This day in music history

1972, Roberta Flack started a six week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'. Written in 1957 by political singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, who was later to become his wife. At the time the couple were lovers, although MacColl was married to someone else. MacColl is the father of singer/songwriter Kirsty MacColl. The song was featured in the Clint Eastwood film 'Play Misty For Me.'

1987, Queen were presented with an award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music at the 32nd annual Ivor Novello Awards held in London, England.

1989, American all girl group The Bangles started a four week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Eternal Flame.' Also a No.1 in Australia (biggest selling single of 1989) and the United States.

1989, Deacon Blue were at No.1 on the UK album chart with their second album, 'When The World Knows Your Name.'

1989, The Fine Young Cannibals went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'She Drives Me Crazy.'

1989, Tone Loc went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Loc-ed After Dark'.

2001, Punk pioneer Joey Ramone (Jeffrey Ross Hyman) singer of The Ramones died after losing a long battle with lymphatic cancer aged 49. On November 30, 2003, a block of East 2nd Street in New York City was officially renamed Joey Ramone Place.

1894, Born on this day, Bessie Smith, US blues singer, 'Empress Of The Blues'. Songs include, 'Downhearted Blues', 'St Louis Blues', and 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out'. Died in a car accident on 26th September.

1939, Born on this day, Reginald Smith (Marty Wilde), 1959 UK No.2 single 'A Teenager In Love', plus over 10 other UK Top 40 singles). Father of 80's singer Kim Wilde.

1947, Born on this day, Wooly Woolsenholme, Barclay James Harvest, (eight UK Top 40 albums from 1974-87).

1962, Born on this day, Nick Kamen, singer, (1986 UK No.5 single 'Each Time You Break My Heart').

1965, Born on this day, Linda Perry, songwriter, producer, singer, 4 Non Blondes, (1993 UK No.2 single ‘What’s Up’, 1993 UK No. 4 album ‘Bigger Better Faster More!). Wrote ‘Beautiful’ for Christina Aguilera, plus Jewel, Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani, Sugababes, Robbie Williams, Melissa Etheridge, Gavin Rossdale have all recorded her songs.

1966, Born on this day, Samantha Fox, former model, singer, (1986 UK No.3 single 'Touch Me, I Want Your Body').

1968, Born on this day, Edward John O'Brien, guitarist, Radiohead, (1993 UK No.7 single 'Creep', 1997 UK No.1 & US No.21 album 'OK Computer', 2000 UK & US No.1 album 'Kid A').

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