On This Day(In Music )

November 23rd: On this Day


1899, The world's first jukebox was installed at San Francisco's' Palais Royal Hotel.

1956, Sheet metal worker Louis Balint was arrested after punching Elvis Presley at a Hotel in Toledo. Balint claimed that his wife's love for Elvis had caused his marriage to break up. He was fined $19.60 but ended up being jailed because he was unable to pay the fine.

1962, The Beatles traveled to St. James' Church Hall, London, for a ten-minute audition with BBC Television. The audition came about when Beatles fan, David Smith of Preston, Lancashire wrote to the BBC asking for The Beatles to be featured on BBC television. Assuming that Smith was The Beatles' manager, the BBC wrote back to him, offering The Beatles an audition. Smith brought his letter to NEMS Enterprises, and Clive Epstein (Brian's brother) arranged for audition to take place. Four days later, Brian Epstein received a polite "thumbs-down" letter from the BBC.

1963, Dale and Grace went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I'm Leaving It Up To You', it made No.42 on the UK chart.

1965, Marc Bolan appeared live on the UK TV show Five O'Clock Funfair, performing 'The Wizard'.

1967, The Who appeared at The New Barn, Lions Delaware County Fairgrounds, Muncie, Indiana.

1968, Pink Floyd appeared at the The Large Hall, Regent Street Polytechnic, London, England.

1971, During a European tour The Mothers Of Invention appeared at The Rheinhalle in Dusseldorf.

1974, Elton John started an 11-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with his 'Greatest Hits', album. It also enjoyed a 10 week run as the US No.1

1974, One hit wonder Billy Swan started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Can Help', it made No.6 in the UK.

1974, The Rolling Stones scored their fifth US No.1 album with 'It's Only Rock 'N Roll'.

1975, Queen started a nine-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' The promotional video that accompanied the song is generally acknowledged as being the first pop video and only cost £5,000 to produce. When the band wanted to release the single various record executives suggested to them that, at 5 minutes and 55 seconds, it was too long and would never be a hit.

1976, The Scorpions appeared at Accrington Town Hall, England. The German band were billed as Europe's leading hard rock band.

1976, Ten hours after his last arrest, Jerry Lee Lewis was nicked again after brandishing a Derringer pistol outside Elvis Presley's Graceland's home in Memphis, demanding to see the 'King'. When police arrived they found Lewis sat in his car with the loaded Derringer pistol resting on his knee.

1976, Wings kicked off a 19-date UK tour at Liverpool’s Royal Court.

1979, Keith Richard's girlfriend Anita Pallenburg was cleared by a court of shooting a man found dead at her home.

1979, Marianne Faithfull was arrested at Oslo Airport, Norway, for possession of marijuana.

1985, American blues artist Big Joe Turner died of a heart attack aged 75. Wrote 'Shake Rattle and Roll', (a hit for Bill Haley and His Comets) and 'Sweet Sixteen.'

1987, Sly Stone was charged with possession of cocaine in Santa Monica.

1989, Singer Jimmy Somerville was given a conditional discharge from Bow St Magistrates after being found guilty of obstructing the highway during a aids demonstration outside the Australian commission in London.

1989, During a 104-date world tour, Paul McCartney played the first of five nights at the Los Angeles Forum, California, his first appearances in North America in thirteen years.

1991, Genesis scored their 5th UK No.1 album with 'We Can't Dance', featuring the singles 'Jesus He Knows Me' and 'I Can't Dance'.

1991, Michael Bolton scored his second US No.1 single with his version of the Percy Sledge song 'When A Man Loves A Woman', a No.8 hit in the UK.

1991, Michael Jackson had his fourth UK No.1 single with 'Black or White' which featured Slash on guitar. Also a No.1 hit in the US.

1992, American country music singer Roy Acuff died aged 89. Known as the "King of Country Music," he was the first living artist elected to the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Acuff started his career in 1932 working for Dr. Hauer's medicine show, hired as one of its entertainers to draw a crowd to whom Hauer could sell medicines.

1994, Tommy Boyce, singer, songwriter, committed suicide. (1968 US No. 8 single with Bobby Hart, 'I Wonder What She's Doing Tonite', also wrote 'Last Train To Clarksville', 'I'm Not Your Stepping Stone' and 'Scooby- Doo Where Are You.' Sold over 40m records.

1995, American soul singer and saxophonist Junior Walker died of cancer aged 64. Had the 1966 US & UK Top 20 single 'How Sweet It Is', and the 1969 US No.4 single 'What Does It Take, To Win Your Love'. Walker also played sax on Foreigner's 1981 hit ‘Urgent.’

1995, Garbage, made their UK live debut at The Forum, Kentish Town, London.

1996, The Prodigy scored their second UK No.1 single when 'Breathe' went to the top of the charts for two weeks. The second single from their album The Fat of the Land.

1997, Barbra Streisand was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Higher Ground’, the singers sixth US No.1 album.

2000, The son of George Harrison was involved in a car crash. Dhani Harrison crashed his Audi S3 in Oxfordshire but escaped any serious injury.

2001, Singer O.C. Smith died aged 65. Famous for his 1968 US No.1 single 'Little Green Apples' and 1968 UK No.2 single 'The Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp'. Smith became pastor and founder of The City Of Angels Church in Los Angeles, California.

2002, Otis Redding's widow and his former manager filed a lawsuit against the author of a biography written in 2001 about the R&B legend, claiming the book is filled with lies. The lawsuit, filed in Atlanta's Fulton County, sought $15 million in damages and claimed that the book detailed rumors about the singer's drug use, extramarital affairs and divorce, causing "harm to the plaintiffs." It also cites rumors that Otis' manager plotted with the Mafia to kill Otis by causing the plane to crash in order to claim $1 million in life insurance.

2002, Christina Aguilera was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Dirrty', her 3rd UK chart topper.

2003, Westlife scored their twelfth UK No.1 single with their version of the 1975 Barry Manilow song 'Mandy'.

2003, Michael Jackson's Number Ones album went to number one in the UK. In the US it entered the chart at number 13 and quickly dropped out of the Top 50.

2003, Jay-Z started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘The Black Album.’

2005, Dan McTeague a Toronto MP tried to have 50 Cent barred from entering Canada to perform a series of concerts later this year. McTeague had sent a letter to Immigration Minister Joe Volpe claiming that the controversial rapper shouldn't be permitted to cross the border because he promotes gun violence.

2005, US singer songwriter Chris Whitley died of lung cancer aged 45. Whitley earned critical success with his 1991 album ‘Living with the Law’ and toured with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty.

2007, Bono and The Edge from U2 made a surprise appearance at a charity gig, playing four songs before 250 people. The London gig at the Union Chapel was held as part of the Mencap's Little Noise Sessions.

2008, Leona Lewis was at No.1 on the UK album chart with her debut album ‘Spirit’.


November 23rd: Born on this day


1939, Born on this day, Betty Everett, soul singer, (1964 US No. 6 single 'The Shoop Shoop Song, It's In His Kiss', 1965 UK No. 29 single 'Getting Mighty Crowded'). She died on 19th August 2001 aged 61.

1949, Born on this day, Sandra Stevens, Brotherhood Of Man, (1976 UK No.1 single 'Save Your Kisses For Me').

1949, Born on this day, Alan Paul, singer, Manhattan Transfer, (1977 UK No.1 'Chanson D'amour', 1981 US No.7 single 'Boy From New York City').

1954, Born on this day, Bruce Hornsby, keyboards, vocals, The Range, (1986 US No.1 & UK No.15 single 'The Way It Is').

1962, Born on this day, Chris Bostock, bass, Jo Boxers, (1983 UK No.3 single 'Boxer Beat').

1984, Born on this day, Lucas Stephen Grabeel, American actor and singer High School Musical, as part of the cast had the 2006 US No.1 ‘High School Musical’ album and 2007, US No.1 ‘High School Musical 2’ album. Over 17 million viewers in the United States watched the TV premier of High School Musical; making it the highest rated basic cable broadcast in U.S. history.

1992, Born on this day, Miley Ray Cyrus, (born Destiny Hope Cyrus), American actress, singer and songwriter. Miley Stewart -Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel series, Hannah Montana. (2006 US No.1 album ‘Hannah Montana’).

November 25th: On this Day


1958, Lord Rockinghams XI were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Hoot's Mon', (based on the traditional Scottish folk song 'One Hundred Pipers'). Lord Rockingham's XI were the house band on the UK Jack Good TV show 'Oh Boy.'

1961, The Everly Brothers started active service for the 8th Battalion Marine Corps Reserves, working as artillerymen.

1965, Harrods department store in London closed to the public so The Beatles could do their Christmas shopping.

1965, The Seekers were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Carnival Is Over', the group's second No.1.

1968, The Beatles double White album was released in the US. Featuring 'Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da', 'Dear Prudence', 'Helter Skelter', 'Blackbird' 'Back In The USSR' and George Harrisons 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'. The album spent 101 weeks on the US chart peaking at No.1.

1969, John Lennon returned his MBE to The Queen on the grounds of the UK's involvement in the Nigeria Biafra war, America in Vietnam, and against his latest single 'Cold Turkey' slipping down the charts.

1972, Chuck Berry was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'My Ding a-Ling', his only UK No.1.

1974, UK singer, songwriter Nick Drake died in his sleep aged 26 of an overdose of tryptasol an anti-depressant drug. Drake signed to Island Records when he was twenty years old, recorded the classic 1972 album Pink Moon. In 2000, Volkswagen featured the title track from Pink Moon in a television advertisement, and within a month Drake had sold more records than he had in the previous thirty years.

1976, The Band made their final performance; 'The Last Waltz' the show also featured Joni Mitchell, Dr John, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, Eric Clapton and others. Martin Scorsese filmed the event.

1978, The Police appeared at The Electric Ballroom in London, England, admission £1.50.

1982, The Jam started their final UK tour at Glasgow's Apollo Theatre in Scotland.

1984, The cream of the British pop world gathered at S.A.R.M. Studios, London to record the historic ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ The single, which was written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, featured Paul Young, Bono, Boy George, Sting and George Michael. It went on to sell over three million copies in the UK, becoming the bestselling record ever, and raised over £8 million ($13.6 million) worldwide.

1989, Milli Vanilli started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Blame It On The Rain', their third US No.1 of the year, a No.53 hit in the UK.

1989, The US boy band from Boston New Kids On The Block had their first UK No.1 single with 'You Got It' (The Right Stuff').

1992, The film 'The Bodyguard', opened nation-wide featuring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

1995, Radiohead singer Thom Yorke blacked out halfway through a show in Munich, Germany, suffering from exhaustion.

1995, Whitney Houston went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Exhale (Shoop Shoop)', written by Babyface and taken from the film 'Waiting To Exhale', it gave Whitney her 11th US No.1.

1999, Creation records boss Alan McGee announced that he was leaving the label. McGee had signed Oasis to the label after seeing them play a gig in Glasgow, Scotland. The label was also the home to other acts including Primal Scream and Teenage Fanclub.

2000, A burglar broke into Alice Cooper's home and made off with over $6000 worth of clothes, shoes and cameras belonging to the singers daughter. The good's were all lifted from Cooper's house in Paradise Valley, along with four of the star's gold discs.

2001, Garth Brooks went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Scarecrow.'

2001, Robbie Williams started an eight-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Swing When You're Winning'.

2001, S Club 7 scored their fourth UK No.1 single with 'Have You Ever.' The Children In Need charity recording was their 4th and last No.1.

2003, Michael Jackson launched a website to defend himself following allegations of sexual abuse of a 12-year old boy. The singer posted a message saying the charges were based on 'a big lie' and he wanted to end 'this horrible time' by proving they were false in court.

2003, Glen Campbell was arrested in Phoenix Arizona with a blood alcohol level of .20 after his BMW struck a Toyota Camry. He was charged with 'extreme' drunk driving, hit and run, and assaulting a police officer. A police officer reported that while in custody, Campbell hummed his hit 'Rhinestone Cowboy' repeatedly.

2003, Meat Loaf underwent heart surgery in a London hospital after being diagnosed with a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat. The 52-year-old singer had collapsed on November 17th as he performed at London's Wembley Arena.

2005, Take That announced that they were to reform for a tour, 10 years after they split up. At a press conference in London, Gary Barlow, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Howard Donald said they would go back on tour in April 2006, but without Robbie Williams.

2005, Authorities in Vietnam extended Gary Glitter's detention by four months, while claims that he had sex with under-age girls were examined. Glitter was held under suspicion of committing lewd acts with children. The ex-singer denied accusations of having sex with two under-age girls, one aged 12.

2005, Madonna achieved her sixth number one on the US album charts with ‘Confessions on a Dance Floor’ her third consecutive US album chart topper. The album went to No.1 in 40 countries setting a new record. The Beatles previously held this record when The Beatles 1 went to No.1 in 36 countries in 2000.

2007, Kevin Dubrow, the frontman with metal band Quiet Riot, was found dead in his Las Vegas home at the age of 52. Their 1983 release Metal Health was the first metal album to top the US charts. The band's biggest hit was 'Cum on Feel the Noize', a cover of the Slade song which they are said to have grudgingly recorded in just one take.

2008, The legal dispute over a music contract between Michael Jackson and an Arab sheik, ended with an "amicable settlement." Jackson had been due to fly in to the UK to give evidence at the High Court before an agreement in principle was reached. The King of Bahrain's son, Sheikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa, was suing Jackson for £4.7m, claiming he reneged on a music contract.

2010, A restaurant fell victim to a prankster who had them make 178 pizzas by claiming they were for singer Bob Dylan and his crew. An imposter wearing a fake pass for a Dylan concert called in an Antonio's restaurant and placed the huge order worth more than $3,900. He told the owner the pizzas were for Dylan and his crew who had appeared in concert in Amherst, Massachusetts. Staff at Antonios worked until 5.30am to make the pizzas - but were left stunned when no one returned to collect the order.


November 25th: Born on this day


1940, Born on this day, Percy Sledge, soul singer, (1966 UK No.4 and US No.1 single 'When A Man Loves A Woman').

1944, Born on this day, Bob Lind, singer, (1966 US & UK No.5 single 'Elusive Butterfly').

1950, Born on this day, Jocelyn Brown, singer, (1997 UK No.5 single 'Something Goin' On', worked with John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen).

1959, Born on this day, Born on this day, Steve Rothery, guitar, Marillion, (1985 UK No.2 single 'Kayleigh').

1960, Born on this day, Amy Grant, singer, (1991 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Baby Baby').

1966, Born on this day, Stacey Lattishaw, (1980 US No.21 single 'Let Me Be Your Angel', 1980 UK No.3 single 'Jump to The Beat').

1967, Born on this day, Rodney Sheppard, guitar, Sugar Ray, (1999 UK No. 10 single 'Every Morning').

1968, Born on this day, Tunde, singer, Lighthouse Family, (1996 UK No.4 single 'Lifted' plus 9 other UK Top 40 singles). Now solo.

November 27th: On this Day


1962, The Beatles recorded their first BBC radio session at the BBC Paris studio on Regent Street in London. They played 'Twist and Shout', 'Love Me Do' and 'P.S. I Love You', the tracks were aired on the BBC Light Program 'Talent Spot.'

1964, Mick Jagger was fined £16 for driving offences by a court in Tettenhall, Staffs. His solicitor told the court: “The Duke of Marlborough had longer hair than my client and he won some famous battles. His hair was powdered, I think because of fleas. My client has no fleas.”

1965, Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Whipped Cream & Other Delights'.

1966, The New Vaudeville Band were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Winchester Cathedral', it made No.4 in the UK.

1967, During a UK tour Jimi Hendrix Pink Floyd, The Move, Nice and Amen Corner all appeared at the Whitla Hall, Queen's College in Belfast, playing two shows in one evening.

1969, During a North American tour The Rolling Stones played the first of four shows at Madison Square Garden, New York City. The group played to 55,000 fans over the four nights grossing over $100,000.

1970, George Harrison released All Things Must Pass. The triple album included a number of songs that were left over from Beatle sessions, the set would go on to be certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, making it the best selling album by a solo Beatle.

1970, Black Sabbath, Cactus and Steel Mill, (featuring Bruce Springsteen) all appeared at the Sunshine In, Asbury Park in New Jersey. All three acts played two shows, tickets cost $5.00.

1973, Hank Snow's guitarist Jimmy Widener was shot dead, his body was dumped in an alley.

1976, '20 Golden Greats' by Glen Campbell started a six-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart.

1976, Rod Stewart played the first night of a UK tour at Manchester's Belle Vue Kings Hall.

1981, the British Phonographic industry placed advertisements in the press claiming that 'home taping was wiping out music'. The Boomtown Rats, 10cc, Elton John and Cliff Richard all backed the campaign.

1982, Lionel Richie was No.1 in the US with 'Truly'. Richie achieved a No.1 each year from 78-86 as a writer, 'Three Times A Lady', 'Still', 'Lady (Kenny Rodgers), 'Endless Love', (Diana Ross), 'All Night Long', 'Hello' 'Say 'You Say Me and as co-writer of 'We Are The World'.

1982, 'The Singles The First Ten Years' went to No.1 on the UK album chart giving Abba their 8th UK No.1 album.

1986, Bon Jovi were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'You Give Love A Bad Name', it peaked at No.14 in the UK.

1994, Rod Stewart and the Faces appeared at The Odeon, Lewisham, London, England. Paul and Linda McCartney both joined the band on stage for a few numbers.

1996, Former Stones Roses guitarist John Squires new band The Seahorses made their live debut, when they played at The Buckley Tivoli, England in front of 200 fans.

1997, A disturbed rock fan brought the funeral of Michael Hutchence to a standstill when he tried to launch himself from a 20 ft high balcony with a cord around his neck. He was removed by police and taken away to a psychiatric unit.

2001, Elvis Presley was inducted into The Gospel Association Hall Of Fame.

2003, Figures released by The Rolling Stones showed that the band had grossed £175m from their 2002 '40 Licks World Tour.' The report also showed they had made over $1billion from 1989-2002 from royalties, album sales and tour revenue.

2004, UK music weekly the NME featured a ‘Cool List’, the top ten was: 10, Ana Matronic from Scissor Sisters, 9, Martin Tomlinson from Selfish c**t, 8, Brandon Flowers from The Killers, 7, Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke, 6, Morrissey, 5, Nick McCarthy from Franz Ferdinand, 4, Razorlight’s Johnny Borrell, 3, Eminem, 2, Mike Skinner, The Streets and two people were at No.1, Pete Doherty from Babyshambles and Carl Barat from The Libertines.

2005, Multimillionaire defence contractor David H. Brooks booked New York’s Rainbow Rooms and his daughter Elizabeth’s favourite acts for her ‘bat mitzvah’ coming-of-age celebration. The stars who appeared included 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Aerosmith, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Stevie Nicks. 50 Cent who was paid $500,000 to appear performed only four songs but he did manage to work in the lyric, "Go shorty, it's your bat miztvah, we gonna party like it's your bat mitzvah". The party cost an estimated $10 million, including the price of corporate jets to ferry the performers to and from the venue.

2005, Tony Meehan drummer with The Shadows died aged 62 from head injuries sustained in a fall at his London flat in Maida Vale. Had the 1963 UK No.1 single 'Foot Tapper' plus 28 other UK Top 40 singles. Left The Shadows in 1961 to work as a session drummer with Joe Meek. Also had the UK No.1 hit ‘Diamonds’ with Jet Harris.

2005, Eminem started a six week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Curtain Call - The Hits' the rappers fifth UK No.1.

2006, Sir Cliff Richard lost a battle to extend the number of years that musicians could receive royalties for their records. Richard wanted copyright to last 95 years, rather than the present 50 years, but an independent review recommend the terms would not change. Sir Cliff's earliest big hit ‘Move It’, recorded in 1958 would start to come out of copyright in 2008.


November 27th: Born on this day


1935, Born on this day, Al Jackson, drummer, Booker T and the MG's. (1962 US No.3 single 'Green Onions', 1969 UK No.4 single 'Time Is Tight'. Shot dead by burglars at his home 1st October 1975.

1941, Born on this day, Eddie Rabbitt, singer, songwriter, (1981 US No.1 & UK No.53 singles 'I Love A Rainy Night'. Elvis, Dr Hook and Tom Jones all recorded his songs. He died of cancer on 7th May 1998.

1942, Born on this day, Jimi Hendrix, guitarist, singer, (1967 UK No.6 single 'Hey Joe', 1970 UK No.1 single 'Voodoo Chile', 1968 US No.1 & UK No.6 album 'Electric Ladyland'). Hendrix died on 18th September 1970 after choking on his own vomit.

1944, Born on this day, Dave Winthrop, sax, Supertramp, (1979 US No.6 & UK No.7 single 'The Logical Song' 1974 album 'Crime Of The Century').

1944, Born on this day, Trevor Davis, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, (1968 UK No.1 single 'Legend Of Xanadu').

1945, Born on this day, Randy Brecker, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.12 & UK No.35 single 'You've Made Me So Very Happy').

1959, Born on this day, Charlie Burchill, guitar, Simple Minds, (1985 US No.1 single 'Don't You, Forget About Me', 1989 UK No.1 single 'Belfast Child', plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles).

1960, Born on this day, Ashley Ingram, Imagination, (1982 UK No.2 single 'Just An Illusion').

1962, Born on this day, Charlie Benante, Anthrax, (1991 UK No.16 single 'Got The Time').

1962, Born on this day, Mike Bordin, drummer, Faith No More, (1993 UK No.3 and US No.4 single 'I'm Easy').

1965, Born on this day, Fiachna O'Braonain, Hothouse Flowers, (1988 UK No.11 single 'Don't Go').

1965, Born on this day, Wallis Buchannan, Jamiroquai, (1996 UK No.3 single 'Virtual Insanity').

1971, Born on this day, Terry Corso, guitarist, Alien Ant Farm, (2001 Australian No.1 & UK No.3 single ‘Smooth Criminal’).

1973, Born on this day, Twista, (a.k.a Tung Twista, born Carl Terrell Mitchell), US rapper known for being the fastest in the world at rap delivery at one time. (2004 US No.1 album ‘Kamikaze’ 2004, US No.1 single ‘Slow Jamz’).

1978, Born on this day, Mike Skinner, singer, songwriter, aka The Streets, (2004 UK No.1 album ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’).

November 29th: On this Day


1960, Paul McCartney and Pete Best were deported from West Germany after being arrested on suspicion of arson after the hotel room they were staying in mysteriously caught fire. They were released and deported the next day.

1963, 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' by The Beatles was released in the UK. For the first time ever in the UK advanced orders passed the million mark before it was released.

1965, This week's UK Top 5 albums, No.5, 'Out Of Our Heads', The Rolling Stones, No.4, 'Highway 61 Revisited', Bob Dylan, No.3, 'Help!', The Beatles, No.2, 'Mary Popins', Soundtrack and at No.1, 'Sound Of Music', Soundtrack.

1965, Colorado Governor John A. Love declared a Rolling Stones day throughout the State as The Stones appeared at The Denver Coliseum in Colorado during a North American tour.

1969, The Beatles went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Come Together / Something', the group's 18th US No.1.

1971, The UK Top 5 singles: at No.5, The Piglets, 'Johnny Reggae', No.4, Cher, 'Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves', No.3, Benny Hill, 'Ernie, (The Fastest Milkman In The West)', No.2, T Rex, 'Jeepster', No.1, Slade, 'Coz I Love You.'

1975, German trio Silver Convention started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Fly Robin Fly', it peaked at No.28 in the UK.

1976, Lancaster local council cancelled the Sex Pistols gig at Lancaster Poly, England. The reason was given in a statement by the council saying: 'We don't want that sort of filth (The Sex Pistols) in the town limits.'

1980, Abba scored their ninth and last UK No.1 single with 'Super Trouper', the group's 25th Top 40 hit in the UK. The name "Super Trouper" referred to the gigantic spotlights used in stadium concerts.

1980, John and Yoko's 'Double Fantasy' album was released. A No.1 in the US & the UK the set featured the No.1 single 'Just Like Starting Over.'

1985, Kiss played the first night on their 91-date North American Asylum Tour at Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, Arkansas.

1986, 'Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band Live / 1975-85' started a seven week run at No.1 on the US album chart.

1995, Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar married model Kari Karte in San Francisco.

1996, American singer and ukulele player Tiny Tim (Herbert Khaury) died from a heart attack on stage while playing his hit ‘Tiptoe Through the Tulips’ at a club in Minneapolis. On 17 December 1969, he married Victoria Mae Budinger on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, a publicity stunt that attracted over 40 million viewers. (they had a daughter, Tulip Victoria). He performed at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival in front of a crowd of 600,000 people.

1997, Whitney Houston pulled out of a concert sponsored by the Moonies two hours before she was due on stage after finding out the event was a mass wedding for over 1,000 Moonie couple's. The religious group said they had no intention of suing providing the singer returned the $1m fee she had received.

1997, Celine Dion went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Let's Talk About Love.'

1997, 'Perfect Day' performed by various artists including Elton John, Bono, Tom Jones & David Bowie went to No.1 on the UK singles chart. Originally written and recorded in 1973 by Lou Reed, this new collaboration of 29 major artists was a fund raiser for the BBC Children In Need charity.

1999, American singer and bandleader Curtis Knight died aged 54. Jimi Hendrix had been a member of his band in the 60's. Though Hendrix wasn't in the group very long, he was featured on over 60 songs, 26 studio and 35 live recordings some of which have been released on record.

1999, It was reported that Oasis singer Liam Gallagher had gone missing after leaving his house three days earlier. The band were due to fly out to the US at the end of the week to start a tour.

2000, U2's Larry Mullen came to the rescue of motorcyclist who had been involved in an accident. Larry was driving home when he saw the motorcyclist who had crashed and stopped to call for help on his phone and then waited for the ambulance to arrive.

2001, Former Beatles guitarist George Harrison died in Los Angeles of lung cancer aged 58. Following the breakup of The Beatles Harrison had a successful career as a solo artist and later as part of the Traveling Wilburys. The youngest member of The Beatles, (aged 16 when he joined), his compositions include ‘Taxman’, ‘Here Comes the Sun’, ‘Something’, and ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’. Harrison released the acclaimed triple album, All Things Must Pass, in 1970, from which came the worldwide No.1 single ‘My Sweet Lord.’ He was the co-founder of Handmade Films, collaborated with Madonna and the members of Monty Python. An accomplished gardener, Harrison restored the grounds of his 120 roomed English home Friar Park.

2002, Three paintings by Sir Paul McCartney were bought for just £35 each at the Secrets Postcard Sale at London's Royal College of Art. Members of the public gambled on whether they were buying works by celebrity artists at a fraction of their value, as a picture's creator was only made known after it has sold.

2003, A five-hour charity show, to boost the fight against Aids, was held at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town. Acts who appeared included, Bono, Queen, Ms Dynamite, Peter Gabriel, Eurythmics, Beyonce, Youssou N'Dour, Anastacia, The Corrs, Jimmy Cliff and Chaka Chaka. The show was also broadcast live on the internet.

2005, Pop Idol creator Simon Fuller dropped his £100m copyright case against the X Factor's Simon Cowell after Fuller settled the case out of court in a deal which made him a joint partner in the X Factor show. Mr Fuller had claimed Mr Cowell's ITV talent show X Factor copied his successful Pop Idol format, in a case taken to London's High Court. As part of the settlement, Mr Cowell agreed to appear in at least five more series of American Idol.

2006, The High School Musical: The Concert tour began in San Diego, California, continuing until January 28th, 2007 playing in major cities around the United States, Canada and Latin America.

2007, Control, the biopic about late Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, scooped five prizes at the British Independent Film Awards. The black-and-white film, which featured The Killers, David Bowie and New Order on the soundtrack, was shot for just £3m.

2007, Morrissey was set to sue UK music weekly the NME after it failed to apologise for an article focusing on his views on immigration. The magazine had criticised the 48 year old singer and former Smiths star for allegedly telling a reporter Britain had lost its identity due to high levels of immigration.

2007, Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle, a convicted sex offender, was arrested for failing to properly register a new permanent address. The 59-year-old had pleaded guilty in 1993 to charges of attempted capital sexual battery by an adult on a victim younger than 12 and being principal to lewd and lascivious behavior on a child younger than 16. He was sentenced to eight years of probation.

2008, Taylor Swift went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Fearless’, the country singers second studio album.

2009, Susan Boyle's album became the best-selling debut in UK chart history when it went to No.1 on the UK chart. The 48 year-old runner-up in ITV's Britain's Got Talent, sold 410,000 copies of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. Boyle also topped the US charts, setting a first-week sales record for a female debut album with 701,000 copies sold in its first week.


November 29th: Born on this day


1917, Born on this day, country singer, songwriter Merle Travis, aged 65. Invented the first solid body electric guitar. Wrote 'Sixteen Tons' 1955 US No.1 for Ernie Ford. Travis died 20th October 1983.

1933, Born on this day, John Mayall, 'father of the UK blues movement', his Bluesbreakers Band has featured Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Jack Bruce, Peter Green and Jimmy McCulloch.

1939, Born on this day, Meco Monardo, (1977 US No.1 & UK No.7 single 'Star Wars Theme').

1941, Born on this day, Denny Doherty, singer, songwriter, The Mamas And The Papas, (1966 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Monday Monday'). Doherty died on 19th Jan 2007 at the age of 66 after a short illness.

1944, Born on this day, Felix Cavaliere, keyboards, The Young Rascals, (1967 US No.1 & UK No.8 single 'Groovin').

1947, Born on this day, Ronnie Montrose, guitarist, Montrose, Edgar Winter Group, (1973 US No.1 & UK No.18 single 'Frankenstein).

1951, Born on this day, Barry Goudreau, guitar, Boston, (1977 UK No.22 single 'More Than A Feeling', 1986 US No.1 single 'Amanda').

1959, Born on this day, Wendy Wu, Photos, (1980 UK No.56 single 'Irene').

1968, Born on this day, Martin Carr, guitar, The Boo Radleys, (1995 UK No.9 single 'Wake Up Boo').

1974, Born on this day, Apl.De.Ap, vocals, Black Eyed Peas, (2003 US & UK No.1 single 'Where Is The Love').

1979, Born on this day, The Game, (Jayceon Terrell Taylor), American rapper, (2005 US No.1 with his debut album, The Documentary).

December 1st: On this Day


1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets appeared on 'The Ed Sullivan Show', performing 'That'll Be The Day' and 'Peggy Sue'. Sam Cooke was also a guest on the same show performing 'You Send Me'.

1958, The Teddy Bears were at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘To Know Him is to Love Him.’ The title of the Phil Spector song came from words on his father’s tombstone.

1961, The Beatles performed a lunchtime show at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. That night they headlined a six-group Big Beat Session at the Tower Ballroom, New Brighton in Wallasey.

1964, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr booked into University College Hospital to have his tonsils removed.

1964, The Who played the first of 22 consecutive Tuesday night gigs at The Marquee Club in London, the band were paid £50 for each gig.

1965, During a North America tour The Rolling Stones appeared at the Vancouver Auditorium, British Columbia.

1966, Tom Jones was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his version of 'Green Green Grass Of Home.' It stayed at No.1 for seven weeks giving Decca records its first million selling single by a British artist. Also a No.11 hit in the US.

1967, During a 15 date UK tour Jimi Hendrix Pink Floyd, The Move, Nice and Amen Corner all played two shows at Chatham Town Hall.

1973, The Carpenters went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Top Of The World', their second US No.1, a No.5 hit in the UK.

1976, The Sex Pistols appeared on ITV's live early evening 'Today' show (in place of Queen who had pulled out following a trip to the dentists by Freddie Mercury). Taunted by interviewer Bill Grundy who asked the band to say something outrageous, guitarist Steve Jones says: 'You dirty bastard...you dirty f**ker...what a f**king rotter!' Grundy died of a heart attack aged 69 on 9th Feb 1993.

1977, During a North American tour Queen appeared at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

1980, Talking Heads supported by U2 appeared at the Hammersmith Palais, London, England.

1982, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album was released. It spent 190 weeks on the UK album chart became the biggest selling pop album of all time, with sales over 50 million copies.

1983, Neil Young was sued by Geffen Records because his new music for the label was “not commercial in nature and musically uncharacteristic of his previous albums.”

1984, Jim Diamond was at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'I Should Have Known Better.' The song was displaced after one week by Band Aid's charity single 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'. Diamond publicly requested that people not buy his single, but instead buy 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'

1987, A Kentucky teacher lost her appeal in the US Supreme Court over her sacking after showing Pink Floyd's film 'The Wall' to her class. The court decided that the film was not suitable for minors with its bad language and sexual content.

1989, Sly Stone was sentenced to 55 days after pleading guilty to a charge of driving under the influence of cocaine, (two weeks later he also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine and was sentenced to spend 9-14 months in rehab).

1990, C.C. Deville guitar player with Poison spent six hours in jail in Louisville, after being arrested for public drunkenness and criminal mischief after a concert in the town that night.

1990, Vanilla Ice started a four-week run at No.1 in the UK with the single 'Ice Ice Baby'. The track sampled the bass intro to the Queen and David Bowie No.1 'Under Pressure'. 'Ice Ice Baby' was initially released as the B-side to the rapper's cover of 'Play That Funky Music', and became the A-side after US DJ's started playing it.

1990, Whitney Houston went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I'm Your Baby Tonight', her 8th US No.1 and the first for writers and producers Reid and Babyface.

1997, Kenny G set a new world record when he held a note on his saxophone for 45 minutes and 47 seconds. (The record has since been broken by Geovanny Escalante, who held a note for 1 hour, 30 minutes and 45 seconds, using a technique that allows him to blow and breathe at the same time).

1998, The first night of a US tour with *NSYNC, Britney Spears and B*Witched opened in Columbus, Ohio.

2002, Daniel Bedingfield scored his second UK No.1 single with 'If You're Not The One.'

2002, Shania Twain started a five week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Up!’ a No.4 hit in the UK.

2006, An Oasis fan enjoyed "the best day of his life" when Noel Gallagher popped round to his house in Poynton, Cheshire to play an intimate gig. Ben Hayes had won a BBC Radio 1 competition to have the star play in his front room as part of a week of gigs compered by DJ Jo Whiley. 15 people packed into his lounge for the tiny gig - with his mother on hand making cups of tea for the crew.

2008, Wham's Last Christmas was the most played festive track of the last five years. The Performing Right Society put the 1984 hit at the top of their chart of seasonal songs, just ahead of Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas. The Pogues came third with Fairytale of New York, recorded with the late Kirsty MacColl and first released in 1987. Other featured artists include Slade, Mariah Carey and Bruce Springsteen.


December 1st: Born on this day


1930, Born on this day, Matt Monro, UK singer, (1964 UK No.4 & US No.23 single 'Walk Away' plus 10 other UK Top 40 hits). He died on 7th February 1985.

1934, Born on this day, Billy Paul, (1972 US No.1 & 1973 UK No.12 single 'Me and Mrs Jones').

1936, Born on this day, Lou Rawls, US singer, (1976 US No.2 & UK No.10 single 'You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine'). Rawls died from lung cancer on 6th January 2006 aged 72.

1938, Born on this day, Sandy Nelson, US drummer, (1962 UK No.3 & US No.7 single 'Let There Be Drums'). Worked with The Teddy Bears, Gene Vincent. Lost his left foot in a car accident.

1944, Born on this day, Bette Midler, singer, actress, (1989 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'Wind Beneath my Wings'). Worked with Barry Manilow, starred in the film 'The Rose' based on the life of Janis Joplin.

1944, Born on this day, Charlie Grima, Wizzard, (1973 UK No.1 single 'See My Baby Jive').

1944, Born on this day, Eric Bloom, guitar, vocals, Blue Oyster Cult, (1976 US No.12 & 1978 UK No.16 single 'Don't Fear The Reaper').

1944, Born on this day, John Densmore, drums, The Doors, (1967 US No.1 & UK No.49 single 'Light My Fire' & 1971 single 'Riders On The Storm').

1946, Born on this day, Gilbert O'Sullivan, singer, songwriter, (1972 UK No.1 single 'Clair', 1972 US No.1 single 'Alone Again Naturally', plus 13 other UK Top 40 singles).

1951, Born on this day, Jaco Pastorius, jazz bass player, (1976 hit with Weather Report, 'Birdland'). Also worked with Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny. Died on 21st September 1987 aged 35. He suffered irreversible brain damage after being beaten into a coma after an altercation with a bouncer at the Midnight Club in Fort Lauderdale.

1956, Born on this day, Julee Cruise, singer, (1990 UK No. 7 single 'Falling').

1959, Born on this day, Stephen Batt, Japan, (1982 UK No.5 single 'Ghosts').

1963, Born on this day, Sam Reid, Glass Tiger, (1986 UK No.29 single 'Don't Forget Me, When I'm Gone').

1971, Born on this day, Greg Upchurch, drummer, joined in 2005, 3 Doors Down, (2003 US No.4 single ‘When I’m Gone’, 2005 US No.1 album ‘Seventeen Days’).

1977, Born on this day, Brad Delson, guitar, Linkin Park, (2002 US No.2 & UK No.4 single 'In The End', 2002 US No.2 & 2001 UK No.4 album 'Hybrid Theory').

December 4th: On this Day


1956, The so-called 'Million Dollar Quartet' jam session took place at Sun Studios in Memphis with Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins.

1962, The Beatles made their London-area debut on television when they appeared in a live broadcast from Wembley on ‘Tuesday Rendezvous’, on ITV station Rediffusion. The Beatles performed live, doing lip-sync performances of ‘Love Me Do’ and 45 seconds of ‘P.S. I Love You.’

1964, The Beatles released their fourth album 'Beatles For Sale'. The album featured: ‘No Reply’, ‘I'm a Loser’, ‘Baby's in Black’, ‘Rock and Roll Music’, ‘I'll Follow the Sun’, ‘Mr. Moonlight’, ‘Kansas City/Hey Hey Hey Hey’, ‘Eight Days a Week’, ‘Words of Love’, ‘Honey Don't’, ‘Every Little Thing’, ‘I Don't Want to Spoil the Party’, ‘What You're Doing’, and ‘Everybody's Trying to Be My Baby’. It spent 11 weeks as the UK No.1 album.

1965, The Byrds started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' the group's second No.1. A No.26 hit in the UK. Unlike their first chart topper, ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’, the entire band was allowed to play on the recording, instead of studio musicians.

1967, During a UK tour, Jimi Hendrix Pink Floyd, The Move, Nice and Amen Corner all played two shows at Newcastle City Hall, England.

1971, Led Zeppelin started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with the Four Symbols album, otherwise known as Led Zeppelin IV Featuring the 8-minute track Stairway To Heaven, the album stayed on the US chart for one week short of five years, selling over 23 million copies in the US alone.

1971, Sly and the Family Stone started a five-week run at No.1 on the US single chart with 'Family Affair', their third US No.1.

1971, T Rex scored their first No.1 album with their 6th release 'Electric Warrior'.

1971, Don McLean's ‘American Pie’ entered the US Hot 100. The eight and a half minute song would eventually sell over 3 million copies.

1976, American guitarist Tommy Bolin died from a heroin overdose aged 25. Member of Zephyr (1969 to 1971), The James Gang (1973 to 1974) and Deep Purple (1975 to 1976).

1976, Workers at EMI records went on strike, refusing to package the Sex Pistols single 'Anarchy In The UK.'

1977, During a North American tour, Queen appeared at the University Arena, Dayton, Ohio.

1979, U2 appeared at The Hope and Anchor, Islington, London. Misnamed ‘The U2s’, they played to only nine people and the show ended abruptly after The Edge broke a guitar string.

1980, Prince played the first night on his 31 date Dirty Mind North American tour at Shea’s in Buffalo, New York. After being told by his managers he couldn't wear spandex pants without any underwear, Prince began performing in a long trench coat, black high heeled boots and leggings, and bikini brief trunks.

1982, The Jam were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Beat Surrender', the group's fourth UK No.1 and final single. They split in 1983, and leader Paul Weller formed the Style Council.

1982, 'The John Lennon Collection' started a six-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart.

1983, Tears For Fears kicked off a 13-date UK tour at Liverpool's Royal Court Theatre. Tickets £4.

1987, Madonna filed for divorce from actor Sean Penn and then changed her mind a week later.

1988, Roy Orbison played his final ever gig when he appeared in Cleveland, Ohio. Orbison died of a heart attack two days later.

1989, Lenny Kravitz made his UK live debut at London's Borderline Club

1993, Multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer, Frank Zappa died of prostrate cancer. Zappa recorded many albums with The Mothers Of Invention and solo including the 1969 album 'Hot Rats' and 1974 album 'Apostrophe.' Zappa recorded one of the first concept albums, 'Freak Out'. He married Adelaide Gail Sloatman, in 1967, they had four children: Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet Emuukha Rodan and Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen.

1999, Rapper Jay-Z was released on $50,000 bail, after being accused of attacking Lance Rivera when a fight broke out at a party for rapper Q-Tip at a Manhattan Club. Police declined to say what caused the dispute.

2000, Irish singer Ronan Keating was dumped as chart topping boy band Westlife's manager. Ronan was told his services were no longer required. Westlife had scored seven No.1 UK singles.

2002, Whitney Houston admitted in an US TV interview that drink and drugs nearly killed her. Bobby Brown's missus also admitted to being addicted to sex. She said her business is sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, and got into the lifestyle after missing out on partying when her career kicked off aged 18.

2005, David Gray kicked of a 10-date UK tour at Manchester Arena finishing at The Brixton Academy in London on the 15th.

2005, Pussycat Dolls were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Stickwitu' The Californian girls second No.1.

2006, Yahoo revealed that Britney Spears was the most searched for term of 2006 with more online searches done about Spears than any other topic or person. Female celebrities dominated the top 10 overall search list, with Shakira at number three, Jessica Simpson at number four and Paris Hilton at number five.


December 4th: Born on this day


1940, Born on this day, Freddy Cannon, singer, (1959 US & UK No.3 single, 'Way Down Yonder In New Orleans').

1942, Born on this day, Bob Mosley, Moby Grape, (1967 'Moby Grape').

1942, Born on this day, Chris Hillman, bass, vocals, The Byrds, (1965 UK & US No.1 single 'Mr Tambourine Man'), Flying Burrito Brothers, The Souther, Hillman, Furay Band, (1974 US No.27 single 'Fallin' In Love').

1944, Born on this day, Dennis Wilson, drums, vocals, The Beach Boys, (1966 UK & US No.1 single 'Good Vibrations', plus over 25 other UK Top 40 singles). Wilson drowned while swimming from his boat moored in Marina Del Rey, California on 28th December 1983 after a heavy day's drinking.

1947, Born on this day, Terry Woods, The Pogues, (1987 UK No.8 single 'The Irish Rover').

1948, Born on this day, Southside Johnny, vocals, harmonica, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, (1978 album 'Hearts Of Stone').

1951, Born on this day, Gary Rossington, guitar, Lynyrd Skynyrd, (1974 US No. 8 single 'Sweet Home Alabama', 1982 UK No.21 single 'Freebird').

1969, Born on this day, Jay-Z, (Shawn Carter), 1998 UK No.2 single 'Hard Knock Life' 1999 UK No. 10 single with Mariah Carey, 'Heartbreaker' 2001 US No.1 album 'The Blueprint'. Owner of Roc-A-Fella Records, is the second richest Hip-Hop Entertainer (behind Sean "Puffy" Combs), having a net-worth estimate of $340 million.

1972, Born on this day, Justin Welch, drums, Elastica, (1995 UK No.13 single 'Waking Up'), Me Me Me, (1996 UK No.19 single 'Hanging Around').

1973, Born on this day, Kate Rusby, UK folk singer, songwriter. 2007 No.2 indie album Awkward Annie.

December 6th: On this Day


1949, American blues artist, Leadbelly died. Huddie William Ledbetter wrote many songs including 'Goodnight Irene', ‘Cotton Fields’, 'The Rock Island Line', and ‘The Midnight Special'. Leadbelly was jailed several times for fights and knife related incidents, he was once jailed for shooting a man dead during an argument over a woman.

1959, Gene Vincent made his UK live debut at The Tooting Granada, London, when he was a guest on The Marty Wilde Show.

1961, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Pete Best met with Brian Epstein for further discussions about his proposal to manage them. Epstein wanted 25% of their gross fees each week. He promises that their bookings will be better organised, more prestigious, and will expand beyond the Liverpool area. He also promises that they will never again play for less than £15, except for Cavern lunchtime sessions, for which he will get their fee doubled to ten pounds. Lennon, as leader of The Beatles, accepts on their behalf.

1962, Bob Dylan recorded ‘A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall’ during a session at Columbia Recording Studios in New York City.

1964, The film 'Ferry Cross The Mersey' premiered in London. Featuring Gerry And The Pacemakers, Cilla Black and other Liverpool acts. It was written by Tony Warren, creator of the UK's longest running TV soap 'Coronation Street'.

1965, The Rolling Stones record ‘19th Nervous Breakdown’ and ‘Mother's Little Helper’ at RCA's Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles.

1966, The Beatles recorded Christmas and New Year's greetings for pirate radio stations Radio Caroline and Radio London. Both stations were broadcasting from ships anchored off the British coastline.

1967, Cliff Richard was confirmed into membership of The Church Of England at St. Paul's Church, Finchley, London.

1967, The Beatles started a seven-week run at No.1 in the UK with 'Hello Goodbye' their 13th No.1 single.

1969, Led Zeppelin made their debut on the US singles chart with 'Whole Lotta Love', it went on to make No.4 on the chart and was the first of six Top 40 singles for the group in the US. During the bands career, Zeppelin never released any singles in the UK.

1969, One hit wonders Steam started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye'. The song became a UK No.5 single for girl group Bananarama in 83.

1969, The Rolling Stones played a free festival at Altamont in California, along with Jefferson Airplane, Santana, The Flying Burrito Brothers and Crosby Stills Nash & Young. Rolling Stones fan Meredith Hunter was stabbed to death as the group played by Hell's Angels who'd been hired to police the event. It's claimed Hunter was waving a revolver. One other man drowned, two men were killed by in a hit-and run accident and two babies were born.

1971, During a UK tour Crosby Stills & Nash played the first of two nights at The Festival Hall in London.

1975, Paul Simon went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Still Crazy After All These Years', his first US No.1 solo album.

1975, Rev Charles Boykin of Tallahassee, Florida organised the burning of Elton John and Rolling Stones records, claiming they were sinful. Boykin was reacting to the results from a survey that said, 984 of the 1,000 local unmarried mothers had sex when listening to rock music.

1976, Showaddywaddy were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Under The Moon Of Love', (originally a hit in 1961 for Curtis Lee). The rock 'n' roll revival group from Leicester, England had nine other Top 10 hits with remakes.

1978, Sex Pistol Sid Vicious smashed a glass in the face of Patti Smith's brother Todd Smith during a fight at New York City club Hurrah.

1980, The Police appeared at the Fox Theater, Atlanta, Georgia supported by R.E.M.

1982, U2 appeared at The Hammersmith Palais, London, England.

1983, Duran Duran appeared live at the Apollo, Manchester, England.

1986, Europe were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Final Countdown'. They became only the second Swedish act to score a UK No.1. The song reached No.1 in 25 countries and the song's lyrics were inspired by David Bowie's song 'Space Oddity'.

1986, Peter Cetera and Amy Grant went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Next Time I Fall', not a hit in the UK.

1988, American singer songwriter Roy Orbison died of a heart attack aged 52. Scored the 1964 UK & US No.1 single 'Pretty Woman', plus over 20 US & 30 UK Top 40 singles including ‘Only the Lonely’ and ‘Crying’. Formed his first band The Wink Westerners in 1949, was a member of The Traveling Wilburys (known as Lefty Wilbury) with Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty and had the 1988 UK No.21 single 'Handle With Care'. Orbison endured a great deal of tragedy in his life. His first wife, Claudette died in a motorcycle accident in 1966 and two of his three sons, died in a house fire.

1990, Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder booked himself into the Priory Clinic Rehabilitation Detox facility in Manchester, England.

1995, Michael Jackson collapsed and was treated for dehydration while rehearsing for the HBO special Michael Jackson: One Night Only at The Beacon Theater in New York.

2000, The Strokes appeared at The Mercury Lounge in New York City.

2000, The Foo Fighters kicked off a 5-date UK tour at the Manchester Apollo.

2002, Percussionist David Leon ‘Billy’ Knight, brother of Gladys Knight died of a heart attack aged 55. (1973 US No.1 single 'Midnight Train To Georgia', 1975 UK No.4 single 'The Way We Were' plus 20 other UK Top 40 singles).

2003, Elvis Costello married jazz artist Diana Krall in a ceremony at Elton John's UK mansion. About 150 guests, including Sir Paul McCartney, attended the wedding. It was Costello's third marriage.

2005, A Jeep hit a patch of ice on Elvis Presley Boulevard and crashed through ‘the graffiti wall’ outside the Graceland mansion. No-one was hurt in the accident.

2005, Robbie Williams accepted substantial libel damages over claims that he is secretly homosexual. The People newspaper, Star and Hot Stars magazines in 2004 published stories alleging Mr Williams had engaged in casual homosexual sex. The publications' owners, MGN Limited and Northern & Shell plc, now accepted the stories were untrue and had agreed undisclosed damages, the court heard. Tom Shields QC, told the court: "Mr Williams is not, and has never been, homosexual."

2005, Myleene Klass was the victim of a ‘happy slapping’ attack by two girls and three boys in London. The former Hear’Say member had chips thrown at her and was thrown to the ground.

2008, Beyoncé went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘I Am… Sasha Fierce’, the singers third studio album. It debuted at No.1, making Knowles the third female artist this decade after Britney Spears and Alicia Keys to have her first three albums debut in the top spot.


December 6th: Born on this day


1916, Born on this day, Hugo Peretti, songwriter, producer. Wrote many classic hits including, 'Twistin' The Night Away', 'Shout', 'You Make Me Feel Brand New.' Died on 1st May 1986.

1920, Born on this day, Dave Brubeck, jazz pianist, (1962 UK No.12 album 'Time Further Out').

1943, Born on this day, Keith West, (Keith Hopkins), UK singer, (1967 UK No.2 single 'Excerpt From A Teenage Opera').

1944, Born on this day, Jonathan King, UK pop mogul, singer, producer, TV presenter, (1965 UK No.4 single 'Everyone's Gone To The Moon', plus 12 other UK Top 40 singles under various names, Bubblerock, Shag, Weathermen, Father Abraphart, Sakkarin). King was jailed for seven years in 2001 for sex attacks on five boys.

1947, Born on this day, Miroslav Vitous, Weather Report, (1976 single 'Birdland', 1977 album Heavy Weather').

1947, Born on this day, Fritz Fryer, The Four Pennies, (1964 UK No.1 single 'Juliet').

1955, Born on this day, Edward Tudor-Pole, vocals, actor, Tenpole Tudor, (1981 UK No.6 single 'Swords Of A Thousand Men'), appeared in the film 'Absolute Beginners' and became the presenter on TV's Crystal Maze.

1955, Born on this day, Rick Buckler, drums, The Jam, (1980 UK No.1 single 'Going Underground' plus 14 other UK Top 40 singles).

1956, Born on this day, Peter Buck, guitar, R.E.M. (1991 UK No.6 & US No.10 single 'Shiny Happy People', plus over 20 Top 40 UK singles, 1992 UK No.1 & US No.2 album 'Automatic For The People').

1961, Born on this day, David Lovering, drums, Pixies, (1990 UK No.28 single 'Velouria').

1962, Born on this day, Ben Watt, Everything But The Girl, (1995 UK No.3 & 1996 US No.2 single 'Missing').

1969, Born on this day, Mark Gardener, Ride, (1992 UK No.9 single 'Leave Them All Behind').

1969, Born on this day, Steven Drozd, drums, Flaming Lips, (2002 UK No. 32 single ‘Do You Realize’).

1970, Born on this day, Ulf Ekberg, keyboards, vocals, Ace Of Base, (1993 UK No.1 single 'All That She Wants', 1994 US No.1 single 'The Sign').

December 8th: On this Day


1961, The Beach Boys first single 'Surfin' was released on Candix Records, a small label based in Los Angeles.

1963, Frank Sinatra Jr was kidnapped at gunpoint from a hotel in Lake Tahoe. He was released two days later after his father paid out the $240,000 ransom demanded by the kidnappers, who were later captured, and sentenced to long prison terms. In order to communicate with the kidnappers via a payphone the senior Sinatra carried a roll of dimes with him throughout this ordeal, which became a lifetime habit, he is said to have been buried with a roll of dimes.

1965, The Spencer Davis Group kicked off a 9-date UK tour at The Top Rank, Southampton.

1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their ninth UK single ‘19th Nervous Breakdown’ at RCA studios in Hollywood, California.

1966, Working at Abbey Road in London, Paul McCartney overdubbed his lead vocal for ‘When I'm Sixty-Four’. Then The Beatles set about remaking a new John Lennon song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever.’

1968, Singer and guitarist Graham Nash left The Hollies and started work with David Crosby and Stephen Stills who went on to form Crosby Stills and Nash.

1969, Mott The Hoople appeared at Friars, Aylesbury, England.

1969, Mick Jagger was quoted saying 'I don't really like singing very much, I enjoy playing the guitar more than I enjoy singing and I can't play the guitar either'.

1969, On trial in Canada on drug possession charges, Jimi Hendrix told a Toronto court that he had only smoked pot four times in his life, snorted cocaine twice and took LSD no more than five times. Telling the jury that he had now 'outgrown' drugs. They find the guitarist not guilty.

1971, This weeks Top selling 8-Track cartridges chart: No.5, Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits Vol 2, No.4, Carole King, Tapestry, No.3, Simon and Garfunkel, Bridge Over Troubled Water, No.2, Motown Chartbusters Vol 6 and No.1, John Lennon, Imagine.

1973, Roxy Music had their first UK No.1 album when 'Stranded' went to the top for one week. The sleeve featured Playboy's Playmate of The Year, model Marilyn Cole

1975, Gary Thain bass player with Uriah Heep died of a drug overdose aged 28. Had a hit with ‘Easy Livin' from the 1972 album Demons and Wizards.

1977, Four people were arrested after a riot broke out when Blondie didn't arrive for a gig in Brisbane. Over 1,000 Australian fans had waited over an hour for the group to appear on stage, but the gig was cancelled due to singer Debbie Harry being unwell.

1979, Rod Stewart scored his seventh UK No.1 album when his 'Greatest Hits' started a five-week run at the top of the charts.

1979, Styx went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Babe', the group's only US No.1, a No.6 hit in the UK.

1980, John Lennon was shot five times by 25 year old Mark Chapman outside the Dakota building in New York City where John and Yoko lived. Chapman had been stalking Lennon for days outside the Dakota apartments and asked for an autograph as Lennon walked through the courtyard. As he signed a piece of paper Chapman fired. Lennon was pronounced dead from a massive loss of blood at 11.30pm.

1982, American country singer, songwriter Marty Robbins died aged 57 of complications following cardiac surgery. Had the first No.1 of the 60's in the US with 'El Paso', (winning him a Grammy Award). Robbins later portrayed a musician in the 1982 Clint Eastwood film Honkytonk Man.

1984, Frankie Goes To Hollywood were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Power Of Love'. The group's third No.1 of the year and final UK No.1. This made them the first group since Gerry And The Pacemakers to have a UK No.1 with their first three singles.

1984, Hall and Oates started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Out Of Touch', the duo's 6th US No.1, it made No.48 in the UK.

1984, One time Coasters manager Patrick Cavanaugh was convicted of first degree murder of group member Buster Wilson whose dismembered body was discovered in Modesto, California, in 1980.

1984, Vince Neil from Motley Crue was involved in a car accident in Redondo Beach, Ca, which killed Nick Dingley from Hanoi Rocks and injured two other passengers. Neil was jailed for 20 days and paid $2.6 million in compensation.

1988, Rick Astley appeared at The Playhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland on a tour sponsored by the soft drinks company Vimto.

1990, Stevie B started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Because I Love You, (The Postman Song)', a No.6 hit in the UK.

1993, The Verve, Acetone and Oasis started a UK tour at Wulfren Hall, Wolverhampton.

1995, Courtney Love appeared on the ABC TV show '10 Most Fascinating People', telling the presenter that she wished she had done 'eight thousand million things differently' to have prevented the death of her husband Kurt Cobain.

1999, 1960's singer Heinz was given a formal caution by magistrates in Southampton for playing music to loud in his flat. The singer who scored 4 Top 40 singles in the 60's is now wheelchair bound.

2000, A plaque to commemorate the 20th anniversary of John Lennon's death was unveiled outside his childhood home in Liverpool.

2000, Sting joined the ranks of Tinseltown's greatest when his star was unveiled on the celebrated Walk Of Fame in Hollywood.

2003, Eminem scored his fourth UK No.1 single with 'Loose Yourself.'

2003, BPI figures showed that the UK sales of seven-inch singles had increased by 84% on the previous year. The report claimed that bands such as The Darkness, The Strokes and The White Stripes had boosted sales by releasing special limited edition seven-inch records.

2004, Former Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell was one of five people killed after a man stormed the stage during a Damageplan show at the Alrosa Villa Club in Columbus. Nathan Gale, aged 25, began firing at the band and crowd, was then shot and killed by a police officer who arrived shortly after the first shots were fired.


December 8th: Born on this day


1925, Born on this day, Sammy Davis Jr, singer, actor, (1972 US No.1 single 'The Candy Man'). Died of throat cancer on 16th May 1990.

1939, Born on this day, James Galway, Irish musician, (1978 UK No.3 single 'Annie's Song',)

1939, Born on this day, Jerry Butler, vocals, The Impressions, (1965 US No.7 single 'Lilies Of The Field', solo 1969 US No.4 single 'Only The Strong Survive').

1942, Born on this day, Bobby Elliott, drums, The Hollies, (over 25 top 40 hits since 1963, 1972 US No.2 single 'Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress', 1988 UK No.1 single 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother', first released in 1969.

1943, Born on this day, Jim Morrison, vocals, The Doors, (1967 US No.1 & UK No.49 single 'Light My Fire' & 1971 single 'Riders On The Storm'). Morrison died of heart failure in a bathtub in a Paris hotel room on 3rd July 1971.

1944, Born on this day, Mike Botts, drums, Bread, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'Make It With You').

1946, Born on this day, Graham Knight, Marmalade, (1969 UK No.1 single 'Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da').

1947, Born on this day, Gregg Allman, keyboards, guitar, vocals, Allman Brothers Band, (1973 US No.12 single 'Ramblin Man').

1947, Born on this day, Geoff Daking, The Blue Magoos, (1967 US No.5 single, 'We Ain't Got Nothin' Yet').

1949, Born on this day, Ray Shulman, Simon Dupree And The Big Sound, (1967 UK No.9 single 'Kites'). Gentle Giant.

1951, Born on this day, Dan Hartman, multi- instrumentalist, producer, worked with Edgar Winter. Had the 1978 UK No.8 & US No.29 solo single 'Instant Replay'). He died on 22nd March 1994. Wrote ‘Relight My Fire’ a UK No.1 for Take That and Lulu, collaborated with Tina Turner, Dusty Springfield, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Tyler, Paul Young, James Brown, Holly Johnson and Steve Winwood.

1953, Born on this day, Colin Routh, Black Lace, (1984 UK No.2 single 'Agadoo').

1956, Born on this day, Warren Cuccurullo, guitarist. Worked with Frank Zappa, Duran Duran and Missing Persons. After posing naked with an erection in Brazilian gay magazine, G, in 2000, the guitarist marketed an eight-inch dildo modeled on his own penis, called the Rock Rod.

1957, Born on this day, Phil Collen, guitar, Def Leppard, (1987 UK No.6 single 'Animal' and 1987 worldwide No.1 album 'Hysteria', 1988 US No.1 single 'Love Bites').

1959, Born on this day, Paul Rutherford, vocals, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, (1984 UK No.1 & US No.10 single 'Relax' and six other UK Top 40 singles).

1962, Born on this day, Marty Friedman, Megadeth, (1990 UK No.13 single 'No More Mr Nice Guy').

1966, Born on this day, Sinead O'Connor, Irish singer, songwriter, (1990 UK, US and world-wide No.1 single with the Prince penned 'Nothing Compares To U'). Her version of the song was also a No.1 hit in 18 other countries.

1973, Born on this day, Judith Pronk, Alice Deejay, 1999 UK No. 2 single ‘Better Off Alone’).

1973, Born on this day, Corey Taylor, (sometimes known by the number 8), guitarist and singer with Slipknot, (2001 UK No.1 album ‘Iowa’). Also a member of Stone Sour.

1974, Born on this day, Nick Zinner, guitarist, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, (2006 UK No. 18 single ‘Gold Lion’).

1982, Born on this day, Chrisette Michele, American R&B and soul singer–songwriter, 2009 US No.1 album ‘Epiphany’.

December 10th: On this Day


1949, Fats Domino recorded his first tracks for Imperial Records. One of those songs was called ‘The Fat Man’, which later became his nickname.

1959, The four male members of The Platters were acquitted of charges of aiding and abetting prostitution, lewdness and assignation after an incident on August 10th in Cincinnati. Despite the outcome of the trial, the scandal would severely damage the group's career.

1961, James Brown, The Famous Flames, Sugar Pie DeSanto and The Brownies all appeared at The Evergreen Ballroom, Lacey, Washington.

1961, The film 'The Young Ones', featuring Cliff Richard premiered in London.

1961, The Beatles appeared at Hambleton Hall, Huyton in Liverpool after returning to Liverpool from their first live performances in south England and London. The Beatles arrived so late for their appearance in Huyton that they only had time to play for 15 minutes. The promoters, having to pay The Beatles their full £15 were very unhappy.

1964, The Beatles had their sixth UK No.1 single with 'I Feel Fine', also a US No.1.

1965, Bob Dylan appeared at the Community Concourse, San Diego, California.

1966, The Beach Boys went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Good Vibrations', the group's third US No.1. Also No.1 in the UK.

1967, American soul singer, songwriter Otis Redding was killed in a plane crash, aged 26. Redding and his band had made an appearance in Cleveland, Ohio on the local ‘Upbeat’ television show the previous day. The plane carrying Otis Redding and his band crashed at 3.28.pm into icy waters of Lake Monoma near Madison. Redding was killed in the crash along with members from the The Bar-Kays, Jimmy King, Ron Caldwell, Phalin Jones and Carl Cunningham. Trumpet player Ben Cauley was the only person to survive the crash.

1967, The Byrds played the first of an 8 night run at the Whisky-a-go-go, Hollywood, California.

1968, Led Zeppelin appeared at the Marquee Club, London, tickets cost 7/6 in advance. Other acts appearing at the club this month included Joe Cocker, The Who and Free.

1971, Playing the first of two nights at London's Rainbow Theatre, Frank Zappa was pushed off stage by jealous boyfriend Trevor Howell. Zappa broke one of his legs and suffered a fractured scull.

1973, The CBGB Club opened in the lower eastside of New York City; it became the home of new bands such as Blondie, Television, Patti Smith and The Ramones.

1976, Billy Idol's new band Generation X made their live debut at The Central College Of Art, London.

1983, Rolling Stones' guitarist Keith Richards married 27-year old Patti Hansen on his 40th birthday.

1983, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson started a six week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Say Say Say'. It was Jackson's 10th No.1 (solo & The Jackson's) and McCartney's 29th, (solo and The Beatles).

1983, The first 'Now That's What I Call Music' compilation album went to No.1 on the UK album chart.

1987, New Order supported by Primal Scream appeared at Wembley Arena, London.

1988, Chicago started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Look Away', the group's third US No.1, not a hit in the UK.

1988, Cliff Richard had his 12th UK No.1 single with 'Mistletoe And Wine.' His first solo No.1 for 9 years and the best selling single of 1988.

1988, During their 222-date Damaged Justice world tour, Metallica played the first of two nights at Cow Place in San Francisco, California.

1994, East 17 started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Stay Another Day'. It also gave them the UK Christmas No.1 of 1994.

1994, Kenny G started a two week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Miracles- The Holiday Album'.

1998, Bruce Springsteen won a £2 million court battle to ban an album of his early songs. The case revolved around a dispute over copyright ownership between Bruce and a former manager.

1998, A recording of a 1963 Beatles concert was sold at auction at Christies in London for £25,300, ($41,500). The tape of The Beatles' 10-song concert was recorded by the chief technician at the Gaumont Theatre in Bournemouth during one of six consecutive nights which The Beatles had played. Also sold for £5,195 ($8,500), was a set of autographs of five Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best, and Stuart Sutcliffe. The autographs had been obtained by a fan in Liverpool in 1961.

1999, Rick Danko died in his sleep at his home near Woodstock, New York. The Canadian guitarist and singer joined The Hawks in 1963 who went on to work as Bob Dylan’s backing band, (with Robbie Robertson, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson). Renamed The Band who released their 1968 debut Music from Big Pink (featuring the single ‘The Weight’). The Band released the 1978 concert film-documentary triple-LP soundtrack ‘The Last Waltz.’

1999, A war of words broke out between Cliff Richard and George Michael after George branded Cliff Richards hit 'Millennium Prayer' as 'vile'. Cliff hit back by saying that his single was a Christian celebration.

2000, Eminem went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Stan'. The rappers second No.1, the female singing on the track was by Dido.

2000, Westlife scooped the Record of the Year award at the Smash Hits awards for 'My Love'. Other winners included Atomic Kitten, for best new band, best new male went to Craig David, best British band, 5ive and Best Female Britney Spears.

2003, Coldplay singer Chris Martin married actress Gwyneth Paltrow in Santa Barbara, California. The couple also announced that Paltrow was pregnant and the baby was due next summer.

2004, One of three RCA microphones used by radio station KWKH for the historic Elvis Presley appearance at the Louisiana Hayride was sold for $37,500. The microphone was one of three used during 50 performances by Elvis Presley when he performed for the radio show in Shreveport from 1954 to 1956.

2005, Queen overtook The Beatles to become the third most successful act of all time. Sales in 2005 showed that Queen had now overtaken The Beatles to make it into third place, spending 1,755 weeks on the British singles and album charts. The Beatles slipped to fourth place, with 1,749 weeks. Elvis had spent 2,574 weeks on the singles and album charts, making him number one in the Top 100 most successful acts of all time. Sir Cliff Richard remained in second place, clinching 1,982 weeks.

2007, Led Zeppelin played their first concert in 19 years, at London's 02 arena. Original band members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones were joined on stage by Jason Bonham, the son of their late drummer John Bonham. More than one million people had taken part in a ballot for the 20,000 tickets available for the show.

2008, DMX was back behind bars in Miami after he was arrested for allegedly missing a court appearance in Phoenix, Arizona. The rapper was arrested on a warrant issued by a judge after he failed to show in where he faced charges of drug possession, identity theft and animal cruelty.

2010, The original hand-written lyrics to Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changin' sold at a New York auction for $422,500 (£267,400). Adam Sender, a hedge fund manager and art collector, outbid five others, placing telephone bids. The song, one of Dylan's most politically charged, was the title track of his 1964 album.


December 10th: Born on this day


1910, Born on this day, John Hammond, producer, A&R scout. Worked with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen, George Benson and Janis Joplin. Hammond died on 10th July 1987.

1926, Born on this day Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones, New Orleans blues guitar player from the 1940s and 1950s best known for the million-selling song ‘The Things That I Used to Do’, a song that is listed in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

1941, Born on this day, Ralph Tavares, Tavares, (1976 UK No.4 and US No.15 single 'Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel').

1946, Born on this day, Ace Kefford, The Move, (1969 UK No.1 single 'Blackberry Way').

1948, Born on this day, Jessica Cleaves, The Friends Of Distinction, (1969 US No.3 single 'Grazing In The Grass').

1954, Born on this day, Geoff Deane, Modern Romance, (1982 UK No.4 single 'Best Years Of Our Lives').

1957, Born on this day, Paul Hardcastle, producer, (1985 UK No.1 single 'Nineteen').

1965, Born on this day, Joseph Mascis, guitar, vocals, Dinosaur Jr, (1993 UK No.20 single 'Start Choppin').

1972, Born on this day, Brian Molko, guitar, vocals, Placebo, (1997 UK No. 6 single ‘Nancy Boy’).

1974, Born on this day, Meg White, drums, The White Stripes, (2003 UK No.1 album 'Elephant' spent 46 weeks on the UK chart).

December 12th: On this Day


1955, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley all appeared at the National Guard Armory, Armory, Mississippi.

1957, Still married to his first wife Jane Mitcham, Jerry Lee Lewis secretly married his 13-year old second cousin Myra Gale Brown.

1957, Al Priddy a DJ on US radio station KEX in Portland was fired after playing Elvis Presley's version of 'White Christmas' The station management said, 'it's not in the spirit we associate with Christmas'.

1962, The Beatles played two shows at the Cavern Club, Liverpool at lunchtime and then again that night.

1963, The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I Want To Hold Your Hand', the group's third No.1 (and first Amercan No.1) and this year's UK Christmas No.1.

1964, Bobby Vinton went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Mr Lonely', his second No.1 of the year.

1967, Rolling Stone Brian Jones was given 3 years probation and a £1,000 fine for drug offences. Three psychiatrists agreed that Jones was an extremely frightened young man with suicidal tendencies.

1970, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Tears Of A Clown'. It was the group's 26th Top 40 hit and first No.1, also a No.1 hit in the UK.

1970, The Doors played what would be their last ever live show with Jim Morrison when they played at the Warehouse in New Orleans.

1981, The Human League had their only UK No.1 single with 'Don't You Want Me.' The Christmas hit of 81, the biggest seller of 1981 and Virgin Records first No.1 UK single. The group's singer Phil Oakey disliked the song so much that it was relegated to the last track on their latest album' Dare'.

1985, Dionne Warwick received a star on 'Hollywood's Walk Of Fame'.

1985, Scottish keyboard player Ian Stewart died of a heart attack in his doctor's Harley Street waiting room in London. Co-founder of The Rolling Stones (Stewart was the first to respond to Brian Jones's advertisement in Jazz News of 2 May 1962 seeking musicians to form a rhythm & blues group). Stewart was dismissed from the line-up by the band's manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, in May 1963 but remained as road manager and piano player. He played on all The Rolling Stones albums between 1964 and 1983, except for Beggars Banquet. Also played piano on Led Zeppelin's ‘Rock and Roll’ and ‘Boogie With Stu’ from Physical Graffiti.

1987, George Michael started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Faith'.

1992, Whitney Houston started a twenty-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'The Bodyguard'.

1998, A seven inch single by the Quarry Men featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison was named as the rarest record of all time, only 50 copies were made with each copy being valued at £10,000, ($20,500).

1999, Celine Dion was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘All The Way, A Decade Of Song.’

2001, Arthur Lee guitarist and singer from Love, was released from prison after serving almost six years of an eleven-year sentence. Lee had been convicted of possession of a firearm and for allegedly shooting a gun in the air during a dispute with a neighbour.

2002, Eminem was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Lose Yourself', the rappers 4th No.1 taken from the soundtrack of his film 8 Mile.

2003, Mick Jagger became a Sir after being knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Jagger's 92-year-old father was at the Palace to see his son receive the award.

2004, Linkin Park and Jay-Z were at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Collision Course.'

2007, Ike Turner, the former husband of Tina Turner died at the age of 76 at his home near San Diego, California. Turner who was a prolific session guitarist and piano player is credited by many music historians with making the first rock 'n' roll record in 1951. After marrying Tina Turner in 1959, the pair released a string of hits including the Phil Spector produced ‘River Deep Mountain High.’

2007, A copy of John Lennon's book, A Spaniard in the Works, which contained a lock of Lennon's hair, sold at Gorringes Auction House for £24,000, ($48,000). Lennon gave the book and the hair to Betty Glasgow, the Fab Four's hairdresser during their heyday. He wrote in the book, "To Betty, Lots of Love and Hair, John Lennon xx." The strands of hair and book had been expected to sell for between £2,000 and £4,000.

2008, The town where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards grew up announced it was to name streets in a new estate after Rolling Stones hits. The 13 streets in Dartford, Kent, were to be given names such as Angie Mews, Babylon Close, Sympathy Street, Little Red Walk and Satisfaction Street. Leader of the council, Jeremy Kite, said he thought Ruby Tuesday Drive sounded a "fantastic" place to live, but police were concerned the street signs might be stolen by fans.


December 12th: Born on this day


1915, Born on this day, Frank Albert Sinatra, US singer, actor, made his first record in 1939. First singer to encounter 'pop hysteria', 'My Way' holds the UK longevity record of 136 weeks on the charts, 1966 UK & US No.1 single 'Strangers In The Night'. Sinatra died on 14th May 1998.

1938, Born on this day, Connie Francis, singer, (1958 UK No.1 single 'Who's Sorry Now', 1960 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'Everybody's Fool', plus over & 20 UK Top 40 hits.

1940, Born on this day, Dionne Warwick, US singer, (1964 UK No.9 single 'Walk On By', 1974 US No.1 & UK No.29 single 'Then Came You', plus over 25 US Top 40 hits).

1941, Born on this day, Terry Kirkman, vocals, The Association, (1967 US No.1 single 'Windy').

1942, Born on this day, Declan Clusky, The Bachelors, (1964 UK No.1 single 'Diane', plus 16 other UK Top 40 singles).

1942, Born on this day, Mike Heron, The Incredible String Band, UK folk group, (1967 album 'The 5000 Spirits or The Layers Of The Onion).

1942, Born on this day, Tim Hauser, singer, Manhattan Transfer, (1977 UK No.1 'Chanson D'amour', 1981 US No.7 single 'Boy From New York City').

1943, Born on this day, Dave Munden, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes, (1963 UK No.1 single 'Do You Love Me').

1943, Born on this day, Dicky Betts, guitar, vocals, Allman Brothers Band, (1973 US No.12 single 'Ramblin Man').

1943, Born on this day, Grover Washington Jr, singer, (1981 UK No.34 single 'Just The Two Of Us'). Died on 17th December 1999.

1943, Born on this day, Mike Smith, Dave Clark Five, (1964 UK No.1 single 'Glad All Over', 1965 US No.1 single 'Over And Over', plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles). Smith died on 29th Feb 2008 from pneumonia at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire, England at the age of 64.

1944, Born on this day, Rob Tyner, US singer, MC5, (1969 album 'Kick Out The Jams'). Died 17th September 1991.

1945, Born on this day, Alan Ward, The Honeycombs, (1964 UK No.1 single 'Have I The Right').

1946, Born on this day, Clive Bunker, drummer, Jethro Tull, (1969 UK No.3 & US No.11 single 'Living In The Past').

1947, Born on this day, Ralph Scala, The Blue Magoos, (1967 US No.5 single, 'We Ain't Got Nothin' Yet').

1948, Born on this day, Ray Jackson, Lindisfarne, (1972 UK No.3 single 'Lady Eleanor').

1953, Born on this day, Bruce Kulick, American guitarist, worked with Meat Loaf, Michael Bolton, Grand Funk Railroad and Kiss

1959, Born on this day, Belouis Some, (Neville Keighley) 1986 UK No.17 single 'Imagination').

1959, Born on this day, Sheila E. singer and percussionist discovered by Prince, she had the 1985 US & UK Top 20 single ‘The Belle Of St Mark’. Also worked with Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston & Celine Dion.

1961, Born on this day, Daniel O'Donnell, Irish singer, top UK Country 'n' Irish artist, (1998 UK No.7 single 'Give A Little Love', scored over 15 Top 40 albums). Received an MBE in 2002.

1963, Born on this day, Claudia Brucken, Propaganda, (1985 UK No.21 single 'Duel').

1963, Born on this day, Eric Schenkman, guitar, The Spin Doctors, (1993 UK No.3 & US No.7 single 'Two Princes').

1968, Born on this day, Danny Boy, US rap group, House Of Pain, (1993 UK No.8 single, 'Jump Around').

1976, Born on this day, Dan Hawkins, guitar, The Darkness, (2003 UK No.2 single ‘I Believe In A Thing Called Love’, 2003 UK No.1 album ‘Permission To Land’).

1980, Born on this day, Carl Dalemo, bass, Razorlight, (2005, UK No.2 single ‘Somewhere Else’, 2006 UK No.1 album ‘Razorlight’).