This Day In Music History

1969, Brian Jones drowned while under the influence of drugs and alcohol after taking a midnight swim in his pool, aged 27. His body was found at the bottom of the pool by his Swedish girlfriend Anna Wohlin. The coroner's report stated "Death by misadventure", and noted his liver and heart were heavily enlarged by drug and alcohol abuse. Jones was one of the founding members of The Rolling Stones and in the early 60’s used the name "Elmo Lewis."

1971, American singer, songwriter and poet, Jim Morrison of The Doors was found dead in a bathtub in Paris, France, the cause of death was given as a heart attack. He co-wrote some of the group's biggest hits, including ‘Light My Fire’, ‘Love Me Two Times’, and ‘Love Her Madly.’ On the 25th anniversary of his death an estimated 15,000 fans gathered at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris, France to pay their respects.

1972, Blues singer, guitarist Mississippi Fred McDowell died of cancer aged 68. The Rolling Stones covered his 'You Got To Move' on their 'Sticky Fingers' album. He coached Bonnie Raitt on slide guitar technique.

1973, Laurens Hammond the inventor of the Hammond organ died aged 73. Many rock artists including Procol Harum, Keith Emerson, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, The Allman Brothers and The Faces featured the sound of the Hammond. He also invented a silent spring-driven clock and during the second world war he helped design guided missile systems.

1982, After a record breaking jump from No.33 on the UK singles charts, The Damned's guitarist Captain Sensible started a two week run at No.1 with his version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein song 'Happy Talk' from the 1949 musical South Pacific.

1982, The Human League started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles charts with 'Don't You Want Me', also a UK No.1.

1989, Prince had the UK No.1 album with 'Batman'.

1929, Born on this day, David Lynch, The Platters, (1959 UK & US No.1 single 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'). Lynch died of cancer on 2nd January 1981.

1930, Born on this day, Tommy Tedesco, American session guitarist. Described by "Guitar Player" magazine as the most recorded guitarist in history recording with The Beach Boys, Everly Brothers, The Supremes, The Monkees, The Association, Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Zappa, Sam Cooke, Cher, and Nancy and Frank Sinatra. Died on 10th Nov 1997.

1950, Born on this day, Damon Harris, vocals, The Temptations, joined in 71, (1971 UK No.8 single 'Just My Imagination' and re-issued 'My Girl' UK No.2 in 1992).

1955, Born on this day, Neil Clark, guitar, Lloyd Cole And The Commotions, (1985 UK No.19 single 'Brand New Friend').

1957, Born on this day, Laura Branigan, US singer, (1984 US No.4 & UK No.5 single 'Self Control'). Died of a brain aneurysm 26th Aug 2004.

1960, Born on this day, Vince Clarke, keyboards, Depeche Mode, (1981 UK No.8 single 'Just Can't Get Enough',) Yazoo, (1982 UK No.2 single 'Only You'), Erasure, (1992 UK No.1 single 'Abba-Esque EP', plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles).

1962, Born on this day, Taylor Dayne, US singer, (Leslie Wundermann), 1988 UK No.3 single 'Tell It To My Heart', 1990 US No.1 single 'Love Will Lead You Back'.