On This Day(In Music )

December 14th: On this Day


1962, Bill Wyman made his live debut with The Rollin' Stones at the Ricky Tick Club, Star and Garter Hotel in Windsor, England. The group were know as The Rollin' Stones during this period.

1963, American blues and jazz singer Dinah Washington died aged 39. Known as the ‘Queen of the Blues’ she scored the 1959 US No.8 Grammy Award wining single 'What A Diff'rence A Day Makes' and the 1961 hit 'September In The Rain'.

1963, The Beatles played a show for their Southern Area Fan Club at Wimbledon Palais, London. To prevent damage to the stage from fans the management of the Palais constructed a platform for The Beatles to perform on, surrounded by a steel cage.

1967, Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones was rushed to St Georges hospital in London after collapsing. A doctor reported Jones was tired and suffering from over strain and was also recovering from having some teeth out.

1968, Marvin Gaye scored his first US No.1 single when 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' started a five-week run at the top. It was Marvin's 15th solo hit and also his first UK No.1 single in March 69.

1969, The Jackson Five made their first network television appearance in the US when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1972, 'Born To Boogie' the Ringo Starr directed movie featuring T Rex premiered in London.

1973, Bruce Springsteen appeared at the Pinecrest Country Club, Shelton, Connecticut. Only 200 tickets were sold for the show.

1980, Yoko Ono called on fans to observe ten minutes of silence in memory of John Lennon. 30,000 gathered outside St George's Hall in Liverpool, while nearly 100,000 attend a memorial in New York's Central Park.

1981, During their Ghost In The Machine World Tour The Police played the first of three sold out nights at Wembley Arena, London, England.

1985, Whitney Houston scored her first UK No.1 single with 'Saving All My Love For You'. The song had been a minor hit for Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. in 1978 and was also a US No.1 for Houston.

1991, Michael Jackson started a four-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Dangerous'.

1996, After presenting this week's edition of 'Top Of The Pops', John Peel was surprised to find he was the subject of the TV show 'This Is Your Life'.

1997, Garth Brooks was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Sevens’ his fourth US No.1 album.

1998, Billy Preston pleaded guilty to insurance fraud in a Los Angeles court and agreed to testify against six other defendants who allegedly participated in starting fires, staging thefts and rigging car crashes for which a total of 18 fraudulent insurance claims were filed. Preston received five years of probation and one year in jail to run concurrently with a sentence he was already serving for violating probation on a prior conviction for cocaine possession.

1999, Sir Paul McCartney appeared at The Cavern Club Liverpool, his last gig at the venue was in 1963. The show was filmed for TV and also went out live on the Internet.

2000, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher recorded a cover version of Slade's 1973 number one 'Merry Xmas Everybody' for the Christmas Day edition of the BBC1 comedy show The Royle Family.

2003, Ozzy & Kelly Osbourne went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Changes' a remake of a track first sung by Ozzy on the Black Sabbath album Volume IV in 1972. It was the first father and daughter chart topper since Frank & Nancy Sinatra in 1967.

2003, Dido went back to No.1 on the UK album chart for another three weeks with ‘Life For Rent.’

2003, Alicia Keys was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘The Diary Of Alicia Keys’ the singers second US No.1.

2004, The funeral took place in Arlington, Texas for Damageplan and Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell, Eddie Van Halen, placed Darrell’s original black and yellow stripes guitar into the Kiss Kasket he was buried in. Several thousand fans and friends gathered at the Arlington Convention Center in Arlington, to mourn the guitarist’s death. Darrell was shot five times in the back of the head during a gig at the Alrosa Villa Club in Columbus on 8th Dec 04 by a mentally ill former US Marine. Damageplan's drum technician, John Brooks, and tour manager, Chris Paluska, were both injured in the incident.

2005, Philomena Ward the mother of X Factor contestant Shayne Ward was arrested on suspicion of assault after an alleged brawl at Manchester’s Piccadilly Tavern. A bouncer claimed he was punched during the incident. Shayne Ward went on to have the UK Christmas No.1 single with ‘That’s My Goal.’


December 14th: Born on this day


1932, Born on this day, Charlie Rich, singer, (1974 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'The Most Beautiful Girl'). Rich died on 25th July 1995.

1938, Born on this day, Gary Usher, producer, songwriter. Worked with The Byrds, co-wrote The Beach Boys 'In My Room'. Died on 25th May 1990.

1943, Born on this day, Frank Allen, The Searchers, (1964 UK No.1 single 'Needles And Pins').

1946, Born on this day, Jackie McAuley, Them, (1965 UK No.2 single 'Here Comes The Night').

1946, Born on this day, Jane Birkin, actress, singer, (1969 UK No.1 single with Serge Gainsbourg 'Je t'aime...Moi non plus', the only French language UK chart- topper).

1946, Born on this day, Joyce Vincent Wilson, singer, Dawn, (1971 UK & US No.1 single 'Knock Three Times', 1973 US & UK No.1 single 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree').

1949, Born on this day, Cliff Williams, bass player for AC/DC (he replaced Mark Evans in 1977). UK No.36 single with ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’, the bands 1980 UK No.1 & US No.14 album Back in Black sold over 49 million copies.

1958, Born on this day, Mike Scott, singer, songwriter, The Waterboys, (1991 UK No.3 single 'Whole Of The Moon', first released 1985).

1958, Born on this day, Peter 'Spider' Stacy, tin whistle, The Pogues, (1987 UK No.8 single 'The Irish Rover').

1966, Born on this day, Tim Skold, bass, Marilyn Manson, (1998 US No.1 album, 'Mechanical Animals', UK No. 12 single, 'The Dope Show').

1979, Born on this day, Sophie Monk, Bardot, winners of the Australian Popstars reality show, (2000 Australian No.1 single ‘Poison’, and 2000 Australian No.1 self-titled album). Now solo.

1988, Born on this day, Vanessa Hudgens, American actress and singer from 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.

December 16th: On this Day


1965, Released as a double A side The Beatles 'Day Tripper / We Can Work It Out', became their ninth UK No.1 and their third Christmas chart topper in a row. The single was a US No.1 in January 1966.

1966, The first Jimi Hendrix Experience single 'Hey Joe', was released in the UK on Polydor records, the track had been rejected by the Decca label. It went on to be a No.6 hit in the UK, but failed to chart in America.

1967, The Rolling Stones announced that Marianne Faithfull was the first signing to their 'Mother Earth' label.

1970, Five singles and five albums by Credence Clearwater Revival were certified gold in the US. The singles were: ‘Down on the Corner’, ‘Lookin out My Back Door’, ‘Travelin' Band’, ‘Bad Moon Rising’ and ‘Up around the Bend’. The LPs were ‘Cosmo's Factory’, ‘Willy and the Poor Boys’, ‘Green River’, ‘Bayou Country’ and ‘Credence Clearwater Revival’.

1971, Frank Zappa's '200 Motels' film opened at London's Piccadilly Classic Cinema.

1972, Billy Paul started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Me and Mrs Jones', a No.12 hit in the UK.

1974, Guitarist Mick Taylor announced he was leaving The Rolling Stones, saying he felt that now was the time to move on and do something new.

1983, Judas Priest played the first of two sold out nights at London's Hammersmith Odeon.

1984, Various stars named their favourite party songs in music magazine Smash Hits; Morrissey picked 'What's The World', by James, Siouxsie had 'Love Is The Drug' by Roxy Music, Robert Smith from The Cure picked 'Boogie Nights,' by Heatwave and Andy Partridge from XTC picked 'Take Five' by Dave Brubeck.'

1988, American soul and disco singer Sylvester James died of complications from AIDS in San Francisco aged 41. Scored the 1978 US No.36 & UK No.8 single 'You Make Me Feel, Mighty Real'. He sang back-up vocals for Aretha Franklin on her 1985 Who's Zoomin' Who? Album.

1989, Billy Joel went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Storm Front'.

1989, Jive Bunny and The Mastermixes had their third and final UK No.1 single with 'Let's Party'. With their first three releases making No.1, they equaled the record set by Gerry & The Pacemakers in 1963 and Frankie Goes To Hollywood in 1984.

1991, Chubby Checker filed a lawsuit against McDonald's in Canada seeking $14million for it's alleged use of an imitation of his voice. The song 'The Twist' had been used on a French fries commercial.

1993, Verve supported by Oasis appeared at The Krazy House, Liverpool, England.

1993, MTV aired Nirvana's 'Unplugged' session for the first time. The album featured an acoustic performance taped at Sony Music Studios in New York City on November 18, 1993.

1993, With stories beginning to surface about Michael Jackson's alleged improprieties with young boys, St. Louis radio station KEZK announced that it would be no longer playing the singer's records.

1997, American singer songwriter Nicolette Larson died aged 45 of complications arising from cerebral edema. Worked with Neil Young, (Comes a Time and Harvest Moon albums), Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys and The Doobie Brothers. Best known for her 1978 cover of Neil Young's ‘Lotta Love’.

1999, A 28 year-old man died after falling more than 80ft at Earls Court, London, while dismantling the set at a Spice Girls concert.

2000, The estranged father and former manager of LeAnn Rimes made embarrassing allegations during a legal battle involving millions of pounds. One fact told in court was that LeAnn paid her mother £6,700 every time she styled her hair before a show.

2001, Stuart Adamson, lead singer of Big Country was found dead in Hawaii a month after disappearing from his home in the US. The 43-year old Scottish musician had fought a long battle against alcoholism. His body was found in a hotel room.

2001, Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Frank and Nancy Sinatra 1967 No.1 hit 'Somethin' Stupid'. The Christmas No.1 for this year. From William's album Swing When You're Winning.

2003, Michael Jackson was out on police bail of $3m after being arrested following allegations of child abuse. The 45-year-old singer strenuously denied the allegations, calling them a big lie. Following the allegations of child abuse a special information web site was set up by the District Attorney's office because of the level of media interest in the case. Mr Jackson, who was arrested, cited and released after surrendering to police on 20th November, was due to appear in court on 9 January.

2004, A Detroit studio where Eminem recorded ‘My Name Is’ went up for auction on the website eBay. Studio 8, in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale was to be listed in eBay's commercial property section for 30 days, with a minimum bid is $215,000 (£161,448).

2004, Gold and silver Black Sabbath discs were stolen from the Kent home of Ozzy Osbourne's former manager Patrick Meehan. Police recovered the discs a week later after they were offered for sale on the internet auction site eBay.

2005, The surviving Beatles and relatives of the band's late members began legal action against EMI to get royalties allegedly worth £30m. Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and relations of George Harrison and John Lennon claimed EMI owed record royalties to their company Apple Corps.

2006, Sir Paul McCartney said he left EMI, his record label of 45 years, as it had become "boring" and he had "dreaded going to see" its executives. McCartney told The Times that the company's handling of his music had become "symbolic of the treadmill". The ex-Beatle went on to sign a deal with Starbucks' label, Hear Music.

2007, American singer songwriter Dan Fogelberg died at his home in Maine at the age of 56. The US singer, songwriter discovered he had advanced prostate cancer in 2004. Had the 1981 album ‘The Innocent Age’, which featured the hits ‘Leader of the Band,’ ‘Hard to Say,’ and ‘Run for the Roses.’

2007, Katie Melua & Eva Cassidy went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of 'What A Wonderful World' the version was released to raise money for the Red Cross.


December 16th: Born on this day


1934, Born on this day, Karl Denver, UK singer, (1962 UK No.4 single 'Wimoweh', 1990 UK No.46 hit 'Lazyitis- One Armed Boxer' with Happy Mondays). Denver died on 21st December 1998.

1945, Born on this day, Tony Hicks, guitar, 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.

1946, Born on this day, Benny Anderson, keyboards, vocals, Abba, (first UK hit 1974 No.1 single 'Waterloo', followed by 8 other UK No.1 singles and 9 UK No.1 albums, 1977 US No.1 single 'Dancing Queen').

1950, Born on this day, Bill Gibbons, guitar, vocals. Moving Sidewalks (who opened for Jimi Hendrix on his first US tour). ZZ Top, (1984 US No.8 & 1985 UK No.16 single 'Legs').

1959, Born on this day, Steven Irvine, drums, Lloyd Cole and the Commotions, (1985 UK No.19 single 'Brand New friend').

1972, Born on this day, Michael McCary, vocals, Boyz II Men, (1992 US & UK No.1 single 'End Of The Road').

December 18th: On this Day


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.

1962, On their fifth visit to West Germany The Beatles played the first night of a two-week engagement at the Star-Club, Hamburg. A 13 night run, playing 3 hours each night. The final night's performance was recorded and became known as ‘The Star-Club Tapes’, released in 1977 against the wishes of the ex-Beatles themselves.

1966, Tara Browne was killed when driving at high speed in his Lotus Elan after it collided with a parked lorry in South Kensington, London. A close friend of The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, his death was immortalized in The Beatles’s song ‘A Day In The Life’ after John Lennon read a report on the coroner's verdict into Browne's death.

1970, Pink Floyd appeared at The Town Hall, Birmingham, England, tickets 60p.

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.

1971, Sly and the Family Stone went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'There's A Riot Going On'.

1972, Bob Dylan starting filming his role in the film 'Pat Garrett and Billy The Kid.'

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

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.

1982, UK-based Italian tenor and English girl Renee And Renato were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Save Your Love', the duo's only UK Top 40 hit and this years Christmas No.1.

1983, American guitarist Jimmy Nolan, died of a heart attack in Atlanta, Georgia, aged 47. Known for his distinctive ‘chicken scratch’ lead guitar playing, he worked with James Brown from 1965 until his death.

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

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

1988, Mike Peters of The Alarm was rushed to hospital after having his eyes burnt by spotlights during a gig in Chester, causing the remaining dates on their UK tour to be cancelled.

1993, Take That had their third UK No.1 single with the Gary Barlow penned song 'Babe'.

1999, The Spice Girls unveiled their waxwork look-alikes at Madame Tussaud's, London. Each model had cost £35,000 to make.

2000, UK singer, songwriter Kirsty MacColl was killed in a boating accident off the coast of Mexico when a speedboat hit her. MacColl was aged 41.

2000, *NSYNC fan Danielle McGuire filed suit against group member Justin Timberlake, alleging that he harassed and verbally assaulted her. McGuire, 15, filed suit in St. Louis, Missouri, charging Timberlake with false imprisonment of a minor.

2001, English singer songwriter Clifford T. Ward died aged 57 after suffering from multiple sclerosis since 1984. His first album, Singer Songwriter, was released in 1972 on Dandelion Records (a label formed by the late disc jockey John Peel). He had the 1973 UK No.8 single 'Gaye'. Working as an English teacher in the late 60’s, one of his pupils was the future wife of Sting, Trudie Styler.

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.'

2003, James Brown and country music star Loretta Lynn were honoured for their contributions to US culture. The pair were invited to a gala attended by President George Bush at the Kennedy Arts Centre in Washington.

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).

2005, ‘Fairytale of New York’ was voted the favourite Christmas song ever in a VH1 poll. The song by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl took the top spot, Mariah Carey's ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’, was voted into 2nd place and Wham's ‘Last Christmas’ came third. Other songs voted into the Top 10 were, ’Mistletoe and Wine’, Sir Cliff Richard at No.4, ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ by Slade at No.5, ‘I Wish it could be Christmas Everyday’, Wizzard, No.6, ‘Christmas Time’, The Darkness, No.7, ‘Saviour's Day’, Sir Cliff Richard No.8, ‘Do They Know It's Christmas’ (1984), Band Aid at No.9 and ‘Lonely This Christmas’ by Mud at No.10.

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.

2005, UK pop-folk act Nizlopi were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'JCB Song', their only No.1 hit.


December 18th: Born on this day


1938, Born on this day, Chas Chandler, bass, The Animals, (1964 UK & US No.1 single 'House Of The Rising Sun'). Chandler became the manager of Jimi Hendrix and Slade, he died on 17th July 1996.

1941, Born on this day, Sam Andrews, Janis Joplin Band, (1971 US No.1 single 'Me And Bobby McGee', 1971 US No.1 single 'Pearl').

1943, Born on this day, Keith Richards, 'The Human Riff', guitarist, singer, songwriter and founding member of The Rolling Stones who have had over 35 Top 40 singles and albums. Rolling Stone magazine said Richards had created 'rock's greatest single body of riffs'.

1948, Born on this day, Bill Nelson, guitar, vocals, Be Bop Deluxe, (1976 UK No.23 single, 'Ships In The Night'). Solo.

1950, Born on this day, Martha Johnson, Martha And The Muffins, (1980 UK No.10 single, 'Echo Beach').

1953, Born on this day, Elliot Easton, The Cars, (1978 UK No.3 single 'My Best Friend's Girl', 1985 UK No.4 single 'Drive').

1958, Born on this day, Geordie, Killing Joke, (1985 UK No.16 single 'Love Like Blood').

1959, Born on this day, Grant Marshall, Daddy-G, Massive Attack, (1991 UK No.13 single 'Unfinished Sympathy').

1964, Born on this day, Robson Green, actor/singer, (1995 UK No.1 single as Robson and Jerome 'Unchained Melody', 'The White Cliffs Of Dover').

1966, Born on this day, Steve Dullaghan, Primitives, (1988 UK No.5 single 'Crash').

1968, Born on this day, Andy Miller, Dodgy, (1996 UK No.4 single 'Good Enough').

1970, Born on this day, DMX, (Earl Simmons), US rapper, (UK No. 30 single 'Slippin').

1980, Born on this day, Christina Aguilera, US singer, (1999 US & UK No.1 single 'Genie In A Bottle', 1999 US No.1 album 'Christina Aguilera', 2001 US & UK No.1 single with Mya, Lil' Kim and Pink, 'Lady Marmalade').

1980, Born on this day, Lyndsay Armaou, singer, B*Witched, (1998 UK No.1 single 'C'est La Vie').

December 20th: On this Day


1958, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison appeared as The Quarry Men at the wedding reception of George's older brother, Harry. The event was held at the Harrison family home at 25 Upton Green, Speke, Liverpool.

1959, Emile Ford and the Checkmates were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For.'

1962, The Osmonds appeared for the first time on the NBS-TV Andy Williams show. The brothers performed 'I'm A Ding Dong Daddy From Dumas'.

1967, Folk singer Joan Baez was sentenced to 45 days in prison after being arrested during an anti-war demonstration.

1967, American singer Jimmie Rodgers required brain surgery after he suffered a fractured skull and a broken wrist, allegedly at the hands of three San Diego police officers. Rodgers recovered and returned to performing a little over a year later.

1968, The Beatles sixth Christmas record 'The Beatles' 1968 Christmas Record', was sent to fan club members in the UK and the US. It included the song ‘Nowhere Man’ sung by Tiny Tim.

1969, Peter Paul and Mary went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Leavin' On A Jet Plane'.

1969, Rolf Harris was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Two Little Boys', (the song was written in 1902). The Christmas No.1 of 1969 and the last No.1 of the 60s. The song stayed at No.1 for six weeks.

1969, The Rolling Stones went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their 10th release 'Let It Bleed', featuring 'Midnight Rambler', and 'You Can't Always Get What You Want.'

1973, American singer Bobby Darin died aged 37. One of the first teen idols, he had the 1959 No.1 with 'Dream Lover' plus 20 other US Top 40 hits during the 60's including ‘Mack the Knife’, (Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1960). Darin traveled with Robert Kennedy and worked on the latter's 1968 presidential campaign. He was with Kennedy the day he traveled to Los Angeles on June 4, 1968 for the California Primary. Darin was at the Ambassador Hotel later that night when Kennedy was assassinated.

1974, Former James Gang guitarist Joe Walsh officially replaced Bernie Leadon in The Eagles.

1979, The UK Christmas album chart at Our Price Records, Michael Jackson's 'Off The Wall', £3.74. The Police, 'Regatta De Blanc', £3.49, and the No.1 album Pink Floyd's 'The Wall', £6.45.

1980, Twelve days after John Lennon was shot dead in New York City, (Just Like) Starting Over gave the former Beatle his first ever UK solo No.1 single. Taken from his Double Fantasy album.

1980, Motorhead's Phil Taylor accidentally broke a bone in his neck when partying after a gig in Belfast.

1986, The Bangles started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Walk Like An Egyptian'.

1986, The Housemartins were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of The Isley Brothers 'Caravan Of Love.' It was only the second a cappella song to be a No.1 hit after 'Only You' by the Flying Pickets.

1992, American blues singer and guitarist, Albert King died from a heart attack in Memphis, Tennessee. He recorded dozens of influential songs, such as 'Crosscut Saw' and 'As The Years Go Passing By', and the 1967 album, 'Born Under a Bad Sign.'

1999, Readers of UK Guitar magazine voted Noel Gallagher the most overrated guitarist of the millennium. Jimi Hendrix was voted guitarist of the millennium with Nirvana's 'Nevermind' winning best album.

1999, Canadian Country singer Hank Snow died. 'The Singing Ranger' released over 100 albums and scored more than seventy singles on the Billboard country charts from 1950 until 1980. A regular at the Grand Ole Opry, in 1954 Snow persuaded the directors to allow a new singer by the name of Elvis Presley to appear at the Grand Ole Opry.

2000, Ritchie and J from Five were remanded on bail following a court appearance in connection with a fight in a Dublin pub. They were charged with public order offences.

2000, Figures from the RIA of America showed that Teen Pop was alive and doing very well. Pop accounted for most of the record sales in America with Jive records, home to Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC selling 31m records

2001, Tommy Lee branded his ex-wife Pam Anderson an unfit mother. The drummer filed papers with the Los Angeles Superior Court alleging his son's tell him 'We hate Mommy' and his son Brandon had been using the F-word he learned from his mommy.

2006, Eminem and his high school sweetheart divorced for a second time, less than a year after they remarried. The couple agreed to share custody of their 10-year-old daughter, Hailie. The pair told a judge in Michigan they understood this time the divorce was final. The couple remarried in January. But the rapper filed for divorce less than three months later, saying there had been "a breakdown in the marriage relationship".

2006, Matthew Fisher, a founding member of Procol Harum, won a High Court battle over who wrote their song A Whiter Shade of Pale. He played organ on the 1967 hit and argued he wrote the distinctive organ melody. Mr Justice Blackburne ruled he was entitled to 40% of the copyright. Fisher had wanted half but the court decided lead singer Gary Brooker's input was more substantial. Fisher's claim for back royalties - of up to £1m - was also rejected. For almost 40 years, the song has been credited to lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid.

2006, Ian Halperin claimed that Michael Jackson was close to death. The Rolling Stone magazine writer said Jackson was suffering from a rare lung condition and needed a lung transplant. He also claimed that the singer had lost 95% vision in one eye and was so ill he could barley speak.

2008, Britney Spears went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Circus’, the singer’s sixth studio album.


December 20th: Born on this day


1944, Born on this day, Bobby Colomby, drums, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.12 & UK No.35 single 'You've Made Me So Very Happy').

1947, Born on this day, Peter Criss, drums, vocals, Kiss, (1974 US No.5 single 'On And On' 1976 US No 11 album 'Rock and Roll Over' spent 26 weeks on the chart. 1987 UK No.4 single 'Crazy Crazy Nights').

1948, Born on this day, Stevie Wright, The Easybeats, (1966 UK No.6 & 1967 US No. 16 single 'Friday On My Mind').

1948, Born on this day Alan Parsons, British studio audio engineer, musician, and record producer. He was involved with the production of The Beatles' Abbey Road and Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon for which Pink Floyd credit him as an important contributor. Parsons' own group, The Alan Parsons Project released several albums.

1956, Born on this day, Guy Babylon, keyboards, Elton John Band. Died on Sept 2nd 2009 of a heart attack while swimming in his pool at his home in Los Angeles, California.

1957, Born on this day, Anita Ward, singer, (1979 US & UK No.1 single 'Ring My Bell').

1957, Born on this day, Billy Bragg, UK singer, songwriter, wrote 'New England' 1985 hit for Kirsty MacColl, (1988 UK No.1 charity single with Wet Wet Wet, 'She's Leaving Home').

1957, Born on this day, Michael Watt, bassist, fIREHOSE, Stooges, Porno For Pyros.

1966, Born on this day, Chris Robinson, The Black Crowes, (1991 UK No.39 single 'Hard To Handle', 1992 US No.1 & UK No.2 album 'The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion').

1975, Born on this day, Graham Hopkins, drums, Therapy? (1993 UK No.9 single 'Screamager').

December 22nd: On this Day


1962, The Tornadoes started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Telstar'. Produced and written by Joe Meek, it was the first major hit from a UK act on the American chart. Also a No.1 in the UK.

1962, During his first visit to the UK Bob Dylan performed at the Singers Club in London, the singer songwriter's second UK gig.

1962, Acker Bilk's 'Stranger On The Shore' finally drops off of the UK charts after 55 weeks. That record would stand until 1968 when Engelbert Humperdinck's 'Release Me' stayed for 56. The current record is held by Frank Sinatra's 'My Way', which charted for 75 non-consecutive weeks.

1963, The Dave Clark Five scored their only US No.1 single with 'Over And Over', a No.5 in the UK.

1963, The Beatles appeared at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool. This appearance was the second concert-only preview of their ‘The Beatles' Christmas Show’, which would open in London in two days.

1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, The Who, Keith West and Tomorrow, Eric Burdon & The Animals, 1984 (featuring future Queen guitarist Brian May) and Soft Machine all appeared at The Olympia, London at an all night festival 'Christmas On Earth Continued'. The DJ was John Peel plus the venue featured a paddling pool, light shows and a movie theatre, tickets £1.

1972, Little Jimmy Osmond was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Long Haired Lover From Liverpool.' At nine years eight months of age it made him the youngest person to have a No.1 record, also the biggest seller of 1972.

1973, Elton John started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', it also had a eight week run at No.1 on the US chart.

1975, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band appeared at the Apollo in Glasgow, Scotland.

1979, The Damned and Spodgenessabounds appeared at a Christmas special gig at the Electric Ballroom, London, tickets £3.00.

1979, Rupert Holmes started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Escape, (The Pina Colada Song). His only US No.1 solo hit, a No.23 hit in the UK.

1979, The Pretenders appeared at the Marquee Club, London, tickets £1.25.

1980, Stiff Records released an album in the UK called ‘The Wit and Wisdom of Ronald Reagan.’ The entire disc contained 40 minutes of silence.

1981, At a rock & roll memorabilia auction in London, a stage suit worn by John Lennon sold for £2,300, a letter from Paul McCartney to a fan sold for £2,200 and a Perspex sculpture of John & Yoko was bought by singer Kate Bush for £4,200.

1984, Madonna started a six-week run at No.1 in the US charts with 'Like A Virgin', her first US No.1.

1987, Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue was pronounced 'dead on arrival' in an ambulance when his heart stopped beating for two minutes. Sixx was given two shots of adrenaline in his chest to revive him. Fellow band members were prematurely informed of his death.

1988, The Smiths played their farewell gig at Wolverhampton Civic Hall, (without guitarist Johnny Marr). To gain entrance to the gig fans had to wear a Smiths or Morrissey T- shirt.

1991, James Brown launched an unsuccessful lawsuit against the producers of the movie The Commitments, claiming one of the characters too closely resembled him.

2000, Madonna married film director Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle, Scotland. Celebrities attending the wedding included Jon Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Sting and fashion designers Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier and Stellla McCartney. The couple divorced in Nov 2008.

2002, Former Clash singer and guitarist Joe Strummer (John Graham Mellor) died of a suspected heart attack aged 50. Scored the 1979 UK No. 11 single 'London Calling', 1982 US No. 8 single 'Rock The Casbah, 1991 UK No.1 single 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go', first released 1982, plus 15 other UK Top 40 singles. The Clash's London Calling album was voted best album of the 1980s by Rolling Stone magazine. Strummer was also a member of the The Mescaleros.

2002, Pop Stars: The Rivals winners Girls Aloud started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their debut release 'Sound Of The Underground.' The song was originally recorded in 2001 by London girl group Orchid, who disbanded before gaining a record deal.

2003, The annual list of all-time music greats by the Guinness book of hit singles was again topped by Elvis Presley. The list based on the number of weeks spent on the UK singles chart looked like this; 1. Elvis Presley (1193), 2. Cliff Richard (1152), 3. The Shadows (771), 4. Elton John (623), 5. Madonna (606), 6. Diana Ross (560), 7. Michael Jackson (509), 8. Rod Stewart (477), 9. Beatles (456) and 10. David Bowie (452).

2005, Janet Jackson was the most-searched name during 2005 according to Google, the singer topped a list of searches with people looking for pictures from her infamous ‘wardrobe malfunction’ at the 2004 Super Bowl when she exposed her right breast.

2006, American songwriter Dennis Linde died aged 63 from a rare lung disease. Linde wrote one of Elvis Presley's last major hits, 'Burning Love' and also wrote 'Goodbye Earl' for the Dixie Chicks, and 'Callin' Baton Rouge' for Garth Brooks.

2008, A cassette tape of a "drunk" John Lennon recording a cover version of a rock 'n' roll song sold at auction in Los Angeles for $30,000 (£20,200). The six-minute recording, made in autumn 1973, is of Lennon performing Lloyd Price's Just Because. "Debauched lyrics" improvised by "a drunk Lennon" include "just a little cocaine will set me right", and, "I wanna take all them new singers, Carol and the other one with the nipples, I wanna take 'em and hold 'em tight,"

2009, The FBI released 333 pages of documents compiled about Michael Jackson between 1992 to 2005. The files revealed that they made several investigations into death threats against him made by obsessed fans, alleged inappropriate involvement between Jackson and an underage male, as well as fears that he may have become the target for terrorists.

2010, The Abbey Road zebra crossing in north London, made famous after appearing on a Beatles album cover was given Grade II listed status. The crossing, the first of its kind to be listed, was being recognised for its "cultural and historical importance" following advice from English Heritage. The Beatles were photographed on Abbey Road in Ian Macmillan's iconic cover shot for the 1969 album ‘Abbey Road’.


December 22nd: Born on this day


1944, Born on this day, Barry Jenkins, drums, The Animals, (1964 UK & US No.1 single 'House Of The Rising Sun'), also a member of The Nashville Teens.

1946, Born on this day, Rick Nielsen, vocals, guitar, Cheap Trick, (1979 UK No.29 & US No.17 single 'I Want You To Want Me', 1988 US No.1 single 'The Flame')

1949, Born on this day, Robin and Maurice Gibb, The Bee Gees, singers, songwriters, producers, Robin was the eldest by 1 hour. (1967 UK No.1 single 'Massachusetts', 1978 UK & US No.1 single 'Night Fever', over 30 UK Top 40 hits and 9 US No.1's over 4 decades). Maurice died on 12th January 2003 of a heart attack.

1950, Born on this day, Alan Williams, The Rubettes, (1974 UK No.1 single 'Sugar Baby Love').

1957, Born on this day, Ricky Ross, vocals, guitar, piano, Deacon Blue, (1988 UK No.8 single 'Real Gone Kid', plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles). Also solo.

1966, Born on this day, Danny Saber, Black Grape, (1995 UK No.8 single 'In The Name Of The Father').

1968, Born on this day, Richard James Edwards, guitar, vocals, Manic Street Preachers, (1992 UK No.17 single 'Theme From Mash'). Disappeared on 1st February 1995, after leaving his car at a service station by The Severn Bridge, near Bristol, England.

1972, Born on this day, Vanessa Paradie, French singer, actress, (1988 UK No.3 single with 'Joe Le Taxi').

1984, Born on this day, Jonas Erik Altberg, (Basshunter), Swedish musician and DJ. (2008 UK No.1 ‘Now You’re Gone’).

1989, Born on this day, Jordin Brianna Sparks, American pop/R&B singer, songwriter. Winner of the sixth season of American Idol, at the age of 17, making her the youngest winner of American Idol. 2008 Australian No.1 single with Chris Brown 'No Air.'

December 24th: On this day


1954, Johnny Ace shot himself dead backstage at the City Auditorium in Houston, Texas. The R&B singer was playing with a revolver during a break between sets, someone in the room said ‘Be careful with that thing…’ and he said ‘It’s OK the gun’s not loaded…see?’ and pointed it at himself with a smile on his face.

1963, The first night of The Beatles Christmas show at The Finsbury Park Astoria, London with Billy J. Kramer, The Fourmost, Cilla Black and Rolf Harris.

1965, The Who appeared at the Pier Ballroom, Hastings, England.

1965, The Beatles had the number one album in the US for the third Christmas in a row. 'Rubber Soul' sat atop the LP chart in '65, following 'Beatles For Sale' in 1964 and 'With The Beatles' in 1963. The Fab Four would repeat this feat again in 1968 with 'The Beatles' (The White Album) and again in 1969, with 'Abbey Road'.

1967, The Bee Gees performed their Christmas special 'live' from Liverpool Ca.

1971, Slade appeared at London's Marquee Club, for a Christmas Eve party night.

1972, David Bowie appeared at the Rainbow Theatre, London, England giving a special Christmas Eve concert.

1973, Tom Johnson of the Doobie Brothers was arrested in Visalia, California and charged with possession of marijuana. His court date is set for January 10th, the same day the band's new LP is to be released. The album is ironically titled "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits".

1975, AC/DC appeared at The Hordern Pavillion, Sydney, Australia.

1975, Frank Zappa appeared at San Diego Sports Arena, San Diego, California.

1976, 'Hotel California', The Eagles' sixth album, spent the first of eight non-consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard chart. The band's first LP with Joe Walsh and last with bassist Randy Meisner which has now sold over 16 million copies.

1977, The Bee Gees started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'How Deep Is Your Love', the group's 4th US No.1. It stayed in the top 10 for 17 weeks giving it the longest chart run in history, a No.3 in the UK.

1977, The Sex Pistols played their last ever UK gig, (until 1996), before splitting, at Ivanhoes in Huddersfield. It was a charity performance before an audience of mainly children.

1978, Factory Records released a double EP 'A Factory Sample', featuring Joy Division, Durutti Column and Cabaret Voltaire.

1983, The Police appeared at The Brighton Centre, Brighton, England on their Synchronicity Tour.

1988, Anita Baker started a four-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Giving You The Best That I Got'.

1988, Cliff Richard started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Private Collection.'

1988, Poison started a three-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn.'

1988, Nirvana started recording their first album 'Bleach' using a $600 loan from an old school friend.

1990, Dave Clark's company 'Right Time' took out double page ad's in the press thanking those who helped him win £665,000 damages against Rank Theatres who he claimed had been responsible for the closure of the 'Time' musical.

1994, Pearl Jam went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Vitalogy'.

1997, Appearing live all over the UK, tribute bands including, Bi Jovi at The Wheatsheaf Stoke on Trent, T-Rextasy at Sheffield City Hall, The Silver Beatles at Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms and Voulez Vous, The Abba tribute show at The Venue, London.

1999, Zeke Carey of The Flamingos died. Had the 1959 US No.11 single 'I Only Have Eyes For You', (which was also a 1975 UK No.1 hit for Art Garfunkel).

2000, Four Seasons bassist Nick Massi died of cancer. They scored the 1976 UK & US No.1 single 'December 1963, Oh What A Night', as well as hits with ‘Sherry,’ and ‘Rag Doll.’

2003, Jack White of The White Stripes turned himself in to Detroit police to face aggravated assault charges stemming from a bar room altercation in which he allegedly attacked Jason Stollsteimer of The Von Bondies. White was also fingerprinted and formally booked on the charges before he was released on bail.

2005, Rapper Foxy Brown was handcuffed and threatened with jail after she stuck her tongue out at a New York judge who asked her to stop chewing gum. Judge Melissa Jackson told the singer, she had showed disrespect to the court. Brown was in court on charges of assaulting two nail salon workers during a row over payment.

2005, Winner of the second series of the X-Factor TV show, Shayne Ward was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘That’s My Goal’ the second biggest selling single of 2005.

2009, Tim Hart, founding member of UK folk group Steeleye Span, died at the age of 61.

2009, Larry Knechtel, the keyboard player for the Soft-Rock group Bread, died following a heart attack at the age of 69. Knechtel earned a Grammy award for his arrangement of Simon and Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and also performed with Neil Diamond, Randy Newman, Ray Charles, The Beach Boys, The Doors, Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Jr., The Dixie Chicks and Elvis Costello.


December 24th: Born on this day


1924, Born on this day, Lee Dorsey, US singer, (1966 US & UK No.8 single 'Working In The Coalmine').

1945, Born on this day, Lemmy, Hawkwind, (1972 UK No.3 single 'Silver Machine'), Motorhead, (1980 UK No.15 single 'Ace Of Spades').

1946, Born on this day, Jan Akkerman, guitar, Focus, (1973 UK No.4 single 'Sylvia', 1973 US No. 9 single 'Hocus Pocus').

1968, Born on this day, Doyle Bramhall II, guitarist, songwriter, Smokestack, Eric Clapton Band, Roger Waters.

1971, Born on this day, Ricky Martin, singer, (1999, US & UK No.1 single 'Livin' La Vida Loca'. Recorded the world's biggest selling football song 'The Cup Of Life').

1975, Born on this day, Joe Washbourne, Toploader, (2000 UK No.7 single 'Dancing In The Moonlight').

December 26th: On this day


1963, Stevie Wonder arrived in the UK for appearances on the TV shows 'Ready Steady Go!' and 'Thank Your Lucky Stars.'

1963, Capitol Records, the EMI-affiliated company which rejected the US rights to every Beatles record that they were offered until then, finally released 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' backed with 'I Saw Her Standing There'. The song was currently topping the UK chart with 'This Boy' on the flip side. Within five weeks, the record would rise to number one in the US, where it would stay for seven weeks. The song was recorded the previous October and the hit version was take number 17.

1964, Lulu and Marty Wilde appeared in the pantomime 'Once Upon A Fairytale', at the Gaumont Theatre, Doncaster, England.

1964, The Beatles started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Feel Fine'. It was the group's 6th No.1 of the year in which they had 30 entries on the chart, giving them a total of 18 weeks at the top of the charts.

1964, The Rolling Stones placed an advertisement in the music paper New Musical Express, wishing starving hairdressers and their families a Happy Christmas.

1965, While spending Christmas at his father's home in Cheshire, Paul McCartney crashed from the moped he was riding and suffered a five-inch cut to his mouth.

1966, John Lennon appeared as a men's room attendant in Peter Cook's and Dudley Moore's BBC TV show 'Not only... But also'

1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played an afternoon show at The Uppercut Club, London. Hendrix also wrote the lyrics to Purple Haze in the dressing room on the same day.

1967, BBC Television broadcast The Beatles' movie ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ in black and white. The next day, the British press and the viewing public pronounce the film an utter disaster. The negative reaction was so strong that a US television deal for broadcasting the movie was cancelled.

1968, Led Zeppelin started their first North American tour supporting Vanilla Fudge and Spirit at Denver Auditorium, Colorado, tickets for this Sunday night gig cost $5.

1970, George Harrison started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'My Sweet Lord', making him the first Beatle to score a No.1 US hit. The song was originally intended for Billy Preston.

1973, Paul and Linda McCartney presented the UK TV BBC's 'Disney Time'.

1976, The Sex Pistols recorded 'God Save The Queen' at Wessex Studios London, England.

1979, The Grateful Dead played the first of five nights at the Oakland Auditorium, Arena, Oakland, California.

1979, The first night of a series of concerts were held at The Hammersmith Odeon in London for the People of Kampuchea, featuring Queen, The Clash, The Pretenders, The Who, Elvis Costello, Wings, and many more artists. The events which were organised by Paul McCartney and Kurt Waldheim were aimed to raise money for the victims of war-torn Cambodia.

1979, Pink Floyd’s The Wall was at No.1 on the US album chart. (The album spent a total of 15 weeks at No.1 during a 35-week stay on the chart). The Wall also spent a total of 5 weeks at No.1 on the UK chart.

1981, AC/DC started a three-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'For Those About To Rock We Salute You' the follow-up to their highly successful album 'Back In Black'. The name of the album was inspired by a book Angus Young read, entitled 'For Those About to Die, We Salute You', about Roman gladiators.

1988, Shane McGowan was arrested for smashing the glass from a shop window in a drunken rage. The Pogues singer was later fined £250.

1989, U2 started a five-night run at Dublin's Point Depot in Ireland.

1998, The Spice Girls scored their 8th UK No.1 single with 'Goodbye', (the first single without Geri Halliwell). It gave the group the Christmas No.1 for the third year in a row equaling the record set by The Beatles from 1963, 64 and 65.

1999, American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter Curtis Mayfield died aged 57. He was a member of The Impressions, (1965 US No.7 single 'Lilies Of The Field') and solo, (1971 UK No.12 single 'Move On Up', 1972 US No.4 single 'Freddie's Dead, Theme From Superfly').

1999, Notorious BIG was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Born Again.’

2004, 2Pac went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Loyal To The Game.'

2006, Michael Jackson filed a lawsuit against his former accountants, claiming they withdrew $2.5 million a year from his bank accounts but did not properly pay his bills. Jackson hired the Los Angeles-based firm in
2003 for book-keeping, opening bank accounts and filing personal, corporate and real estate taxes.

2007, Amy Winehouse's second album ‘Back to Black’ was named as the biggest-selling album of the year. Released at the end of 2006 the album had now sold more than 1.5m copies in the UK, achieving five platinum sales awards, Winehouse was also nominated for six Grammys including song of the year. Leona Lewis's ‘Spirit’ was the second best seller, Lewis sold 1.27m copies in just five weeks, becoming the fastest-selling debut in UK history and making the former X Factor winner the fastest female million-seller in the UK. Mika's ‘Life in Cartoon Motion’ were the third best selling album of 2007.


December 26th: Born on this day


1935, Born on this day, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, The Four Tops, (1965 US No.1 single 'I Can't Help Myself', 1967 UK No.6 single 'Standing In The Shadows of Love').

1953, Born on this day, Henning Schmitz, Kraftwerk, (1982 UK No.1 single 'Computer Love / The Model').

1955, Born on this day, Lars Ulrich, drums, Metallica, (1991 UK No.5 single 'Enter Sandman', 1991 US & UK No.1 album 'Metallica').

1963, Born on this day, Dana Baldinger, bass, Popinjays, (1990 UK album 'Bang Up To Date With The Popinjays').

1971, Born on this day, Jared Joseph Leto, American actor and musician, 30 Seconds to Mars.

1979, Born on this day, Chris Daughtry, American guitarist, singer. Daughtry was the fourth-place finalist on the fifth season of American Idol. His band's self-titled debut 2007 US No.1 album sold more than 1 million copies after just five weeks of release, becoming the fastest selling debut rock album of all time.

December 28th: On this Day


1961, Danny Williams was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Moon River', the Oscar-winning song was from the film Breakfast At Tiffany's. The Tokens were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight.'

1966, Ike & Tina Turner appeared at the El Cortez Hotel, San Diego, California.

1968, The Beatles went to No.1 on the US album chart with the 'White Album', the group's 12th US No.1 album.

1968, The three day Miami Pop festival took place, the first major rock festival held on the East Coast of the US, with Chuck Berry, The McCoys, Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac, Marvin Gaye, The Turtles, The Box Tops, Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night, Pacific Gas and Electric, Procol Harum, Canned Heat, Iron Butterfly and The Grateful Dead.

1968, Vanilla Fudge appeared at the Pacific Coliseum, Vancouver, Canada supported by Led Zeppelin on their first US tour.

1968, Pink Floyd appeared at the two day festival Flight To Lowlands Paradise II, Margriethal-Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, The Netherlands, (replacing Jimi Hendrix). Other acts appearing included Jethro Tull, Jeff Beck, The Pretty Things and the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band.

1971, During a UK tour Mott The Hoople appeared at the Guildhall in Plymouth.

1971, George Harrison was at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'My Sweet Lord', making him the first Beatle to score a No.1 US hit. The song was originally intended for Billy Preston.

1972, David Bowie appeared at The Hardrock, Stretford, Manchester, England on his Ziggy Stardust tour.

1974, Helen Reddy went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Angie Baby', the singers third US No.1. The song was turned down by Cher.

1978, Chris Bell guitarist with Big Star was killed after his car crashed into a telephone pole, he was 27.

1978, Rolling Stone magazine voted 'Some Girls' by The Rolling Stones 'Album of the Year.'

1980, St Winifred's School Choir were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'There's No One Quite Like Grandma.'

1983, Having made two successful dives below a friend’s yacht to find items he’d drunkenly thrown off his own boat three years before, Beach Boy Dennis Wilson took one last dive into the Pacific and never returned from the boat moored in Marina Del Rey, California. With the help of President Reagan he was given a burial at sea, normally reserved for Navel personnel. Dennis was the only genuine surfer in The Beach Boys.

1985, Shakin' Stevens was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Merry Christmas Everyone'. The Welsh singers fourth and final UK No.1.

1988, Nirvana appeared at the Hollywood Underground, Seattle, Washington.

1991, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and Pearl Jam all appeared at Del Mar O'brien Pavilion, San Diego, California.

1993, Canadian singer Shania Twain married record producer Mutt Lange.

1996, The Spice Girls scored their third UK No.1 single with '2 Become 1'. The ballad from their debut album became their first Christmas No.1.

1998, UK radio station BBC Radio 1 aired the 100 National Anthems, songs voted by listeners. At No.5 Radiohead, 'Creep', No.4 Underworld 'Born Slippy', No.3 The Verve 'Bitter Sweet Symphony', No.2 Nirvana 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', No.1 Massive Attack 'Unfinished Sympathy'.

2002, Shamed rock star Gary Glitter was deported from Cambodia after spending two nights in jail over suspected sex offences.

2003, 50 Cent's debut album, 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin' was named the biggest selling album in the US in 2003 with the album going platinum six times over. Outkast came second with 'Speakerboxxx' / 'The Love Below' and Linkin Park's 'Meteora' was the third biggest seller. The Top 10 albums of 2003 in the USA accounted for around 30 million sales.

2005, Pink Floyd were voted the greatest rock stars ever in a survey of 58,000 listeners from UK radio station Planet Rock. Led Zeppelin were voted into second place, 3rd was The Rolling Stones, 4th The Who, 5th, AC/DC, 6th, U2, 7th, Guns N’ Roses, 8th, Nirvana, 9th, Bon Jovi and in 10th place Jimi Hendrix. Listeners also named the 1970s as the golden age of rock, followed by the 1960’s.


December 28th: Born on this day


1915, Born on this day, Roebuck 'pop' Staples, vocals, The Staple Singers, (1975 US No.1 single 'Let's Do It Again'). Died 19th December 2000.

1921, Born on this day, Johnny Otis, (1957 UK No.2 single 'Ma, He's Making Eyes At Me', 1958 US No.9 single 'Willie And The Hand Jive').

1938, Born on this day, Charles Neville, sax, The Neville Brothers, (1989 UK No.47 single 'With God On Our Side').

1943, Born on this day, Chas Hodges, Heads Hands And Feet, Chas & Dave, (1982 UK No.2 single 'Ain't No Pleasing You').

1946, Born on this day, Edgar Winter, Edgar Winter Group, keyboards, vocals, (1973 US No.1 & UK No.18 single 'Frankenstein').

1947, Born on this day, Dick Diamonde, The Easybeats, (1966 UK No.6 & 1967 US No. 16 single 'Friday On My Mind').

1950, Born on this day, Alex Chilton, guitar, vocals, The Box Tops, (1967 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'The Letter'), formed Big Star in 1971. Died in hospital of heart problems in New Orleans on March 17th 2010 aged 59.

1953, Born on this day, Richard Clayderman, French pianist who has sold over 70 million albums world-wide, biggest UK hit is the 1982 UK No.2 album 'Richard Clayderman.'

1954, Born on this day, Rosie Vela, US singer songwriter, (1987 UK No.27 single 'Magic Smile').

1964, Born on this day, Paul Wagstaff, Black Grape, (1995 UK No.8 single 'In The Name Of The Father').

1971, Born on this day, Anita Dels, vocals, 2 Unlimited, (1993 UK No.1 single 'No Limit').

1978, Born on this day, John Legend (John Stephens), singer, songwriter, 2006 US No.3 & UK No.10 album ‘Once Again.’

1979, Born on this day, Akon, (Aliaune Thiam), US singer, (2005 UK No.1 album ‘Trouble’, 2005 UK No.1 and US No.4 single ‘Lonely’, (which samples Bobby Vinton's ‘Mr. Lonely’).

December 30th: On this Day


1962, Ike & Tina Turner, The Ike-etts, Jimmy Thomas and Mary Brown all appeared at Cocoanut Grove, Sacrament, California.

1962, Singer Brenda Lee was hurt when she attempted to rescue her poodle, Cee Cee from her burning house. Cee Cee later died of smoke inhalation.

1965, The Kinks, The Who, Manfred Man, The Hollies and Gerry and the Pacemakers all appeared on tonight's UK TV pop show 'Shindig!'

1966, Pink Floyd and Soft Machine appeared at the UFO presents Night Tripper at the Blarney Club, London, England.

1967, The Beatles scored their 15th US No.1 with 'Hello Goodbye', Gladys Knight and the Pips were at No.2 with 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' and The Monkees at No.3 with 'Daydream Believer.'

1968, Led Zeppelin appeared at Gonzaga University Gymnasium, Spokane on their first North American tour supporting Vanilla Fudge.

1969, Peter Tork quit The Monkees, buying himself out of his contract which left him broke.

1972, Brownsville Station, Sha-Na-Na and Bruce Springsteen (who was the opening act), all appeared of the Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Ohio.

1978, Emerson Lake and Palmer announced their official break up.

1978, XTC made their live debut in the US when they played a show in Philadelphia.

1989, Chris Novoselic bass player with Nirvana married his long-time girlfriend Shelli Dilly in Washington.

1995, Clarence Satchell from The Ohio Players died aged 55. Scored the 1974 US No.1 single 'Fire' and had hits with ‘Skin Tight’, ‘I Want To Be Free’ and ‘Love Roller Coaster.’

1999, George Harrison and his wife Olivia were attacked when an intruder broke into their home in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Olivia beat off the attacker with a poker and heavy lamp. Harrison who was stabbed in the chest was admitted to hospital and treated for a collapsed lung and various minor stab wounds. His wife, Olivia, was treated for cuts and bruises she had suffered in the struggle with the intruder. Police later arrested Michael Abram from Liverpool who had nursed an irrational obsession with the Beatles.

1999, In the Queen's Millennium Honours list, former Slade singer Noddy Holder was awarded an MBE and guitarist Mark Knopfler was awarded an OBE.

2001, Nickelback went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'How To Remind Me'.

2002, Diana Ross was arrested for drink driving by the Arizona highway patrol after a motorist called to report a swerving vehicle in the western state of Arizona. When asked to walk in a straight line she fell over, could not count to 30 or balance on one foot. Police said the singer was twice over the drink drive limit with a blood-alcohol of 0.20, the legal limit is 0.08.

2002, The funeral of former Clash singer and guitarist Joe Strummer took place in London. Strummer had died of a suspected heart attack on 22nd Dec 2002 aged 50.

2003, Cris Kirkwood from the Meat Puppets was arrested and accused of hitting a federal post office security guard in the head with a baton that the musician took from the guard during a struggle, the guard then shot Kirkwood in the back. The incident began over a dispute about parking with another customer at a Phoenix post office.

2006, R&B singer Brandy was involved in a four-car crash that left one woman dead, after the singer failed to slow down and hit the back of another car. Brandy was alone in her car and no alcohol or drugs were involved.

2006, Young Jeezy was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘The Inspiration’ the American rappers fourth album.


December 30th: Born on this day


1928, Born on this day, Bo Diddley, (Elias McDaniel), guitarist, singer, (R&B hits, 'Bo Diddley', 'You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover', 1963 UK No.34 single 'Pretty Thing'). When The Beatles first went to the US, John Lennon was asked what he would like to see; he replied 'Bo Diddley.' Diddley died from heart failure in Archer, Florida aged 79 on 2nd June 2008.

1934, Born on this day, Del Shannon, singer, (1961 UK and US No.1 single 'Runaway', plus 9 US & 12 other UK Top 40 singles). Died on 8th February 1990.

1940, Born on this day, Perry Ford, Ivy League, (1965 UK No.3 single 'Tossing and Turning').

1940, Born on this day, Kenny Penifallo, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, (1978 album 'Hearts Of Stone').

1942, Born on this day, Mike Nesmith, vocals, guitar, The Monkees, (1967 UK & US No.1 single 'I'm A Believer' plus 10 US & 8 UK Top 40 singles).

1942, Born on this day, Robert Quine, guitarist, Richard Hell and the Voidoids, (1977 album 'Blank Generation' features the track 'Love Comes In Spurts'). Worked with Lou Reed, Brian Eno, Lloyd Cole, They Might Be Giants. Found dead on May 31st 2004 of a heroin overdose.

1945, Born on this day, Davy Jones, vocals, guitar, The Monkees, (1967 UK & US No.1 single 'I'm A Believer' plus 10 US & 8 UK Top 40 singles). Actor in 1986 London cast of 'Godspell'.

1946, Born on this day, American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist Patti Smith, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement. Smith had the 1976 album 'Horses', and the 1978 UK #5 and US #13 single 'Because The Night', co-written with Bruce Springsteen.

1947, Born on this day, Jeff Lynne, guitar, vocals, Idle Race, The Move, (1969 UK No.1 single 'Blackberry Way',) Electric Light Orchestra, (1979 UK No.3& US No. 4 single 'Don't Bring Me Down'), Traveling Wilburys, (1988 UK No.28 'Handle With Care'), producer.

1959, Born on this day, Tracy Ullman, singer, actress, (1983 UK No.2 single 'They Don't Know').

1969, Born on this day, Jason Kay, vocals, (Jay Kay, Jamiroquai, 1996 UK No.3 single 'Virtual Insanity', 2001 UK No.1 album 'A Funk Odyssey').

1970, Born on this day, Sister Bliss (Ayalah Bentovim), producer, DJ, Faithless, (1996 UK No.3 album ‘Insomnia’).

1978, Born on this day, Tyrese, US male singer, (1999 UK No.55 single, 'Sweet Lady', 2001 US No. 8 album, '2000 Watts').

1988, Born on this day, Leon Jackson, Scottish singer who won the fourth series of the UK TV talent show The X Factor in 2007. His UK No.1 debut single, a cover of the Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey duet 'When You Believe' became the fastest selling UK single of 2007. It also made Jackson the first Scottish artist to achieve a UK Christmas number one.

January 1st: On this day


1953, Country singer Hank Williams died of a heart attack brought on by a lethal cocktail of pills and alcohol aged 29. Made his first record in 1946, scored 36 Top 10 US country hits, his best Known being 'Your Cheatin Heart.' Over 20,000 mourners attended his funeral.

1955, English singer Dickie Valentine was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Finger Of Suspicion'. Valentine hosted The Dickie Valentine TV Show in 1956.

1955, Elvis Presley appeared at The Eagles Hall in Houston Texas. Presley went on to play over 250 shows in 1955.

1956, Bill Haley's 'Rock Around The Clock' went to No.1 on the UK singles chart for the second time.

1957, BBC Television aired its new rock & roll show 'Cool For Cats' for the first time. With a miniscule budget, the program was forced to rely on artists miming and the talents of a resident dance group (led by Douglas Squires). Ker Robertson, the first host, was succeeded after a few weeks by Kent Walton, later better known for his ITV wrestling commentaries

1960, Johnny Cash played a free concert for the inmates of San Quentin Prison, California.

1962, The Beatles auditioned for Decca Records in West Hampstead, London. A&R boss at Decca Dick Rowe turned them down.

1964, The first edition of the BBC TV show Top Of The Pops was transmitted from an old church hall in Manchester, England. Introduced by DJ Jimmy Saville, acts miming to their latest releases included The Rolling Stones, (I Wanna Be Your Man), The Dave Clark Five, (Glad All Over), The Hollies, (Stay), and The Swinging Blue Jeans, (Hippy Hippy Shake). The first song played was Dusty Springfield's 'I Only Want To Be With You'. Also featured on disc and film, The Beatles, (I Want to Hold Your Hand), Freddie & the Dreamers, Cliff Richard and the Shadows and Gene Pitney.

1965, The Yardbirds (with Eric Clapton), played two shows at The Odeon Cinema, Hammersmith in London. One at 6.15 and 8.45pm.

1966, Simon and Garfunkel started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Sounds Of Silence', a No.13 hit in the UK.

1967, The Doors made their first live television appearance lip-synching their first single ‘Break on Through’ on Shebang, KTLA-TV Channel 5 in Los Angeles. The single peaked No. 126 on the US chart mainly due to lack of airplay after censors objected to the drug use implied by the line "she gets high", which is repeated in the middle section of the song.

1968, Billboard magazine reported that for the first time albums had outsold singles in the US with album sales reaching over 192 million units.

1969, Marmalade were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of The Beatles song 'Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da'.

1970, Rolf Harris was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Two Little Boys'. The song was written by American composer Theodore Morse and lyricist Edward Madden in 1902.

1971, Radio Luxembourg aired over seven hours of continuous Beatles music to celebrate the group's tenth year in the music business. Every track played was a single or LP track by The Beatles plus tracks from solo albums.

1972, Carole King started a three week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Music', her second US chart topper.

1972, Marc Bolan signed a deal with EMI to release records in the UK on his own T Rex Wax co. label.

1976, Procol Harum, John Miles, Barclay James Harvest, Baker Gurvitz Army and Snafu all appeared at the Great British Music Festival, London, tickets £3.30.

1977, Genesis played the first of three nights at the new-look Rainbow Theatre, London, tickets cost £2.50 ($4.25). The theatre had been completely renovated at a cost of £80,000 ($136,000).

1977, The Clash played the opening night at punk's first real venue, The Roxy Club in London.

1977, Wings were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Mull Of Kintyre.' Spending nine weeks at No.1 in became the first single to sell over 2 million copies in the UK.

1979, The Invaders played their last gig at the Filmmakers Co-Op in London and then went on to form Madness.

1980, Cliff Richard was included in the Queen's New Year list, being awarded an OBE.

1982, Abba made their final live appearance as a group when they played in Stockholm, Sweden.

1984, Alexis Korner died of lung cancer aged 55. Know as "the Founding Father of British Blues", he was a major force behind the UK early 60's R&B scene. Formed Blues Incorporated; members at various times included Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Long John Baldry, Graham Bond and Charlie Watts. Had hits with CCS, including a version of Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love' which was used as the theme for BBC's Top Of The Pops for several years. Became a radio presenter in the 70's.

1988, Breakdancers Rob Pilatus and Fabrice Morvan signed a contract with Boney M producer Frank Farian. Milli Vanilli were born.

1988, Prince played an after midnight New Years Eve charity gig in aid of the homeless in Minnesota. Miles Davis joined him on stage.

1989, Nirvana signed a one-year recording contract with Sub Pop records. The Seattle based label began not as a record label but as a fanzine (called Subterranean Pop), in the early 80’s, also signed Soundgarden and Mudhoney.

1990, New American radio station WKRL in Florida played the Led Zeppelin track 'Stairway To Heaven' for 24 hours, as a prelude to an all Zeppelin format.

1992, Diana Ross opened the annual Harrods January sale in London.

1994, Music weekly Melody Makers Top singles of 1993; No.3 Pulp, 'Razzamtazz', No.2, Radiohead 'Creep' and No.1 The Breeders, 'Cannonball'. Top 3 albums, 'Star' by Belly No.3, Afghan Whigs 'Gentleman' No.2 and No.1 Tindersticks self-titled debut album.

1995, Garth Brooks started a six week run at No.1 on the US album charts with 'The Hits.'

1998, a mystery buyer paid £31,000 ($52,700) for the car number plate ‘OAS 15’ at auction in Cheltenham. It was rumoured that a member from Oasis had bought the plate.

2002, Eric Clapton married 25-year old Melia McEnery the mother of his baby daughter at a secret ceremony at the 15th Century St Mary Magdalen Church in Riplley, Surrey, England.

2002, Welsh singer Shakin' Stevens spent several hours in police custody after being arrested for drink driving. The 80's singer was charged and released to appear before magistrates on January 16th.

2002, The Top five selling UK albums of 2001, No. 5, Shaggy, 'Hot Shot', No.4, Travis, 'The Invisible Band', No.3 Eva Cassidy, 'Songbird', No.2, David Gray, 'White Ladder' and No.1, Dido, 'No Angel'.

2005, in most of Europe, copyright expired on a number of classic pop and rock-and-roll songs recorded in 1954 and earlier, including Bill Haley's ‘Rock Around the Clock’ and ‘Only You’ by The Platters.

2007, Queen beat The Beatles to be crowned greatest British band of all time by BBC Radio 2 listeners in the UK. They pipped the Fab Four in a live contest, trouncing other finalists The Rolling Stones, Oasis and Take That. The bands were judged on song-writing, lyrics, live performances, originality and showmanship. More than 20,000 listeners voted by email, text and phone.

2008, The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) reported that the number of music downloads sold in the UK in the final week of 2007 was double the total of 12 months earlier. In total there were 2.95 million downloads in seven days, the highest ever recorded for any weekly period. And when the whole of the year was taken into account, 77.5 million downloads were sold in the UK in 2007.

2009, According to official UK sales figures Duffy’s debut album Rockferry came top of the year-end chart, with 1.685 million copies sold. Take That had the second biggest seller with The Circus, Kings of Leon, Only By The Night was third, Spirit by Leona Lewis was fourth and Coldplay had the fifth biggest seller with Viva La Vida. X Factor winner Alexandra Burke had the UK's top-selling single after her version of Hallelujah sold 888,000 copies in the last two weeks of the year.

2011, Chuck Berry cut short a concert at Congress Theater, Chicago, Illinois after collapsing on stage an hour into the show. Berry slumped over a keyboard and did not move for a couple of minutes before being helped off stage, he returned 15 minutes later only to be forced off again almost immediately. The 84 year-old later re-emerged on stage but told fans he had no strength to continue performing.


January 1st: Born on this day


1942, Born on this day, Joe McDonald, vocals, Country Joe and the Fish, 1968 US hit 'I Feel Like I'm Fixin' To Die.'

1945, Born on this day, Jim Gordon, American drummer, one of the most requested session drummers in the late 1960s and 1970s. Gordon co-wrote Layla with Eric Clapton, worked with The Everly Brothers, The Monkees, The Beach Boys, (Pet Sounds) The Byrds, George Harrison, (All Things Must Pass), John Lennon, (Imagine), The Carpenters, Traffic, Glen Campbell, (Wichita Lineman), Steely Dan, Jackson Browne, Frank Zappa and many others. A diagnosed schizophrenic, Gordon murdered his mother on June 3, 1983, by pounding her head with a hammer. He was sentenced to sixteen years-to-life in prison in 1984.

1950, Born on this day, Morgan Fisher, keyboards, Mott The Hopple, 1972 UK No.3 & US No.37 single 'All The Young Dudes', a song David Bowie offered the band on hearing they were about to split up.

1956, Born on this day, Diane Warren, US songwriter. Warren has written over 80 US Top 20 hits including; Aerosmith, 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing', LeAnn Rimes, 'How Do I Live', Toni Braxton, 'Un- Break My Heart', plus hits for Cher, Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Rod Stewart and Ace Of Base.

1958, Born on this day, Joseph Saddler, (Grandmaster Flash), 1982 UK No.8 single 'The Message.' Major force in early Rap music, was given his nickname after his rapid hand movements on the record decks.

1968, Born on this day, Rick J. Jordan (born Hendrik Stedler), German techno group Scooter who have sold over 14 million records and are considered the most successful single-record German act with 20 top ten hits. 2008 UK No.1 album ‘Jumping All Over The World.’

1972, Born on this day, Tom Barman, guitar, vocals, dEUS, (Belgium band, 1996 UK Top 50 album ‘Little Arithmetics’).

1975, Born on this day, Thomas Bangaltier, Daft Punk, 1997 UK No.5 single 'Around The World', remixed Gabrielle, Chemical Brothers.