Musician Birthdays: Peter Tork (singer, bassist of the Monkees, born in 1944), Peter Gabriel (former singer of Genesis, solo career, famous for hits, “Sledgehammer”, “Red Rain”, “Digging In the Dirt”, and more. Born in 1950), Henry Rollins (singer, actor, spoken word artist, born in 1961)

– In 1961: Frank Sinatra launched his own record label, Reprise Records, in order to allow more artistic freedom for his own recordings. Hence, he garnered the nickname “The Chairman of the Board.” One of the label’s founding principles under Sinatra’s leadership was that each artist would have full creative freedom, and at some point complete ownership of their work; including publishing rights. Reprise later became the home of many influential US acts such as Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman and The Beach Boys.

– In 1967: The Monkees announced that from now on they would be playing on their own recordings instead of session musicians.

– In 1967: The Beatles released the double A sided single ‘Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane’ on Capitol Records in the US. The single spent 10 weeks on the chart peaking at No.1.

– In 1969: Bob Dylan recorded versions of ‘Lay, Lady, Lay’, at Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. ‘Lay Lady Lay’ was originally written for the soundtrack of the movie Midnight Cowboy, but wasn’t submitted in time to be included in the finished film. The song has gone on to become a standard and has been covered by numerous bands and artists over the years, including The Byrds, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, The Everly Brothers, Neil Diamond, Melanie, The Isley Brothers, Duran Duran, Hoyt Axton and Isaac Hayes amongst others.

– In 1970: On this day, Friday the 13th, Black Sabbath released their debut self-titled studio album on Vertigo records in the UK. Peaking at #8 on the charts, the album has been recognised as the first main album to be credited with the development of the heavy metal genre.

– In 1971: The Osmonds started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘One Bad Apple’. The group had been appearing on TV in the US from 1962, on the Andy Williams Show and then the Jerry Lewis show.

– In 1973: After becoming ill during a concert in Las Vegas Elvis Presley presented Doctor Sidney Bowers with a Lincoln Continental to show his appreciation for all his work.

– In 1976: Genesis released their first album since the departure of Peter Gabriel, ‘A Trick Of The Tail’ featuring eight new tracks with drummer Phill Collins taking on the role of lead vocalist.

– In 1980: Police raided the home of former Sex Pistol John Lydon who greeted them waving a ceremonial sword, the only illegal item they found was a canister of tear gas, claimed to be for defence against intruders.

– In 1982: The Jam became the first band since The Beatles to play two numbers on the same edition of ‘Top Of The Pops’, when they performed ‘A Town Called Malice’, and ‘Precious’, their latest double A sided No.1.

– In 1997: Michael Jackson became a father when Debbie Rowe gave birth to a baby boy, Prince Michael Jackson Jr.

– In 2002: American country singer, songwriter Waylon Jennings died in his sleep after a lengthy fight with diabetes. Was bassist for Buddy Holly following the break-up of The Crickets. Released a series of duet albums with Willie Nelson in the late 1970s. Scored the 1980 US No.21 single ‘Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard’, he was also the narrator on the television series. Member of The Highwaymen with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson.

– In 2004: Led Zeppelin were awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammys. Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham all attended. Robert Plant did not, since he was working on a new album and tour.

– In 2010: Doug Fieger singer, songwriter with The Knack died after a long battle with cancer. Had the 1979 US No.1 & UK No.6 single ‘My Sharona’.