Musician Birthdays: Chas Chandler (bass player of the Animals, manager of Jimi Hendrix, born in 1938), Keith Richards (guitarist/singer of The Rolling Stones, solo career, film actor, author, born in 1943), DMX (rapper, born in 1970), Christina Aguilera (US singer/songwriter, film actress, born in 1980)

– In 1961: The Tokens started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight’; it reached No.11 in the UK. REM included a live version of the song on the 1993 ‘Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight’ single.

– In 1971: Jerry Lee Lewis and his wife Myra who he married when she was 13 divorced, as he prepared to marry 29-year old Karen Elizabeth Gunn Pate.

– In 1971: Sly and the Family Stone went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘There’s A Riot Going On’.

– In 1972: Bob Dylan starting filming his role in the film ‘Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid.’

– In 1979: Joy Division played what would be their only ever gig in Paris when the appeared at Les Bains Club.

– In 1982: Hall and Oates started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Maneater’, the duo’s 5th US No.1 and biggest hit in the UK making No.6.

– In 1983: Keith Richards married model Patti Hansen during a ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Mick Jagger was the best man.

– In 2003: Out on bail, Michael Jackson was formally charged with seven counts of child molestation and two counts of administering intoxicating liquor to a minor with the intent of committing a crime. The abuse was claimed to have taken place between 7 February and 10 March 2003 and the alleged victim was identified only as ‘John Doe’. Jackson’s lawyer said the entertainer was ‘unequivocally and absolutely innocent’ and would fight the charges ‘with every fibre of his soul.’

– In 2004: A guitar played by George Harrison and John Lennon sold for £294,000 ($570,000) at auction in New York. The Gibson SG guitar was used by Harrison from 1966 to 1969, including the recording of Revolver, and by Lennon during White Album sessions. Other items sold in the Christie’s auction included a letter by Kurt Cobain, which fetched £10,000 ($19,400), and a school book report by Britney Spears (£1,000).

– In 2005: Babyshambles singer Pete Doherty was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs after being stopped by police in east London. Police said the 26-year-old had been driving erratically. Officers sent suspicious substances found in the vehicle for analysis, Doherty was released on bail.