This Date In Music History- July 2

Birthdays:

Born on this day in 1983, Michelle Branch, US singer, songwriter, guitarist.

Tom Springfield of the Springfields ("Silver Threads & Golden Needles" and brother of Dusty) is 72.

Born on this day in 1949, Roy Bittan, "The Professor", piano, organ, accordian and synthesizers with Bruce Springsteen E Street Band. Also worked with David Bowie, Jackson Browne, Dire Straits, Peter Gabriel, Meat Loaf, Stevie Nicks, Bob Seger.

Born on this day in 1942, Leapy Lee, UK singer, (Lee Graham), 1968 UK No.2 single 'Little Arrows'.

History:

Country icon Jim Reeves participates in his last recording session in 1962. He would later die in a plane crash. He would continue having hits as late as 1969.

In 2005, soul singer Luther Vandross died at the age of 54 at the JFK Medical Centre in New Jersey, two years after suffering a major stroke.’

Bill Conti went to No.1 on the US singles chart in 1977 with 'Gonna Fly Now' (Theme from Rocky).

In 2001 Liverpool Airport at Speke was renamed John Lennon Airport. Yoko Ono was present to unveil a new logo that included the late Beatle's famous self- portrait and the words, 'Above Us Only Sky' taken from his 'Imagine' album. Yoko said he would have been very proud. "Thank you very, very much for remembering John and for loving John."

Jimi Hendrix was honorably discharged from the 101st Airborne Paratroopers in 1962, after breaking his ankle during his 26th and final parachute jump.

Elvis Presley recorded 'Hound Dog' at RCA Studios, New York in 1956. Take 31 being the version they released. This was the first time The Jordanaires worked with Presley.

The late Paul Williams of the Temptations ("My Girl") was born in 1939.

Elvis Presley's "King Creole" movie opens (he's already serving in the U.S. Army), 1958

Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell quit the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1969, but there's some good news for rock lovers as Leslie West and Felix Pappalardi team up to create Mountain.

In 1976, Brian Wilson rejoined the Beach Boys for the first time on stage since deciding he'd rather spend his life in bed. Aside from singing "In My Room" at the Anaheim, Calif., performance, he mostly sits staring at his keyboard. Maybe he should have waited until all the drugs wore off.

Buddy Holly's first single, "Love Me," was released in 1956.

"Dr. Demento 20th Anniversary Collection: The Greatest Novelty Records Of All Time" was released in 1991.

In 1966, Frank Sinatra's "Strangers In The Night" displaced The Beatles' "Paperback Writer" at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It was also a UK #1. Way to Go ole blue eyes!

In 1969, US consumer advocate Ralph Nader issued a warning that loud Rock music threatened to produce a nation of hearing-impaired people. WHAT?

In 1979 Sony introduced the Walkman, the first portable audio cassette player. Over the next 20 years they will sell over 100 million of them in the US alone.

In 1935, Billie Holiday recorded with jazz pianist Teddy Wilson and his orchestra, with whom she'll cut some of her most memorable sides.

1991, Axl Rose caused a riot to break out during a Guns N' Roses gig after leaping into the crowd to remove a camera from a fan at the Riverpoint Amphitheatre, Maryland Heights. Over 50 people were injured and 15 fans were arrested.

In 1969, Thunderclap Newman were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with the Pete Townshend produced track 'Something In The Air' featured on the soundtrack for the movie, 'The Magic Christian'. The band featured guitarist Jimmy McCulloch who went on to work with Wings.

In 1980, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead are arrested with their manager, Danny Rifken, on charges of inciting a riot. They were alleged to have interfered with a drug-related arrest during a concert at the San Diego Sports Arena. Oh, those silly rock stars!