the Q Icon trophy at the British "Q" Awards 2007 ceremony in London. The Arctic Monkeys, Amy Winehouse, and Muse were among the winners at the event.< |