On This Day In History

[Bikkie]

1893
'King Dick' Seddon becomes premier
Richard John Seddon became premier following the death of John Ballance. Immortalised as ‘King Dick’, Seddon was to dominate the New Zealand political landscape for the next 13 years. He remains this country’s longest-serving premier or prime minister.


1955
RNZAF's first combat strike since Second World War
Five Vampire fighter aircraft of No. 14 Squadron carried out the RNZAF’s first combat strike since the Second World War against guerrillas in the Malayan jungle.



In Music History

2023-Gordon Lightfoot ("If You Could Read My Mind," "Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald") dies at 84.

2019-Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers marries Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner in Las Vegas, where an Elvis impersonator officiates. The marriage lasts until September 2023, when Joe files for divorce.

2017-At the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, John Popper, Susan Tedeschi, Widespread Panic and many other artists perform at a tribute to Col. Bruce Hampton in celebration of his 70s birthday. Hampton, a mentor to many of these musicians, collapses on stage and dies during the encore. "Bruce was the only person I could think of who has ever played at his own funeral," his friend Scott McKinney says.

2013-Chris Kelly of the rap duo Kris Kross dies at age 34 after overdosing on heroin and cocaine. The duo were teenagers when they had their #1 hit "Jump" in 1992; they also opened for Michael Jackson on his Dangerous tour that year.

2012-Bobby Vee announces that he's been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

2010-"Nothin' On You" by the rapper B.o.B hits #1 in America. It features vocals from Bruno Mars, who also co-wrote and co-produced the song. He lands his own #1 hit a few months later with his debut single as a lead artist: "Just The Way You Are."

2007-Rush release Snakes & Arrows. Alex Lifeson's guitar work on the album is influenced by David Gilmour's suggestion that he write more acoustic songs.

2006-Rock and roll saxophonist Johnny Paris (leader of Johnny and the Hurricanes) dies at age 65 of hospital-borne infections after an operation.

2006-Rapper Big Hawk (of Screwed Up Click) dies at age 36 when he's shot by an unidentified assailant outside of a friend's house in Houston, Texas.

2003-While being treated for kidney failure, Barry White suffers a stroke, paralyzing the right side of his body. The singer never fully recovers and dies a few months later.

2000-David Gray's album White Ladder, which has been available in Europe for over a year, is finally issued in America as the first release on Dave Matthews' new label, ATO Records. It goes on to sell a million copies there; ATO goes on to sign Crowded House, Brandi Carlile, Alabama Shakes and many other big names.

2000-Former Village Voice scribe Jimmy McDonough sues Neil Young for $1.8 million in civil court for allegedly backing down from his agreement to authorize a biography McDonough spent years writing.

1999-The Lyz Art Forum in Siegen, Germany, presents an exhibition of 70 paintings by Paul McCartney, including "Bowie Spewing," which is indeed a portrait of a young David Bowie.

1998-Brian Eno appears as Father Brian Eno in the "Going to America" episode of British sitcom Father Ted.

1994-New Kids On The Block, which two years earlier was playing stadiums, wrap up a tour of clubs and theaters in support of their Face The Music album. They call it quits soon after, but reunite in 2008.

1992-Sub Pop Records release a compilation album titled The Way of the Vaselines: A Complete History, which for many listeners is the first time they can hear the band. Hailing from Scotland, the Vaselines had received renewed interest after Nirvana covered their songs "Molly's Lips" and "Jesus Doesn't Want Me for a Sunbeam."

LL Cool J Delivers a Knockout On MTV Unplugged
1991
For the first time, MTV Unplugged features rap acts, with De La Soul, MC Lyte, A Tribe Called Quest and LL Cool J performing. LL steals the show with a shirtless rendition of "Mama Said Knock You Out."

1990-Italian-American tenor Sergio Franchi dies of cancer at age 64.

1986-Hugo Peretti, who co-wrote Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling In Love," dies at age 69 in Englewood, New Jersey.

1979-Elton John becomes the first Western rock star to play in Israel when he performs a concert in Jerusalem as part of a tour that also takes him to Russia, where he becomes one of the first Western rock stars to tour the Soviet Union.

1977-The Police release their first single, "Fall Out," which is available only in the UK. Guitarist Andy Summers has yet to join the band.

1976-Led Zeppelin's Presence album, with the rockers "Achilles Last Stand" and "Nobody's Fault but Mine," hits #1 in America.

1976-The Bellamy Brothers' "Let Your Love Flow" hits #1 in America.

1975-Bachman-Turner Overdrive begin their first UK tour at Glasgow Apollo; they are supported by Thin Lizzy.

1975-The Rolling Stones announce their Tour Of The Americas by rolling down 5th Avenue in New York City playing "Brown Sugar" from the back of a flatbed truck.

1974-At the request of President Nixon, the Carpenters perform at a state dinner honoring West German Chancellor Willy Brandt.

1973-Washington, DC, mayor Walter Washington officially declares today Marvin Gaye day in the singer's hometown.

1969-Neil Young releases his second solo album, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, which features favorites "Cowgirl in the Sand," "Cinnamon Girl," and "Down by the River."

1968-Paul McCartney and John Lennon watch Bill Haley play Royal Albert Hall in London.

1968-D'Arcy Wretsky-Brown (bass guitarist for The Smashing Pumpkins) is born in South Haven, Michigan.

1967-Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys is arrested by the FBI for draft-dodging and refusing to take an oath of allegiance to the United States. Wilson, a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, is eventually exonerated by his draft board and rejoins the band, touring in Ireland.

1967-Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu are married in a private ceremony at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. They met seven years earlier when Priscilla was 14, but she claims they didn't consummate their relationship until this wedding night.

1966-The Beatles play their last concert (not counting their Apple Records rooftop appearance in 1969) in their native England when they perform at a show put on by the New Musical Express. The last song is "I'm Down."

1966-Rock bassist Johnny Colt (of The Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd) is born Charles Brandt in Cherry Point, North Carolina.

1965-Spike Jones, known for satirical takes on classics and popular songs, dies at age 53 of emphysema.

1963-The Rolling Stones sign a management deal with Andrew Loog Oldham, who removes their apostrophe (they were The Rollin' Stones) and drops piano player Ian Stewart from the official lineup; he continues to play with the band and acts as road manager, but isn't recognized as a member. Stewart, who doesn't look the part, remains an integral part of the Stones operation until his death in 1985.

1957-The Kingston Trio form in Palo Alto, California.

1957-The first issue of 16 Magazine, featuring Elvis Presley on the cover, is published.

1956-Little Willie John records "Fever."

1956-Johnny Cash releases "I Walk The Line," a pledge of fidelity to his first wife. When the song becomes a hit, Cash finds it much harder to be true and strikes up an affair with June Carter, whom he later marries.

1955-A St. Louis guitarist named Chuck Berry is signed to Chess Records in Chicago after bluesman Muddy Waters recommends him to the label.

1954-Guitarist and songwriter Ray Parker, Jr., writer and performer of the Ghostbusters theme, is born in Detroit, Michigan.

1946-Nick Fortuna (bass guitarist for The Buckinghams) is born in Chicago, Illinois.

1946-Jerry Weiss (trumpeter and flugelhorn player for Blood, Sweat & Tears) is born in New York City.

1945-Singer-songwriter Rita Coolidge is born in Lafayette, Tennessee.

1942-The US government halts production of jukeboxes so their factories can assist with the war effort. The Seeburg company produces electrical components for the armed forces; Wurlitzer makes communications systems for aircraft.

1939-Tommy Dorsey records "Lonesome Road."

1939-Folk singer Judy Collins is born in Seattle, Washington.

1934-Jazz singer and pianist Shirley Horn is born in Washington, DC.

1933-R&B singer-songwriter Titus Turner, known for writing the oft-covered tunes "Leave My Kitten Alone" and "Sticks and Stones," is born in Atlanta, Georgia.

1931-Kate Smith makes her radio show debut with the twice-weekly Kate Smith Sings show on NBC.

1930-Blues musician Little Walter, known for the 1952 harmonica standard "Juke," is born Marion Walter Jacobs in Marksville, Louisiana.

1929-Country singer-songwriter Sonny James, known for the 1957 hit "Young Love," is born James Hugh Loden in Hackleburg, Alabama.

1924-R&B singer Big Maybelle, known for the 1956 hit "Candy," is born Mabel Louise Smith in Jackson, Tennessee.

1907-Kate Smith, known for her rendition of "God Bless America," is born Kathryn Elizabeth Smith in Greenville, Virginia.

1904-Czech composer Antonin Dvorak dies at age 62 of an undetermined illness.




Featured Events

2006-Guinness certifies a new world record for most guitarists playing at the same time when 1,581 axepeople simultaneously perform the Jimi Hendrix version of "Hey Joe" in Wrocław, Poland.

2000-Destiny's Child release their third album, Survivor, which is all about sisterhood and empowerment. It's their first release with the lineup of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Nancy Sinatra Appears In Playboy
1995-Nancy Sinatra, 54, appears on the cover of Playboy magazine. In her centerfold, she wears only her famous boots.More

1993-Charley Pride becomes just the second African American inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, and the only active member (DeFord Bailey, the first, passed away in 1982). Pride first performed there in 1967.

1967-Tim McGraw is born Samuel Timothy McGraw in Delhi, Louisiana. His dad is pro baseball player Tug McGraw of the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

1966-James Brown performs on the Ed Sullivan Show for the first time. Unlike most solo acts, he brings his own band, which allows him to provide the full James Brown experience, including the cape bit where he drops to his knees but is soon revived.

1965-British Invasion band Herman's Hermits hit #1 in America with "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter," a very English song first heard on a BBC show called The Lads in 1963.

1956- Johnny Cash released his breakthrough single “I Walk the Line”, which became his first No.1 on the Billboard country charts and peaked at No.17 on the US pop charts. The song featured Cash’s signature “boom-chicka-boom” sound, created by placing a dollar bill in the guitar neck, and innovative backward guitar runs inspired its chord progression.
This Day In Music

1966- The Beatles performed in the UK for the final time at the NME Poll Winners concert at Wembley Empire Pool, playing five songs to 10,000 fans alongside the Rolling Stones, The Who, The Yardbirds, and Dusty Springfield.
This Day In Music

1965- Herman’s Hermits topped the US Billboard Hot 100 with “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter”, while Spike Jones, known for his comedic musical arrangements, passed away at age 53.
soundod.com

1971–1976: Several chart milestones occurred, including Dave and Ansell Collins’ reggae hit “Double Barrel” reaching No.1 in the UK (1971), Led Zeppelin’s Presence topping the US Billboard 200 (1976), and the Bellamy Brothers’ debut single “Let Your Love Flow” hitting No.1 in multiple countries.
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1979- Elton John became the first pop star to perform in Israel, beginning a mini-tour of five shows in six nights.
On This Day

1980s–1990s: Notable events include Mick Fleetwood filing for bankruptcy (1984), the opening of musicals like My One and Only (1983) and The Will Rogers Follies (1991), and Andrea Bocelli performing for Pope John Paul II in 2000.
On This Day

2005- Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200 with his solo album …Something To Be, featuring the hit single “Lonely No More” and becoming the first male rock group artist to debut at No.1 with a solo LP.


Other Notable Milestones

1786- Mozart conducted the premiere of his opera The Marriage of Figaro in Vienna.

1939- Tommy Dorsey Orchestra recorded “Lonesome Road”.

1972- Paul Simon released his self-titled solo debut album, and The Eagles released their first single “Take It Easy”.

1982- KISS released the album Killers.

1998- Garth Brooks announced the sale of the 4 millionth ticket for his world tour.

[Bikkie]

Atlantic salmon
1868
First shipment of salmon and trout ova arrives
The clipper Celestial Queen arrived at Port Chalmers carrying the first shipment of live fish ova from England. These fish were intended to provide sport for the settlers, but none survived in New Zealand.


The second-to-last tram at the railway station stop on its way to Newtown
1964
New Zealand's last electric tram trip
Tram no. 252, displaying the message ‘end of the line’ and driven by Wellington Mayor Frank Kitts, travelled from Thorndon to Newtown zoo. Large crowds lined the streets to witness the end of electric trams in New Zealand.



In Music History

2014-'60s R&B/pop singer Jessica Cleaves (Friends Of Distinction) dies at age 65 of complications from a stroke.

2012-Greg Ham's funeral takes place at the Fitzroy Town Hall in Melbourne, Australia, with more than 300 mourners attending. The Men at Work flute player died two weeks earlier on April 19, at his home in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton North. Among the many mourners attending, are his partner, Linda Wostry, from whom he had recently separated, and Men At Work bass player John Rees. At the end of the service, to the strains of jazz music, Greg's 20-year-old son Max stands on the steps of the town hall, holding a framed photo of his father, while his sister, Greg's 17-year-old daughter Camille, releases a single white dove into the sky. The mourners then give the troubled musician a final round of applause as his coffin drives away down the streets of Melbourne.

2010-A flood in Nashville damages the Grand Ole Opry House and Country Music Hall of Fame. John Fogerty, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill and Keith Urban are among those who lose guitars and other equipment that is held in a storage facility. Also destroyed are the bass used on the Hank Williams song "Your Cheatin' Heart," and a Stratocaster owned by Jimi Hendrix.

2009-The TV series Jonas, starring the Jonas Brothers, debuts on the Disney Channel, where it runs for two seasons. The group already has three albums out, including the #1 A Little Bit Longer from 2008.

2006-Following up on their massively successful Lateralus album, Tool release 10,000 Days. In its first week 564,000 copies copies are sold, and by the end of 2007 the number is at 2.5 million.

Neil Young Releases Overtly Political Album
2006-Neil Young releases Living With War, a very political album taking aim at the policies of US President George W. Bush.More
2005-Cream reunite for the first of four shows in London's Royal Albert Hall, the site of their farewell concert 36 years earlier. The band hasn't played together since their 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

2003-Dixie Chicks appear naked on the front cover of Entertainment Weekly, with slogans such "Traitors," "Hero," "Boycott," "Saddam's Angels" and "Proud Americans" printed across their bodies. The slogans represent the mixed reaction Dixie Chicks received following singer Natalie Maines' anti-George W. Bush comments.

2003-Composer George Wyle, who wrote the theme song for the '60s TV series Gilligan's Island, dies at age 87.

2000-Aimee Mann releases her album Bachelor No. 2 Or, The Last Remains Of The Dodo independently after Geffen Records lets her go. It's a sluggish market for singer-songwriters; the "dodo" in the album title is a reference to how Mann thinks they're going extinct.

1998-Heavy metal guitarist Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto (of X-Japan) commits suicide at age 33 by hanging himself.

1995-Indie rocker Lucy Dacus, co-founder of the band Boygenius, is born. The "Night Shift" singer is raised by her adoptive parents in Mechanicsville, a suburb of Richmond, Virginia. Her upbringing inspires much of her musical output in her solo work, with her adolescence being the foundation of the 2021 album Home Video.

1995-Pink Floyd's album The Wall goes Diamond, with sales of over 10 million in the US. It later eclipses (oh wait, wrong album) that total with sales of well over 20 million.

1995-Jill Sobule releases "I Kissed A Girl," a song about a soon-to-be married woman who shares an intimate kiss with her female friend. It climbs to #67, becoming the first chart hit that's clearly about a romantic relationship among women. In 2008, Katy Perry releases a song with the same title and similar subject matter that becomes her first hit.

1994-Varg Vikernes, leader of the Norwegian black metal band Burzum, begins his trial for the murder of rival black metal musician (and former bandmate) Oystein Aarseth, co-founder of the band Mayhem. The two men had had a confrontation in August of 1993 which ended with the fatal stabbing of Aarseth. Vikernes was convicted at the trial and was sentenced to 21 years in prison; however he was released early in May of 2009 on probation and currently continues to do business as Burzum, with several albums released since then. He still has fans.

1992-Dance Floor, a horse owned by MC Hammer, comes in third in the Kentucky Derby.

The Cure Reach New Heights With Disintegration
1989-The Cure issue a gloomy record that's predicted to be commercial suicide, but ends up being their best seller: Disintegration. It boasts their biggest pop hits, "Lovesong" and "Lullaby."

1989-Michael Jackson, wearing a wig and fake moustache, enteres a Zales jewelry store in Simi Valley, California. Security finds him suspicious and calls the police, who show up to explain that you shouldn't wear a disguise to a jewelry store.

1988-Living Colour's debut album, Vivid, is released. It takes almost a year to catch on, as the band slowly builds a following through tours, radio play and MTV.

1988-Melissa Etheridge releases her self-titled debut album, adding a much-welcome new female voice to rock radio with the singles "Bring Me Some Water" and "Like the Way I Do."

1987-Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" hits #1 on the Hot 100.

1986-Country singer-songwriter Rose Falcon is born in New York.

1986-Judas Priest kick off their Fuel For Life tour with a show in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It's the first time lead singer Rob Halford, who went to rehab in January, has ever performed sober with the band.

1985-Singer-songwriter Lily Allen is born in London. After a rambunctious childhood that gets her kicked out of a number of schools, she finds a following on MySpace and releases her first single, "Smile," in 2006. It goes to #1 in the UK, followed two years later by another chart-topper, "The Fear."

1980-At the University of Birmingham, England, Joy Division play what transpires to be their final show, two weeks before singer Ian Curtis commits suicide at the age of 23. The show features the band's only live performance of the song "Ceremony," which is later released as the debut single by New Order - a new act formed from the surviving members.

1979-At the Rainbow Theatre in London, The Who play their first concert following the death of drummer Keith Moon. Their new stickman is Kenney Jones, formerly of Faces.

1977-Eric Clapton records "Wonderful Tonight."

1973-Actress and jazz vocalist June Hutton (of The Stardusters) dies in Encino, Los Angeles, California, at age 52.

1972-Bruce Springsteen auditions for Columbia Records' John Hammond, who is the guy that signed Bob Dylan. The planned 15-minute session runs 2 hours, and the next day, Bruce records a 14-song demo. He signs with the label five weeks later.

1971-It's day two of the Mayday protests, as demonstrators fed up with the war in Vietnam try to shut down the US government by blocking off streets and bridges in Washington, DC. Thousands of arrests are made, many to bystanders who have nothing to do with the protest. At the foot of the Washington Monument, where much of the action is taking place, Jonathan Edwards performs his new song, "Sunshine." As the arrests continue, he plays the song over and over, "because there's no better song for the soundtrack of that movie."

1965-The Rolling Stones make their second appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, performing four songs, including "The Last Time" and "Little Red Rooster."

Beatles Second Album Replaces First At #1
1964-The Beatles Second Album, a collection of B-sides and sundry tracks yet to find a home in the States, goes to #1 in America, replacing their first album, Meet the Beatles!More

1960-Ray Peterson records "Tell Laura I Love Her."

1960-Production begins on Elvis Presley's first post-Army movie, G.I. Blues.

1960-Dick Clark testifies before Congress on the matter of payola.More

1960-Ben E. King leaves The Drifters and signs a solo contract with Atco Records.

1954-Prescott Niles (bassist for The Knack) is born in New York City.

1951-Jo Callis (keyboardist, guitarist for The Human League) is born John William Callis in Rotherham, England.

1951-John Glascock (bassist for Jethro Tull) is born in Islington, Greater London, England.

1950-Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm is born Louis Andrew Grammatico in Rochester, New York. He and guitarist Mick Jones, the main songwriters in the group, are inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.

1948-Country/gospel singer-songwriter Larry Gatlin (of The Gatlin Brothers) is born in Seminole, Texas.

1946-Lesley Gore is born Lesley Sue Goldstein in Brooklyn, New York.

1945-Rock keyboardist Goldy McJohn (of Steppenwolf) is born John Raymond Goadsby in Toronto, Canada.

1944-English drummer Bob Henrit (of The Kinks, Argent) is born in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England.

1943-"Roll Out The Barrel" is banned as a marching song for training American airmen, as it is deemed "too lusty."

1936-English pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck is born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, British India (present-day Chennai, India). He'll borrow his stage name from the German composer of the 1893 opera Hansel and Gretel.

1933-Bunk Gardner (played woodwinds and tenor sax for Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention) is born John Leon Gardner in Cleveland, Ohio.

1929-Rock and roll guitarist Link Wray is born Fred Lincoln Wray Jr. in Dunn, North Carolina.

1904-Broadcaster, singer and occasional lyricist Wilfrid Coad Thomas is born in Britain. Wrote the English lyrics to "Rose, Rose, I Love You," recorded by Frankie Laine in 1951.

1885-Wilhelm Schimmel starts his piano company.

1997-The James Bond spoof Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery hits theaters. The theme is "Soul Bossa Nova," a song by Quincy Jones from 1962 - the same year the first Bond movie appeared. Yeah baby!





Key Events in Music

1963 – The Beatles scored their first UK No.1 hit with “From Me to You”, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, marking the start of their chart dominance in the UK and their first entry on the US Billboard charts.
This Day In Music

1964 – The Rolling Stones released their self-titled debut album, beginning a 12-week run at the top of the UK album chart. The US version included a slightly different tracklist.
This Day In Music

1980 – Joy Division played their final live show at Birmingham University, just before frontman Ian Curtis tragically passed away, leading the remaining members to form New Order.
This Day In Music

1991 – Nirvana began recording their iconic album Nevermind at Sound City Studios in Southern California, which would become a defining work of the grunge era.

1998 – Hide Matsumoto, Japanese rock star and guitarist of X Japan, was found dead at age 33, with his funeral attended by over 70,000 fans.



Other Notable Historical Highlights

1887 – Composer Gioachino Rossini’s remains were transferred to the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence.

1936 – Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf premiered in Moscow.

1938 – Ella Fitzgerald recorded “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” with Chick Webb and His Orchestra.

1952 – John Cage premiered Water Music, an experimental piece for piano, radio, and unconventional instruments in New York City.

1960 – Ben E. King left The Drifters and signed a solo contract with Atlantic Records.

1977 – Eric Clapton recorded “Wonderful Tonight”, inspired by his wife Pattie Boyd.

1979 – The Who performed their first concert without drummer Keith Moon, with Kenney Jones replacing him.

1980 – Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)” was banned in South Africa.




Chart Milestones

1970 – Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky” topped the UK Singles chart and achieved international success.

1965 – Billboard chart history saw five singles simultaneously in both the pop and R&B top 10, including Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” and Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally”.




Recent Performances and Cultural Moments

2023 – Sabrina Carpenter performed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville during her Emails I Can’t Send Tour.

2024 – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit performed at the Mission Ballroom in Denver, covering classics like Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman”.

2024 – Selena Gomez launched her cooking show Selena + Restaurant on Food Network, highlighting her cultural influence beyond music.

[Bikkie]

Early plough, c. 1830s-1840s
1820
First European plough used in New Zealand
The missionary John Butler turned New Zealand's first furrow at Kerikeri, writing: ‘I trust that this day will be remembered with gratitude, and its anniversary kept by ages yet unborn.’



1897
New Zealand's first woman doctor registered
Margaret Cruickshank, the first female doctor registered in New Zealand, practised in Waimate, South Canterbury, until her death from influenza in 1918.


Charles Mackay, c. 1906-1920
1929
Controversial ex-mayor killed in Berlin riots
Charles Ewing Mackay, the disgraced former mayor of Whanganui, was shot dead by Berlin police during May Day riots in the German capital.



In Music History

2025-Lady Gaga plays a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro to an estimated 2.1 million people. Enormous free concerts are a thing on this particular beach: Madonna drew 1.6 million in 2024, and 3.5 million came to see Rod Stewart in 1994. Most of the funding for these shows comes from the city, which uses them to draw tourists during low season.

2024-Randy Travis, unable to sing as a result of a stroke he suffered in 2011, releases "Where That Came From," a song with his vocal generated by artificial intelligence. It's the first major release from a legacy artist using AI technology to create a vocal from scratch, offering the possibility of more songs from singers - living or dead - that don't have to actually sing on them.

2014-Drummer Bobby Gregg, who played on Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" and Simon and Garfunkel's hit rock version of "The Sound of Silence," dies at age 78 from reasons unknown.

2013-The reigning World Series champion San Francisco Giants host "Metallica Night" at the ballpark, with Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield playing the national anthem on electric guitars and Lars Ulrich throwing out the first pitch.More

2011-Marvin Gaye's organist Odell Brown dies at age 71.

2009-Clint Black is the eleventh contestant booted off Season 8 of The Celebrity Apprentice.

2008-Thanks to a Vegas-themed video featuring dice-shaped lollipops, Lil Wayne's single "Lollipop" hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stays for five consecutive weeks.

2008-The A-Sides, a brief side project for British indie-folk rockers Noah and the Whale, play a one-off gig at London's Push Club. They promise new wave interpretations of Noah and the Whale songs, covers and some "punk style" new originals. Prior to the show, the band urges fans via their MySpace page to "read the Motley Crue biography The Dirt, because that's pretty much how it's gonna go down."

2006-Bob Dylan's first hosted radio show airs on XM Satellite Radio, with the legend playing favorite tracks by Prince, Wilco, Blur, LL Cool J, and Billy Bragg, among others.

2005-Fall Out Boy release their breakthrough album, From Under the Cork Tree. Debuting at #9 on the albums chart, the sophomore effort is their first to crack the Top 10.

2002-Doug Firley of Gravity Kills drops a keyboard on his hand, shattering the bones in his right ring finger during a show in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

2001-Jazz drummer Billy Higgins dies at age 64 of kidney and liver failure.

1997-Katrina & the Waves, whose last big hit was "Walking On Sunshine" in 1985, win the Eurovision Song Contest for the United Kingdom with "Love Shine A Light." Lead singer Katrina Leskanich is American, but guitarist Kimberley Rew and drummer Alex Cooper are British.

1996-Country singer Patsy Montana dies in San Jacinto, California, at age 87. Known for her 1935 signature hit "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart," the tune that made her the first female country performer to have a million-selling single.

1993-New Order's sixth album, Republic, is launched. It reaches #11 in America, helped to success in that country by a cover featuring images of California and an American-only limited edition release in bright orange vinyl packaging. Lead track "Regret" reaches #28, the band's biggest-selling single Stateside.

1991-Andy Williams marries his second wife, Debbie Haas, in New York City.

1990-Patti LaBelle makes her debut on the sitcom A Different World, playing Dwayne Wayne's overbearing mother, Adele, in the season 3 finale, "Perhaps Love." She appears in a total of eight episodes.

1987-Michael Kiwanuka is born in the Muswell Hill area of North London, where he's raised by his Ugandan parents. After touring as Adele's opening act, he wins the BBC Sound Of 2012 poll (over Frank Ocean and Azealia Banks) and releases his debut album, Home Again. In 2016 he goes to #1 in the UK with his second album, Love & Hate.

1987-Italian-French singer Dalida overdoses on barbiturates at age 54, leaving behind a note that reads "Life has become unbearable for me... Forgive me."

"Addicted To Love" Video Makes Indelible Mark On MTV
1986
Propelled by a memorable video where lookalike models vamp the song, Robert Palmer's "Addicted To Love" hits #1 on the Hot 100.

1982-Huey Lewis & the News play a great gig at the Agora in Cleveland. On the ride out, Lewis looks at the skyline and thinks, "The heart of rock and roll is beating in Cleveland." A song is born.

1981-Josh Tillman is born in Rockville, Maryland. He is the drummer for Fleet Foxes before going solo as Father John Misty.

1978-Bob Dylan records "Ain't No Man Righteous, No Not One," "I Believe In You," and "Slow Train."

1977-Country singer Eric Church is born in Granite Falls, North Carolina. After forming a band called the Mountain Boys as a student at Appalachian State University, he moves to Nashville and releases his debut album, Sinners Like Me, in 2006. His star turn comes in 2011 with his album Chief, which includes two of his most enduring songs, "Drink In My Hand" and "Springsteen."

1977-Paul Simon, Phoebe Snow, Jimmy Cliff and others perform a benefit for the New York Public Library.

1977-Helmut Koellen (bass player for Triumvirat) dies of carbon monoxide poisoning at age 27 as he listens to studio tracks in his car while the engine is running in his garage.

1975-Tony Orlando and Dawn's "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)" hits #1.

1975-Chicago's LP Chicago VIII hits #1.

1974-Led Zeppelin launches its Swan Song label.

1972-Scottish rock guitarist Les Harvey, age 27, dies onstage during a Stone The Crows concert when he's electrocuted by a ungrounded microphone standing in a pool of rainwater.

1971-Led Zeppelin play their song "Four Sticks" for the first and only time in concert during a show in Denmark.

1969-Bob Dylan records "Take A Message To Mary" and "Blue Moon."

1969-Canadian customs officials arrest Jimi Hendrix after finding heroin in his bag (he is acquitted in court).

1968-The Beach Boys begin a United States tour with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who gives a lecture as the opening act. The tour is a flop, and some of the dates are canceled.

1967-The Hollies record "Carrie Anne."

1967-The Walker Brothers announce their split. Scott Walker goes on to become a highly influential solo artist in the late '60s.

1967-Beach Boy Carl Wilson goes to court on draft evasion charges.

1964-Gerry and the Pacemakers make their US TV debut, performing "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying" on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1964-Sterling Campbell is born in New York City. An accomplished drummer, he has stints in several bands including Duran Duran, Soul Asylum and The B-52s.

1960-Cathy Jean Giordano records "Please Love Me Forever."

1959-David Ball is born in Blackpool, England. Best known as half of the duo Soft Cell, he helps shape the sound of British electronic music, sticking with analog synthesizers as digital machines become the norm.

1953-Bruce Hall (bassist for REO Speedwagon) is born in Champaign, Illinois.

1952-Kitty Wells records "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels."

1951-'70s soft rocker Christopher Cross is born Christopher Charles Geppert in San Antonio, Texas.

1950-Mary Hopkin is born in Pontardawe, Wales. She signs with The Beatles' Apple Records in 1968 after a winning performance on the UK TV competition show Opportunity Knocks, and releases her first single, "Those Were The Days," later that year.

1948-John Richardson (drummer for the Rubettes) is born in South Ockendon, Essex, England.

1944-Pete Staples (bass guitarist for The Troggs) is born in Andover, Hampshire, England.

1939-The Andrews Sisters record "Beer Barrel Polka."

1934-'60s pop singer Frankie Valli (of The Four Seasons) is born Francesco Stephen Castelluccio in Newark, New Jersey.

1928-Country singer Dave Dudley is born David Darwin Pedruska in Spencer, Wisconsin.

1926-Jazz trombonist Jimmy Cleveland, who would accompany Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, and James Brown, is born in Wartrace, Tennessee.

1921-Traditional pop vocalist Joe Ames (of The Ames Brothers) is born in Malden, Massachusetts.

1919-Pete Seeger is born in Manhattan. Throughout his career, Seeger champions folk music and uses the form to push for civil rights and environmental issues.

1917-Betty Comden is born Basya Cohen in Brooklyn. Along with her partner Adolph Green, she writes the screenplay for Singin' In The Rain along with many other musicals.






Featured Events

2010-"I Gotta Feelin'" by The Black Eyed Peas reaches 5,561,000 downloads, making it the best-selling digital song of all time, surpassing Flo-Rida's "Low." It eventually sells 8 million digital copies and retains the record as streaming replaces downloads.

1986-The Silver Dollar City Tennessee amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is reopened as Dollywood after Dolly Parton takes an ownership stake. The park grows considerably and becomes very successful with Parton involved.

1976-Paul McCartney opens his first US tour with Wings as the massively successful Wings Over America tour begins in Fort Worth, Texas.


Disastrous Concert Takes Rock Out Of Boston
1958-The popular disc jockey Alan Freed hosts a rock concert at the Boston Arena (a hockey rink) that does not go well. The city doesn't host another rock concert until 1964.More

1933-James Brown is born in Barnwell, South Carolina, raised in Augusta, Georgia. His '60s and '70s hits like "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" and "Funky Drummer" break new ground with a percussive soul sound that lays the foundation for hip-hop when they're heavily sampled in the '80s and '90s. He's also an electrifying performer whose dazzling stage moves are emulated by the likes of Michael Jackson and Prince.

1903-Bing Crosby is born Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. in Tacoma, Washington.

1917- Ernest Bloch's "Schelomo: Rhapsodie Hébraïque" and "Israel Symphony" premiered in Carnegie Hall, NYC, with Artur Bodanzky conducting the former and the composer conducting the latter.

1944- "Going My Way," directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby, premiered in New York, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1945.

1956- Frank Loesser's musical "The Most Happy Fella" opened at the Imperial Theater, NYC, and ran for 678 performances.

1994- The 29th Academy of Country Music Awards took place, with Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and Wynonna winning.

2005- Fall Out Boy's breakthrough album "From Under the Cork Tree" was released through Island Records.

2013- The Palmetto Playground in Brooklyn was renamed after Beastie Boys' rapper Adam Yauch.

2015- Chris Isaak was confirmed as a judge on the seventh season of "The X Factor Australia."

2025- Lady Gaga's free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, drew an estimated crowd of 2.5 million attendees, making it the largest concert in history for a female artist.

[Bikkie]

1772
Marion du Fresne arrives in the Bay of Islands
Marion du Fresne’s was the second French expedition to visit New Zealand, following that of Jean François Marie de Surville in 1769. Du Fresne’s acceptance of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s beliefs about ‘noble savages’ was to have unfortunate consequences for him and his crew.


1937
Avalanche kills two workers at the Homer tunnel
The engineer-in-charge and the overseer were killed when the second avalanche to hit the Homer tunnel project in less than 12 months struck without warning.



In Music History

2024-A crowd estimated at 1.6 million watch Madonna cap off her Celebration Tour at a free concert in Rio. The concertgoers fill up a 2.4-mile stretch of Copacabana Beach equipped with giant sound towers with huge video screens, a $12 million production.

2024-After 10 weeks at the top of the Country chart, Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" gives way to "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey, a singer who came to the fore when Beyoncé featured him on her Cowboy Carter album.

2024-The top 14 songs on the Hot 100 are all from Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department, with "Fortnight" taking the top spot. All 31 songs from the album are on the chart in addition to an earlier song, "Cruel Summer."

2021-Nick Kamen, known for the 1986 hit "Each Time You Break My Heart," dies of bone marrow cancer at his London home. He was 59.

2020-Grimes has a baby boy she names X Æ A-12. The father is entrepreneur Elon Musk.

2019-A section of Staten Island is renamed "Wu-Tang Clan District" in honor of the group.More

2018-Soul singer Leon Bridges releases his sophomore album, Good Thing. Its single "Bet Ain't Worth The Hand" takes the Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

2017-Implying that they will soon be voted out of office, Democrats sing "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" to taunt Republicans in the House of Representatives after a Republican-sponsored bill replacing the Affordable Care Act passes.

2016-After Donald Trump's campaign plays "Start Me Up" following his victory speech celebrating his path to the Republican nomination, The Rolling Stones ask him to stop, joining several other artists in decrying his use of their songs.More

2013-James Righton of Klaxons marries the actress Keira Knightley. He proves useful when he gives ger guitar lessons for her role as a musician in the 2014 movie Begin Again.

2010-Olivia Newton-John gets "Physical" in a duet with Jane Lynch on the Glee episode "Bad Reputation."

2008-Martha Reeves' (of Martha & the Vandellas) home in Detroit is burglarized and one million dollars' worth of recording equipment is stolen. In just a few hours, the perpetrator is caught while attempting to hock the merchandise for $400.

2000-Letters to Cleo play their last concert in Boston; they disband the following month.

PJ Harvey Releases Rid Of Me
1993-PJ Harvey, fronted by British alt rocker Polly Jean Harvey, release their second and last album as a trio, Rid Of Me. The album is later hailed as one of the defining albums of the decade, but at the time, critics are split over Steve Albini's aggressive production.More

1992-Dudu Mntowaziwayo Ndlovu (percussionist for Johnny Clegg & Juluka) is killed in a hail of gunfire in South Africa at age 33.

1991-Punk rocker Simon Wilde (bassist for D.O.A.) dies of a brain tumor at age 33.

1991-Governor Ann Richards declares "ZZ Top Day" in Texas, honoring the group for "bringing the powerful beat of Texas boogie to enthusiastic audiences across the globe."

1987-Paul Butterfield (of The Paul Butterfield Blues Band) dies of a heroin overdose at age 44.

1979-Bob Dylan records "Gotta Serve Somebody," "Do Right To Me Baby (Do Unto Others)," "When He Returns," and "Man Gave Names To All The Animals."

1979-Lance Bass of 'N Sync is born James Lance Bass in Laurel, Mississippi.

1978-Jefferson Starship's album Earth is certified Platinum.

1972-Green Day bass player Mike Dirnt is born Michael Pritchard in Berkeley, California, where he is adopted by a couple from nearby El Sobrante.

1972-Christian singer Chris Tomlin is born in Grand Saline, Texas.

1970-Gregg Alexander of The New Radicals is born Gregory Aiuto in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

1969-Al Stewart and his girlfriend Mandi attend a party at the Putney home of John Martyn which inspires the song "Night Of The 4th Of May."

1968-Steppenwolf make their US television debut, performing "Born to Be Wild" on American Bandstand.

1968-Twiggy, one of the first English "supermodels," catches an 18-year-old Welsh singer named Mary Hopkin on the BBC-TV talent show Opportunity Knocks. She calls her friend Paul McCartney, who eventually signs Hopkin to Apple and has her record "Those Were The Days" as her first single.

1967-The Turtles' "Happy Together" is certified Gold.

1964-Denny Laine, Ray Thomas and Mike Pinder form the M&B Five in Birmingham, England. They later change the name to The Moody Blues.

1964-Gary Holt (guitarist for Exodus) is born in Richmond, California.

1961-The Jarmels record "A Little Bit Of Soap."

1960-Bobby Rydell takes American Bandstand viewers on a tour of his Philadelphia home.

1959-Country singer Randy Travis is born Randy Bruce Traywick in Marshville, North Carolina. It takes while for him to get a record deal, but when he does, he's off to the races, with 15 #1 Country hits from 1986-1994.

1957-Alan Freed's Rock and Roll Revue debuts on ABC; the show is an attempt to replicate the success of their own hit American Bandstand. The first show features performances from The Clovers, The Del-Vikings, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Sal Mineo, and Guy Mitchell.

1956-Lonnie Donegan quits the popular Chris Barber Jazz Band to form a skiffle group.

1951-Mick Mars, founder and lead guitarist of Motley Crue, is born Robert Alan Deal in Terre Haute, Indiana. Visually, he blends into the scenery, but his riffs and solos create a sonic boom that helps define their sound.

1951-Jackie Jackson of The Jacksons is born Sigmund Esco Jackson in Gary, Indiana.

1951-Bruce Day (bass player for Santana, Pablo Cruise) is born.

1949-Zal Cleminson (guitarist for The Sensational Alex Harvey Band) is born Alistair Macdonald Cleminson in Glasgow, Scotland.

1949-Country singer-songwriter Stella Parton is born in Sevierville, Tennesee, to a family that includes older sister Dolly Parton.

1946-Perry Como's "Prisoner Of Love" hits #1 in America.

1945-Georg Wadenius (lead guitarist for Blood, Sweat & Tears) is born in Stockholm, Sweden.

1944-'60s pop singer Peggy Santiglia (of The Angels, Dusk) is born in Belleville, New Jersey.

1941-Motown songwriter Nick Ashford (Ashford & Simpson) is born in Fairfield, South Carolina.

1941-Singer and violinist David LaFlamme (of It's a Beautiful Day) is born Gary Posie in New Britain, Connecticut.

1940-Ronnie Bond (drummer for The Troggs) is born Ronald James Bullis in Andover, Hampshire, England.

1938-Tyrone Davis is born Tyrone Fettson in Greenville, Mississippi, but is raised by his father in Saginaw, Michigan. Known for his #1 R&B hits, "Can I Change My Mind" (1968), "Turn Back The Hands Of Time" (1970), and "Turning Point" (1975).

1937-Surf rocker Dick Burns (of The Hondells) is born in Buffalo, New York.

1928-Jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson is born in Verdun, Quebec, Canada.

1923-Ed Cassidy (drummer for Spirit) is born in Harvey, Illinois.

1655-Florentine harpsichord maker Bartolomeo Cristofori is born. He invents the piano in 1709.


1970-Later memorialized in the Neil Young song "Ohio," the Ohio National Guard fires on protesters at Kent State University, killing four students, two of whom weren't even protesting. This shameful event in American history leads to the formation of Devo, as Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale are both on campus and horrified by the events.


2012-Adam Yauch (aka MCA of the Beastie Boys) dies of cancer at age 47 in New York City.

Jennifer Lopez Launches Debut Single
1999-Former In Living Color Fly Girl Jennifer Lopez issues her first single, "If You Had My Love." The song lands at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Lopez the first artist to top the chart with a debut single since Britney Spears did the same with "...Baby One More Time" four months earlier.More

1990-David Bowie's ex-wife Angela goes on The Joan Rivers Show and says that she once walked in on Bowie and Mick Jagger naked in bed. Angela signed a gag order when she divorced Bowie that kept her from talking for 10 years, and was taking advantage of the opportunity.


1982-Under the leadership of chairman Elton John, who has invested heavily in the team, the Watford Football Club is promoted to the First Division of English football with a win over Wrexham. The team was in the lowly Fourth Division when Elton took over as chairman in 1976.

The Sting's Ragtime Soundtrack Hits #1
1974-The Sting soundtrack, featuring Marvin Hamlisch's adaptations of Scott Joplin's ragtime piano tunes, hits #1 in America, where it stays for five weeks.


1974-Grand Funk's cover of "The Loco-Motion" hits #1 in America. It's the second time the song has topped the chart: Little Eva's original went to #1 in 1962.


1959-The very first Grammy Awards are held in Los Angeles, with Record of the Year going to Domenico Modugno's "Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu (Volare)" and Henry Mancini's The Music From Peter Gunn soundtrack winning Album of the Year. The Champs' "Tequila," for some reason, takes home Best Rhythm and Blues Performance.

1937-Surf rock guitarist Dick Dale is born Richard Anthony Monsour in Boston, Massachusetts.



Key Historical Events
1728: George Frideric Handel's opera Tolomeo, re di Egitto premiered in London, marking an important moment in Baroque opera history.
1
1878: Thomas Edison demonstrated his phonograph for the first time at the Grand Opera House in New York City, revolutionizing sound recording.
1
1929: Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II’s musical Show Boat closed at the Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC after 572 performances, cementing its status as a landmark in American musical theater.
1
1956: Ronnie Hilton’s rendition of No Other Love reached No.1 on the UK Singles chart for six consecutive weeks.
1
1959: The first Annual Grammy Awards were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, with winners including Perry Como, Ella Fitzgerald, and Domenico Modugno.
2
1961: Doo-wop band The Marcels scored their first UK No.1 with Blue Moon, also topping charts in the US, New Zealand, and Canada.
1
1963: Andy Williams’ album Days of Wine and Roses and Other TV Requests began a 16-week run at No.1 on the US Billboard 200.
2
1965: The Beatles achieved their first UK No.1 with From Me To You, beginning a seven-week run at the top.
1
1973: Led Zeppelin launched their 34-date North American tour in Atlanta, grossing over $4 million and breaking attendance records previously held by The Beatles. Progressive rock band Yes released their first live album Yessongs, which became a commercial success internationally.
2
1974: ABBA’s Waterloo topped the UK Singles chart, marking their first of nine No.1 hits and securing their Eurovision Song Contest victory for Sweden.
2
1996: Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill began a six-week run at the top of the UK chart.
1
2012: Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys passed away, leaving a legacy of seven platinum-selling albums and contributions to music video direction and independent film.
1
2023: Ed Sheeran was found not guilty of copyright infringement regarding Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On for his single Thinking Out Loud.
1
2024: Madonna concluded her Celebration world tour with a free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, attended by 1.6 million people, marking the largest concert of her career.
2


5 Sources
Notable Releases and Chart Achievements
Gene Vincent recorded Be Bop A Lula, which became a major hit in the US and UK, selling over 2 million copies.
1
The Beach Boys’ Surfin’ U.S.A. LP debuted on Billboard’s album chart, eventually peaking at No.2 and staying for 78 weeks.
1
Andy Williams’ single Can’t Get Used to Losing You reached No.2 on the Hot 100 and No.1 on the Easy Listening chart.
1

1 Source
Awards and Recognitions
The first Grammy Awards in 1959 recognized artists across genres, including jazz, pop, and classical, establishing a precedent for future music industry accolades.
1
The Recording Industry Association of America awarded The Turtles a Gold Disc for Happy Together in 1967, highlighting the commercial success of rock and pop singles.
1