Here’s the “This Day In Music” for the day. Enjoy.
Kev
Musician Birthdays: Dr. John (US singer/songwriter, pianist. Born in 1940), Bjork (Icelandic singer/songwriter. Born in 1965.)
– In 1954: American singer and actress Rosemary Clooney was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘This Ole House.’ This song was also a No.1 for Shakin’ Stevens in 1981. Her nephew, George Clooney was a pallbearer at her funeral in 2002.
– In 1969: The Doors played the first of two nights at the Felt Forum, Madison Square Garden, New York City
– In 1970: The Partridge Family started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I Think I Love You’. The song was featured in the first episode of the Partridge Family TV series, made by the same company that made The Monkees.
– In 1974: Wilson Pickett was arrested in New York City for possession of a dangerous weapon after he pulled a gun during an argument.
– In 1975: At the start of Elton John week in Los Angeles, the singer received a Star on Hollywood’s Walk Of Fame.
– In 1980: Don Henley was arrested after a naked 16-year old girl was found at his home in Los Angeles suffering from a drug over-dose, he received a $2,000 fine with two years probation.
– In 1981: Olivia Newton John started a ten week run at No.1 in the US singles chart with ‘Physical’, the singers fourth US No.1 went on to sell over 2 million copies, a No.7 hit in the UK.
– In 1983: Michael Jackson’s 14-minute video for ‘Thriller’, was premiered in Los Angeles.
– In 1987: Billy Idol knocked Tiffany from the No.1 single position on the US singles chart with his version of Tommy James ‘ Mony Mony’. Tiffany had been at No.1 with another Tommy James song ‘ I Think We’re Alone Now.’
– In 1988: Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page set out on his first ever-solo tour at The Hummingbird, Birmingham, appearing with John Miles and the son of Zeppelin drummer John Bonham, Jason Bonham.
– In 1991: Aerosmith made a guest appearance in the Simpson’s TV animated comedy.
– In 1995: Legendary manager of Led Zeppelin Peter Grant died from a heart attack aged 60. Known as being one of the shrewdest and most ruthless managers in rock history, Grant secured 90% of concert gate money and intimidated record store owners who dealt in bootlegs. The former wrestler, also worked as a film extra and bodyguard. During the early 60’s Grant worked as a tour manager for Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent and The Animals.
– In 2003: An acoustic guitar on which the late Beatle George Harrison learned to play fetched £276,000 at a London auction. His father originally bought the Egmond guitar for Harrison for £3.50. Another item auctioned was a signed invitation to the post-premiere celebrations for The Beatles Hard Days Night film, which went for £17,250.
– In 2003: Record producer Phil Spector appeared before a California court and was formally charged with murder. B-movie actress Lana Clarkson had been found at his mansion in February of this year with a fatal gunshot wound to her face. Spector pleaded not guilty to her murder during a brief hearing in Alhambra, near Los Angeles and was released on $1m bail.
– In 2004: Eminem was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Encore’, his third US No.1 album. Girls Aloud started a two week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Pretenders ‘I’ll Stand By You.’ This was 2004’s single for the Children In Need appeal with its proceeds going towards the charity.
– In 2007: The Red Hot Chili Peppers were suing a US network over the name of its TV show, Californication saying the title was “immediately associated in the mind of the consumer” with its 1999 album and single release. The band filed a lawsuit against Showtime Network – the makers of the TV show, which featured David Duchovny as a writer going through a mid-life crisis. “For some TV show to come along and steal our identity is not right,” said the band’s singer, Anthony Kiedis. He described Californication as “the signature CD, video and song of the band’s career”.