This Week In Rock and Roll History

April 30th to May 6th


1886

Chichester Bell and Charles Tainter received a US patent for the graphophone. Their invention was meant to replace Thomas Edison's phonograph and featured wax-coated cylinders which were considered an improvement over the phonograph's tinfoil cylinders, which had been delicate and difficult to remove.

1900

The Billboard, a magazine for the music and entertainment industries, began weekly publication after six years as a monthly. By midyear it was calling itself "The Official Organ of the Great Out-Door Amusement World."

1942

The American War Production Board commandeers all facilities for the production of jukeboxes, turning them over to the manufacture of war materials.

1955

Leonard Chess signs Chuck Berry to a recording contract.

1956

For the first time in the history of Billboard's Hot 100, five records appear in both the Pop and R&B Top Ten. They are: Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" (#1 pop, #6 R&B), Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" (#4 pop, #3 R&B), Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally" (#9 pop, #1 R&B), the Platters' "Magic Touch" (#10 pop, #7 R&B) and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" (#7 pop, #4 R&B).

1957

Elvis Presley recorded "Jailhouse Rock" this week in 1957. The song went on to become the first single to enter the UK charts at number 1 and would stay at the top in the US for seven weeks. The tune was written specifically for a scene in the movie of the same name by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

Gene Vincent and The Bluecaps record "Be-Bop-A-Lula" in Nashville. Capitol Records was so anxious to match RCA Victor's success with Elvis Presley that they had Vincent's record in the shops within two weeks.

The Alan Freed Show premiers on ABC-TV. The half-hour program includes Guy Mitchell, the Del-Vikings, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the Clovers, June Valli, Martha Carson and the Alan Freed Rock & Roll Orchestra.

1958

Alan Freed has trouble on his hands when a brawl breaks out following a Big Beat Show at the Boston Arena. Several of the estimated 5,000 teens in attendance are injured and Freed will later be charged with incitement of a riot and destruction of property.

1959

The Grand Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles was the site of the very first Grammy Awards, where statuettes were given out for Record of the Year and Song of the Year to Domenico Modugno for his rendition of "Volaré" (Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu). He beat out Peggy Lee's "Fever", "Catch a Falling Star" by Perry Como, "Witchcraft" from Frank Sinatra and "The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville.

1960

Ben E. King leaves the Drifters and signs a solo contract with Atco Records. King was the lead singer on such Drifters' hits as "There Goes My Baby", "Save the Last Dance For Me" and "This Magic Moment".

In the aftermath of the payola scandal, Billboard Magazine reports that many radio stations are adopting what they called a "better music" format and banning rock & roll.

Ray Peterson records "Tell Laura I Love Her", which will rise to #7 in the US the following Summer.

1962

The Shirelles were presented with a gold record for "Soldier Boy", a song that was recorded in one take and originally intended as an album filler. It was the second million seller for them, following their first number one hit, "Will You Love Me Tomorrow". The girls would later find the US Top 10 again with "Dedicated to the One I Love", "Mama Said", "Baby It's You" and "Foolish Little Girl".

Chris Montez records "Let's Dance", which will reach #4 on the Billboard chart next Fall.

1963

The Beach Boys "Surfin U.S.A." LP debuts on Billboard's album chart.

Andy Williams' album, "Days of Wine and Roses" hit the #1 spot on the US LP chart where it would stay for 16 weeks.

1964

The Beatles receive $140,000 dollars for the rights to having their pictures included in packages of bubble gum in the USA.

"The Beatles' Second Album" reaches #1 on the Billboard LP chart in just its second week of release. It was the first album ever to make it to the top that quickly.

Gerry & the Pacemakers make their US television debut on the Ed Sullivan Show.

The Moody Blues are formed in Birmingham, England. The group was the brainchild of vocalist Denny Laine, who recruited Mike Pinder, Ray Thomas, Graham Edge and Clint Warwick.

1965

After just two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, Herman's Hermits reach #1 with "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter".

The Supremes release "Back In My Arms Again", which will become their fifth consecutive US number one hit.

In their Clearwater, Florida hotel room, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards work out the opening guitar riff of "Satisfaction", following Richard's purchase of a Gibson fuzz-box earlier that day.

1966

The Young Rascals enjoy the first of 14 Billboard Top 40 hits when "Good Lovin" reached #1. Another version of the same song by The Olympics had stalled at #81 the previous year.

The Beatles made their final live appearance in the UK when they played a 15 minute set at the NME Poll Winners concert at Empire Pool, Wembley. Also appearing were The Spencer Davis Group, The Fortunes, Herman's Hermits, Roy Orbison, Cliff Richard, The Rolling Stones, The Seekers, The Small Faces, Dusty Springfield, The Walker Brothers, The Who and The Yardbirds. The Fab Four were not filmed because a financial agreement could not be reached.

1967

"San Francisco" by Scott McKenzie enters the charts where it will eventually hit #4. The John Phillips written song became a sort of anthem during the hippie movement.

On May 1st, 32 year old Elvis Presley married 21 year old Priscilla Beaulieu, a girl he first met in 1959 when she was just 14 years old. When Elvis got out of the army in 1960, Beaulieu moved into the King's Graceland mansion with her family's blessing. The wedding ceremony took place at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas and although the marriage license was only $15, the wedding cake cost $3,500.

The F.B.I. arrests The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson on charges of avoiding the military draft and refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance. He is later released and joins the rest of the band in Ireland for a British tour.

Capitol Records announce the abandonment Brian Wilson's "Smile" album. Wilson took over a year to compose and produce the LP, but after hearing The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album, he became convinced that "Smile" would be seen as second best.

The Turtles receive their first of two gold singles for their recent #1 pop hit, "Happy Together". Their second gold single will come later for "She'd Rather Be with Me".

The Who's Keith Moon offers this insightful advice to young drummers during an interview in Melody Maker Magazine: "To get your playing more forceful, hit the drums harder."

1968

After months of internal dissension, Buffalo Springfield play their final concert in Long Beach, California. Richie Fury would go on to form Poco and Stephen Stills teamed up with David Crosby and Graham Nash in Crosby, Stills and Nash.

The Box Tops are awarded their second gold record for "Cry Like a Baby". Their first was for "The Letter".

The Beach Boys begin a 17 date tour of the US with a show in New York. The second half of the concert featured the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who lectured the audience on "spiritual regeneration." The reaction was so negative, more than half of the remaining tour dates were cancelled.

Top British model, Twiggy saw a performance by an 18 year old Welsh singer named Mary Hopkin and immediately recommended her to Paul McCartney as a possible addition to the Apple Records roster. Six months later, her first record, "Those Were the Days", was sitting behind "Hey Jude", in the number 2 position.

1969

The Fifth Dimension are awarded a gold record for "Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In," a medley from the hit rock musical Hair.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising" is released in the US, where it will reach #2.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrest Jimi Hendrix at Toronto's International Airport for possession of narcotics. He was released on $10,000 bail until his acquittal the following December.

1970

Twiggs Lyndon, the road manager for the Allman Brothers Band, was arrested for murder after he stabbed a club manager during an argument over a contract.

On May 4th, four students were shot and killed by the National Guard at Kent State University in Ohio during an antiwar demonstration. Neil Young reacted to the senseless slayings by writing and recording the song, "Ohio", with Crosby, Stills & Nash, the very next day.

1971

Ike and Tina Turner receive their only gold record for their version of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Proud Mary". The song would climb to #4 in the US.

The Rolling Stones' "Brown Sugar" is released. It would reach number one in the US and number two in the UK.

Grand Funk Railroad "consent" to meet with members of the press, who have never treated the group with respect, despite their string of gold records. 150 reporters are invited to New York's Gotham Hotel. Only 6 showed up.

1972

Guitarist Les Harvey of the Scottish / English soul band Stone the Crows, was electrocuted by a shorted microphone wire during a concert attended by 12-thousand people in Swansea, Wales. He died in a local hospital three hours later.

Elton John's "Rocket Man" is released in the US, where it will reach #6.

1973

Paul Simon's first solo tour began with a performance at the Music Hall in Boston. Recordings from the tour were later released on the 1974 album, "Live Rhymin'". Former partner, Art Garfunkel, would release his first solo album, "Angel Clare" and the single "All I Know" later in the year.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive, featuring former Guess Who guitarist Randy Bachman, releases their first album. The LP would take six months to hit the charts and over a year before the hard rockin' single "Let it Ride" became a Top 25 hit.

Led Zeppelin opened their 1973 US tour, which is billed as the 'biggest and most profitable rock & roll tour in the history of the United States'. The group grossed over $3 million.

1974

The Carpenters play for US President Richard Nixon and the West German Chancellor at the White House.

Grand Funk Railroad started a two week run at #1 on the US singles chart with their version of the Little Eva hit "The Loco-Motion". It was only the second time that a cover version had been a #1, as well as the original. (The first was "Go Away Little Girl", a hit for Steve Lawrence in 1963 and Donny Osmond in 1971)

1975

Tony Orlando and Dawn scored their third and final US #1 hit with "He Don't Love You (Like I Love You)". The tune was written by three R&B heavyweights, Jerry Butler, Clarence Carter and Curtis Mayfield.

1976

After playing in Memphis during a southern tour, Bruce Springsteen climbs the fence at Graceland in an attempt to see Elvis Presley. Security guards stop him and he is escorted off the grounds.

The Who's drummer Keith Moon paid nine cab drivers to block-off both ends of a New York street so he could throw the contents of his hotel room out of the window.

Paul McCartney makes his first concert appearance in America in almost ten years as Wings commence their Wings over America tour in Fort Worth, Texas.

KISS perform their first concert in their hometown of New York City.

1977

Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" is released. It will become his fourth US Top Ten hit.

Glen Campbell reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the second time with "Southern Nights". It was his 19th Top 40 hit.

Led Zeppelin broke their own concert attendance record at a show in Michigan, when more than 76,000 fans saw their performance.

Eric Clapton records "Wonderful Tonight".

1978

The Bee Gees are awarded their second platinum single in less than two months for "Night Fever". It was preceded by "Stayin' Alive", both from the soundtrack of "Saturday Night Fever".

FM, a film about the struggles of a radio station, debuts in Los Angeles. The soundtrack features Steely Dan, Steve Miller, the Eagles, Neil Young, Billy Joel and Warren Zevon. More people would buy the soundtrack than bothered to see the film.

Jefferson Starship receive a platinum record for what will be their last LP with Grace Slick and Marty Balin. Just a few weeks later, both quit and the band had to be revamped.

1979

Thirteen years after the original duo of Peaches and Herb split up, Herb Feemster teamed up with a new Peaches, Linda Greene, to enjoy a four week run at #1 on the US singles chart with "Reunited". The record also did well in the UK, reaching #4.

Elton John becomes the first pop music star to perform in Israel.

The Who introduced their movie, Quadrophenia, as well as their new drummer, Kenny Jones. Jones had been a member of The Small Faces with Steve Marriott and enjoyed the hit, "Itchycoo Park" in 1967.

1980

Pink Floyd's hit single "Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)", with its chorus of kids chanting "We Don't Need No Education", is banned by the South African government. Black children, upset about inferior education, adopt the song as their anthem. The government says the song is "prejudicial to the safety of the state."

1982

Barry Manilow scored his first UK #1 album when "Barry Live In Britain" went to the top of the charts.

A court in Edinburgh, Scotland sentences the former manager of the Bay City Rollers, Tam Paton, to three years in jail. Paton had pleaded guilty to charges of conducting himself "in a shamelessly indecent manner" with ten teenage boys.

1983

Blues guitarist Muddy Waters, whose real name was McKinley Morganfield, died of a heart attack on April 30th, at the age of 68.

After leading the Billboard chart for seven weeks with "Billie Jean", Michael Jackson was back on top with "Beat It". His ten week run at the top was interrupted for a week by Dexys Midnight Runners' "Come On Eileen".

The original line-up of the 1960's British group Manfred Mann reunited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of London's Marquee Club.

Clarence Quick, the bass voice of the Del Vikings on their 1956 hit, "Come, Go With Me", died of a heart attack on May 5th. He was 46 years old.

The one thousandth edition of Britain's music show, Top of the Pops is broadcast on BBC-TV.

1984

Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do With It" is released. The song would eventually climb to number one, win Grammys for record and song of the year and established Turner as a major solo star. When Tina left her husband and former bandmate, Ike Turner in 1975, she was carrying nothing more than thirty-six cents in change and a gas station credit card.

Mick Fleetwood filed for bankruptcy. The founder of Fleetwood Mac had released a solo album called "The Visitor" in 1981. Although the critics loved it, "The Visitor" ended up losing a lot of money, as did Fleetwood's real estate investments, leading to eventual financial ruin.

1986

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Chairman Ahmet Ertegen announces that Cleveland, Ohio has been chosen as the city where the Hall will be built.

Michael Jackson signs his second contract with Pepsi, who will pay the gloved one $15 million and sponsor his solo world tour.

1987

Paul Butterfield, who fronted The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, died of drug-related heart failure on May 4th. He was 45.

1988

Billy Joel escapes punishment for defamation charges brought against him by Jack Powers, whom he called a "creep" during an interview with Playboy magazine. The judge cited the 1st Amendment and dropped all charges.

Pink Floyd's, "Dark Side of the Moon" finally dropped off the US albums chart after a run of 725 weeks (almost 14 years).

1989

Police in California are called to a jewellery store after employees reported a suspicious person. He turned out to be Michael Jackson, who had donned a wig, fake moustache, false teeth and eyelashes to go shopping. Officers had him remove his disguise and show his identification.

1995

Former Guns 'N Roses drummer Steven Adler is arraigned on a felony count of possession of heroin, as well as two misdemeanor drug charges.

1996

Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville sang at a White House event celebrating the musical diversity of the US. President Bill Clinton and his wife Hilary were the hosts for In Performance at the White House, which was later broadcast on public television.

1997

Governor George W. Bush declares May 5th as ZZ Top Day in the state of Texas.

Joni Mitchell failed to show up for her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. She apparently wanted to avoid the media hoopla over her reunion with the daughter she gave up for adoption 32 years earlier.

1999

All five members of Aerosmith visit shooting victim Lance Kirklin in a Colorado hospital before their show in Denver that evening. The band dedicates "Living On The Edge" to the student, who was one of 28 wounded and 13 killed by two deranged classmates at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20th.

51 year old Darrell Sweet, drummer of the Scottish rock group Nazareth, suffered a fatal heart attack on April 30th, just as the band was embarking on the second leg of a US tour. The band had arrived at the Amphitheater in New Albany, Indiana, when Sweet began feeling ill and within minutes went into cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the New Albany Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Nazareth is best remembered for their 1976 hit "Love Hurts".

2000

Rod Stewart undergoes a one-hour throat operation at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles to remove a growth on his thyroid. The growth turns out to be benign.

A $1.8 million civil fraud suit is filed against Neil Young in Los Angeles Superior Court by a former Village Voice writer who claims Young reneged on an agreement to have a biography written about him when Young blocked the book's publication.

2002

Songwriter Otis Blackwell died from a heart attack on May 6th. Among his hits were "All Shook Up", "Return To Sender", "Don't Be Cruel", "Great Balls Of Fire", "Fever" and "Handy Man". Over the years, Blackwell's songs have sold more than 185 million copies.

2003

Two disc jockeys from Denver's KRFX-FM, Rick Lewis and Michael Floorwax, stopped a live radio interview with Detroit rocker Ted Nugent after he used derogatory racial terms for Asians and Blacks. The station received calls after the show from angry listeners, mostly from people saying they were glad Nugent was taken off the air. The two DJs said Nugent came on the show about three times a year, but won't be back any time soon.

58 year old Barry White suffered a stroke that affected his speech and the right side of his body.

2004

David Bowie cancelled a concert in Miami after a local stagehand was killed in a fall before the show began.

Michael Jackson was arraigned in a Santa Maria, California courtroom after a grand jury determined that there was sufficient evidence to send him to trial. The jury handed down a ten-count indictment, including four counts of committing lewd acts upon a minor.