Today in Music History

American jazz drummer and bandleader Art Blakey, also known as Arthur Blakey, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He worked with leading bebop musicians, including Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In the mid-1950s, he co-founded the Jazz Messengers with Horace Silver and led the group for approximately 35 years. The band also became famous for helping develop young jazz talent. Blakey died of lung cancer on October 16, 1990, at the age of 71.

American jazz saxophonist Curtis Amy was born. In the mid-1960s, he served for three years as musical director of Ray Charles's orchestra and later worked as a session musician. He played on recordings including The Doors' "Touch Me," Carole King's Tapestry album and early Lou Rawls albums. He also worked with Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell and Smokey Robinson. He died on June 5, 2002, at the age of 74.

American country singer and songwriter Dottie West, born Dorothy Marie Marsh, was born near McMinnville, Tennessee. She became a major figure in country music and helped expand opportunities for women in the genre. In 1965, she became the first female country singer to win a Grammy Award, receiving it for "Here Comes My Baby." Her duets with Kenny Rogers included "Every Time Two Fools Collide," which became her first country chart-topper in 1978. Four more Top 10 hits followed.

American jazz drummer Billy Higgins was born. Beginning in 1958, he played on early recordings by Ornette Coleman and worked with musicians including Donald Byrd, Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, Don Cherry, Milt Jackson, Pat Metheny, Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins. He appeared on more than 700 recordings. He died on May 3, 2001, from kidney and liver failure.

Jazz saxophonist Coleman Hawkins recorded "Body and Soul," which became one of his best-known recordings.

Glenn Miller recorded "Make Believe Ballroom Time" in New York City.

American country singer Gary Gene Watson was born in Palestine, Texas. He became known for songs including "Fourteen Carat Mind," "Farewell Party" and "Love in the Hot Afternoon."

I'll Walk Alone reached No. 1 on the US Billboard pop chart.

Daryl Franklin Hohl, known professionally as Daryl Hall, was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He co-founded the pop-rock duo Hall & Oates and became its lead singer. The duo scored numerous major hits, including "Maneater," which reached No. 1 in the United States in 1982. Hall was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2004 and later hosted the music program Live from Daryl's House.

American drummer, percussionist and backing vocalist Gary Mallaber was born in Buffalo, New York. He played with Steve Miller Band and Greg Kihn Band and also recorded with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, John Lennon, Peter Frampton, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Seger, Barbra Streisand and Warren Zevon.

Andrew Paul Woolfolk, saxophonist and flautist for Earth, Wind & Fire, was born in Texas. The group reached No. 1 in the United States in 1975 with "Shining Star" and scored a British hit in 1981 with "Let's Groove," which reached No. 3. Earth, Wind & Fire received 20 Grammy nominations and became the first African American group to sell out a concert at Madison Square Garden. Woolfolk died after a long illness on April 24, 2022.

Singer, songwriter and music producer Jean-Jacques Goldman was born in France. Following Johnny Hallyday's death in 2017, he became France's highest-earning living pop-rock artist. In 1997, he received a Grammy Award for Album of the Year as a co-writer of three songs on Céline Dion's album Falling into You.

American country singer and songwriter Paulette Carlson was born. In the 1980s, she became known as the founder and lead singer of the country group Highway 101. The group scored four No. 1 hits and seven Top 10 singles and received two Country Music Association Awards. As a solo artist, she placed five times on the Hot Country Songs chart.

Australian singer Renée Geyer was born. She released 15 studio albums; Moving Along (1977) and Tenderland (2003) both reached No. 11 on the Australian chart. She was also an internationally respected backing vocalist and contributed to recordings by Sting, Chaka Khan, Toni Childs, Joe Cocker, Neil Diamond and Men at Work. She died on January 17, 2023, at the age of 69.

Elvis Presley continued working for Crown Electric until the middle of October 1954.

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins began an 11-day concert tour of the southern United States with a performance at Fair Park Auditorium in Abilene, Texas. Elvis performed at 7:00 p.m. and returned to the stage at 9:15 p.m. Other performers included Jimmy Newman, Floyd Cramer, Jimmy Day, Wanda Jackson, Porter Wagoner and Bobby Lord. The concert brought together several artists recording for Sun Records during the formative years of rockabilly.

Elvis Presley arrived in Dallas by train with actor Nick Adams as part of a short tour organized by promoter Bamford. During the 71st Texas State Fair, he performed at the Cotton Bowl before an audience of 26,500. He was driven onto the playing field in a convertible. His set included "Heartbreak Hotel," "Long Tall Sally," "I Was the One," "Blue Suede Shoes," "I Got a Woman," "Love Me," "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" and "Hound Dog." Other performers included Rex Marlowe, Howard & Wanda Bell, Phil Maraquin, Hubert Castle, The Jordanaires and Sherry Davis.

Alan Freed's Biggest Show of Stars for 1957 tour visited the Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona. Performers included Fats Domino, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Chuck Berry, Paul Anka, Frankie Lymon, Clyde McPhatter, Buddy Knox, LaVern Baker, The Drifters, Eddie Cochran, The Bobettes, Jimmy Bowen, Johnnie & Joe and The Spaniels.

Blair Cunningham, an American drummer born in Memphis, Tennessee, became known for his work with the British pop group Haircut 100. The band scored four UK Top 10 singles in 1981–1982, including "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)," "Love Plus One" and "Fantastic Day." Cunningham also worked with Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, The Pretenders, Mick Jagger, Echo & the Bunnymen, Alison Moyet, Sade and Roxy Music. His brother Carl Cunningham was a drummer with the Bar-Kays.

Elvis Presley travelled to Madison to consult with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.

Musician Jon Langford was born in Newport, Wales. He became known for his work with The Three Johns, The Mekons and The Waco Brothers. The Mekons formed in 1976 as an artistic collective and released 16 studio albums. Their debut album, The Quality of Mercy Is Not Strnen, was released in 1979.

Scotty Moore and Bill Black performed at the Texas State Fair in Dallas. Between October 5 and 20, they played four shows a day.

Elvis Presley's album King Creole reached No. 2 on the US album chart.

Aretha Franklin performed a set of standards at the Village Vanguard in New York City. It was her first performance outside the gospel music scene.

The American folk group The Highwaymen reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart with "Michael." It was their only UK Top 40 hit. The group members were American college students who went their separate ways after graduating.

Scott Johnson, rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for the American alternative rock group Gin Blossoms, was born. In 1994, the band had a UK hit with "Hey Jealousy," which reached the Top 30. The song appeared on their 1992 album New Miserable Experience, which also included "As Long as It Matters," a track nominated for a Grammy Award.

The Beatles' single "Love Me Do" entered the UK singles chart for the first time and reached No. 17. When it was reissued and promoted for its 20th anniversary in 1982, it climbed to No. 4 in the UK. It was released in the United States in April 1964 and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 30 that year.

The Beatles' single "She Loves You" was certified gold.

The Who performed at Wolsey Hall in Cheshunt, England.

Alexander Hacke, singer and guitarist with the German experimental group Einstürzende Neubauten, was born.

Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers married Pauline Behan, the group's fan-club secretary and former girlfriend of George Harrison. When Gerry first asked her out, George was in Hamburg, so she accepted the invitation. After one of their arguments, Gerry wrote the song "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying." The song moved Pauline, the couple reconciled and remained together until Gerry's death on January 3, 2021.

The Four Tops' song "Reach Out I'll Be There" reached No. 1 on the US Billboard pop chart.

Singer and songwriter Todd Snider was born in Portland, Oregon. He became known for humorous, story-driven songs such as "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues" and "Beer Run." He built a loyal fan base while avoiding the mainstream.

CBS broadcast Barbra Streisand's third television special, The Belle of 14th Street.

The Bee Gees' song "Massachusetts" began a four-week run at No. 1 on the UK singles chart. It became the group's first UK chart-topper and sold more than five million copies worldwide. Robin Gibb later admitted that the group had never actually been to Massachusetts; they simply liked the sound of the name while recording the song.

The Doors performed at Danbury High School in Danbury, Connecticut. Before the concert, an announcer warned the audience that anyone leaving their seat would be escorted out. A beauty contest was also held before the performance.

The Who performed at the Civic Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

Aretha Franklin's recording of "I Say a Little Prayer" was certified gold.

Dionne Warwick's recording of "I Say a Little Prayer" was certified gold.

Jimi Hendrix performed at Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco.

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers performed at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit, Michigan.

During recording sessions at Abbey Road, six saxophonists recorded parts for "Savoy Truffle," intended for the White Album. George Harrison distorted the saxophone sound to achieve the desired effect.

Grand Funk Railroad's debut album, On Time, entered the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart at No. 65. Although many music critics received it unfavourably, the Michigan trio later became one of the most commercially successful rock groups in terms of touring and record sales.

Muddy Waters suffered serious injuries in a car accident near Chicago, Illinois, in which three other people died. He withdrew from music for about a year and rarely performed on stage after returning.

Yes performed at Newcastle University in Newcastle, England.

Elvis Presley was appointed an honorary special deputy sheriff in Bel Air, California. This added another badge to his collection of police and law-enforcement insignia.

American rapper and DJ Lana Michele Moorer, known professionally as MC Lyte, was born in Brooklyn, New York. She is regarded as a pioneer for women in hip-hop. She rose to prominence in the late 1980s and released Lyte as a Rock in 1988, considered the first full-length solo album by a female rapper. Her best-known tracks include "10% Dis" and "Paper Thin." She has collaborated with artists across a wide range of musical genres.