February 22nd: On this Day In Music History

 

1960, Percy Faith started a 9-week run at No.1 on the US chart with 'Theme From A Summer Place' a No.2 hit in the UK.

1962, Elvis Presley was at No.1 o the UK singles chart with 'Rock-A- Hula Baby / Cant Help Falling In Love.' The tracks were from his latest film 'Blue Hawaii' and became the singers tenth UK No.1

1966, During an 11-date tour of Australia and New Zealand The Rolling Stones played at the Centennial Hall, Adelaide, supported by The Searchers.

1967, Pink Floyd continued working on their debut album The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn at Abbey Road Studios, London. The Beatles were also working at Abbey Road, recording the giant piano chord for the end of 'A Day In The Life' for their Sgt. Pepper's album.

1969, Tyrannosaurus Rex appeared at The Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England. Support act was David Bowie performing a one-man mime act.

1970, Appearing at The Roundhouse Spring Festival in Camden, London David Bowie and the Hype, (first live performance of the new band), along with Bachdenkel, Groundhog and Caravan.

 

1974, Former David Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson played the first of two nights at The Rainbow in London, England.

1975, Scottish group The Average White Band went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Pick Up The Pieces', the bands album AWB also went to No.1 on the US chart.

1975, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel had their only UK No.1 single with 'Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me). Singer Steve Harley said the lyrics were vindictively directed at the former band members, whom he felt had abandoned him.

1977, The Sex Pistols won 'Turkey Of The Year' in this years NME readers poll.

 

1978, The Police appeared in a Wrigley's Chewing Gum commercial for US TV, the band dyed their hair blonde for the appearance.

1980, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, featuring Roger Glover, Graham Bonnet and Cozy Powell appeared at The Royal Highland Exhibition Hall, Edinburgh, Scotland.

1981, One hit wonder Joe Dolce was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Shaddap You Face,' famously keeping the legendary Ultravox song, Vienna, off the UK No.1 slot. 'Shaddap You Face' was Number 1 in 11 countries with over 35 different foreign language cover versions, selling over 4 million copies.

1986, MTV dedicated a full 22 hours broadcast to The Monkees, showing all 45 episodes of the original Monkees TV series.

 

1988, Stevie Wonder was awarded the 1998 MusiCares Person Of The Year at a concert in Los Angeles.

1989, A category for Heavy Metal was included at the Grammy Awards for the first time. Metallica performed on stage, but the award went to Jethro Tull. Many audience members booed. Meanwhile, Bobby McFerrin won Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for 'Don't Worry, Be Happy', Tracy Chapman is named Best New Artist and Tina Turner won Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for 'Tina Live in Europe'.

1992, UK music paper the NME printed their writers all time best debut albums; at No.1, Patti Smith, 'Horses', No.2, Joy Division, 'Unknown Pleasures', No.3, MC5, 'Kick Out The Jams, No.4, The Jesus and Mary Chain, 'Psychocandy' and No.5, Television, 'Marquee Moon'.

1992, Shakespear's Sister started an eight-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Stay'. The duo was made up of ex Bananarama member Siobhan Fahey and singer Marcella Detroit (who co-wrote 'Lay Down Sally' with Eric Clapton). One of the longest running UK No.1's in chart history and the longest by an all-female act. 1997, No Doubt went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Don't Speak.' The third single from the band's second album Tragic Kingdom was written by Eric Stefani and his sister Gwen Stefani. 1997, The Spice Girls started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Wannabe', the first UK act to score a No.1 for over 18 months. 2000, The engagement ring Sex Pistol Sid Vicious gave to his girlfriend Nancy Spungen went on sale for auction at £1,500 ($2,550). Sid bought the ring from Camden market in 1977. Also on sale was a pair of John Lennon's jeans for £2,250 ($3,825). 2001, Winners at the 43rd Grammy Awards included U2, record of the year and song of the year with 'Beautiful Day', Steely Dan won album of the year for 'Two Against Nature', Macy Gray won Female pop vocal for 'I Try', Sting won Male pop vocal for 'She Walks This Earth', Eminem won Best Rap album from 'The Marshall Mathers LP', Johnny Cash won Best Male country performance for 'Solitary Man', and Shelby Lynne won best new artist award. 2002, Two middle-aged women spent the first of eight nights sleeping in a car outside Bournemouth International Centre to make sure they were first in the queue for when tickets to Cliff Richard's forthcoming concert went on sale. 2003, Sir Paul McCartney played a private show in San Diego for the 50th birthday of Wendy Whitworth, the executive producer of CNN's Larry King Show. Sir Paul donated his $1 million (£0.6 million) fee to the Adopt-a-Minefield charity. 2004, Norah Jones started a six week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Feels Like Home', the singers second US No.1. Usher feat Lil Jon and Ludacris were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Yeah.' 2004, The Sex Pistols' 'Anarchy in the UK' was named the most influential record of the 1970s in poll compiled by Q magazine. Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' was voted into second place and Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' was third, T Rex's 'Get It On' was fourth and Special AKA's 'Gangsters' came fifth. 2010, Johnny Marr was said to be "ecstatic" after getting back one of his guitars which had been stolen in 2000 after a gig at the Scala nightclub in Kings Cross, London. Smiths fan Stephen White told a London court he was "disgusted" with himself for taking the £30,000 cherry red 1964 Gibson SG when he went backstage after the gig at The Scala.

February 22nd: Born on this day

1936, Born on this day, Ernie K-Doe, R&B singer who had a 1961 US No.1 single with 'Mother-in-Law', which was written by Allen Toussaint. K-Doe died on 5th July 2001.

1938, Born on this day, Bobby Hendricks singer with The Drifters who had the 1960 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Save The Last Dance For Me'.

1943, Born on this day, Louise Lopez, from Odyssey, who had the 1980 UK No.1 single 'Use It Up And Wear It Out'.

1943, Born on this day, Mick Green, guitarist with Johnny Kidd & The Pirates from 1962-4 who had the 1963 UK No.4 singles 'I'll Never Get Over You'. Joined Billy J. Kramer in 1964.

1953, Born on this day, actor Nigel Planer, 'Neil', who had the 1984 UK No.2 single with his version of the 1967 hit for Traffic, 'Hole In My Shoe'.

1953, Born on this day, John Sparks, bassist with British pub rock band Dr Feelgood who had the 1979 UK No.9 single 'Milk And Alcohol'.

1962, Born on this day, Michael Wilton with American progressive heavy metal band Queensryche. Their 1994 album 'Promised Land' went top 3 in the US.

1973, Born on this day, Scott Phillips, Creed, who had the 2001 US No.1 & UK No.13 single 'With Arms Wide Open', and the 2002 US No.1 album, 'Weathered'.

1974, Born on this day, James Blunt, (born James Hillier Blount), singer, songwriter and former Army captain. Had the 2005 UK No.1 single 'You're Beautiful' and the 2005 UK No.1 album 'Back To Bedlam.' Became the first British artist to top the American singles chart in nearly a decade when 'You're Beautiful' reached No.1 in 2006. The last British artist to do so was Elton John in 1997 with 'Candle in the Wind'.

1979, Born on this day, Tom Higgenson, singer, Plain White T's who had the 2007 UK top 10 album 'Every Second Counts'.

Died on this day

 

1987, Andy Warhol, pop artist and producer died after a gall bladder operation. The founder of the Pop Art movement, produced and managed The Velvet Underground, designed the 1967 Velvet Underground And Nico 'peeled banana' album cover and The Rolling Stones 'Sticky Fingers' album cover.

2002, Drummer Ronnie Verrell died aged 76. Worked with The Ted Heath Orchestra and The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Provided the drum licks for Animal in The Muppet Show. When American drummer Buddy Rich, (one of Verrell's heroes), guested on the show, Verrell (as Animal) had a drumming duel with Rich, and won after Animal smashed a snare drum over Rich's head.

February 21st: On this Day In Music History

 

1961, The Beatles played three gigs in one day. The first was a lunchtime show at the Cavern Club, then at night they appeared at the Cassanova Club, Liverpool and at Litherland Town Hall, Liverpool.

1964, New York band The Echoes recruited a new young unknown piano player, named Billy Joel.

1964, Three classic British singles were released, The Rolling Stones 'Not Fade Away', (a UK No.3), The Hollies 'Just One Look', (a UK No.2), and Billy J Kramer's 'Little Children', (a UK No.1). 1968, Otis Redding had his first entry on the UK singles chart when '(Sittin On) The Dock Of The Bay' entered the chart, it went on to be a No.3 hit.

1970, Simon and Garfunkel went to No.1 on the UK chart with 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. The album went on to stay on the chart for over 300 weeks, returning to the top of the charts on eight separate occasions and spending a total of 41 weeks at No.1.

1976, The Four Seasons were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'December '63 (Oh What A Night). The group's only UK No.1.

1977, Fleetwood Mac released 'Rumours'. The album went on to sell more than 15 million copies world-wide and spent 31 weeks at No.1 on the US chart.

 

1980, Fleetwood Mac kicked off a 17-date tour of Australia and New Zealand at the Entertainment Centre in Perth.

1981, Dolly Parton started a two week run at No.1 on the US charts with '9 to 5', the singers first No.1, a No.47 hit in the UK.

1981, REO Speedwagon went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Hi Infidelity'. The album spent a total of 15 weeks at No.1.

1981, Phil Collins entered the UK album chart at No.1 with 'Face Value.'

 

1987, Ben E King was at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'Stand By Me.' The track was first released in 1961 and became a hit in 1987 after being featured in the film 'Stand By Me.'

1998, Celine Dion went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'My Heart Will Go On'. The song was the theme from the movie Titanic. The world's best selling single of 1998.

2001, Robbie Williams was attacked and thrown from the stage during a concert in Stuttgart, Germany after a man got onto the stage and pushed Williams into the security pit. The attacker was arrested and taken to a secure psychiatric clinic.

2002, Elton John accused the music industry of exploiting young singers and dumping talented artists for manufactured group's. He said 'There are too many average and mediocre acts; it damages real talent getting airplay. It's just fodder.' 2003, Liberty X kicked off an-11 date UK tour at Manchester MEN Arena. Liberty X were the five runners up on the 'Popstars' UK TV show. The name Liberty was chosen to reflect the freedom they enjoyed from not being under the rigid enforcements of the television company and record label that was put upon the winners Hear'Say. 2004, Simon Cowell was set to appear in a new episode of The Simpsons. The TV Pop Idol judge would play a nursery boss who gets punched by Homer Simpson. 2008, Britney Spears failed in a court bid to regain visitation rights to her two children. Spears was banned from monitored visits in January of this year after refusing to hand the children back, resulting in a stand-off with police at her house. The singer's ex-husband Kevin Federline was awarded primary custody of two-year-old Sean Preston and Jayden James, aged one, in October. 2008, A computer expert was jailed for two years for electronically stalking Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington. Devon Townsend worked at a US national security laboratory in New Mexico, where she used a computer to track Bennington, she admitted to obtaining family photos, accessing e-mail and voicemail, and threatening his wife Talinda. 2008, A US music aficionado sold his collection of more than three million vinyl albums, singles and compact discs to an eBay buyer from Ireland for just over $3 million. An eBay spokeswoman said the sale was one of the highest ever for the online auction site. 2009, Rihanna issued a statement thanking fans for their support after an alleged assault by her R&B singer boyfriend Chris Brown, but the singer declined to comment on a leaked photograph which appeared to show her with facial injuries. The Los Angeles Police Department had launched an internal investigation and asked for the public's help in finding the person who leaked the photograph. 2009, The Fray started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album charts with their self-titled second album. February 21st: Born on this day 1933, Born on this day, Nina Simone, (Eunice Wayman), US jazz, blues singer who had the 1959 US No.18 single 'I Love You, Porgy', and the 1968 UK No.2 single 'Ain't Got No I Got Life'. Simone died of cancer on 21st April 2003 1943, Born on this day, David Geffen, Geffen record label boss. Founder of Asylum records who signed The Eagles, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Jackson Browne and Joni Mitchell. Formed Dreamworks in 1995. 1949, Born on this day, Jerry Harrison, keyboards, guitar, Jonathan Richman And The Modern Lovers, Talking Heads, who had the 1983 US No.9 single 'Burning Down The House', and the 1985 UK No.6 single 'Road To Nowhere'. Also a member of Casual Gods. 1951, Born on this day, Vince Welnick, keyboards, The Tubes who had the 1977 UK No.28 single 'White Punks On Dope'. 1983 US No.10 single 'She's A Beauty'. 1952, Born on this day, Jean-Jacques Burnel, bassist, singer with The Stranglers who had the 1982 UK No.2 single 'Golden Brown' plus over 20 other UK Top 40 hits. 1954, Born on this day, Mike Pickering, DJ, M People who had the 1993 UK No.2 single 'Moving On Up', plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles. 1961, Born on this day, Ranking Roger, The Beat, who had the 1983 UK No.3 single 'Can't Get Used To Losing You'. As a member of Fine Young Cannibals had the 1989 US No.1 & UK No.5 single 'She Drives Me Crazy'. 1967, Born on this day, Michael Ward, guitarist with The Wallflowers who had the 1997 US No.3 album 'Bringing Down The Horse'. 1969, Born on this day, James Dean Bradfield, guitarist, singer with Manic Street Preachers who had the 1996 UK No.2 single 'A Design For Life', 1998 UK No.1 album 'This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours'. 1986, Born on this day, Charlotte Church, Welsh singer, who had the 1999 UK No.34 single 'Just Wave Hello' and the 1998 UK No.4 album, 'Voice Of An Angel'. 1989, Born on this day, Corbin Bleu, American actor 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.   Died on this day

 

1976, Florence Ballard of The Supremes died of cardiac arrest, aged 32. Ballard had left The Supremes in 1967, lost an $8 million (£4.7 million) lawsuit against Motown records and was living on welfare when she died.

 

1980, Janet Vogel committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning aged 37. Vogel sang with The Skyliners on their 1959 US No.1 hit, 'Since I Don't Have You.'

1982, American DJ Murry The K died. Murray is thought to be the first person to play a Beatles record on radio in America. During the early days of Beatlemania, he frequently referred to himself as "the Fifth Beatle". Married six times, he died of cancer a week after his 60th birthday.

2004, Mud singer Les Gray died of a heart attack, whilst fighting throat cancer, aged 57, (1974 UK No.1 single 'Tiger Feet' plus 14 other UK Top 40 singles').