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This Week In
Rock and Roll History
February 19^th to February 25^th
Classic Rockers In The News - Rock & Roll Birthdays - Number One Records

1955 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Rock 'n' Roll was still in its infancy when 25 year old Joni James entered the US charts with "How Important Can It Be?". The tune would climb all the way to #2 and become the first of her seven Top 40 entries.

1956 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" enters the Billboard Hot 100 at #68. Two weeks later it will go to #1 for 8 straight weeks and stay on the chart for over 4 months.

February 24
Police in Cleveland, Ohio enforce a 1931 ordinance that barred people under the age of 18 from dancing in public unless accompanied by an adult.

1957 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
Famed US dance instructor Arthur Murray reported that enrollment in his dance studios has increased ten percent since the "rock and roll craze" has swept the country.

February 22
The Film Don't Knock The Rock, featuring appearances by Alan Freed, Little Richard and Bill Haley, opens at the Paramount Theatre in New York.

February 23
Tab Hunter had the top tune on the UK chart with "Young Love" for the first of a three week run.

February 25
Buddy Holly and the Crickets begin recording "That'll Be The Day" with producer Norman Petty at his studio in Clovis, New Mexico. Holly had recorded the song with his band The Three Tunes in Nashville in 1956, but Decca Records brass didn't like the result and refused to release it. Holly's new version would become his signature tune, rising to #1 in both the US and the UK.

1958 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
The Silhouettes topped Cash Box Magazine's Best Sellers Chart with "Get A Job" after Dick Clark started playing it on his TV show, American Bandstand. The group got their name from the 1957 song by The Rays, (covered by Herman's Hermits in the 60's) and the inspiration for the tune came from writer Rick Lewis' mother, when she chided her son to "get up in the morning and go out and get a job."

February 22
Roy Hamilton's "Don't Let Go" becomes the first stereo single to reach the Billboard chart, where it would rise to #13 during an eleven week run.

1960 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Jimi Hendrix made his stage debut when he played a show at a Seattle high school.

February 22
"Theme From A Summer Place" by Percy Faith began its nine week run at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. It remains the longest-running number-one instrumental in the history of the chart and brought Faith a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1961. The song also topped the charts in Italy and reached #2 in the UK.

1961 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
Petula Clark had her first UK #1 single with a song called "Sailor". During her career she achieved a total of 20 UK top 40 hits as well as 15 Top 40 hits in the US.

February 25
After being discharged from the US army nearly a year ago, Elvis Presley makes his first concert appearance since 1958 at the Ellis Auditorium in Memphis, Tennessee. During the show, RCA Records presents The King with a plaque to commemorate 76 million records sold worldwide.

1962 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Chuck Berry begins serving a three year sentence in the Indiana Federal Penitentiary after being convicted the previous October of transporting a minor across state lines for immoral purposes. He would be released twenty months later.

February 24
Elvis Presley had his 10th UK chart topper with "Can't Help Falling In Love" / "Rock-A-Hula Baby".

1963 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
Ruby And The Romantics' "Our Day Will Come" enters the Billboard charts. It will hit #1 on both the Pop and R&B list in March and will be the group's biggest hit.

February 23
The Chiffons' "He's So Fine" enters the Hot 100. The song had been rejected by ten different record companies before Laurie Records decided to take a chance on it. By the end of March, it will top both the Billboard Pop and R&B charts and reach #16 in the UK.

February 24
The Rolling Stones take over as the Sunday house band at the Station Hotel, near London. They are paid £24 ($67) to entertain a crowd of 66 people.

February 25
The first Beatles' single is released in America by Chicago's Vee Jay Records. The 45 featured "Please Please Me" as the "A" side, but the name of band is misspelled "Beattles".

1964 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
A British company shipped a ½ ton of Beatle wigs to the US. An American reporter later asked John Lennon, "How do you feel about teenagers imitating you with Beatle wigs?" John replied "They're not imitating us because we don't wear Beatle wigs."

February 20
The Bachelors were at #1 on the UK singles chart with "Diane". This was the Irish trio's only UK chart topper, although they had 16 other UK Top 40 hits.

February 21
A New York band called The Echoes recruited a young piano player named Billy Joel. The quartet would play cover songs under the names The Lost Souls, The Commandos and The Emerald Lords before Billy split two years later to join The Hassles. He would make his breakthrough in 1973 with "Piano Man".

February 23
The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show for the third consecutive week. The taped segment showed The Fab Four performing "Twist and Shout", "Please Please Me" and "I Want To Hold Your Hand". Sullivan tells his audience that the group are "fine professional singers."

1965 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Gary Lewis And The Playboys lead the Billboard Hot 100 with their first hit, "This Diamond Ring". Session musicians were used on the track instead of the band and Gary's voice was heavily over dubbed with other singers. When it came time to perform the song 'live' on The Ed Sullivan Show, Gary sang along with pre-recorded tracks as the Playboys pretended to play their instruments.

February 24
The Beatles began filming their second, as yet un-named movie, on New Providence in the Bahamas. The film would eventually be called Eight Arms to Hold You before producers finally settled on Help!.

February 24
The Beach Boys record "Help Me Rhonda", with guitarist Al Jardine singing lead vocal. The disc will become their second Billboard #1 and stay on the chart for eleven weeks.

1966 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Lou Christie enjoys his only US number one record with "Lightnin' Strikes", a song that his record company, MGM, hated so much, they initially refused to release. Label head Lenny Shear actually threw the tape in the wastebasket and said it was "a piece of crap." After Christie's management team promoted the record themselves, it started to gain attention and three months later, Billboard magazine featured a picture of Shear presenting Christie with a Gold record. It became a #11 hit in the UK.

February 25
Nancy Sinatra receives her first Gold record for her current Billboard #1 hit, "These Boots Are made for Walkin'". Her second was shared with her father Frank in 1967 for "Something Stupid".

1967 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
Englebert Humperdinck's, "Release Me" sat atop the UK record chart, preventing "Penny Lane" / "Strawberry Fields Forever" from becoming The Beatles' 12th number one hit.

1968 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers begins a 3½ year run in the London stage production of Charlie Girl.

February 23
The Association had their final Top 10 hit in the US when "Everything That Touches You" made it to number ten.

1969 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
A film called Candy, which stars Marlon Brando, Richard Burton, James Coburn, John Huston, Walter Matthau, Sugar Ray Robinson and Ringo Starr, makes it premiere. The film received an X rating because of a scene where Candy (played by Ewa Aulin) and the Mexican gardener, Emanuel (Ringo Starr), have sex. Other characters also had a piece of Candy... so to speak.

February 24
The Jimi Hendrix Experience plays their last British concert at London's Royal Albert Hall before breaking up the following June.

1970 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Song writers, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart guest-star on ABC-TV's Bewitched.

February 21
Simon And Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" entered the UK album chart at number 1, where it would stay for 12 consecutive weeks. It would return to the top seven times, spending a total of 41 weeks there over the next two years. In the US, the LP spent 10 weeks at number 1 on the strength of three Top Ten singles and was the number 7 album of the decade in America.

February 21
The Jackson 5 make their TV debut on American Bandstand where they sing "I Want You Back".

February 23
The Doors' LP "Morrison Hotel" becomes the group's fifth album in a row to go Gold. Even though it contained no hit singles, the disc climbed to #4 on the Hot 200 chart and #12 in the UK.

February 23
The first annual Juno Awards, Canada's version of the Grammys, was held in Toronto. The awards had existed since 1964 under the name The RPM Gold Leaf Awards, which were established by Walt Grealis, editor and publisher of RPM magazine.

1971 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Judy Collins enjoys her biggest chart success as her rendition of "Amazing Grace" reaches #15 in the US and #5 in the UK. The record enjoyed one of the longest UK chart runs ever, with an initial stay of 32 weeks, and coupled with many re-entries, totaled 67.

1972 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Paul McCartney releases "Give Ireland Back to the Irish", his commentary about the Britain-Ireland conflict. The song was immediately banned by the BBC, but the notoriety the song received from the banning only increased its popularity and the record soared into the UK Top 20.

February 19
Although he had written songs that were recorded by The Turtles, Rick Nelson, Blood Sweat and Tears, Lulu, The Monkees and Three Dog Night, Harry Nilsson had his only US number one hit with "Without You", a tune written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger.

February 23
After nearly five years of marriage, Priscilla Presley moves out of Elvis' California home and into a two bedroom apartment near the Pacific Ocean. Their divorce would be finalized on October 9, 1973, with Priscilla being awarded an outright cash payment of $725,000 as well as spousal support, child support, 5% of Elvis' new publishing companies and half the income from the sale of their Beverly Hills home.

1973 - ClassicBands.com

February 24
With Roger McGuinn remaining the only original member, The Byrds made their final live appearance when they played at The Capitol Theatre, in Passaic, New Jersey.

February 24
Roberta Flack achieved her second Billboard #1 hit with "Killing Me Softly With His Song". The tune was inspired by singer Lori Lieberman after she saw Don McLean perform at The Troubadour in Los Angeles.

1974 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Smokey Robinson, Helen Reddy and Roger Miller are among the hosts at the very first American Music Awards. Created by TV veteran Dick Clark to compete with The Grammys, awards are presented based on record sales, airplay as well as votes. Among this years' winners are The Carpenters for Favorite Band, Jim Croce, Favorite Male Artist, and Tony Orlando And Dawn, Favorite Single for "Tie A Yellow Ribbon 'Round The Ole Oak Tree".

February 20
Cher gives Sonny a birthday present by filing for divorce after ten years of marriage.

February 22
After placing twelve albums on the Billboard Hot 200 and eight Top 40 albums in the UK, Ten Years After give their final concert in London, England.

February 22
Detroit, Michigan native Suzi Quatro topped the UK chart for the second and final time with "Devil Gate Drive". Despite her European success, Quatro's style of Glam Rock and Bubblegum Pop met with little success in her native United States until she teamed with Chris Norman to reach #4 with "Stumblin' In" in 1978.

1975 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
After years of barely making a living, the fortunes of Scotland's Average White Band took a sharp turn for the better when they scored a number one hit in the US with "Pick Up The Pieces". It made #6 in the UK.

1976 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Rich Stevens, former lead singer of Tower Of Power, was arrested in connection with the drug related murders of three men in San Jose, California. Stevens and another person involved would be found guilty of the charges the following November.

February 20
All four members of Kiss had their footprints implanted on the pavement outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

February 21
The Four Seasons attained their only UK #1 hit with "December '63 (Oh What A Night)".

February 22
The Supremes' Florence Ballard died of heart attack at the age of 32. She had been replaced by Cindy Birdsong in 1967 after her constant battles with Diana Ross. At the time of her death, Ballard had separated from her husband and was planning a recording career comeback. Diana Ross attended the funeral, surrounded by several bodyguards.

February 24
The Eagles LP "Their Greatest Hits 1971 - 1975" becomes the first album in history to be certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The new certification represented sales of at least 1 million copies for albums and 2 million copies for singles. The Platinum award was originated in the early seventies because Gold status was achieved by most popular records in a very short period of time. The Eagles Greatest Hits album stayed on Billboard's Hot 200 chart for two and half years.

1977 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
"Blinded By The Light" reached the top of the Billboard singles chart for Manfred Mann's Earth Band, although it had earlier been a commercial failure for the song's writer, Bruce Springsteen.

February 19
Leo Sayer had his only UK #1 single with "When I Need You". The chorus of the song is identical to part of the Leonard Cohen tune "Famous Blue Raincoat" and after a lawsuit was launched, Cohen received compensation.

February 20
At the 19th annual Grammy Awards, statues were presented to Stevie Wonder for Album Of The Year for "Songs In The Key Of Life", and Best Pop Vocal Performance - Male for "I Wish". Best New Artist went to The Starland Vocal Band. Chicago was cited for Best Pop Vocal Performance By A Duo Or Group for "If You Leave Me Now" and Linda Ronstadt won Best Pop Vocal Performance - Female for "Hasten Down The Wind".

February 22
"Car Wash" by the L.A. based Soul and Funk band Rose Royce is certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

1978 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
At the 20th annual Grammy awards The Eagles win Record of the Year for "Hotel California" and Best Arrangement for Voices for "New Kid in Town". Fleetwood Mac win Album of the Year for "Rumors". Song of the Year was tied between "Love Theme from A Star is Born" by Paul Williams And Barbra Streisand and Joe Brooks' "You Light Up My Life."

February 24
Barry Manilow shared the stage with Ray Charles during The Second Barry Manilow Special, dueting on "It's a Miracle". Manilow had just enjoyed a Top Ten hit with "Looks Like We Made It" and would follow with "Can't Smile Without You", "Even Now", "Copacabana" and "Ready to Take a Chance Again" during the next few months.

1979 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
On the strength of their hit, "Sultans Of Swing", England's Dire Straits kick off their first US tour, selling out every one of their 51 scheduled shows.

February 24
The Pointer Sisters, now down to a trio after Bonnie Pointer had left for a solo career, enjoy their biggest US hit when the Bruce Springsteen written "Fire" tops out at Billboard's #2.

1980 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Bon Scott, vocalist for AC/DC, died of alcohol poisoning at the age of 33.

February 21
Janet Vogel, who sang soprano for The Skyliners on their 1959, US number one hit, "Since I Don't Have You", committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning. She was 37.

February 23
Queen had Billboard's top tune with "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", a song that Freddie Mercury later revealed, came to him while he was taking a bath.

1981 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Judge Richard Owen of New York State Supreme Court rules that George Harrison 'subconsciously plagiarized' The Chiffons' song "He's So Fine" in his hit "My Sweet Lord". Harrison was ordered to pay ABKCO Music $587,000.

February 21
Dolly Parton topped the Billboard Pop Chart with her own composition, "9 to 5". The record reached #47 in the UK.

February 21
REO Speedwagon started a 15 week run at the top of the Billboard album chart with "Hi Infidelity".

February 22
Australian Joe Dolce topped the UK singles chart with a silly novelty song called "Shaddap You Face", in which he parodies a conversation between an Italian mother and son. The song went to #1 in 11 countries with 35 different foreign language cover versions selling over 4 million copies. In the US it peaked at #53 on the Billboard Hot 100.

February 25
At the Grammy Awards, Christopher Cross wins in four categories; Best New Artist, "Sailing" is Song of the Year and Record of the Year and his debut album "Christopher Cross" is tabbed as Album of the Year. Kenny Loggins' "This Is It" is named Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male and Best Rock Vocal Performance, Male went to Billy Joel for "Glass Houses".

1982 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Ozzy Osbourne was arrested in San Antonio, Texas for urinating on a statue in front of the Alamo. After he made bail, the Black Sabbath singer skipped town.

February 21
Disc jockey, Murray "The K" Kaufman, died of cancer at the age of 60. Kaufman's influence on Rock and Roll and its audience led the Beatles to seek him out when they first came to America in 1964. Kaufman's friendship with the group gave him cause to start calling himself "The Fifth Beatle".

February 24
John Lennon's "Double Fantasy" LP is named Album Of The Year at the Grammy Awards. Kim Carnes' "Betty Davis Eyes" wins for Record Of The Year and Sheena Easton is named Best New Artist.

1983 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
A collection of former studio musicians who call themselves Toto win Album Of The Year for "Toto IV" and Record Of The Year for "Rosanna", at the 25th Grammy Awards. Willie Nelson's "Always On My Mind" wins Song Of The Year and Marvin Gaye takes home his first two statues when "Sexual Healing" is named Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Instrumental Performance.

1984 - ClassicBands.com

February 25
Van Halen enjoyed a US number one smash with "Jump", after David Lee Roth added lyrics to music that Eddie Van Halen had written two years before. The song became a #7 hit in the UK.

1985 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
The L.A. quartet Autograph enter the Billboard Hot 100 with "Turn Up The Radio", which will peak at #39. The single, taken from their Platinum selling album "Sign In Please", was later featured in an episode of Miami Vice and numerous other films.

1986 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
MTV dedicated a full 22 hours to The Monkees, showing all 45 episodes of their original TV series.

February 25
"We Are The World" wins Grammys for Best Record and Best Song while Phil Collins "No Jacket Required" wins Best Album.

1987 - ClassicBands.com

February 21
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King topped the UK singles chart after it was featured in a movie by the same name. The song first became a hit in 1961.

February 24
Grammy Awards are presented to: Paul Simon's "Graceland" - Best Album; Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" - Best Record and Bruce Hornsby and the Range - Best New Artist. Fats Domino is presented with a Lifetime Achievement award.

February 25
London newspaper The Sun begins printing a series of articles in which Elton John's personal life comes into question. After lawyers got involved, The Sun would end up paying £1 million ($1.9 million) and issuing a printed apology which consisted of simply "Sorry, Elton."

1988 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Nearly seventeen years after his death, Louis Armstrong has Billboard's highest debuting single of the week when "What a Wonderful World" comes in at #67.

February 24
Campaigning as a member of The Wild Party, Alice Cooper announces he is going to run for Governor of Arizona. To no one's surprise, he lost.

1989 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
A category for Heavy Metal is included at the Grammys Awards for the first time. Metallica performs on stage, but the award went to Jethro Tull. Many audience members booed. Meanwhile, Bobby McFerrin won Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year for "Don't Worry, Be Happy", Tracy Chapman is named Best New Artist and Tina Turner won Best Female Rock Vocal Performance for "Tina Live in Europe".

February 23
Roy Orbison's voice was heard on two of the top albums in the US, two months after his death. His solo album, "Mystery Girl" featured the hit "You Got It" and The Traveling Wilburys first album contained "Handle With Care" and "End of the Line".

February 23
Isaac Hayes was jailed in Atlanta for failure to pay child support and alimony. He owed more than $346,000 to his former wife.

1990 - ClassicBands.com

February 21
Milli Vanilli are awarded the Best New Artist Grammy. It would take until the following November for producer Frank Farian to confess that the duo of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus never actually sang a single note on their recordings, causing the award to be withdrawn.

February 22
Stevie Wonder wins a plagiarism lawsuit filed against him in Los Angeles over "I Just Called To Say I Love You".

February 24
Roger McGuinn, David Crosby and Chris Hillman of The Byrds reunited to play "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn, Turn, Turn" at the Roy Orbison All-Star Tribute Concert. A couple of months later, the trio would record four more songs for their upcoming Boxed Set, which also included the two songs from the tribute concert.

February 24
Johnnie Ray, the 1950's teen idol, died of liver failure at the age of 63. He scored over twenty US Top 40 singles between 1952 and 1960, including the number two hit, "Just Walking In The Rain". He was even referred to in Dexys Midnight Runners' 1982 hit "Come On Eileen" as Poor old Johnnie Ray, sounded sad upon the radio, he moved a million hearts in mono.

1991 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Quincy Jones is awarded six statues at the 33rd annual Grammy Awards in New York City. Bette Midler's version of "From A Distance" is named Song Of The Year, Mariah Carey wins for Best New Artist and Bob Dylan is honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Other winners include Roy Orbison, Aaron Neville, Eric Clapton and Linda Ronstadt.

1992 - ClassicBands.com

February 24
The US Postal Service unveils two versions of its proposed Elvis stamp for fans to vote on. The younger Elvis would win out over the Vegas Elvis and was issued on January 8, 1993.

February 25
Eric Clapton wins six Grammys, including Best Record and Best Song for "Tears In Heaven" as well as Best Album for "Unplugged". James Brown is recognized for Lifetime Achievement and Michael Bolton is given a statue for Best Pop Vocal Performance for his note-for-note remake of "When a Man Loves a Woman".

1993 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
More than 34 years after his death, Buddy Holly had the #1 album on the UK chart with the "Words of Love" compilation album. Holly reached the Top 10 of the UK album chart for five straight decades.

February 25
Toy Caldwell, lead singer for The Marshall Tucker band on their 1977 million seller, "Heard It In A Love Song", died in his sleep at the age of 45.

1994 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
Papa John Creach died of heart failure at the age of 76. Creach was a fiddler who first came to the notice of Rock fans when he joined Jefferson Airplane from 1970 to 1972. A veteran of Jazz and Blues groups, he was in his early 50s while his fellow band members were still approaching 30.

February 23
US Senator Carol Moseley-Braun presides over a Judiciary Juvenile Justice Subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC, where the issue of the day is Rap recording lyrics. Dionne Warwick called it "pornography" while others say it is merely poetry. No one called it music.

1995 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee marries Pamela Anderson from the TV show Baywatch, on a beach in Cancun. The bride wore a white bikini. Tommy Lee wore a smile.

February 23
Original Temptations singer Melvin Franklin died after suffering a seizure. He was 52.

1996 - ClassicBands.com

February 19
Pulp's Jarvis Cocker walked on stage during the BRIT Awards in an impromptu protest against Michael Jackson's performance. Jackson was singing "Earth Song" while surrounded by children and a rabbi and making 'Christ-like' poses. In the ensuing confusion, as security attempted to eject Cocker from the stage, three child performers received minor injuries. Cocker was questioned by police but later released without charges.

1997 - ClassicBands.com

February 25
The Bee Gees are honored with an award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music at the 16th annual BRIT awards in London, during which they perform a medley of their hits.

1998 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Bob McBride, the lead singer of the Canadian group Lighthouse, died of complications from his long battle with substance abuse. He was 51. The band cracked the Hot 100 with "One Fine Morning" (#24), on which he sang lead and "Sunny Days" (#34), which came after McBride left the band.

February 24
Elton John is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in front of his parents and his partner David Furnish.

February 24
Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee is arrested and charged with hitting his wife Pamela Anderson Lee. She had given birth to the couple's second child two months earlier.

February 25
At Radio City Music Hall, Bob Dylan is handed three Grammys, including one for Best Album for "Time Out Of Mind". Dylan's son, Jakob, also won an award, winning Best Song for "One Headlight", a tune he recorded with his band The Wallflowers. Also winning awards were John Fogerty, who picked up Best Rock Album for "Blue Moon Swamp", Elton John for Best Male Vocal for "Candle In The Wind 1997" and Van Morrison and John Lee Hooker who won for Best Pop Collaboration for "Don't Look Back". Bo Diddley and Roy Orbison were cited for Lifetime Achievement.

1999 - ClassicBands.com

February 24
Madonna wins four Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Album for "Ray Of Light". Celine Dion is given the nod for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for "My Heart Will Go On" and Eric Clapton's "My Father's Eyes" is named Best Pop Vocal Performance - Male.

2000 - ClassicBands.com

February 22
The engagement ring that The Sex Pistols' Sid Vicious gave to his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, was put up for sale. The asking price for the ring, which Sid bought in 1977, was £1,500 ($2,550). Also on sale was a pair of John Lennon's blue jeans for £2,250 ($3,825).

February 23
At the Grammy Awards, Santana ties Michael Jackson's record of eight Grammys in one night, including ones for Album of the Year and Record of the Year for "Supernatural". The single "Smooth" wins Song of the Year. Sting wins Best Pop Album for "Brand New Day", Phil Collins wins Best Soundtrack for "Tarzan" and Jimi Hendrix wins his first Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video for "Band of Gypsys - Live at Fillmore East". Elton John is honored with the Living Legend Award.

2001 - ClassicBands.com

February 21
Johnny Cash is released from a Nashville hospital after recovering from pneumonia in time to accept his Grammy Award that night for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for his cover of Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man".

2002 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
James Brown won a partial victory in a Los Angeles court, with a jury finding he did not sexually harass an employee, but ruling that his company wrongfully fired the woman. Lisa Ross Agbalaya had sued Brown for $1 million, claiming sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful firing, and infliction of emotional distress.

February 23
The Bee Gees made their final concert appearance when they performed at the Love and Hope Ball in Miami Beach, Florida.

2003 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
100 people died after pyrotechnics ignited a club during a gig by Great White in West Warwick, Rhode Island. Great White singer Ty Longley was also killed in the accident, while 230 people were injured and another 132 escaped unharmed.

February 23
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel sang together for the first time in ten years as they receive a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement.

February 23
Ravi Shankar's daughter Nora Jones was five-for-five at the Grammy Awards, as she took honors for Album of the Year, Record of the Year (for "Don't Know Why"), Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (also for "Don't Know Why"). Shankar is the man who taught Beatle George Harrison to play the sitar.

February 23
The News Of The World reported that Michael Jackson had undergone several painful operations to strip his body of dark skin until he appeared white. The article said that he had so many treatments that surgeons at a Santa Monica clinic eventually refused to give him any more.

February 23
Howie Epstein, who played bass for Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers for 20 years and 12 albums, died at the age of 47.

2004 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Brian Wilson kicked off an 11-date UK tour at London's Royal Festival Hall that saw him perform the full suite of songs from his unreleased, teenage symphony to God, "Smile".

February 22
68 year old Bobby Vinton collapsed on stage during a performance at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster, PA. He was then taken backstage where his condition seemed to improve and when an ambulance arrived, Vinton said that he was fine and refused hospitalization.

2006 - ClassicBands.com

February 24
The Sex Pistols gave a virtual middle finger to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when they issued an open letter on front man Johnny Rotten's Website, saying they have no intention of attending the induction ceremony at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel. "Next to The Sex Pistols, rock and roll and that hall of fame is a piss stain. Your museum, urine in wine. We're not coming."

February 25
George Michael was found slumped over in a car in London by a concerned passer-by who called police. Michael was checked by paramedics and did not need treatment, however, he was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and then released on bail.

2007 - ClassicBands.com

February 21
After a Motown spokesman had said the film Dreamgirls had upset several of their artists who felt the label was falsely depicted in a negative light, Dreamworks, the makers of Oscar-nominated musical took out a full page ad in the movie trade papers The Hollywood Reporter and Daily Variety where they apologized to Motown Records, saying "Dreamgirls is a work of fiction. It is also an homage to Motown." Berry Gordy accepted the apology.

February 23
Donnie Brooks, who sang the 1960 Billboard Top 40 hits "Mission Bell" and "Doll House", died of congestive heart failure. He was 71.

2008 - ClassicBands.com

February 21
A US music aficionado sold his collection of more than three million vinyl albums, singles and compact discs to an eBay buyer from Ireland for just over $3 million. An eBay spokeswoman said the sale is one of the highest ever for the online auction site.

2009 - ClassicBands.com

February 21
An exhibit of James Brown's personal belongings opened at South Carolina State University. The collection included photos, crystal-studded suits, and even the hair curlers Brown used to form his signature pompadour.

February 25
United States President Barack Obama honored Stevie Wonder with one of America's highest awards for Pop music, the Library of Congress' Gershwin prize at a ceremony at the White House. Obama called Wonder "the soundtrack of my youth."

2010 - ClassicBands.com

February 23
A week after EMI Records announced that the iconic Abbey Road Studios was for sale, the British culture ministry stepped in to declare the recording facility a historic site. The building "acts as a modern day monument to the history of recorded sound and music," English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley said in a statement. With its new designation, changes can still be made to the villa's interior, but "care must be taken to ensure that any alterations with respect to its character and interest are fully considered," the government said.

February 24
Promotions company MCD launched a $2.3 million lawsuit against Prince for pulling out of a concert in Dublin, Ireland in June, 2008, just ten days before it was to take place. The singer blamed the William Morris Agency for booking the event without permission, but the agency said the star cancelled the gig and gave "no reason of substance" for deciding to pull out.

February 25
Marie Osmond's adopted son, 18-year-old Michael Blosil, was found dead on the ground below an apartment balcony in Los Angeles. Marie and Michael's father, Brian, divorced in 2007.

2011 - ClassicBands.com

February 20
Davy Jones confirmed that The Monkees are reuniting to tour the UK for the first time in 12 years.

February 21
The Cars announced that May 10th would be the release date for their first new album in 24 years.

February 21
Boy George revealed a Culture Club 30th anniversary album and tour plans for 2012.

February 25
Rick Coonce, drummer for The Grass Roots on their eleven Billboard Top 40 hits, died of heart failure at the age of 64.

Our Featured Interview

This week in 1981, he won four Grammy Awards,
including Album Of The Year
for his self-titled, debut L.P.

Be sure to read Gary James'
Interview With Christopher Cross

In The News

Whitney Houston's final bow

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Black Sabbath axes shows as Tony Iommi continues his cancer battle

Michael Jackson's estate sues former manager

Beach Boys reunion rolls on with 37 tour dates announced

McCartney quits pot for daughter

Van Halen doesn't rock charts

Madonna scores record-extending 38th Hot 100 Top 10

Lionel Richie takes Country album to HSN for live concert

Radio station suspends hosts who called Whitney Houston a 'crack ho'

Iron Maiden book beastly tour

Rock and Roll Birthdays

February 19^th

1936 - Bob Engemann of The Lettermen ("The Way You Look Tonight")
1940 - Smokey Robinson - vocalist for The Miracles ("I Second That Emotion")
1943 - Lou Christie ("Lightning Strikes")
1948 - Toni Iommi - guitarist for Black Sabbath ("Paranoid")

February 20^th

1940 - Barbara Ellis - vocalist for The Fleetwoods, ("Come Softly To Me")
1941 - Buffy Sainte-Marie ("Mister Can't You See")
1946 - Jerome Geils - guitarist for The J. Geils Band ("Centerfold")
1950 - Walter Becker - guitarist Steely Dan ("Hey Nineteen")
1951 - Randy California - guitar / vocals for Spirit ("I Got A Line On You")
1955 - Jon Brant - bassist for Cheap Trick ("I Want You To Want Me")

February 21^st

1943 - David Geffen (record producer)
1945 - Paul Newton - bassist for Uriah Heep
1949 - Jerry Harrison - keyboards for Talking Heads ("Burning Down The House")
1958 - Mary Chapin Carpenter ("Passionate Kisses")

February 22^nd

1923 - Hurricane Smith ("Oh, Babe, What Would You Say?")
1936 - Ernie K-Doe ("Mother-in-law")
1945 - Oliver ("Jean")

February 23^rd

1944 - Johnny Winter (Blues/Rock guitarist)
1044 - Mike Maxfield - lead guitarist for Billy J. Kramer and The Dakotas ("Little Children")
1946 - Rusty Young - steel guitar player for Poco ("Crazy Love")
1952 - Brad Whitford - guitarist for Areosmith ("Sweet Emotion")

February 24^th

1941 - Joanie Sommers ("Johnny Get Angry")
1942 - Paul Jones - vocalist for Manfred Mann ("Do Wah Diddy Diddy")
1944 - Nicky Hopkins (session piano player)
1947 - Rupert Holmes ("The Pina Colada Song")
1947 - Lonnie Turner - bassist for The Steve Miller Band ("Jet Airliner")

February 25^th

1932 - Faron Young ("Hello Walls")
1942 - Roy Michaels - bassist for Cat Mother And The All Night News Boys ("Good Old Rock 'N' Roll")
1943 - George Harrison - lead guitarist for The Beatles ("Something")
1957 - Stuart Wood - guitarist for The Bay City Rollers ("Saturday Night")

Who sang that song that you have stuck in your head?
How high did it climb on the charts and in what year?
You can find out in our Who Sang That Hit? Section

Explore the facts behind the deaths
of some of the music world's biggest stars
Read all about Rock and Roll's Unsolved Mysteries

In The USA

February 19^th to February 25^th

Click The Titles In Red To Hear The Song
Year	Song	Artist
1956	Rock And Roll Waltz	Kay Starr
1957	Too Much	Elvis Presley
1958	Get A Job	The Silhouettes
1959	Stagger Lee	Lloyd Price
1960	Teen Angel	Mark Dinning
1961	Calcutta	Lawrence Welk And Orchestra
1962	The Duke Of Earl	Gene Chandler
1963	Hey Paula	Paul And Paula
1964	I Want To Hold Your Hand	The Beatles
1965	You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'	The Righteous Brothers
1966	Lightnin' Strikes	Lou Christie
1967	Ruby Tuesday	The Rolling Stones
1968	Love Is Blue	Paul Mauriat And His Orchestra
1969	Everyday People	Sly And The Family Stone
1970	Thank You (Falettinmee Be Mice Elf Agin)	Sly And The Family Stone
1971	One Bad Apple	The Osmonds
1972	Let's Stay Together	Al Green
1973	Could It Be I'm Falling In Love	The Spinners
1974	Love's Theme	The Love Unlimited Orchestra
1975	Fire	The Ohio Players
1976	50 Ways To Leave Your Lover	Paul Simon
1977	Torn Between Two Lovers	Mary MacGregor
1978	Stayin' Alive	The Bee Gees
1979	Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?	Rod Stewart
1980	Crazy Little Thing Called Love	Queen
1981	I Love A Rainy Night	Eddie Rabbitt
1982	Centerfold	The J. Geils Band
1983	Down Under	Men At Work
1984	Jump	Van Halen
1985	Careless Whisper	Wham!

In The United Kingdom

February 19^th to February 25^th

Click The Titles In Red To Hear The Song
1956	Memories Are Made Of This	Dean Martin
1957	Young Love	Tab Hunter
1958	The Story Of My Life	Michael Holliday
1959	As I Love You	Shirley Bassey
1960	Why	Anthony Newley
1961	Sailor	Petula Clark
1962	Can't Help Falling In Love	Elvis Presley
1963	Wayward Wind	Frank Ifield
1964	Diane	The Bachelors
1965	Tired Of Waiting For You	The Kinks
1966	These Boots Are Made For Walkin'	Nancy Sinatra
1967	This Is My Song	Petula Clark
1968	Mighty Quinn	Manfred Mann
1969	If Paradise Is Half As Nice	Amen Corner
1970	Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)	Edison Lighthouse
1971	My Sweet Lord	George Harrison
1972	Son Of My Father	Chicory Tip
1973	Blockbuster	The Sweet
1974	Devil Gate Drive	Suzi Quatro
1975	Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)	Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel
1976	December '63 (Oh What A Night)	The Four Seasons
1977	When I Need You	Leo Sayer
1978	Take A Chance On Me	ABBA
1979	Heart Of Glass	Blondie
1980	Coward Of The County	Kenny Rogers
1981	Shaddap You Face	Joe Dolce
1982	Town Called Malice / Precious	The Jam
1983	Too Shy	Kajagoogoo
1984	Relax (Don't Do It)	Frankie Goes To Hollywood
1985	I Know Him So Well	Elaine Paige And Barbara Dickson

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