Cleon James

Today in Music History July 7

2010-07-07T02:42:00.000-07:00

July 7, 1924 - Singer Mary Ford of Les Paul & Mary Ford was born.

July 7, 1927 - Trumpeter & Tonight Show bandleader Doc Severinsen was born.

July 7, 1940 - Happy Birthday Ringo Starr!!

July 7, 1963 - Singer Vonda Shepard was born.

July 7, 1968 - The Yardbirds played their last concert.

July 7, 1969 - The Beatles (minus John Lennon, who was recovering from a car accident) recorded Here Comes the Sun.

July 7, 1980 - Led Zeppelin played their last concert.

July 7, 1984 - Bruce Springsteen hit #1 on Billboard's album chart with Born in the USA. It's one of only 3 albums to ever have 7 top 10 singles. Michael Jackson did it with Thriller & Janet Jackson did it with Rhythm Nation 1814

July 7, 2006 - Pink Floyd genius Syd Barrett passed away from complication from diabetes. He was 60 years old.

July 7, 2007 - The Live Earth concerts took place.

Today in Music History July 6

2010-07-06T02:52:00.000-07:00

July 6, 1925 - Singer Bill Haley of Bill Haley & the Comets was born.

July 6, 1931 - Singer Della Reese was born.

July 6, 1953 - Singer Nanci Griffiths was born.

July 6, 1957 - Paul McCartney went to hear a band playing in Liverpool called the Quarry Men. There, he met some guy named John Lennon & eventually, they got some little band together called the Beatles or something like that. I wonder whatever happened to them? Probably flipping burgers somewhere.

July 6, 1967 - Singer Heather Nova was born.

July 6, 1971 - Music icon Louis Armstrong passed away.

July 6, 1973 - Queen released Keep Yourself Alive. It was their debut single.

July 6, 1975 - Happy Birthday to 50 Cent!!

July 6, 1979 - Singer & guitarist Nic Cester of Jet was born.

July 6, 1984 - The Jacksons started the Victory tour.

July 6, 1997 - The Prodigy hit #1 on Billboard's album chart with Fat of the Land.

Today in Music History July 5

2010-07-05T06:37:00.000-07:00

July 5, 1913 - R & B pioneer Smiley Lewis was born.

July 5, 1943 - Guitarist Robbie Robertson of the Band was born.

July 5, 1950 - Singer Huey Lewis of Huey Lewis & the News was born.

July 5, 1954 - Elvis Presley walked into Sun Records in Memphis, TN, recorded That's All Right Mama & Blue Moon of Kentucky, & changed music history.

July 5, 1954 - Guitarist Jimmy Crespo of Aerosmith was born. He was the group's guitarist during Rock & a Hard Place after Joe Perry left the group.

July 5, 1959 - Singer & pianist Marc Cohn was born.

July 5, 1975 - Feel Like Making Love was released by Bad Company, with Paul Rodgers on vocals.

July 5, 1980 - Singer & guitarist Jason Wade of Lifehouse was born.

July 5, 1980 - Bauhaus played their last concert.

July 5, 2000 - Brownsville Station member Cub Koda passed away from kidney failure. He wrote Smokin' in the Boys Room.

This Day in African American History July 5

2010-07-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

For more info, please visit www.aaregistry.org.

1817 John Jones, a visionary politician!
John Jones’s birth in 1817 is celebrated on this date. He was a black apprentice tailor, writer, and politician.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/john-jones-visionary-politician
1874 Stephen Theobald was a spiritual leader . . .
Stephen Theobald was born on this date in 1874. He was an African-American journalist, priest, lawyer, and community activist.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/stephen-theobald-was-spiritual-leader
1899 Anna Hedgeman was a force for civil rights!
On this date in 1899, Anna Arnold Hedgeman was born. She was an African-American politician and activist.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/anna-hedgeman-was-force-civil-rights
1913 Smiley Lewis, an R&B music pioneer!
Smiley Lewis was born on this date in 1913. He was an African- American vocalist and one of the greatest New Orleans R&B artists of the 1950s.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/smiley-lewis-rb-music-pioneer
1915 One of Pennsylvania's best, John Woodruff!
John Youie Woodruff was an African-American athlete and winner of the 800 metre run at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/one-pennsylvanias-best-john-woodruff

This Day in African American History July 4

2010-07-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

For more info, please visit www.aaregistry.org.

1776-07-04
Declaration of Independence adopted . . .
On this date in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/declaration-independence-adopted

1812 A special spiritual voice, John Jasper.
John Jasper, a black preacher, philosopher, and orator, was born on this date in 1812.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/special-spiritual-voice-john-jasper

1830 Louis Southworth, an Oregon pioneer!
The birth of Louis A. Southworth in 1830 is marked on this date. He was an African-American blacksmith, fiddler, and farmer.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/louis-southworth-oregon-pioneer

1864 Charles Roman, doctor and activist!
Charles Victor Roman was born on this date in 1864. He was an African-American physician, professor, author, and activist.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/charles-roman-doctor-and-activist

1883 Lemington Elder Care, a first for African America!
On the Fourth of July 1883, Lemington Elder Care Services (LECS) began.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/lemington-elder-care-first-african-america

This Day in African American History July 3

2010-07-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

For more info, please visit www.aaregistry.org.

1855 Gertrude Mossell was a journalist & educator. . .
Gertrude Mossell was born on this date in 1855. She was a feminist journalist and educator.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/gertrude-mossell-was-journalist-educator
1861 Peter Jackson, the "Black Prince".
On this date in 1861, Peter Jackson was born. He was a black boxer.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/peter-jackson-black-prince
1913 Lorenzo "Piper" Davis excelled as an athlete. .
This date marks the birth of Lorenzo "Piper" Davis, one of the state's all-time best athletes.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/lorenzo-piper-davis-excelled-athlete
1919 Samuel Massie, a genius and 20th century chemist and teacher!
Samuel Massie, a brilliant African-American chemist and teacher, was born on this date in 1919.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/samuel-massie-genius-and-20th-century-chemist-and-teacher
1923 Johnny Hartman had a great voice. .
Johnny Hartman, an African-American singer, was born on this date in 1923.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/johnny-hartman-had-great-voice

Today in Music History July 4

2010-07-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

July 4, 1826 - Songwriter Stephen Foster was born.

July 4, 1895 - America the Beautiful was published. Here's Ray Charles's iconic version.

July 4, 1938 - Singer Bill Withers was born.

July 4, 1943 - Singer Alan Blind Owl Wilson of Canned Heat was born.

July 4, 1958 - Singer John Waite of the Babys, Bad English, & solo artist was born. I actually met him back in 1996 when he walked into my record store in Manhattan. He's a great guy. I also met Bob Dylan & Carol King but those stories are for another time. The video is of John's biggest solo hit, Missing You. It the only #1 hit of 1984 on Billboard's singles chart to only spend 1 week at #1.

July 4, 1964 - Singer Mark Slaughter of the band Slaughter was born.

July 4, 1976 - The Clash played in concert for the first time. They opened up for the Sex Pistols.

July 4, 1971 - Singer Donald McPherson of the Main Ingredient passed away of Leukaemia. He was 30 years old.

July 4, 1982 - Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne were married.

July 4, 1992 - Sir Mix A Lot hit #1 on Billboard's singles chart with Baby Got Back.

July 4, 1999 - David & Victoria Beckham were married.

July 4, 2003 - Barry White, the Maestro of Love, passed away due to kidney failure brought on by diabetes. He was 58 years old.

July 4, 2009 - The Jonas Brothers hit #1 on Billboard's album chart with Lines, Vines, & Trying Times.

Today in Music History July 3

2010-07-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

July 3, 1929 - Singer David Lynch of the Platters was born.

July 3, 1946 - Country singer Johnny Lee was born.

July 3, 1949 - Singer Johnnie Wilder of Heatwave was born.

July 3, 1957 - Singer Laura Branigan was born.

July 3, 1958 - Country singer Aaron Tippin was born.

July 3, 1959 - Singer Stephen Pearcy of Ratt was born.

July 3, 1960 - Songwriter & musician Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode, Yaz (Yazoo), & Erusure was born. The video is from Yaz.

July 3, 1969 - Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones passed away after being found in his pool. The coroner's report said the cause of death was by "misadventure". Basically, he was drunk & on drugs, took a swim in his pool, & drowned.

July 3, 1971 - Jim Morrison of the Doors was found dead in a bathtub. Also on this date, the first Morrison Faked His Own Death rumor started.

July 3, 1973 - David Bowie announced that he was going to retire his Ziggy Stardust persona, although most people thought he meant that he was going to just retire from performing altogether.

Today in Music History July 2

2010-07-04T05:39:00.000-07:00

July 2, 1949 - Keyboardist Roy Bittan of Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band was born.

July 2, 1954 - Bassist Pete Briquette of the Boomtown Rats was born.

July 2, 1956 - Elvis Presley recorded with the Jordanaires for the first time. The song was Hound Dog.

July 2, 1962 - Jimi Hendrix left the army. He was given an honorary discharge.

July 2, 1966 - Frank Sinatra hit #1 with Strangers in the Night.

July 2, 1969 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience broke up.

July 2, 1970 - Rapper Monie Love was born.

July 2, 1971 - Queen performed for the first time with the classic lineup of Mercury, May, Deacon, & Taylor.

July 2, 1983 - Singer & guitarist Michelle Branch was born.

July 2, 1985 - Singer & actress Ashley Tisdale was born.

This Day in African American History July 2

2010-07-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

For more info, please go to www.aaregistry.org.

· 1777 Vermont abolishes slavery.

On this date in 1777, Vermont abolished slavery.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/vermont-abolishes-slavery

· 1822 Denmark Vesey hanged!

On this date in 1822, as a result of previous trials, Denmark Vesey and 34 others were hanged in Charleston, S.C.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/denmark-vesey-hanged

· 1828 Oblate Sisters of Providence, a religious beginning.

On this date in 1828, the Oblate Sisters of Providence were established. This was the first Black order of nuns in America.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/oblate-sisters-providence-religious-beginning

· 1906 Revolutionary writer, Richard B. Nugent.

On this date, Richard Bruce Nugent was born in 1906. He was an African-American writer.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/revolutionary-writer-richard-b-nugent

· 1908 A Judicial Giant, Thurgood Marshall. . .

*On this date, Thurgood Marshall was born in 1908. He was an African-American lawyer and Supreme Court Justice.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/judicial-giant-thurgood-marshall

Today in Music History July 1

2010-07-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

July 1, 1979 - Sony sold the first cassette walkman.

July 1, 1995 - DJ Wolfman Jack passed away from a heart attack. He was 57 years old.

July 1, 1963 - The Beatles recorded She Loves You & I'll Get You in 4 hours. The video is She Loves You.

July 1, 1978 - Foreigner released Hot Blooded.

July 1, 1981 - Bassist Rushton Moreve of Steppenwolf died in a car accident. He was 32 years old.

July 1, 1953 - Elvis Presley appeared on the Steve Allen show, was told not to dance, & had to sing Hound Dog to a live hound dog.

July 1, 1999 - Reggae singer Dennis Brown passed away from a collapsed lung. He was 42 years old.

July 1, 2005 - Singer Luther Vandross passed away from complications of a stroke & diabetes. He was 54 years old.

July 1, 2008 - Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley passed away from cancer. He was 60 years old.

July 1, 1915 - Blues master Willie Dixon was born.

July 1, 1928 - Singer Bobby Day of Bob & Earl was born.

July 1, 1939 - Singer Delaney Bramlett of Delaney & Bonnie was born.

July 1, 1945 - Happy Birthday Debby Harry of Blondie!!!

July 1, 1946 - Singer June Montiero of the Toys was born.

July 1, 1948 - Singer John Ford of the Strawbs was born.

July 1, 1949 - Singer John Farnham was born.

July 1, 1951 - Singer Fred Schneider of the B-52's was born.

July 1, 1952 - Elwood Blues himself, Dan Ackroyd, was born.

July 1, 1952 - Drummer Leon Chancler was born.

July 1, 1956 - Singer Phil Solem of the Rembrandts was born.

July 1, 1959 - Singer Edem Ephraim of the London Boys was born.

July 1, 1960 - Evelyn Champagne King was born.

July 1, 1960 - Singer Ted Key of the Housemartins was born.

July 1, 1963 - Keyboardist Roddy Bottum of Faith No More was born.

July 1, 1964 - Drummer Pol Burton of Transvision Vamp was born.

July 1, 1971 - Rapper & producer Missy Elliot was born.

July 1, 1971 - Keyboardist Adam MacDougall of the Black Crowes was born.

July 1, 1983 - Bon Jovi signed a record deal with Mercury Records.

July 1, 1935 - Blues harmonica player James Cotton was born.

July 1, 1942 - Gospel singer Andre Crouch was born.

July 1, 1976 - Rapper Plies was born.

This Day in African American History July 1

2010-07-01T16:47:00.000-07:00

For more info, please visit www.aaregistry.org.

· 1877 Benjamin O. Davis Sr., the first modern American Black General!

This date marks the birth of Benjamin O. Davis Sr. in 1877. He was the first African-American general in the modern era.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/benjamin-o-davis-sr-first-modern-american-black-general

· 1888 Ben Taylor played the game like few others could!

Ben Taylor was born on this date in 1888. He was an African-American baseball player of the Negro Leagues.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/ben-taylor-played-game-few-others-could

· 1893 Walter F. White, NAACP guide during the 20th Century. .

Walter Francis White was born on this date in 1893. He was an African-American activist and administrator.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/walter-f-white-naacp-guide-during-20th-century

· 1899 Thomas Dorsey, a premire gospel composer!

*Thomas Dorsey was born on this date in 1899. He was an American pianist, arranger and composer, known as the "Father ofGospel Music."

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/thomas-dorsey-premire-gospel-composer

1911 Kansas City's finest, Lucile Bluford.

On this date in 1911 Lucile Bluford was born. She was an African-American news publisher and businesswoman.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/kansas-citys-finest-lucile-bluford

Today in Music History June 30

2010-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

June 30, 1977 – The album Love Gun was released by KISS.

June 30, 1978 – The single My Way was released by the Sex Pistols.

June 30, 1986 – The album True Blue was released by Madonna.

June 30, 1998 – The album Car Wheels on a Gravel Road was released by Lucinda Williams.

June 30, 1998 – Prince’s group NPG released the album New Power Soul.

June 30, 1917 – The great Lena Horne was born.

June 30, 1936 – Folk singer Dave Van Ronk was born.

June 30, 1938 – Greek singer Apostolos Nikolaidis was born.

June 30, 1943 – Singer Florence Ballard of the Supremes was born.

June 30, 1940 – Folk singer Mark Spoelstra was born.

June 30, 1944 – Singer Glenn Shorrock of Little River Band was born.

June 30, 1951 – Jazz bassist Stanley Clarke was born.

June 30, 1953 – Guitarist Hal Lindes of Dire Straits was born.

June 30, 1959 – Musician Brendan Perry of Dead Can Dance was born.

June 30, 1962 – Singer Julianne Regan of All About Eve was born.

June 30, 1963 –Guitar God Yngwie Malmsteen was born.

June 30, 1968 – Singer Phil Anselmo of Pantera was born.

June 30, 1979 – Reggae singer Matisyahu was born.

June 30, 1982 – Drummer Andy Knowles of Franz Ferdinand was born.

June 30, 1983 – Drummer Brendon James of Thirteen Senses was born.

June 30, 1983 – Singer Patrick Wolf was born.

June 30, 1983 – Singer Cheryl Cole of Girls Aloud was born.

June 30, 1983 – Happy Birthday Fantasia!!

This Day in African American History June 30

2010-06-30T03:28:00.000-07:00

Lena Horne via last.fm

For more info, please visit www.aaregistry.org.

1729 Ignatius Sancho, an early black composer and writer
The birth of Ignatius Sancho, a Black writer, in 1729 is celebrated on this date. He was born on a slave ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/ignatius-sancho-early-black-composer-and-writer
1787 The Underground Railroad, "Free at Last"!
The Underground Railroad, the organization which helped escaped African slaves from the South on their journey to freedom in the North and Canada.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/underground-railroad-free-last
1908 Allensworth, CA., a community of black self pride!
On this date, we celebrate the founding of Allensworth, California, in 1908. This was the first and only all-Black town in California’s history.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/allensworth-ca-community-black-self-pride
1917 Lena Horne, singer/actress extraordinaire . . .
This date marks the birthday of Lena Horne in 1917. She was an African-American singer and actress who refused to be cast in stereotypical roles.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/lena-horne-singeractress-extraordinaire
1934 Ted Ross, actor and gentleman!
Ted Ross, an African-American entertainer, was born on this date in 1934.
Theodore “Ted” Ross was from Zanesville, Ohio.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/ted-ross-actor-and-gentleman
1956 Paris Barclay, a TV/Film influence!
Paris Barclay was born on this date in 1956. He is an African-American television director and producer.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/paris-barclay-tvfilm-influence
1971 Crusaders against injustice, the Southern Poverty Law Center!
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) was founded on June 30, 1971 as a legal activist center in the fight for justice and tolerance.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/crusaders-against-injustice-southern-poverty-law-center
1974 Alberta W. King killed!
On this date in 1974, Mrs. Alberta Williams King, the mother of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot and killed.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/alberta-w-king-killed

This Day in African American History June 29

2010-06-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

For more info, please visit www.aaregistry.org.

1867 Emma Hackley promoted racial pride through black music
On this date in 1867, Emma Azalia Smith Hackley was born. She was an African-American classical singer, social worker, writer, & philanthropist.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/emma-hackley-promoted-racial-pride-through-black-music
1886 James Van Der Zee was an acclaimed photographer!
On this date, James Van Der Zee was born in 1886. He was an African-American photographer whose portraits of Black New Yorkers chronicled the lives of African Americans.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/james-van-der-zee-was-acclaimed-photographer
1914 An award of excellence, the Spingarn Medal!
The the Spingarn Medal was established on this day in 1914, one of the most prestigious annual awards given in African America.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/award-excellence-spingarn-medal
1919 Lloyd Richards,
Lloyd Richards was born this date in 1919, an African-American film, theater, and video director, and died on this same date in 2006 at the age of 87.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/lloyd-richards
1941 Stokley Carmichael (Kwame Ture) a leader ahead of his time
Stokely Carmichael, also known as Kwame Ture, one of the most effective and best-known activists in theCivil Rights movement, was born on this date in 1941.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/stokley-carmichael-kwame-ture-leader-ahead-his-time

Today in Music History June 29

2010-06-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

June 29, 1901 – Singer & actor Nelson Eddy was born.

June 29, 1943 – Singer Little Eva was born.

June 29, 1948 – Drummer Ian Paice of Deep Purple was born. In related Deep Purple news, singer Ian Gillan left the group on this date in 1973.

June 29, 1953 – Frontman Colin Hay of Men at Work was born.

June 29, 1957 – Singer Robert Forster of the Go-Betweens was born.

June 29, 1961 – Guitarist Greg Hetson of Bad Religion & Circle Jerks was born. The video is of Bad Religion.

June 29, 1964 – Singer Stedman Pearson of Five Star was born.

June 29, 1967 – Bassist Murray Foster of Moxy Fruvous & Great Big Sea was born. The video is Great Big Sea.

June 29, 1969 – R & B singer Shorty Long passed away when he drowned after the boat he was riding in capsized. He was 29 years old.

June 29, 1971 – Singer Matthew Good was born.

June 29, 1972 – Singer Nawal Al Zoghbi was born.

June 29, 1974 –Gordon Lightfoot hit #1 on the Billboard singles chart with Sundown. It was hit only #1 hit.

June 29, 1975 – Singer & guitarist (& father of singer Jeff Buckley) Tim Buckley passed away from a drug overdose. He was 28 years old.

June 29, 1976 – Musician Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords was born.

June 29, 1978 – Bassist Sam Farrar of Phantom Planet was born.

June 29, 1978 – Singer Nicole Sherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls was born.

June 29, 1979 – DJ & singer Abz Love of Five was born.

June 29, 1979 – Singer Lowell George of Little Feat passed away from a drug overdose. He was 34 years old.

June 29, 1979 – Bassist TimMcCord of Evanescence was born.

June 29, 1981 – Singer Nino was born.

June 29, 1983 – Singer Aundrea Fimbres of Danity Kane was born.

June 29, 1984 – Drummer Derek Lee Rock of Suburban Legends & Melee was born. The video is Suburban Legends.

June 29, 1984 – Bruce Springsteen started his Born in the USA tour. It was during this tour that Bruce reached superstar status; so much so that during the 1984 elections, Ronald Reagan tried to use Springsteen’s name in one of his speeches in order to show that the government cared about the working man. Bruce verbally smacked Reagan. Bruce is a Democrat. You don’t mess with Bruce.

June 29, 1985 – Mick Jagger & David Bowie recorded Dancing in the Street for the Live Aid album.

June 29, 1987 – Singer & guitarist Anna Free was born.

June 29, 1993 – Singer Hector Lavoe passed away from complications of AIDS. He was 46 years old. The movie El Cantante with Mark Anthony & Jennifer Lopez is about Hector’s life.

June 29, 2002 – The great Rosemary Clooney (sister of Nick & Aunt of George) passed away from lung cancer. She was 74 years old.

This Day in African American History June 28

2010-06-29T03:28:00.000-07:00

Image via Wikipedia

For more info, please visit www.aaregistry.org.

1787 Black Seminole Abraham was a leader . . .
The birth of Black Seminole warrior Abraham is celebrated on this date in 1787. He was an African-Native-American soldier and politician.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/black-seminole-abraham-was-leader
1839 Cinque kidnapped, Amistad saga begins . . .
On this date in 1839, Cinque of the Mende tribe was kidnapped into slavery.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/cinque-kidnapped-amistad-saga-begins
1866 Buffalo Soldiers units created
*On June 28, 1866, an Act of Congress authorized the creation of two cavalry and four infantry regiments with black soldiers.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/buffalo-soldiers-units-created
1890 Howard Drew, athlete and political force
Howard Drew was born on this date in 1890. He was an African-American track and field athlete, and lawyer and judge.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/howard-drew-athlete-and-political-force
1910 Ruth Attaway, stage, screen, and TV!
Ruth Attaway was born on this date in 1910. She was an African-American actress and volunteer.
http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/ruth-attaway-stage-screen-and-tv

Today in Music History June 28

2010-06-28T17:35:00.000-07:00

1928 - Music icon Louis Armstrong recorded West End Blues. Originally done by King Oliver, Armstrong's rendition was one of those pivital points in music history, like Michael Jackson doing the moonwalk or Elvis & the Beatles on television for the first time. It's where jazz started using solos as a main feature & became more of an art form. The first 15 secords, with Armstrong blowing his horn, announced that the true king of jazz had arrived. There's a before West End Blues & an after West End Blues. After, music was never the same. Rent Ken Burns' Jazz documentary to completely understand & appreciate how important this recording is to music history. If you are a true fan of music, you MUST play this video & turn the volume up.

1968 - The Beatles recorded Good Night at Abbey Road studios.

1975 - The Eagles hit #1 on Billboard's singles chart with One of These Nights.

1975 - Singer (& Jeff Buckley's father) Tim Buckley played his final concert.

1986 - Wham! played their final concert as a group. On the same day, their hit Edge of Heaven hit #1 on Billboard's singles chart.

Members of Procol Harum share this date for birthdays. In 1943, drummer Bobby Harrison was born. In 1945, bassist David Knights was born.

1948 - Singer, songwriter, & guitarist John Martyn was born.

1954 - Guitarist Steve Morse of the Dixie Dreggs & Deep Purple was born.

1959 - Keyboardist Clint Boon of Inspiral Carpets was born.

1963 - Bassist Andy Couson of All About Eve was born.

1963 - Singer Beverley Craven was born.

1963 - Keyboardist, drummer, & remixer Charles Clauser of Nine Inch Nails was born.

1965 - Guitarist & violinist Saul Davis of James was born.

1968 - Singer Chayanne was born.

1971 - Singer Ray Slijngaard of 2 Unlimited was born.

1977 - Bassist Mark Stoermer of the Killers was born.

1979 - Violinist & singer Felicia Day was born. Oh, she's also an actress, writer, & director who was accepted to Julliard School of Music. And you've done what with YOUR life?

1986 - Country singer & American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler was born.

Today in Music History June 23

2010-06-23T16:31:00.000-07:00

ON THIS DATE IN:

1904 - Gospel singer Willi Mae Ford Smith was born.

1929 - Singer June Carter Cash was born.

1937 - Guitarist Niki Sullivan of Buddy Holly & the Crickets was born.

1940 - Singer Adam Faith was born.

1940 - Original Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe was born.

1941 - Lyricist Robert Hunter of the Grateful Dead was born.

1948 - Guitarist Myles Goodwyn of April Wine was born.

1948 - New Orleans blues singer Luther Kent was born.

1955 - Singer Glenn Danzig of Danzig was born.

1956 - Happy Birthday Randy Jackson of American Idol!! Here's Randy playing bass for Journey during the Raised On Radio tour.

1960 - Jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison was born.

1962 - Singer Chuck Billy of Testament was born.

1962 - Drummer Steve Shelley of Sonic Youth was born.

1965 - Tracks of My tears was released by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles.

1965 - Guitarist Paul Arthurs of Oasis was born.

1966 - Singer Chico DeBarge of DeBarge was born.

1975 - Singer KT Tunstall was born.

1977 - Happy Birthday Jason Mraz!!

1978 - Rapper Memphis Bleek was born.

1978 - Bassist Frederic Leclercq of Dragon Force was born.

1980 - Singer Andy Orr of Six was born.

1981 - Singer Anthony Costa of Blue was born.

1984 - Singer Duffy was born.

This Day in African American History June 23

2010-06-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

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· 1872 Matilda Evans healed much of South Carolina!

On this date we celebrate the birth of Matilda Arabelle Evans, an African-American surgeon,in 1872.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/matilda-evans-healed-much-south-carolina

· 1904 Willie Mae Smith, a gospel and secular voice . . .

On this date in 1904, Willie Mae Ford Smith was born. She was an African-American gospel singer.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/willie-mae-smith-gospel-and-secular-voice

· 1913 Helen Humes, a voice with style . . .

On this date in 1913, Helen Humes was born. She was an African-American singer.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/helen-humes-voice-style

· 1928 William Pleasant, artist who chronicled Black heritage

William Merriette Pleasant, Jr., an African-American artist, was born on this date in 1928.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/william-pleasant-artist-who-chronicled-black-heritage

· 1928 UNCF's main man, Christopher Edley, Sr.!

The birth of Christopher F. Edley in 1928 is celebrated on this date.

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/uncfs-main-man-christopher-edley-sr