This Date In Music History-May 22

Birthdays:

Morrissey -The Smiths (1959)

Dana Williams - Diamond Rio (1961)

Jesse Valenzuela - Gin Blossoms (1962)

Johnny Gill - New Edition (1966)

Dan Roberts - Crash Test Dummies (1967)

Iva Davies – Icehouse (1955)

Jerry Dammers - The Specials (1954)

Lyricist Bernie Taupin was born in 1950.


They Are Missed:

Jazz visionary Sun Ra was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1914. The visionary part is that he said he came from Saturn. The reality is his name was Herman Sonny Blount. He died May 30, 1993


History:

In 1955, Bridgeport, Connecticut police canceled a dance featuring Fats Domino, fearing a rock n’ roll riot.

In New York in 1980, five gold records that belonged to Jimi Hendrix were stolen from the Electric Ladyland studios.

In 1999, New Jersey's Continental Airlines Arena sold out of tickets for 15 Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band shows. The concerts set a record for number of shows during a single arena stay.

The final manuscript of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which was annotated by the composer, sold at an auction in 2003 for $3.47 million. And I only bid 3.2 million…

Herman's Hermits were unthroned from the #1 spot in 1965, where they reigned with "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," by the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride."

Cream’s “Disraeli Gears” went gold in 1968. Containing the war-horse “Sunshine of Your Love” it was the group’s second album.

The Rolling Stones’ “Sticky Fingers,” containing “Brown Sugar,” began a four week run at #1 on the US chart in 1971. It’s guitarist Mick Taylor’s first full album with the group since replacing Brian Jones.

The J. Geils Band's entire original lineup performed together in their hometown of Boston in 2006 at a private party celebrating bassist Dick Klein's 60th birthday. It reportedly is the first time the six members play together onstage in more than 20 years.

Ozzy Osbourne's "Black Rain" was released in 2007. "It's a well-put-together album," says Ozzy. "I took my time on (it) and (guitarist) Zakk (Wylde) plays some amazing stuff as always." "I Don't Wanna Stop" is the lead single. "People keep saying to me, 'You'll be quitting soon, retiring.' I don't wanna stop!" adds Ozzy. "I'd miss the fans. I'd miss the buzz, seeing the crowd going crazy." The album was recorded at Osbourne's home studio in L.A. Hmmm, maybe he can make some TV commercials as “The Prince of Darkness.”

In 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis arrived at London's Heathrow Airport to begin his first British tour, along with his new bride, 14 year old third cousin, Myra. Although advised not to mention it, Lewis answered all questions about his private life. The public's shock (Lewis was booed offstage) over Lewis' marriage marks the start of a controversy leading to his British tour being cancelled after just 3 of the scheduled 37 performances.

"Mother-in-Law," written and produced by Allen Toussaint and recorded in 1961 by Ernie K-Doe, hit #1 on the national chart.

While Ricky Nelson’s “Travelin’ Man” topped the charts in 1961, its Gene Pitney-penned flip side, “Hello Mary Lou,” that also became a Top Ten hit in its own right – and is one of Nelson’s best-loved recordings.

Dave Matthews Band was at #1 on the US album chart in 2005 with “Stand Up.” The album entered the chart at #1 with sales of 465,000. The LP featured the singles “American Baby,” “Dreamgirl,” and “Everybody Wake Up.”

Wings started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1976 with “Silly Love Songs,” McCartney's fifth US #1 since leaving The Beatles. It made #2 in the UK.