This Date In Music History-February 10

Birthdays:

Don Wilson - Ventures (1937)

Roberta Flack (1937)

Jimmy Merchant - Frankie Lymon And The Teenagers (1940)

Nigel Olsson - drummer with the Elton John band (1949)

Robbie Neville (1961)

Cliff Burton - Metallica (1962)

Rosanna Tavarez –Eden’s Crush (1977)


They Are Missed:

Born on this day i n 1914, Larry Adler, mouth organist, worked as a soloist with many of the world's major symphony orchestras. He played with countless artists from Fred Astaire to George Gershwin and later with Elton John and Sting. Recorded the 1994 tribute album 'Glory Of Gershwin'. He died on August 7, 2001 (age 87).

Born today in 1929, Jerry Goldsmith, who created the music for scores of classic movies and television shows ‘Star Trek,' ‘Planet of the Apes,' ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ and ‘Dr. Kildare.’ He died after a long battle with cancer on July 21, 2004 (aged 75).

Born on this day in 1943, Ral Donner, US singer. Donner died on April 6, 1984.

Born today in 1958, Norman Harris, guitarist, songwriter and producer. He worked with The Delfonics, The Trammps and MFSB. Harris died of a heart attack on March 21, 1987.

Born on this day in 1962, Cliff Burton, bass player with Metallica. Burton was killed on September 27, 1987, when the band’s tour bus crashed as it was traveling between Stockholm and Copenhagen. He was found crushed to death under the bus.

Dave Alexander, the original bassist for The Stooges died from pneumonia in 1975 (age 28). He was fired from the band in August 1970 after showing up at a gig too drunk to play.

Brian Connolly singer with the 1970's Glam rock group Sweet died of kidney and liver failure in 1997 (age 47). Connolly replaced Ian Gillan (later of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath) in Wainwright's Gentlemen who became Sweetshop and then shortened to Sweet.




History:

Orchestra leader Ben Selvin recorded the first known million-seller in 1919, and it was also a two sided hit, featuring "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" and "Darandella."

In 1942, Glen Miller became the first person to be awarded a Gold disc, for his "Chattanooga Choo Choo" single.

Elvis Presley recorded his 'million-seller' "Heartbreak Hotel" on the RCA label in 1956. The 'flip' side was "I Was the One" and the record received two gold records, one for each side.

Little Richard recorded "Long Tall Sally" in 1956.

Frank Sinatra started a five week run at #1 on the US album chart in 1958 with 'Come Fly With Me.'

Henry Mancini went to #1 on the US album chart in 1962 with the soundtrack to 'Breakfast At Tiffany's.'

Chad & Jeremy guest starred on CBS-TV's "Dick Van Dyke Show" in 1965.

In 1967, the Beatles recorded the orchestral build-up for the middle and end of ‘A Day in the Life’. At the Beatles' request, the orchestra members arrived in full evening dress along with novelty items. One violinist wore a red clown's nose, while another a fake gorilla's paw on his bow hand. Others were wearing funny hats and other assorted novelties. The recording was filmed for a possible ‘Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ television special which was ultimately abandoned. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Mike Nesmith from The Monkees and Donovan also attended the session.



One hit wonder Paul Mauriat started a five week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1968 with "Love Is Blue."

Also in 1968 - The Beatles turned all of their business affairs over to the newly formed Apple record company.

Carole King's "Tapestry" was released in 1971.

In 1972, David Bowie appeared at the Tolworth Toby Jug, London, on the opening date of his Ziggy Stardust tour.

Already hugely popular in their native U.K., T-Rex makes their U.S. debut in Seattle in 1972.

Record producer Phil Spector was injured in a car crash in 1974. He needed extensive plastic surgery that dramatically altered his looks. Details of how the accident happened were kept secret.

Elvis Presley was made a police reserve for the Memphis police in 1976.

The Clash started recording their debut album at CBS studios in London, England in 1977

Van Halen's debut album was released in 1978.

Dire Straits released “Sultans Of Swing” in 1979.

Rod Stewart started a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1979 with the insipid single "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy" his third US #1. (and a No.1 hit in the UK). Also today Rod started a three-week run at #1 on the US album chart with 'Blondes Have More Fun.'

Expose's debut album "Exposure" was released in 1987.

Eric Clapton played the last of eighteen straight shows at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1990.

Paula Abdul started a three week run at #1 on the US singles chart in 1990 with the cut "Opposites Attract," her fourth US #1, a #2 hit in the UK.

In 1993, Michael Jackson granted his first interview in 15 years to Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Jackson claimed that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin and that he had had very little plastic surgery.

In 2001, police were investigating Eminem over suspected drugs offences after he appeared to consume Ecstasy pills and encouraged the audience at his Manchester show to take drugs. Over 100 gay rights protesters picketed the show.

In 2004, Diana Ross was sentenced to two days in jail after pleading 'no contest' to a drink driving charge. She was allowed to enter her plea over the telephone from New York; her lawyer said the singer would serve her term at a prison near her Los Angeles home. Ross was arrested in December 2002 after tests indicated she was twice over the drink- drive limit.

Prince topped Rolling Stone magazine’s 2005 annual list of the year’s biggest money earners after his 2004 tour grossed over $90 million. Madonna came in second place after earning $54.9 million and Metallica came third with $43 million.

Kid Rock, members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, and ex-Allman Brothers Band guitarist Dickie Betts performed at the Jam Sessions Concerts in West Hollywood in 2005. Proceeds benefited the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

In 2006, the Rolling Stones topped Forbes magazine's list of Music's Top Money Makers for 2005 by generating $168 million in music and concert-ticket sales in the United States. U2 finishes a close second, grossing $150 million. Must have been a slow year for them. The Top 10 include Green Day (#4 - $99 million), the Eagles (#5 - $84 million), Paul McCartney (#6 - $83 million) and Elton John (#10 - $66 million).

In 2008, the Eagles' song "How Long," was named Best Country Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocal at the Grammys. Don Henley calls the honor "particularly sweet." "I always secretly hoped that we could pull off something like this," says the Eagles singer.