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November-This day in Music
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December in Music
December 12th: On this Day 1957, Al Priddy a DJ on US radio station KEX in Portland was
fired after playing Elvis Presley's version of 'White Christmas' 1963, The Beatles were at No.1
on the UK singles chart with 'I Want To Hold Your Hand', 1967, Rolling Stone Brian Jones was
given 3 years probation and a £1,000 fine for drug offences. 1970, Smokey Robinson and
the Miracles started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Tears Of A Clown'.
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. 1985,
Dionne Warwick received a star on 'Hollywood's Walk Of Fame'. 1985, Scottish keyboard
played 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).
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 2003, Mick
Jagger became a Sir after being knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. 2007,
Ike Turner, the former husband of Tina Turner died at the age of 76 at his home near San
Diego, California. 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).
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. December 12th: Born on this day 1915,
Frank Albert Sinatra, US singer, actor, made his first record in 1939. First singer to
encounter 'pop hysteria', 1938, Born on this day, Connie Francis, 1940, Born on this day,
Dionne Warwick, US singer, 1942, Born on this day, Declan Clusky, The Bachelors, (1964
UK No.1 single 'Diane', plus 16 other UK Top 40 singles).
December 11th: On this Day 1961, Elvis Presley started a 20-week run at No.1 on the US
album chart with 'Blue Hawaii', 1961, The Marvelettes went to No.1 on the US singles chart
with 'Please Mr Postman'. 1975. 1964, Soul singer Sam Cooke was shot dead by his
manager Bertha Franklin 1968, Liverpool folk group The Scaffold were at No.1 on the UK
singles chart with 'Lily The Pink' 1971, UK comedian Benny Hill was at No.1 on the UK
singles chart with 'Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West)' 1982, Singer, TV actress and
dancer Toni Basil went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Mickey'1983, The Flying Pickets
were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Yazoo song 'Only You'. 1993,
Janet Jackson started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Again'1993, The
character Mr Blobby as featured on UK TV's 'The Noel Edmunds House Party', started a one-
week run as the UK No.1 single with the novelty song 'Mr Blobby'. 2001, Brian Harvey
underwent surgery after suffering a serious head injury in an attack. The former East 17
singer was attacked by a group of youths as he left the Works nightclub in Nottingham,
2001, David Soul won a lawsuit against Matthew Wright, a London theatre critic who criticised
Soul's stage performance without even seeing it. . 2003, Bobby Brown was charged with
battery after allegedly hitting wife Whitney Houston in the face. 2008, Simon Cowell said he
was "very embarrassed" after contracts signed by this year's X Factor contestants were
leaked to the Daily Mirror newspaper.
December 11th: Born on this day 1916, Born on this day, Perez Prado, (1955 US & UK
No.1 single 'Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White'). 1926, Born on this day, Big Mama
Thornton, singer, songwriter, Janis Joplin cover her song 'Ball And Chain', had the 1953
version of 'Hound Dog' before Elvis Presley. 1940, Born on this day, David Gates, vocals,
bass, Bread, 1944, Born on this day, Brenda Lee, singer. 1951, Born on this day, Philip
'Spike' Edney, keyboard player, was known as the fifth member of Queen.
December 10th: On this Day
1949, Fats Domino recorded his first tracks for Imperial Records. 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.
1961, The film 'The Young Ones', featuring Cliff Richard premiered in London.
1964, The Beatles had their sixth UK No.1 single with 'I Feel Fine', also a US No.1.
1966, The Beach Boys No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Good Vibrations', No.1 in the UK.
1967, American soul singer, songwriter Otis Redding was killed in a plane crash, aged 26.
1983, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson started a six week run at No.1 on the US singles
chart with 'Say Say Say'. 1983, The first 'Now That's What I Call Music' compilation album
went to No.1 on the UK album chart. 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.
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.
1999, A war of words broke out between Cliff Richard and George Michael after George
branded Cliff Richards hit 'Millennium Prayer' as 'vile'.
2000, Westlife scooped the Record of the Year
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. 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.
December 9th: On this Day 1955, Johnny Cash played two shows at Arkansas High
School, in Swifton, Elvis Presley opened the show. 1961, The Beatles played at the Palais
Ballroom in Aldershot to a crowd of just 18 people. T 1966, The Beatles album 'A
Collection Of Beatles Oldies' was released in the UK. 1967, The Doors appeared at the New
Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut. 1972, Helen Reddy went to No.1 on the US singles
chart with 'I Am Woman', didn't chart in the UK. 1978, Boney M had their second UK No.1
single with their version of the Harry Belafonte 1957 hit 'Mary's Boy Child'. 1978, Chic
started a seven week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Le Freak', a No.7 hit in the
UK. 1 1988, According to a poll released in the US, the music of Neil Diamond was favoured
as the best background music for sex, 1988, Michael Jackson played the first of nine sold-out
nights on his Bad World Tour at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan. 1989, Billy Joel started a
two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'We Didn't Start The Fire', a No.7 hit in the
UK. 1995, Darren Robinson, founder member of The Fat Boys died of a heart attack,
weighing 450lb (204kg) at the time of his death. 1995, Michael Jackson scored his 6th solo
UK No.1 single when 'Earth Song' started a 6-week run at the top of the charts. 1997, Oasis
played the first of three sold out nights at Wembley Arena, London, supported by
Supergrass. 2000, Sharon Corr of The Corrs called for the legalisation of cannabis,
claiming that the drug has medicinal properties. U2 made their first-ever appearance on the
long-running NBC program 'Saturday Night Live.' 2001, winners at The Smash Hits awards
included Atomic Kitten, Best single for 'Whole Again', Westlife won Best band and Best album
for 'World Of Our Own', and Blue won Best newcomer, 2003, Ozzy Osbourne was admitted
to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berkshire after being injured in a quad bike accident at
his UK home. The 55 year-old singer broke his collarbone, eight ribs and a vertebra in his
neck. News of Osbourne's accident reached the House of Commons, where the
government sent a goodwill message. 2005, Joss Stone, Lemar and Ms. Dynamite backed by
the African Children's Choir and 1,200 school children set a new world record for the most
children singing simultaneously. The ‘Big Sing’ was held at The Royal Albert Hall, London.
2006, Mariah Carey threatened legal action against porn star Mary Carey in an attempt to
stop her trademarking her similar-sounding stage name. The singer believed fans could get
the two performers confused if the adult film actress Mary Carey's trademark application was
successful.
December 8th: On this Day 1961, The Beach Boys first single 'Surfin' was released
1963, Frank Sinatra Jr was kidnapped at gunpoint from a hotel in Lake Tahoe. 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’. 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'. 1973, Roxy Music had their first UK No.1 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',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). 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. 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. 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. 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.
December 7th: On this Day
1961, Frankie Vaughan scored his second and last UK No.1 with 'Tower Of Strength' a song
written by Burt Bacharach.
1963, The Beatles second album 'With The Beatles' started a 21-week run at No.1 on the UK
album chart.
1963, The Singing Nun started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Dominique',
1967, Otis Redding went into the studio to record '(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay'. The
song went on to be his biggest hit. Redding didn't see its release; he was killed three days
later in a plane crash. 1967, The Beatles Apple boutique opened its doors. The store closed
seven months later when all the goods were given away free to passers by.
1968, The Beatles 'White Album' started a seven-week run at No.1 on the UK chart.
1974, Barry White was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'You're The First, The Last, My
Everything', the singers first UK No.1974, Carl Douglas started a two week run at No.1 on the
US singles chart with 'Kung Fu Fighting'. The song was recorded in 10 minutes, had started
out as a B-side and went on to sell over 10 million. 1977, Inventor Dr Peter Carl Goldmark
was killed in a car crash aged 71. Goldmark invented the long-playing microgroove record in
1945 that went on to revolutionise the way people listened to music. 1979, The Police had
their second UK No.1 single with 'Walking on the Moon', taken from their debut album
'Reggatta De Blanc'. The video for the song was filmed at Kennedy Space Center
interspersed with NASA footage. 1987, Richard Taylor from The Manhattans died aged
47. Scored the 1976 US No.1 & UK No.4 single 'Kiss And Say Goodbye'. 1991, George
Michael and Elton John were at No.1 in the UK with a live version of 'Don't Let The Sun Go
down On Me', All proceeds from the hit went to aids charities. 1991, Michael Jackson
started a 7 week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Black Or White', his 12th solo No.1,
also a No.1 in the UK. 1993, Manic Street Preachers co-manager Phillip Hall died from
cancer. Hall was a former Record Mirror journalist and had also worked in PR for Stiff
Records. Represented many acts including The Stone Roses, The Pogues, James, The
Waterboys, The Beautiful South and Radiohead. 1996, Australian singer Peter Andre
scored his second No.1 UK single when 'I Feel You'. 2003, Britney Spears was at No.1 on the
US album chart with ‘In The Zone’ the singer's fourth US No.1 album. 2005, the MBE medal
that John Lennon returned to the Queen was found in a royal vault at St James' Palace.
Lennon returned his medal in November, 1969 with a letter accompanying saying, "Your
Majesty, I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra
thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against Cold Turky slipping down the
charts. With Love, John Lennon." Historians were calling for the medal to be put on public
display. 2007, Ray Charles Plaza was opened in Albany, Georgia, with a revolving, bronze
sculpture of Charles seated at a piano. 2008, Leona Lewis went to No.1 on the UK singles
chart with ‘Run’ which became the fastest-selling digital-only track. 2008, Take That started a
five week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘The Circus’ the group’s fifth studio album.
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'. 1961, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison,
and Pete Best met with Brian Epstein for further discussions about his proposal to manage
them. 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'. 1967, Cliff Richard was confirmed
into membership of The Church Of England at St. Paul's Church, Finchley, London. 1975,
Paul Simon went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Still Crazy After All These Years', 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). 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.
1988, American singer songwriter Roy Orbison died of a heart attack aged 52. 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. 2005, Robbie Williams
accepted substantial libel damages over claims that he is secretly homosexual. T2008,
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 5th: On this Day 1960, Elvis Presley started a ten-week run at No.1 on the US
album chart with 'G.I. Blues'. 1965, The Beatles played their last ever show in their hometown
of Liverpool when they appeared at The Liverpool Empire during the group's final UK tour.
1968, the release of The Rolling Stones’ new album Beggar’s Banquet, was celebrated at a
party in London. 1970, Amazing Grace' by Judy Collins entered the UK singles chart for
the first of eight times, it spent a total of 67 weeks on the chart never making the No.1
position. 1981, Julio Iglesias was at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'Begin The Beguine.'
1987, Belinda Carlisle went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Heaven Is a Place on
Earth',1992, Whitney Houston started a ten-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I
Will Always Love You'. The longest ever run at No.1 for a female artist the Dolly Parton
penned song was taken from the Bodyguard soundtrack. 2004, Band Aid 20 started a four
week at No.1 on the UK singles chart with a new version of 'Do They Know It’s Christmas.'
2004, U2 started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'How To Dismantle An
Atomic Bomb', 2006, Beatles lyrics handwritten by Sir Paul McCartney to an early version of
Maxwell's Silver Hammer sold for $192,000 (£97,000) at an auction in New York. 2007,
Robbie Williams apologised to Nigel Martin-Smith the ex-manager of Take That and agreed to
pay undisclosed damages over an allegation he made about him in a song. 1899, Born on
this day, Sonny Boy Williamson, Blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. Van
Morrison, The Who, The Animals, Yardbirds and Moody Blues all covered his songs. He died
on 25th May 1965.
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. 1965, The Byrds started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Turn! Turn! Turn!' 1971, Led Zeppelin started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK chart
with the 'Four Symbols' album. Featuring the 8-minute track 'Stairway To Heaven', 1971, Don
McLean's ‘American Pie’ entered the US Hot 100. 1976, American guitarist Tommy Bolin
died from a heroin overdose aged 25. 1976, workers at EMI records went on strike, refusing
to package the Sex Pistols single 'Anarchy In The UK.' 1980, Prince played the first night on
his 31 date Dirty Mind North American tour at Shea’s in Buffalo, New York performing in a
long trench coat, black high heeled boots and leggings, and bikini brief trunks. 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 and died of a heart attack two days later. 1993,
Frank Zappa died of prostrate cancer. 2000, Irish singer Ronan Keating was dumped as
chart topping boy band Westlife's manager.
December 3rd: On this Day 1955, Elvis Presley's first release on RCA Victor Records was
announced. 1956, Guy Mitchell was at No.1 on the US singles chart with his version of the
Marty Robbins song 'Singing The Blues'. 1961, Brian Epstein invited The Beatles into his
office to discuss the possibility of becoming their manager. 1964, The Rolling Stones had
their second UK No.1 single with their version of 'Little Red Rooster'. 1966, British act The
New Vaudeville Band started a three-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Winchester Cathedral'. 1966, The Monkees made their live debut at the International Arena,
Honolulu. 1971, The Montreux Casino in Switzerland burnt to the ground during a gig by
Frank Zappa. The incident is immortalized by Deep Purple's 1973 hit, 'Smoke on the Water.'
1976, a giant 40ft inflatable pig could be seen floating above London after breaking free from
its moorings. 1976, an attempt was made on Bob Marley's life when seven gunmen burst
into his Kingston home 1986, Judas Priest were sued by two family's, alleging that the band
were responsible for their son's forming a suicide pact and shooting themselves after listening
to Judas Priest records. 1999, U2 singer Bono had his missing laptop computer returned after
losing it. 2000, American composer Hoyt Curtin died of heart failure aged 78. He was the
composer of many of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons' theme songs, 2001, American session
guitarist Grady Martin died aged 72. Member of the legendary Nashville A-Team 2006, The
reformed Take That topped the UK singles and album charts simultaneously for the first time
ever in their career. The single ‘Patience’ remained at number for the second week, and
Beautiful World the group’s new album entered the chart at No.1.2007, Diana Ross and the
Beach Boys' Brian Wilson both collected awards for contributions to US culture 2008,
composer, keyboardist and arranger Derek Wadsworth died in Oxfordshire, England.
December 2nd: On this Day 1963, The Beatles recorded an appearance on the UK TV
comedy program The Morecambe and Wise Show. 1969, Cindy Birdsong of the
Supremes was kidnapped at knifepoint by a maintenance man who worked in the building she
lived in. 1978, Rod Stewart was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Da Ya Think I'm Sexy',
the singers fifth UK chart topper. 1979, Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand's ‘You Don't Bring
Me Flowers’ was at No.1 on the US singles chart. 1982, US folk singer David Blue died of a
heart attack aged 41 while jogging in New York's Washington Square Park. Member of Bob
Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue during the late 70's. He wrote ‘Outlaw Man’ covered by The
Eagles on their 1973 Desperado album. 1983, MTV aired the full 14-minute version of
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video for the first time. 1995, Mariah Carey went to No.1 on the
US singles chart with her duet with Boyz II Men 'One Sweet Day'. 2000, thieves broke into
the London home Madonna shares with Guy Ritchie. 2001, Daniel Bedingfield scored his first
UK No.1 single with 'Gotta Get Thru This', the single went back to No.1 in January 2002. The
track was recorded in Bedingfield's bedroom with his PC and a microphone, using music
software. 2002, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher was arrested and charged with assault after he
Kung-Fu kicked a police officer. 2006, David Mount the drummer with Mud died in
London. They had the 1974 UK No.1 single 'Tiger Feet' (best-selling single of 1974). Plus 14
other UK Top 40 singles. 2006, 25 year old singer and actress Beyonce was set to earn
more money than any other black actress for her performance in her latest film ‘Dreamgirls.’
The musical based on the history of Diana Ross and the Supremes would earn the singer a
£5m fee. 2006, Dutch singer Mariska Veres from Shocking Blue died of cancer at the
age of 59. Had the 1970 US No.1 & UK No.8 single 'Venus', 2007, Sharon and Ozzy
Osbourne made more than $800,000 (£389,032) for charity after they sold off some of their
possessions from their former US home.
December 1st: On this Day
1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets appeared on 'The Ed Sullivan Show',
1958, The Teddy Bears were at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘To Know Him is to Love
Him.’ 1966, Tom Jones was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his version of 'Green
Green Grass Of Home.' 1973, The Carpenters went to No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Top Of The World'.,....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 came out with a foul tirade....
1981, keyboard player Vince Clarke announced he was quitting Depeche Mode to form
Yazoo with Alison Moyet. 1982, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album was released. It became
the biggest selling pop album of all time, with sales over 50 million copies. 1984, Jim
Diamond was at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'I Should Have Known Better.'
1997, Kenny G set a new world record when he held a note on his saxophone for 45 minutes
and 47 seconds. 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.
2008, Wham's Last Christmas was the most played festive track of the last five years.
fired after playing Elvis Presley's version of 'White Christmas' 1963, The Beatles were at No.1
on the UK singles chart with 'I Want To Hold Your Hand', 1967, Rolling Stone Brian Jones was
given 3 years probation and a £1,000 fine for drug offences. 1970, Smokey Robinson and
the Miracles started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Tears Of A Clown'.
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. 1985,
Dionne Warwick received a star on 'Hollywood's Walk Of Fame'. 1985, Scottish keyboard
played 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).
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 2003, Mick
Jagger became a Sir after being knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. 2007,
Ike Turner, the former husband of Tina Turner died at the age of 76 at his home near San
Diego, California. 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).
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. December 12th: Born on this day 1915,
Frank Albert Sinatra, US singer, actor, made his first record in 1939. First singer to
encounter 'pop hysteria', 1938, Born on this day, Connie Francis, 1940, Born on this day,
Dionne Warwick, US singer, 1942, Born on this day, Declan Clusky, The Bachelors, (1964
UK No.1 single 'Diane', plus 16 other UK Top 40 singles).
December 11th: On this Day 1961, Elvis Presley started a 20-week run at No.1 on the US
album chart with 'Blue Hawaii', 1961, The Marvelettes went to No.1 on the US singles chart
with 'Please Mr Postman'. 1975. 1964, Soul singer Sam Cooke was shot dead by his
manager Bertha Franklin 1968, Liverpool folk group The Scaffold were at No.1 on the UK
singles chart with 'Lily The Pink' 1971, UK comedian Benny Hill was at No.1 on the UK
singles chart with 'Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West)' 1982, Singer, TV actress and
dancer Toni Basil went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Mickey'1983, The Flying Pickets
were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Yazoo song 'Only You'. 1993,
Janet Jackson started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Again'1993, The
character Mr Blobby as featured on UK TV's 'The Noel Edmunds House Party', started a one-
week run as the UK No.1 single with the novelty song 'Mr Blobby'. 2001, Brian Harvey
underwent surgery after suffering a serious head injury in an attack. The former East 17
singer was attacked by a group of youths as he left the Works nightclub in Nottingham,
2001, David Soul won a lawsuit against Matthew Wright, a London theatre critic who criticised
Soul's stage performance without even seeing it. . 2003, Bobby Brown was charged with
battery after allegedly hitting wife Whitney Houston in the face. 2008, Simon Cowell said he
was "very embarrassed" after contracts signed by this year's X Factor contestants were
leaked to the Daily Mirror newspaper.
December 11th: Born on this day 1916, Born on this day, Perez Prado, (1955 US & UK
No.1 single 'Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White'). 1926, Born on this day, Big Mama
Thornton, singer, songwriter, Janis Joplin cover her song 'Ball And Chain', had the 1953
version of 'Hound Dog' before Elvis Presley. 1940, Born on this day, David Gates, vocals,
bass, Bread, 1944, Born on this day, Brenda Lee, singer. 1951, Born on this day, Philip
'Spike' Edney, keyboard player, was known as the fifth member of Queen.
December 10th: On this Day
1949, Fats Domino recorded his first tracks for Imperial Records. 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.
1961, The film 'The Young Ones', featuring Cliff Richard premiered in London.
1964, The Beatles had their sixth UK No.1 single with 'I Feel Fine', also a US No.1.
1966, The Beach Boys No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Good Vibrations', No.1 in the UK.
1967, American soul singer, songwriter Otis Redding was killed in a plane crash, aged 26.
1983, Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson started a six week run at No.1 on the US singles
chart with 'Say Say Say'. 1983, The first 'Now That's What I Call Music' compilation album
went to No.1 on the UK album chart. 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.
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.
1999, A war of words broke out between Cliff Richard and George Michael after George
branded Cliff Richards hit 'Millennium Prayer' as 'vile'.
2000, Westlife scooped the Record of the Year
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. 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.
December 9th: On this Day 1955, Johnny Cash played two shows at Arkansas High
School, in Swifton, Elvis Presley opened the show. 1961, The Beatles played at the Palais
Ballroom in Aldershot to a crowd of just 18 people. T 1966, The Beatles album 'A
Collection Of Beatles Oldies' was released in the UK. 1967, The Doors appeared at the New
Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut. 1972, Helen Reddy went to No.1 on the US singles
chart with 'I Am Woman', didn't chart in the UK. 1978, Boney M had their second UK No.1
single with their version of the Harry Belafonte 1957 hit 'Mary's Boy Child'. 1978, Chic
started a seven week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Le Freak', a No.7 hit in the
UK. 1 1988, According to a poll released in the US, the music of Neil Diamond was favoured
as the best background music for sex, 1988, Michael Jackson played the first of nine sold-out
nights on his Bad World Tour at the Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan. 1989, Billy Joel started a
two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'We Didn't Start The Fire', a No.7 hit in the
UK. 1995, Darren Robinson, founder member of The Fat Boys died of a heart attack,
weighing 450lb (204kg) at the time of his death. 1995, Michael Jackson scored his 6th solo
UK No.1 single when 'Earth Song' started a 6-week run at the top of the charts. 1997, Oasis
played the first of three sold out nights at Wembley Arena, London, supported by
Supergrass. 2000, Sharon Corr of The Corrs called for the legalisation of cannabis,
claiming that the drug has medicinal properties. U2 made their first-ever appearance on the
long-running NBC program 'Saturday Night Live.' 2001, winners at The Smash Hits awards
included Atomic Kitten, Best single for 'Whole Again', Westlife won Best band and Best album
for 'World Of Our Own', and Blue won Best newcomer, 2003, Ozzy Osbourne was admitted
to Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Berkshire after being injured in a quad bike accident at
his UK home. The 55 year-old singer broke his collarbone, eight ribs and a vertebra in his
neck. News of Osbourne's accident reached the House of Commons, where the
government sent a goodwill message. 2005, Joss Stone, Lemar and Ms. Dynamite backed by
the African Children's Choir and 1,200 school children set a new world record for the most
children singing simultaneously. The ‘Big Sing’ was held at The Royal Albert Hall, London.
2006, Mariah Carey threatened legal action against porn star Mary Carey in an attempt to
stop her trademarking her similar-sounding stage name. The singer believed fans could get
the two performers confused if the adult film actress Mary Carey's trademark application was
successful.
December 8th: On this Day 1961, The Beach Boys first single 'Surfin' was released
1963, Frank Sinatra Jr was kidnapped at gunpoint from a hotel in Lake Tahoe. 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’. 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'. 1973, Roxy Music had their first UK No.1 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',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). 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. 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. 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. 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.
December 7th: On this Day
1961, Frankie Vaughan scored his second and last UK No.1 with 'Tower Of Strength' a song
written by Burt Bacharach.
1963, The Beatles second album 'With The Beatles' started a 21-week run at No.1 on the UK
album chart.
1963, The Singing Nun started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Dominique',
1967, Otis Redding went into the studio to record '(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay'. The
song went on to be his biggest hit. Redding didn't see its release; he was killed three days
later in a plane crash. 1967, The Beatles Apple boutique opened its doors. The store closed
seven months later when all the goods were given away free to passers by.
1968, The Beatles 'White Album' started a seven-week run at No.1 on the UK chart.
1974, Barry White was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'You're The First, The Last, My
Everything', the singers first UK No.1974, Carl Douglas started a two week run at No.1 on the
US singles chart with 'Kung Fu Fighting'. The song was recorded in 10 minutes, had started
out as a B-side and went on to sell over 10 million. 1977, Inventor Dr Peter Carl Goldmark
was killed in a car crash aged 71. Goldmark invented the long-playing microgroove record in
1945 that went on to revolutionise the way people listened to music. 1979, The Police had
their second UK No.1 single with 'Walking on the Moon', taken from their debut album
'Reggatta De Blanc'. The video for the song was filmed at Kennedy Space Center
interspersed with NASA footage. 1987, Richard Taylor from The Manhattans died aged
47. Scored the 1976 US No.1 & UK No.4 single 'Kiss And Say Goodbye'. 1991, George
Michael and Elton John were at No.1 in the UK with a live version of 'Don't Let The Sun Go
down On Me', All proceeds from the hit went to aids charities. 1991, Michael Jackson
started a 7 week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Black Or White', his 12th solo No.1,
also a No.1 in the UK. 1993, Manic Street Preachers co-manager Phillip Hall died from
cancer. Hall was a former Record Mirror journalist and had also worked in PR for Stiff
Records. Represented many acts including The Stone Roses, The Pogues, James, The
Waterboys, The Beautiful South and Radiohead. 1996, Australian singer Peter Andre
scored his second No.1 UK single when 'I Feel You'. 2003, Britney Spears was at No.1 on the
US album chart with ‘In The Zone’ the singer's fourth US No.1 album. 2005, the MBE medal
that John Lennon returned to the Queen was found in a royal vault at St James' Palace.
Lennon returned his medal in November, 1969 with a letter accompanying saying, "Your
Majesty, I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra
thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against Cold Turky slipping down the
charts. With Love, John Lennon." Historians were calling for the medal to be put on public
display. 2007, Ray Charles Plaza was opened in Albany, Georgia, with a revolving, bronze
sculpture of Charles seated at a piano. 2008, Leona Lewis went to No.1 on the UK singles
chart with ‘Run’ which became the fastest-selling digital-only track. 2008, Take That started a
five week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘The Circus’ the group’s fifth studio album.
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'. 1961, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison,
and Pete Best met with Brian Epstein for further discussions about his proposal to manage
them. 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'. 1967, Cliff Richard was confirmed
into membership of The Church Of England at St. Paul's Church, Finchley, London. 1975,
Paul Simon went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Still Crazy After All These Years', 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). 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.
1988, American singer songwriter Roy Orbison died of a heart attack aged 52. 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. 2005, Robbie Williams
accepted substantial libel damages over claims that he is secretly homosexual. T2008,
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 5th: On this Day 1960, Elvis Presley started a ten-week run at No.1 on the US
album chart with 'G.I. Blues'. 1965, The Beatles played their last ever show in their hometown
of Liverpool when they appeared at The Liverpool Empire during the group's final UK tour.
1968, the release of The Rolling Stones’ new album Beggar’s Banquet, was celebrated at a
party in London. 1970, Amazing Grace' by Judy Collins entered the UK singles chart for
the first of eight times, it spent a total of 67 weeks on the chart never making the No.1
position. 1981, Julio Iglesias was at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'Begin The Beguine.'
1987, Belinda Carlisle went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Heaven Is a Place on
Earth',1992, Whitney Houston started a ten-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I
Will Always Love You'. The longest ever run at No.1 for a female artist the Dolly Parton
penned song was taken from the Bodyguard soundtrack. 2004, Band Aid 20 started a four
week at No.1 on the UK singles chart with a new version of 'Do They Know It’s Christmas.'
2004, U2 started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'How To Dismantle An
Atomic Bomb', 2006, Beatles lyrics handwritten by Sir Paul McCartney to an early version of
Maxwell's Silver Hammer sold for $192,000 (£97,000) at an auction in New York. 2007,
Robbie Williams apologised to Nigel Martin-Smith the ex-manager of Take That and agreed to
pay undisclosed damages over an allegation he made about him in a song. 1899, Born on
this day, Sonny Boy Williamson, Blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. Van
Morrison, The Who, The Animals, Yardbirds and Moody Blues all covered his songs. He died
on 25th May 1965.
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. 1965, The Byrds started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Turn! Turn! Turn!' 1971, Led Zeppelin started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK chart
with the 'Four Symbols' album. Featuring the 8-minute track 'Stairway To Heaven', 1971, Don
McLean's ‘American Pie’ entered the US Hot 100. 1976, American guitarist Tommy Bolin
died from a heroin overdose aged 25. 1976, workers at EMI records went on strike, refusing
to package the Sex Pistols single 'Anarchy In The UK.' 1980, Prince played the first night on
his 31 date Dirty Mind North American tour at Shea’s in Buffalo, New York performing in a
long trench coat, black high heeled boots and leggings, and bikini brief trunks. 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 and died of a heart attack two days later. 1993,
Frank Zappa died of prostrate cancer. 2000, Irish singer Ronan Keating was dumped as
chart topping boy band Westlife's manager.
December 3rd: On this Day 1955, Elvis Presley's first release on RCA Victor Records was
announced. 1956, Guy Mitchell was at No.1 on the US singles chart with his version of the
Marty Robbins song 'Singing The Blues'. 1961, Brian Epstein invited The Beatles into his
office to discuss the possibility of becoming their manager. 1964, The Rolling Stones had
their second UK No.1 single with their version of 'Little Red Rooster'. 1966, British act The
New Vaudeville Band started a three-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Winchester Cathedral'. 1966, The Monkees made their live debut at the International Arena,
Honolulu. 1971, The Montreux Casino in Switzerland burnt to the ground during a gig by
Frank Zappa. The incident is immortalized by Deep Purple's 1973 hit, 'Smoke on the Water.'
1976, a giant 40ft inflatable pig could be seen floating above London after breaking free from
its moorings. 1976, an attempt was made on Bob Marley's life when seven gunmen burst
into his Kingston home 1986, Judas Priest were sued by two family's, alleging that the band
were responsible for their son's forming a suicide pact and shooting themselves after listening
to Judas Priest records. 1999, U2 singer Bono had his missing laptop computer returned after
losing it. 2000, American composer Hoyt Curtin died of heart failure aged 78. He was the
composer of many of the Hanna-Barbera cartoons' theme songs, 2001, American session
guitarist Grady Martin died aged 72. Member of the legendary Nashville A-Team 2006, The
reformed Take That topped the UK singles and album charts simultaneously for the first time
ever in their career. The single ‘Patience’ remained at number for the second week, and
Beautiful World the group’s new album entered the chart at No.1.2007, Diana Ross and the
Beach Boys' Brian Wilson both collected awards for contributions to US culture 2008,
composer, keyboardist and arranger Derek Wadsworth died in Oxfordshire, England.
December 2nd: On this Day 1963, The Beatles recorded an appearance on the UK TV
comedy program The Morecambe and Wise Show. 1969, Cindy Birdsong of the
Supremes was kidnapped at knifepoint by a maintenance man who worked in the building she
lived in. 1978, Rod Stewart was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Da Ya Think I'm Sexy',
the singers fifth UK chart topper. 1979, Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand's ‘You Don't Bring
Me Flowers’ was at No.1 on the US singles chart. 1982, US folk singer David Blue died of a
heart attack aged 41 while jogging in New York's Washington Square Park. Member of Bob
Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue during the late 70's. He wrote ‘Outlaw Man’ covered by The
Eagles on their 1973 Desperado album. 1983, MTV aired the full 14-minute version of
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' video for the first time. 1995, Mariah Carey went to No.1 on the
US singles chart with her duet with Boyz II Men 'One Sweet Day'. 2000, thieves broke into
the London home Madonna shares with Guy Ritchie. 2001, Daniel Bedingfield scored his first
UK No.1 single with 'Gotta Get Thru This', the single went back to No.1 in January 2002. The
track was recorded in Bedingfield's bedroom with his PC and a microphone, using music
software. 2002, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher was arrested and charged with assault after he
Kung-Fu kicked a police officer. 2006, David Mount the drummer with Mud died in
London. They had the 1974 UK No.1 single 'Tiger Feet' (best-selling single of 1974). Plus 14
other UK Top 40 singles. 2006, 25 year old singer and actress Beyonce was set to earn
more money than any other black actress for her performance in her latest film ‘Dreamgirls.’
The musical based on the history of Diana Ross and the Supremes would earn the singer a
£5m fee. 2006, Dutch singer Mariska Veres from Shocking Blue died of cancer at the
age of 59. Had the 1970 US No.1 & UK No.8 single 'Venus', 2007, Sharon and Ozzy
Osbourne made more than $800,000 (£389,032) for charity after they sold off some of their
possessions from their former US home.
December 1st: On this Day
1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets appeared on 'The Ed Sullivan Show',
1958, The Teddy Bears were at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘To Know Him is to Love
Him.’ 1966, Tom Jones was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his version of 'Green
Green Grass Of Home.' 1973, The Carpenters went to No.1 on the US singles chart with
'Top Of The World'.,....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 came out with a foul tirade....
1981, keyboard player Vince Clarke announced he was quitting Depeche Mode to form
Yazoo with Alison Moyet. 1982, Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' album was released. It became
the biggest selling pop album of all time, with sales over 50 million copies. 1984, Jim
Diamond was at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'I Should Have Known Better.'
1997, Kenny G set a new world record when he held a note on his saxophone for 45 minutes
and 47 seconds. 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.
2008, Wham's Last Christmas was the most played festive track of the last five years.