This Week In Music History- April 19- April 25

Sunday-April 19

Animals’ organist Alan Price was born in County Durham, England in 1941.

Layne Staley (Alice in Chains) was found dead in his apartment in 2002.

In 1959, Pete Seeger left the Weavers after they recorded a commercial for Lucky Strikes cigarettes over his objections.

Legendary funk keyboardist Bernie Worrell was born today in Long Beach, N.J in 1944.

Mark Volman, better known as the Flo half of Flo & Eddie and of Turtles’ fame, was born in Los Angeles in 1947.

Chess blues and R&B vocalist Willie Mabon died in Paris in 1985.

In 1993, Saxophonist Steve Douglas, 55, died of heart failure while in a recording session with guitarist Ry Cooder. He played on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Be My Baby," produced by his school chum Phil Spector.

In 1980, AC/DC announced that Brian Johnson will replace Bon Scott.

The Beatles released "Ticket to Ride" in the U.S. in 1965.

Today in 1980 the song "Call Me" by Blondie topped the charts and stayed there for 6 weeks.

Also in 1980, for the first time ever the top five artists on the US country chart were all female, Crystal Gayle who was at #1, with Dottie West, Debbie Boone, Emmylou Harris and Tammy Wynette making up the rest of the Top 5.

In 1968, John and George followed Paul and Ringo's lead and left the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram in Rishikesh, India, two weeks before their studies were completed. Lennon later wrote "Sexy Sadie" about the yogi's attraction to Mia Farrow.

Patti Smith released her biggest hit, "Because the Night" in 1978. It was co-written by Bruce Springsteen.

Prince & the Revolution's "Kiss" tops the pop, R&B, and dance charts simultaneously. 1986, Prince started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1986 with 'Kiss.' Prince also had the #2 song 'Manic Monday', by The Bangles, which he wrote under the pseudonym 'Christopher.'

The oldest working musician in Britain, Conrad Leonard died in 2003 (age 104). Composer and pianist Leonard had worked with Cole Porter, Petula Clark and at the BBC during his career. Until the age of 103 years, he played the piano every Thursday at lunchtime in the Plantation Cafe at Squire's Garden Centre in Twickenham.



Monday- April 20

Percussionist Tito Puente, one of the most innovative and popular Latin jazz musicians ever, was born in New York in 1923.

Born on this day in 1939, Johnny Tillotson, singer, (1960 US No.2 and 1961 UK No.1 single 'Poetry In Motion').

Mikey Welsh, bass, Weezer (1972)

Born on this day in 1972, Stephen Marley, Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers.

Born on this day in 1972 Carmen Electra, The Pussycat Dolls.

“A Concert For Life” took place at Wembley Stadium in 1992 as a tribute to Queen Singer Freddie Mercury and for aids awareness. Acts appearing included; Elton John, Roger Daltrey, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), David Bowie, Mick Ronson, James Hetfield, George Michael, Seal, Paul Young, Annie Lennox, Lisa Stansfield, Robert Plant, Joe Elliott and Phil Collen, Axl Rose and Slash.

Aerosmith released the album ‘Get a Grip’ in 1993, which became their first album to debut at #1. It went on to sell 7 million copies in a 2-year time span in the United States alone and sold 20 million copies worldwide as well as winning the band two Grammy awards.

American singer Alan Dale died in 2002. During the 50's he had his own US TV & radio show, had the 1955 US #7 single 'Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.'

"Your Lucky Hit Parade" was first broadcast on radio in 1935. It aired for 24 years.

The Elvis Presley movie "Viva Las Vegas" premiered in 1964.

Shania Twain released her self-titled debut album in 1993.

In 2002, in the dispute over who owned the rights to Nirvana's recordings former members Dave Grohl and Kirst Novoselic asked a Seattle Court to prove that Courtney Love was mentally stable. They told the court that Love was 'irrational, mercurial, self-centered, unmanageable, inconsistent and unpredictable.' They also claimed a contract was invalid because Love was 'stoned' at the time.

Godsmack were at #1 on the US album chart in 2003 with ‘Faceless.’

In 1999, Steve Marriott died after his home in Essex, England, caught fire. With the Small Faces, the vocalist was responsible for witty singles like "Itchycoo Park," as well as the excellent psychedelic album Ogden's Nut Gone Flake.

Luther Vandross was born in New York in 1951. Vandross died on July 2, 2005 (age 54) two years after suffering a major stroke.

In 1957, Elvis Presley topped the chart with "All Shook Up." Otis Blackwell allegedly wrote the song after Shalimar Music exec Al Stanton challenged him to come up with a tune in the space of time it took Stanton to drink a Pepsi.

In 1959, a 13-year-old Dolly Parton released her first single, "Puppy Love."
Billboard acutely observed, "She sounds about 12 years old."

The Beatles recorded the vocals for "Eleanor Rigby" in 1966.

The mighty Deep Purple made their live debut in Denmark in 1968.



Tuesday- April 21

Rock's wondrous frontman, Iggy Pop, was born today in 1947 as James Osterberg. He's led the wild and wildly influential band, The Stooges.

The Cure's Robert Smith was born in Sussex, England in 1959.

Born on this day in 1959, Michael Timmins, guitar, Cowboy Junkies.

Ernie Maresca ("Shout! Shout! Knock Yourself Out") turns 70

Folk singer Cisco Houston died of cancer in San Bernardino, California in 1961. The influential troubadour traveled America with Woody Guthrie and was Leadbelly's houseguest.

Chicago slide guitarist Earl Hooker died from tuberculosis in 1970 at age 41.

In 2003, legendary vocalist/pianist Nina Simone died at her home in France (aged70). Her biggest hit was the smoky "My Baby Just Cares For Me."

In 1978, Folk singer Sandy Denny died at age 31 after falling down a flight of stairs. You can hear her on Led Zeppelin IV's "Battle of Nevermore"

In 1994, Courtney Love turned in the shotgun Kurt Cobain used to kill himself to a guns-for-tickets trade-in program.

The Beatles debuted at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England in 1961.

Elton John made his solo concert debut in 1970 when he opened for T. Rex in London.

Alice Cooper went to #1 on the US album chart in 1973 with 'Billion Dollar Babies.' Also a #1 album in the UK.

Neal Matthews of The Jordanaires died of a heart attack in 2000. He sang on Presley's 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'Hound Dog.' Matthews also worked with Ricky Nelson, Patsy Cline, Red Foley, Johnny Horton, Jim Reeves, George Jones, Marie Osmond, Tom Jones and Merle Haggard.

In 2001, R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck was arrested at Heathrow Airport after allegedly causing a drunken ruckus during a flight from Seattle to London. He's later found innocent of all charges.

In 1945, the Bihari brothers founded Modern Records. Over the years, the label would become an R&B powerhouse, releasing discs by John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, and Etta James.

In 1960, Dick Clark admitted that he had a financial stake in more than a quarter of the records played on American Bandstand. The congressional committee investigating payola ordered him to sell off several of his holdings.

In 2004, California rockers Hoobastank topped the American singles chart with "The Reason."



Wednesday- April 22

Bassist and bandleader Charles Mingus was born in 1922 (died January 5, 1979)

Born on this day in 1974, Shavo Odadjian, bassist, System of a Down.

Born on this day in 1932, Glen Campbell, country singer, songwriter, actor, and TV presenter. Hits include ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix’, ‘Wichita Lineman’, and ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’, has released more than 70 albums selling over 45 million records. As a session musician in the 1960s he worked with Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson, The Monkees, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, The Velvet Underground, Frankie Laine, The Association, Jan & Dean and The Mamas & the Papas. He was a touring member of The Beach Boys, filling in for an ailing Brian Wilson in 1964 and 1965. His guitar playing can be heard on ‘Strangers in the Night’ by Frank Sinatra, ‘You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin’‘by The Righteous Brothers and ‘I'm a Believer’ by The Monkees.

Jack Nitzsche was born today in Chicago in 1937. His arrangements have graced albums by the Monkees, Buffalo Springfield, Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, and Mink DeVille. He also wrote "Needles and Pins."

Peter Frampton was born in Beckenham, England in 1950. He surprised everyone when his album Frampton Comes Alive! became one of the biggest-selling albums of the '70s.

Songwriter Felice Bryant died of cancer in 2003. Wrote many hits with her husband Boudleaux including; The Everly Brothers, 'Bye Bye Love', 'All I Have To Do Is Dream', 'Wake Up Little Susie' and 'Raining In My Heart' a hit for Buddy Holly. Other acts to record their songs included Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Tony Bennett, Simon & Garfunkel, Sarah Vaughan, Grateful Dead, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Ruth Brown, Cher, R.E.M. and Ray Charles.

Paul Carrack is born today in Sheffield, England in 1951. He has sung with Ace, Squeeze, and Mike & the Mechanics on the #1 "The Living Years."

In 1967, in the most popular Monkee poll conducted in the music paper Disc & Music Echo, Davy Jones received 63% of the votes, Mickey Dolenz 22%, Peter Tork 8% and Mike Nesmith 7%.

The Who gave their first complete live performance of the rock opera "Tommy" at a show in Dolton, England in 1969.

Guns N' Roses released "Patience" in 1989.

The Troggs released their classic hit "Wild Thing" in 1966.

In 1969, A&M signed a brother/sister act called the Carpenters.

In 1976, Johnnie Taylor's "Disco Lady" became the first single to ever be certified platinum, with 2 million copies sold.

In 1978, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made their first ever appearance as The Blues Brothers when they appeared on US TV's 'Saturday Night Live'.

American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson tops the charts in 2003 with her debut album Thankful.

In 2004, Metallica quashes an Internet rumor that James Hetfield committed suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills. "Contrary to what you may have read on message boards," say the band, "James Hetfield is alive and doing extremely well."

In 2004, it was reported that U.S. Marines are blasting AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" at high volumes to drive Muslim insurgents from their homes in Iraq.



Thursday- April 23

In 2004, Green Day issued a statement to counter a widespread rumor that frontman Billie Joe Armstrong has died. "Despite what you may have heard rumored on the Internet," the band say, "Billie Joe did not recently die in a car accident."

The late Roy Orbison was born in Vernon, Texas in 1936. His haunting voice has graced some of the most extraordinary songs of the rock era, including the 1961 #1 "Running Scared."

In 1975, Pete Ham, 27, of Badfinger hung himself in his London garage. He wrote the classic song "Without You" with finger bassist Tom Evans. Evans also took his life after becoming frustrated with his career.

Born on this day in 1939, Ray Peterson, US singer (1960 US No.7 single 'Tell Laura I Love Her').

Born on this day in 1960, Steve Clark, guitarist with Def Leppard. Clark died on January 8th 1991, aged 30 after a night of heavy alcohol consumption combined with prescription drugs.

Dexy's Midnight Runners went to #1 on the US singles chart in 1983 with 'Come On Eileen.'

In 1988, Whitney Houston smashed a chart record held by The Beatles and The Bee Gees when 'Where Do Broken Hearts Go', became her seventh consecutive US #1.

In 1991, Johnny Thunders died from a drug overdose in New Orleans. The former New York Doll was 38.

In 1986, Harold Arlen died at age 81. The pianist wrote pop standards like "Get Happy," and "Stormy Weather" with lyricist Ted Koehler. He also penned the song "Over the Rainbow."

The Earl Hines Band began a residency at Harlem, N.Y.'s Apollo Theatre in 1943. Among the musicians are future superstars Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Sarah Vaughan.

In 1956, Elvis Presley plays Las Vegas for the first time, as a young rock 'n' roller. The response from middle-aged audiences was so poor that Presley fulfilled only one week of his two-week stand.

In Caversham, England in 1960, a very young John Lennon and Paul McCartney performed together as the Nerk Twins.

In 1978, Sid Vicious filmed his rendition of Paul Anka's "My Way" for the Sex Pistols' film "The Great Rock n' Roll Swindle."

In 1963, Jan & Dean recorded their #1 "Surf City." Brian Wilson appeared on backing vocals.

In 2003, Bruce Springsteen defends the beleaguered Dixie Chicks, who suffered a backlash after criticizing George W. Bush. In a statement, he declares, "To me, they're terrific American artists expressing American values by using their American right to free speech. For them to be banished wholesale from radio stations, and even entire radio networks, for speaking out is un-American."



Friday- April 24

Barbra Streisand was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1942.

Born on this day in 1945, Doug Clifford, drums, Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Born on this day in 1982, Kelly Clarkson (2002 US #1 single 'A Moment Like This').

Billy Gould- Faith No More (1963)

Patty Schemel- Hole (1967)

Born on this day in 1967, Shannon Larkin, drummer, Ugly Kid Joe, Godsmack.

Steve York, Manfred Mann (1948) (1964 UK & US #1 single 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy').

Born on this day in 1954, Jack Blades, bassist with Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Brian Marshall- Creed (1974)

Led Zeppelin scored their sixth US #1 album in 1976 with 'Presence', also #1 in the UK.

In 1976, Paul and Linda McCartney spent the evening with John Lennon at his New York Dakota apartment and watched Saturday Night Live on TV. Producer of the show Lorne Michaels made an offer on air asking The Beatles to turn up and play three songs live. Lennon and McCartney thought about taking a cab to the studio, but decided they were too tired. This was the last time Lennon and McCartney were together.

In 1968, the Beatles new company Apple Records turned down the offer to sign new artist David Bowie.

The pipe less organ was patented by Laurens Hammond in 1934.

Street-tough doo-woppers Dion & the Belmonts released their first single, "I Wonder Why" in 1958.

The Drifters released their single "There Goes My Baby" in 1959. Not such big a deal, you might think, except that this is the first recording of the rock era to feature a string section.

In 1961, a young Bob Dylan played harmonica on Harry Belafonte's recording of "Midnight Special." He made $50 for his efforts.

In 1969, Paul McCartney publicly denied rumors that he is dead.

In 1970, Grace Slick and Abbie Hoffman left a White House party without having dosed young Tricia Nixon with LSD as planned. The Jefferson Airplane singer was invited to the bash by Tricia, and took along the outlaw Hoffman as her date. Hoffman was turned away at the gate. Slick went with him.

David Bowie released Diamond Dogs in 1974.

Tom Petty released his first solo album, Full Moon Fever in 1989.

In 1982, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder were at #1 on the UK singles chart with 'Ebony And Ivory.' This was McCartney's 24th #1 hit single as a songwriter.

In 2007, Sheryl Crow said a ban on using too much toilet paper should be introduced to help the environment. The singer suggested using "only one square per restroom visit, except, of course, on those pesky occasions where two to three could be required." Waaayyy too much information for me.



Saturday- April 25

Jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Virginia in 1918.

Blues guitarist Albert King was born in Indianola, Mississippi in 1923.

Jerry Leiber was born in Baltimore in 1933. With Mike Stoller, he's written witty rock hits like "Yakety Yak" and "Jailhouse Rock."

Andy Bell of Erasure was born in Peterborough, England in 1964.

Born on this day in 1945, Bjorn Ulvaeus, guitar, vocals, Abba

Ronnie Gilbert, The Blue Magoos (1946)

Michael Brown- singer, Stories (1949)

In 1967, the Beatles recorded the theme to 'Magical Mystery Tour' at Abbey Road studios in London.

Born on this day in 1945, Stu Cook, bass, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Bobby "Boris" Pickett ("Monster Mash") died of leukemia in 2007.

In 1964, the Beatles had an amazing 14 singles on the American chart.

1964, In England, Peter & Gordon take the Lennon/McCartney song "World Without Love" to the top of the singles chart, where it knocks off the Beatles' own "Can't Buy Me Love."

In 1967, the Beatles performed "All You Need Is Love" during a global satellite broadcast.

In 1974, Rolling Stone reported that concerts by Yes, Gregg Allman, and the Beach Boys have all been hit by streakers, no doubt inspired by Ray Stevens' #1 hit "The Streak."

In 1977, Elvis Presley made his last-known recordings during a live concert at the Saginaw (Mich.) Civic Center. The tracks will turn up on the posthumous album Moody Blue.

The Fender Stratocaster on which Jimi Hendrix played "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock sold at a London auction for $295,000 in 1990.

U2 started a five-week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1987 with 'The Joshua Tree.'

In 1999, Zapp's Roger Troutman died of wounds in Dayton, Ohio, after being shot by his brother and bandmate Larry Troutman. The robotic funk group's biggest hit was "I Want to Be Your Man."

Kris Kross started an eight week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1992 with 'Jump', a #2 hit in the UK. The duo of Chris Smith and Chris Kelly were 12 and 13 when they recorded the song.

The film "Rock & Roll High School" starring the Ramones premiered in 1979.

In Honduras, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes (TLC) was killed in a car crash in 2002.