This Day In Music

1953, Elvis Presley graduated from IC Hulmes High School in Memphis; his graduation photo shows him to have a split curl in the middle of his forehead, later to become his trademark.

1961, Country singer Patsy Cline was involved in a near fatal car crash in Nashville; she sustained head injuries after being thrown through the windscreen.

1964, The Manish Boys, (featuring David Bowie) auditioned for the UK television talent show Opportunity Knocks.

1974, Ray Stevens was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Streak' a song about the latest British craze of streaking, (running naked in a public place).

1975, America went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Sister Golden Hair', the group's second US No.1. Not a hit in the UK.

1980, Billy Joel started a six-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Glass Houses', his second US No.1 album.

1980, Peter Gabriel scored his first UK No.1 album with his third solo release 'Peter Gabriel'.

1986, Queen scored their 5th UK No.1 album with 'A Kind Of Magic', featuring the single 'One Vision'.

1989, Pete De Freitas drummer with Echo And The Bunnymen was killed at the age of 27, when his motorbike collided with a car.

1994, Composer Henry Mancini died aged 70. Wrote the music to 'Moon River, which was originally sung in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's by Audrey Hepburn, was also the theme song for the Andy Williams television show. Had the 1969 US No.1 single 'Love Theme from Romeo And Juliet.' Recorded over 90 albums, contributed music to over 100 movies, including 'Theme From The Pink Panther.'

1995, Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher died after a chest infection set in following a liver transplant. Had been a member of Taste before going solo, sold over 30m albums worldwide. Voted Melody Maker's Top Musician of the Year in 1972, auditioned for The Rolling Stones following the departure of Mick Taylor. Gallagher made his final performance on 10 January 1995 in the Netherlands.

1997, Puff Daddy and Faith Evans started a 11 week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I'll Be Missing You', a tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G. Also a No.1 in the UK.

2002, Mick Jagger became a Sir when he was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

2009, Kasabian started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum’ the bands third studio album.

1945, Born on this day, Rod Argent, keyboards, The Zombies, (1964 UK No.12 single 'She's Not There'). Argent, (1972 UK No.5 single 'Hold Your Head Up'). Now a TV and film composer.

1949, Born on this day, Alan White, drummer, Plastic Ono Band, (1970 UK No.5 single 'Instant Karma'), Yes, (1977 UK No.7 single 'Wonderous Stories').

1949, Born on this day, Born on this day, Jim Lea, bass, piano, violin, Slade, (1971 UK No.1 single 'Coz I Luv You', plus five other UK No.1 hits and 18 UK Top 40 hit singles).

1958, Born on this day, Nick Van Ede, singer, Cutting Crew, (1987 US No.1 & 1986 UK No.4 single 'I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight').

1961, Born on this day, George O'Dowd, (Boy George), singer, DJ. Culture Club, (1983 UK No.1 & 1984 US No.1 single 'Karma Chameleon'). Solo, (1987 UK No.1 single 'Everything I Own').