This day in music history

1968, Frankie Lymon was found dead at his mother's house in New York of a suspected drug overdose, he was 25.

1970, In an interview with the New Musical Express, Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green talked about his plans to give all his money away. The following year Green confronted his accountant with a gun after he sent him an unwanted royalty check. The guitarist went to jail briefly before being transferred to an asylum and was committed to a mental hospital in 1973. He re- launched his career in the 90's.

1970, Simon and Garfunkel started a six week run at the top of the US singles chart with 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', also No.1 in the UK in March the same year.

1974, Singer songwriter Bobby Bloom shot himself dead in the head at his Hollywood apartment aged 28. Bloom had the 1970 US No.8 & UK No.3 single 'Montego Bay'.

1977, Ray Charles was attacked by a member of his audience who tried to strangle him with a rope.

1982, Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham collapsed during the bands European tour suffering from heroin withdrawal.

1984, Michael Jackson won a record seven Grammy awards including: Album of the year for 'Thriller'; Record of the year and Best rock vocal performance for ‘Beat It’; Best pop vocal performance, Best R&B performance and Best R&B song for ‘Billie Jean’, and Best Recording For Children for E.T The Extra Terrestrial.

1985, David Byron, singer with Uriah Heep died from an epileptic fit and liver disease aged 38. Had a hit with ‘Easy Livin' from the 1972 album Demons and Wizards.

1986, George Michael announced that Wham! would officially split during the summer.

1996, Grammy award winners included Alanis Morissette who won album of the year for 'Jagged Little Pill' best female rock vocal & best song for 'You Oughta Know', Nirvana's 'Unplugged won best alternative album and Coolio best rap performance with 'Gangsta's Paradise.'

2008, Arctic Monkeys won three prizes, including best British band at this year's NME Awards held at the O2 in London. The band's single ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ won them best track and they won best video for ‘Teddy Picker.’ Best album went to Klaxons for Myths of the Near Future while Kate Nash won best solo artist. Muse were presented with the best live band award and US group The Killers took best international act. The Manic Street Preachers, who performed at the ceremony, were awarded the NME's Godlike Genius honour and Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty was voted hero of the year. Britney Spears's Blackout was voted worst album and The Hoosiers were named worst band.

2008, Drummer Buddy Miles, who played with Jimi Hendrix in his last regular group, Band of Gypsys, died aged 60 at his home in Austin, Texas after struggling with a long-term illness. Born George Allen Miles in Omaha, Nebraska, Buddy's nickname was a tribute to his idol, jazz drummer Buddy Rich. Rich also played with The Delfonics, The Ink Spots, Wilson Pickett, Electric Flag, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Muddy Waters and Barry White.

1942, Born on this day, Brian Jones, guitar, Rolling Stones, (1966 UK & US No.1 single 'Paint It Black', plus 5 other UK No.1 singles and 3 UK No.1 albums). Jones died on July 3rd 1969 after drowning in his swimming pool under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

1943, Donnie Iris, guitar, Wild Cherry, (1976 US No.1 & UK No.7 single 'Play That Funky Music').

1945, Born on this day, Ronnie Rosman, Tommy James & The Shondells, (1966 US No.1 single 'Hanky Panky', 1968 UK No.1 single 'Mony Mony').

1957, Born on this day, Cindy Wilson, The B-52's, (1990 UK No.2 & US No.3 single 'Love Shack').
1957, Born on this day, Ian Stanley, keyboards, Tears For Fears, (1985 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World').

1966, Born on this day, Ian Brown, vocals, The Stone Roses, (1989 UK No.8 single 'Fool's Gold', 1989 album 'The Stone Roses'). Solo, (1998 UK No.5 single 'My Star').