This day in music history

1957, Elvis Presley had his custom built ‘Music Gates’ installed at Gracelands. The gates were designed by Abe Saucer and custom built by John Dillars Jr, of Memphis Doors inc.

1965, The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Ticket To Ride.' Taken from the film Help! it was the group's seventh UK No.1.

1966, 'Wild Thing' by The Troggs (who were originally called The Troglodytes) was released in the U.S. on both the Atco and Fontana labels. The song went on to reach No.1. Fronted by Reg Presley, 'Wild Thing' became a major influence on garage rock and punk rock.

1966, Two dozen local group's appeared at a “battle of the bands” gig in Matawan Keyport Roller Drome in New Jersey. All acts performed three songs each. The Rogues won first place, second was Sonny & The Starfires, and third place went to The Castiles, (with Bruce Springsteen on vocals). The three winners were given an opportunity to perform at the Roller Drome the following week as part of a major concert headlined by The Crystals.

1972, Deep Purple scored their second UK No.1 album with 'Machine Head.'

1977, The Jam released their first single 'In The City', which peaked at No. 40 in the UK charts. They achieved 17 other Top 40 hits including four UK No.1s.

1978, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made their first ever appearance as The Blues Brothers when they appeared on US TV's 'Saturday Night Live'.

1989, Madonna started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Like A Prayer', the singers seventh US No.1, also a No.1 in the UK.

2003, Songwriter Felice Bryant died of cancer. Wrote many hits with her husband Boudleaux including; The Everly Brothers, 'Bye Bye Love', 'All I Have To Do Is Dream', 'Wake Up Little Susie' and 'Raining In My Heart' a hit for Buddy Holly. Other acts to record their song include Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Tony Bennett, Simon & Garfunkel, Sarah Vaughan, Grateful Dead, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, Elvis Costello, Count Basie, Dean Martin, Ruth Brown, Cher, R.E.M. and Ray Charles.

2008, It was revealed that 60’s singer Tommy Steele took Elvis Presley on a secret tour of London in 1958 after Presley struck up a friendship with Steele. When the rock legend flew into London for a day, Steele apparently took him round the city, showing him famous landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament. For more than 50 years, Presley fans had believed the only time Elvis ever set foot in the UK was during a stop-over at Prestwick Airport in Scotland in March 1960.

1922, Born on this day, Jazz musician and bandleader Charles Mingus, died 5th January 1979 aged 56. His final project was collaboration with Joni Mitchell 'Mingus.'

1936, Born on this day, Glen Campbell, country singer, songwriter, actor, TV presenter. As a session musician in the 1960s he worked with Bobby Darin, Ricky Nelson, The Monkees, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, The Velvet Underground, Frankie Laine, The Association, Jan & Dean and The Mamas & the Papas. He was a touring member of The Beach Boys, filling in for an ailing Brian Wilson in 1964 and 1965. His guitar playing can be heard on ‘Strangers in the Night’ by Frank Sinatra, ‘You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'‘ by The Righteous Brothers and ‘I'm a Believer’ by The Monkees.

1944, Born on this day, Drummer Howard Wyeth, Worked with Bob Dylan, Don McLean, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell. He died of a heart attack 27th March 1996.

1950, Born on this day, Peter Frampton, guitar, vocals, The Herd, (1968 UK No.5 single 'I Don't Want Our Loving To Die'), Humble Pie, (1969 UK No.4 single 'Natural Born Bugie') & solo, (1976 UK No.10 single 'Show Me The Way'). Worked with David Bowie, George Harrison, Harry Nilsson.

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