This Day In Music History

1953, Truck driver Elvis Presley made his first ever recording when he paid $3.98 at the Memphis recording service singing two songs, 'My Happiness' and 'That's When Your Heartaches Begin'. The so-called vanity disc, was a gift for his mother. It would surface 37 years later as part of an RCA compilation called 'Elvis - the Great Performances'.

1960, Brenda Lee went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I'm Sorry' it made No.12 in the UK. Seeking publicity the 4' 11 tall singer was once billed as a 32-year- old midget and had the nickname Little Miss Dynamite.

1964, The Four Seasons started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Rag Doll', the group's fourth No.1 and a No.2 hit on the UK chart. Co-writer Bob Gaudio said that he got the inspiration for the song from a young girl in tattered clothes that cleaned his car windows at a stop light.

1964, The Rolling Stones appeared on the US chart for the first time when their cover of Buddy Holly's 'Not Fade Away' peaks at No.48.

1966, Bobby Fuller leader of The Bobby Fuller Four was found dead in his car in Los Angeles aged 22. Fuller died mysteriously from gasoline asphyxiation, while parked outside his apartment. Police labelled it a suicide, but the possibility of foul play has always been mentioned. Had the 1966 US No.9 single 'I Fought The Law' written by Sonny Curtis of Buddy Holly's Crickets and covered by The Clash.

1967, This week's Top 3 US singles, No.3, Light My Fire, The Doors, No.2, Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Frankie Valli, and No.1, The Association 'Windy'.

1968, Working at Abbey Road studios The Beatles recorded 'Cry Baby Cry' and 'Helter Skelter.' One take of 'Helter Skelter' lasted 27' 11'', the longest Beatle recording ever.

1978, Def Leppard made their live debut at Westfield School, Sheffield, England in front of 150 students.

1980, Billy Joel held the top position of both the US albums and singles charts. His album Glass Houses contained his first and biggest number 1 hit, ’It’s Still Rock ’n’ Roll to Me.’

1988, Nico (Christa Päffgen) died after suffering a minor heart attack while riding a bicycle on holiday with her son in Ibiza Spain. The German born singer-songwriter and keyboard player with Velvet Underground, had also worked as a fashion model and actress.

1998, The Beastie Boys went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Hello Nasty', only the second rap album to make No.1 in the UK, the first being Wu-Tang Clan.

1929, Born on this day, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, (Jalacy Hawkins), R&B singer, (1956 'I Put A Spell On You', 1993 UK No.42 single 'Heart Attack And Vine'). Hawkins died on 12th February 2000.

1938, Born on this day, Ian Stewart, keyboard player, The Rolling Stones. Died of a heart attack in his doctor's Harley Street waiting room on 12th December 1985.

1939, Born on this day, Dion Dimucci, US singer, (1961 US No.1 & UK No.11 single 'Runaround Sue').

1941, Born on this day, Martha Reeves, soul singer, (1964 US No.2 & 1969 UK No.4 single with The Vandellas 'Dancing In The Street', plus ten US & six UK other top 40 singles).

1945, Born on this day, Danny McCullock, guitar, The Animals, (1964 UK & US No.1 single 'House Of The Rising Sun').

1950, Born on this day, Glenn Hughes, The Village People, (1978 US No.2 & 1979 UK No.1 single 'YMCA'). Hughes died on 4th March 2001.

1950, Born on this day, Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Records and the Virgin Empire.