This day in music history

1956, The first Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland. The event was the brainchild of Marcel Baisoncon of the European Broadcasting Union. Seven countries participated and they were each allowed two songs. Both Luxembourg and the winner Switzerland used the same singer for both. Switzerland won with ‘Refrain’ by Lys Assia.

1962, Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Good Luck Charm' his 11th UK No.1 single.

1963, Elmore James US blues guitarist, singer, died of a heart attack aged 45. Wrote 'Shake Your Money Maker', Covered by Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Known as "The King of the Slide Guitar", James influenced Jimi Hendrix, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Keith Richards.

1963, The Beatles recorded the first of their very own BBC radio program, "Pop Go the Beatles". The theme song for the program was a version of "Pop Goes the Weasel". The Beatles' guests for this first show were the Lorne Gibson Trio.

1968, The Rolling Stones released the single 'Jumpin Jack Flash' in the UK, the track gave them their seventh UK No.1 hit.

1969, Bob Dylan scored his fourth No.1 UK album with 'Nashville Skyline'.

1969, The Beatles with Billy Preston started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Get Back', the group's 17th US No.1.

1970, Peter Green played his last gig with Fleetwood Mac when they appeared at the Bath Festival, Somerset, England.

1974, American composer, pianist, and bandleader Duke Ellington, died of lung cancer and pneumonia aged 75. Worked with Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday. Awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1966. In 2009 the United States Mint launched a new coin featuring Duke Ellington on the reverse side of the coin.

1975, Earth Wind and Fire went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Shining Star', the group's first and only US No.1.

1984, US backed pirate station Laser 558, started broadcasting in the UK. Within a few months the station claimed to have over 10 million listeners.

1991, Founder member of The Byrds Gene Clark died of a heart attack aged 49. Wrote The Byrds hits 'I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better', and 'Eight Miles High', member of McGuinn, Clark and Hillman and solo.

1997, The Spice Girls went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Spice', making them only the third all girl group to do so after The Supremes and The Go-Go's and the first ever UK girl group to do so.

1998, Garbage went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Version 2.0.'

1999, Freddie Mercury was featured on a new set of millennium stamps issued by the Royal Mail. The Queen front man who died in 1991, was featured on the 19p stamp. The singer was a keen stamp collector, and his collection was bought by the Post Office in 1993. The stamp marked his contribution to the Live Aid charity concert in 1985.

2003, Paul McCartney made his first ever live performance in Russia when he appeared in-front of 20,000 fans in Red Square.

2007, Amy Winehouse, Madonna and Arctic Monkeys were among the winners at this years Ivor Novello Awards. Winehouse won best contemporary song for her hit ‘Rehab’, while Madonna collected the international hit of the year for ‘Sorry.’ Sheffield-based band Arctic Monkeys collected the best album award for ‘Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not.’

2009, Eminem started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Relapse’ the rappers sixth studio album.

2010, Paul Gray, the bassist with US metal band Slipknot, was found dead in a hotel in Des Moines, Iowa. The body of the 38-year-old musician was found by an employee at the hotel in a suburb of the city. Police said foul play was not suspected, but an autopsy would be carried out. The nine members of Slipknot wore masks in public and referred to other bandmates by numbers; Gray was number two.

1941, Born on this day, Robert Zimmerman, (Bob Dylan), US folk singer, songwriter. Released over 40 albums since 1964, major influence on The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during the 60's. Biggest hit is 1965 US No.2 single 'Like A Rolling Stone',
1969 UK No.5 single 'Lay Lady Lay', 1964 UK No.1 album 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan'. 2006 album 'Modern Times' entered the US chart at No.1. Also a member of The Traveling Wilburys.

1942, Born on this day, Derek Quinn, Freddie and the Dreamers, (1963 UK No.3 single 'You Were Made For Me', 1965 US No.1 single 'I'm Telling You Now').

1945, Born on this day, Dave Peacock, Chas & Dave, (1982 UK No.2 single 'Ain't No Pleasing You').

1946, Born on this day, Steve Upton, Wishbone Ash, (1972 UK No.3 album 'Argus', & 8 other Top 40 albums).

1947, Born on this day, Albert Bouchard, drummer, guitarist, songwriter, Blue Oyster Cult, (1976 US No. 12 and 1978 UK No.16 single 'Don't Fear The Reaper').

1969, Born on this day, Rich Robinson, guitar, The Black Crowes, (1991 UK No.39 single 'Hard To Handle', 1992 US No.1 & UK No.2 album 'The Southern Harmony And
Musical Companion').

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