This day in music history

1955, American jazz saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker died of a heart attack in New York City while watching Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra on television. He was 34. The coroner who performed his autopsy mistakenly estimated Parker's 34-year-old body to be between 50 and 60 years of age. (After years of drug and alcohol abuse).

1958, a Philadelphia court sentenced jazz singer Billie Holiday to a year's probation after being found guilty of narcotics possession.

1983, U2 scored their first UK No.1 album with 'War', which went on to spend a total of 147 weeks on the chart. The album featured the singles 'New Years Day' and 'Two Hearts Beat As One'.

1983, Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler had her only UK No.1 single with a song written by Meatloaf's producer, Jim Steinman, 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart'. Also No.1 in the US, (the only Welsh artist to score a US No.1), Canada and Australia, the single sold over 5 million copies.

1988, Rick Astley started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Never Gonna Give You Up', also a No.1 in the UK.

2001, Judy Garland's 'Over The Rainbow' was voted the Song Of The Century in a poll published in America. Musicians, critics and fans compiled the list by the RIA. The highest placed UK act was The Rolling Stones 'Satisfaction' in 16th place. The Beatles had 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' at No. 28.

2006, former Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour went to No.1 on the UK album chart with his third solo album 'On An Island.'

1917, Born on this day, Leonard Chess, the founder of the Chess record label, home to John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Jimmy Reed. Chess died of a heart attack on October 16th 1969, aged 52.

1946, Born on this day, Liza Minnelli, singer, actress, dancer, daughter of Judy Garland and film director Vincente Minnelli. (1970 film 'Cabaret', 1989 UK No.6 single 'Losing My Mind').

1948, Born on this day, Les Holroyd, Barclay James Harvest, 8 UK Top 40 albums from 1974-87.

1956, Born on this day, Steve Harris, bass, Iron Maiden, (1982 UK No.1 album 'The Number Of The Beast', 1991 UK No.1 with 'Bring Your Daughter ...To The Slaughter' & 25 other Top 40 hits).

1969, Born on this day, Graham Coxon, guitar, Blur, (1994 UK No.1 album 'Parklife' spent over 2 years on the UK chart, 1995 UK No.1 single 'Country House', plus over 12 other UK Top 40 singles).

1979, Born on this day, Pete Doherty, guitar, vocals, The Libertines, (2004 UK No.1 album ‘The Libertines’). Now fronts Babyshambles

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