Today in Music History

The Reno Brothers Gang carried out the first train robbery in U.S. history near Seymour, Indiana. They obtained approximately $16,000.

Karol Szymanowski was born.

The Paris Moulin Rouge opened its doors to the public for the first time. The cabaret later became famous as the birthplace of the modern form of can-can dancing.

Country music promoter Bob Neal was born. He represented Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Sonny James and Tom T. Hall, among others, and became Elvis Presley's second manager in 1955.

Violinist Cyril Reuben was born in England. He later performed with the London Symphony Orchestra.

The first sound film, The Jazz Singer, was released, with Al Jolson in the lead role. One of the first songs audiences heard in a sound film was “Blue Skies” by Irving Berlin.

Garth Hudson, a member of The Band, was born.

Claude Thornhill recorded the song “Autumn Nocturne.”

Doris Coley, a member of The Shirelles, was born.

Jim Capaldi, drummer of Traffic, was born.

British singer Robin Shaw, whose real name was Robin George Scrimshaw and who was known as a member of The Flower Pot Men, was born in Hayes, Middlesex, England.

Jamaican singer and songwriter Millicent “Millie” Small was born in Clarendon, Jamaica. She became best known for the hit “My Boy Lollipop,” which reached No. 2 on both the UK and U.S. charts in 1964.

Gene Autry released “Here Comes Santa Claus,” which he wrote after riding in a Christmas parade and hearing children calling for Santa.

Thomas McClary, American musician, guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, co-founder and lead guitarist of The Commodores, was born in Eustis, Florida.

Gavin Sutherland, bassist and vocalist of the Scottish folk-rock duo The Sutherland Brothers, was born in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

American singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist Kevin Cronin, lead singer of REO Speedwagon, was born in Evanston, Illinois.

American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Hidalgo of Los Lobos was born in Los Angeles, California. He became known as a co-founder of Los Lobos.

Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore and Bill Black performed at 8:30 p.m. at the Eagle's Nest club in Memphis, Tennessee, above the Clearpool complex. Other performers included the Tiny Dixon Band and The Eagles.

Elvis Presley performed twice in Texas on October 6, 1955: in the afternoon at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos with Jimmy & Johnny, Johnny Horton, Betty Amos, Willie Birdbrain, Daldon & Lulu, Sonny Trammell and Ray Gomer, and in the evening at the Skyline Club in Austin as part of the Louisiana Hayride Jamboree.

Elvis Presley released “Love Me Tender,” the title song from his first film. It later became his fifth U.S. No. 1 hit.

Scotty Moore and Bill Black performed four shows a day during the Texas State Fair in Dallas. The series of concerts ran from October 5 to October 20.

Billboard published an article warning that the payola scandal, involving secret payments by record companies to disc jockeys for playing their records, was rapidly getting out of control. The scandal soon ended the career of pioneering rock'n'roll radio personality Alan Freed.

“Rockin' Robin” by Bobby Day reached No. 1 on the rhythm and blues chart.

During his military service in Germany, Elvis Presley received permission to live off base with his family. The Presleys moved into the Hilberts Park Hotel in Bad Nauheim, and Elvis left for the base every morning and returned at 6:00 p.m.

Johnny Mathis released his first Christmas album, Merry Christmas. The album later became one of the most successful Christmas recordings, receiving 5× Multi-Platinum certification and selling more than 5 million copies.

“Tom Dooley” by The Kingston Trio climbed from No. 83 to No. 37 on the U.S. chart.

Tim Mooney, American drummer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and sound engineer, was born in Las Vegas. He became known for his work with The Sleepers, Toiling Midgets, Negative Trend and American Music Club.

At the age of 23, Bobby Darin became the youngest headliner in the history of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.

Jerry Keller reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart with “Here Comes Summer.” Although it was his only major hit, he later worked as a singer of television advertising jingles during the 1970s and 1980s.

Scottish singer Richard Jobson, frontman of the punk band Skids, was born.

Tim Burgess, drummer and percussionist of T'Pau, was born in Macclesfield, England.

The day after the release of their first single “Love Me Do,” The Beatles signed records at Dawson's Music Shop on Church Street in Widnes, Cheshire. It was one of only three official autograph sessions by the group during their career.

The Ed Sullivan Show featured surf guitarist Dick Dale performing “Surfin’ and a Swingin’” and The Angels performing “My Boyfriend’s Back.” Kate Smith, Totie Fields, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and The Three Stooges also appeared.

The Yardbirds performed at Studio 51 club on Leicester Square in London.

Elvis Presley appeared at Allied Artists studio, where work began on the film Tickle Me.

American alternative rock and power pop singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer Matthew Sweet, whose full name was Sidney Matthew Sweet, was born in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Beatles spent the afternoon recording “Eight Days A Week” at EMI Studios (Abbey Road) in London. Paul McCartney later said the title was inspired by a remark from a driver who said he worked eight days a week. Late that evening they visited The Ad Lib club, where they socialized with The Ronettes and Mick Jagger. The song was later released as a U.S. single on February 15, 1965, and reached No. 1 on the U.S. chart.

Gary Lewis and the Playboys entered the studio to record two of their biggest songs, “She's Just My Style” and “Sure Gonna Miss Her.”

The Who performed at the Palais de Danse in Cowdenbeath, Scotland.

British rocker Johnny Kidd was killed in a car accident in Manchester at the age of 26. He had several UK hits and was also known as the writer of “Shakin' All Over,” which was recorded by The Guess Who in 1965.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience made their first official appearance. Jimi Hendrix was introduced on stage with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. The band was introduced by former Animals bassist Chas Chandler, who discovered Hendrix in New York and persuaded him to try his luck in the UK.

Tommy Stinson, American bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He became known for his work with The Replacements, Guns N' Roses, Bash & Pop and Perfect.

Police in San Francisco closed The Matrix club during a performance by Big Brother & the Holding Company.

Music producer Butch Vig was born.

Elvis Presley went to Las Vegas for several days before traveling to Arizona for the filming of Stay Away, Joe.

Pink Floyd performed at the Miss Teenage Brighton Contest at the Top Rank Suite in Brighton, England, where they provided musical interludes during the competition. They performed “Arnold Layne,” “See Emily Play,” “Matilda Mother” and “Astronomy Domine.”

The Beatles recorded the song “Blue Jay Way.”

The Doors performed at Cal State Gymnasium in Los Angeles, California. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The Sunshine Company were also on the bill.