This day in music history

1960, American DJ Alan Freed was indicted along with seven others for accepting $30,650 in payola from six record companies. Two years later, he was convicted and given a suspended sentence and a $300 fine.

1961, The Everly Brothers launched their own record label, 'Calliop'e'.



 1973, Stevie Wonder went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'You Are The Sunshine Of My Life'. His third US No.1, a No.7 hit in the UK.

1973, Wizzard were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'See My Baby Jive,' Roy Wood's (from The Move), latest group spent four weeks at the top of the charts.

1973, Paul Simon released the single ‘Kodachrome’ which became a hit in the US, but was banned from airplay in the UK because it contained a brand name.

1974, The Rubettes were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Sugar Baby Love', the group's only UK No.1.

1978, Dire Straits released their first major label single 'Sultans Of Swing', recorded on a £120 budget.

1979, Abba started a four week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Voulez-Vous' the group's fourth No.1 LP.

1979, Supertramp went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Breakfast In America', the group's only US No.1.

1981, Sting was named songwriter of the year at the 26th Ivor Novello Awards.

1984, Bob Marley and the Wailers started a 12-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with the compilation album 'Legend', released to commemorate the third anniversary of Marley's death.

1988, James Brown was arrested for the fifth time in 12 months, following a car Chase near his home, he was charged with assault, resisting arrest and being in charge of illegal weapons, he was given a 6 year jail sentence.

1990, Madonna started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Vogue'. Originally planned as a B-side, it became the singers eighth US No.1 and seventh UK No.1 hit.

1996, Ash went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their album '1977.'

2002, Moby scored his second UK No.1 album with ’18.’

2010, ‘Stairway To Heaven’ was named the UK's favourite rock song in a survey by listeners to radio station Absolute Classic Rock. The band had two other tracks in the top 10; ‘Whole Lotta Love’ was voted at No. 4 and ‘Rock 'n' Roll’, from the group’s fourth album, was at No. 7.

1932, Born on this day, Alma Cogan, UK singer, (1955 UK No.1 single 'Dreamboat', plus 20 other UK Top 40 hits). Youngest female to top the charts during the 50's. She died of stomach cancer on 26th October 1966.

1945, Born on this day, Pete Townshend, guitar, vocals, The Who, (1965 UK No.2 single 'My Generation' 1967 US No.9 single 'I Can See For Miles' plus over 20 other UK Top 40 hit singles, 16 US Top 40 singles and rock opera albums 'Tommy' & 'Quadrophenia'). Townshend became known for his eccentric stage style during the band's early days, swinging his right arm against the guitar strings in his signature move; a windmill style, often smashing guitars on stage.

1947, Born on this day, Greg Herbert, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.2 single 'Spinning Wheel'). Herbert died of a accidental drug overdose 31st January 1977.

1947, Born on this day, Jerry Hyman, trombone, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.2 single 'Spinning Wheel').

1949, Born on this day, Dusty Hill, bass, ZZ Top, (1984 US No.8 and 1985 UK No.16 single 'Legs').

1952, Born on this day, Grace Jones, singer, model, (1985 UK No.12 single 'Slave To The Rhythm').

1952, Born on this day, Jeffrey Hyman, (Joey Ramone), vocals, The Ramones, 1977 UK No.22 single 'Sheena Is A Punk Rocker'. He died on 15th April 2001 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.

1954, Born on this day, Philip Rudd, drums, AC/DC, (left in 1983, 1980 UK No.36 single 'Whole Lotta Rosie' and 1980 UK No.1 & US No.14 album 'Back in Black' sold over 10 million copies).

1956, Born on this day, Martyn Ware, Heaven 17, (1983 UK No.2 single 'Temptation'), Human League, (1981 UK No.1 single 'Don't You Want Me' plus over 15 other UK Top 40 singles).

1960, Born on this day, Yasmin Evans, (Yazz), singer, (1988 UK No.1 single 'The Only Way Is Up').

1963, Born on this day, Ben Volperliere, Curiosity Killed The Cat, (1989 UK No.14 single 'Name And Number').

1970, Born on this day, Stuart Cable, drums, Stereophonics, (2001 UK No.5 single 'Have A Nice Day'). Left the band in 2003. Presented his own Cable TV show in Wales and worked for BBC Radio Wales.

1972, Born on this day, Jenny Berggren, singer, songwriter, Ace Of Base, (1993 UK No.1 single 'All That She Wants', 1994 US No.1 single 'The Sign').

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