ON THIS DAY in 1910

composer/conductor David Rose was born in London.

His most famous compositions were “The Stripper,” “Holiday for Strings,” and “Calypso Melody.” He also wrote music for the television series Little House on the Prairie, Bonanza & more than 20 others. In addition, Rose was musical director for the Red Skelton Show, first on radio, & then during its 21-year-run on the CBS and NBC TV networks.  He died Aug 23, 1990 at age 80.

In 1917, blind country musician/songwriter Leon Payne was born in Alba Texas. He is perhaps best known for his hits “I Love You Because,” and “You’ve Still Got A Place In My Heart,” as well as two of his songs recorded by Hank Williams Sr.; “Lost Highway,” and “They’ll Never Take Her Love From Me.”  He was performing on KWET Palestine Texas from 1935, and played with Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys in 1938. Forming his own group in 1949, he appeared on the Louisiana Hayride radio show & later the Grand Ole Opry.  He died following a heart attack Sep 11, 1969 at age 52.

In 1920, the first radio broadcast of live music took place from Chelmsford, England. It featured Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba.

In 1923, award-winning jazz pianist Erroll Garner was born in Pittsburgh.  Although he could not read music his distinctive and melodic style brought him both popular acclaim and the admiration of peers. He began his professional career at age 7 on KDKA Radio. His most memorable composition, “Misty” (lyrics added by Johnny Burke) was a pop hit for five different artists between 1959 and 1975. He died Jan 2 1977 at age 53.

In 1936, Al Jolson and his Nova Scotia-born wife Ruby Keeler starred in ‘Burlesque’ on the Lux Radio Theatre on CBS. It was just the third Lux drama from Hollywood; for the first two seasons the show had aired from New York on NBC Blue.

In 1937, Waylon Jennings, a leader of the 1970’s outlaw country movement, was born in Littlefield, Texas. Along with Willie Nelson, Jennings spearheaded the movement away from heavy orchestral backing towards a leaner, harder sound that edged close to rock. Jennings met Buddy Holly in 1958, and ended up touring as Holly’s bass player. Holly died in a February 1959 plane crash, along with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper, after Jennings gave up his seat to the Bopper. His 1976 album “Wanted — the Outlaws” became the first country L-P to sell one million copies. Jennings also narrated — and sang the theme song to — the popular 1970’s T-V series, “The Dukes of Hazzard.” After a long battle with diabetes-related health problems, Jennings died February 13th, 2002 at age 64.

In 1941, singer/songwriter Harry (Edward) Nilsson III was born in Brooklyn. His most well-known recordings are “Without You”, “Everybody’s Talkin'” (theme from the movie Midnight Cowboy) & “Coconut”. He wrote the score for TV’s The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.  He died of heart failure Jan 15, 1994 at age 53.

In 1949, actor Jim Varney was born in Lexington Ky. He chose Nashville rather than New York or Los Angeles as a place to pursue his acting career and turned “Ernest P. Worrell” into a cash cow, making commercials for clients ranging from soft drinks to food stores and, eventually, Disney.  Jim worked in TV for more than a decade (Fernwood Tonight, Pop! Goes the Country, The Rousters, Hey Vern It’s Ernest) before his famous alter-ego hit the big screen in Ernest Goes to Camp (1987).  He died of lung cancer Feb 10, 2000 at age 50.

In 1956, sixteen-year-old John Lennon of the music group The Quarrymen met 14-year-old Paul McCartney and invited him to join the group. In the next few years, the group became The Beatles.

In 1958, the Platters sang their number one hit “Twilight Time” on CBS TV’s Ed Sullivan Show.  Also appearing were Sophia Loren, William Holden, Mitzi Gaynor and the legendary Maurice Chevalier.

In 1961, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Moody River,” by Pat Boone.

In 1963, the Board of Broadcast Governors (today’s CRTC) recorded its hearings for the first time. The tapes were distributed to radio and TV stations by theCanadian Association of Broadcasters.

Also in 1963, Kyu Sakamoto from Kawasaki, Japan, reached the number one spot on the pop music charts with ‘Sukiyaki.’ The popular song captivated North American music buyers and was at the top of the Billboard pop chart for three weeks. Kyu was killed in a plane crash in 1985.

Also in 1963, Jan & Dean released their soon-to-be #1 smash hit “Surf City.”

In 1964, Peter & Gordon arrived from the UK for their first tour of North America.

Also in 1964, Ringo Starr arrived to huge crowds in Melbourne, Australia where he rejoined the Beatles, after being hospitalized in London for ten days with tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

In 1965, in New York Bob Dylan recorded “Like a Rolling Stone,” the first of his recordings to feature electric instruments. Dylan’s emerging rock ‘n’ roll leanings proved popular, and despite its unusual 6 minute playing time “Like A Rolling Stone” reached number two on the Billboard pop chart.

In 1966, the Beatles album, “Yesterday & Today” was released by Capitol Records.

In 1967, singer and guitarist Peter Green left John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers to form Fleetwood Mac with Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Jeremy Spencer. Green abruptly left in 1970 due to his religious beliefs.

In 1968, Wes Montgomery, one of the most influential jazz guitarists, died of a heart attack at age 43. Pop-oriented, string-dominated L-P’s like “A Day in the Life,” which made the top 20 and spent over a year on the Billboard pop chart, made him among the most widely known jazz musicians of the 1960’s.

In 1969, the rural TV comedy “Hee Haw” with Roy Clark]/b] and [b]Buck Owens premiered on CBS as a summer replacement for the Smothers Bros.  It ran for 25 years, the last 23 via syndication.

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix laid down the first tracks at his “state of the art” Electric Ladyland recording studio in New York.

In 1971, The Guess Who‘s album “Best of the Guess Who” was certified Gold.

In 1974, Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods started a two week run at No.1 on the Billboard singles chart with ‘Billy Don’t Be A Hero’,

In 1977,  Rev. David Mainse broadcast the first “100 Huntley Street” program out of its studios at the said address in downtown Toronto.

Also in 1977, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr, formerly of The Fifth Dimension, began hosting a summer variety hour on CBS-TV.

Still in 1977, Alice Cooper‘s boa constrictor, a mainstay of his stage act, died after being bitten by a rat.

Again in 1977, Dolly Parton was in Los Angeles to begin recording a future #1 country song, “Here You Come Again.”  It became Dolly’s first crossover hit, reaching #3 on Billboard’s pop singles.

In 1978, during a European tour Bob Dylan played the first of six sold-out nights at London’s Earl Court.

In 1982, bassist Pete Farndon was kicked out of the Pretenders because of his drug habit. One day later, the group’s guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, died of a drug overdose. Ten months later Farndon also OD’d.

In 1984, composer & conductor Meredith Willson, who was a musical & speaking force for 25 years on radio (Maxwell House Coffee Time, Burns & Allen, The Big Show) before becoming a Broadway force with The Music Man, died of heart failure at age 82.

Also in 1984, character actor Ned Glass, who played nervous, timid, fidgety, sniveling, weasely, & cowardly roles for 30 years on television, died at age 78, also of heart failure.

In 1985, “Pryor’s Place,” Richard Pryor‘s half-hour for kids, aired for its final time on CBS-TV.

Also in 1985, Dire Straits started a nine-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with, ‘Brothers In Arms’.

In 1986, more than two dozen of the world’s top pop and rock musicians performed at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It was the final concert of a U-S tour which raised more than three-million dollars for Amnesty International. More than 50-thousand people jammed the stadium to hear such stars as the Police, U-2, Peter Gabriel and Bryan Adams.

In 1988, during Bruce Springsteen‘s visit to Rome during a world tour, a member of the paparazzi took a shot of Bruce in his underpants during an intimate moment with his backing singer Patti Scialfa. The picture served to confirm rumours that Bruce and Patti were having an affair, and helped end his three-year marriage to Juliane Phillips.

In 1989, actor Victor French, who had featured roles in three hit TV series (Get Smart, Little House on the Prairie, & Highway to Heaven), succumbed to lung cancer at age 54.

Also in 1989, Public Enemy broke up after group member Professor Griff made anti-semetic remarks. They reassembled 2 months later.

In 1991, “Rush, Rush” by Paula Abdul topped the charts and stayed there for 5 weeks.

In 1993, FOX-TV aired “Paul McCartney Live In The New World.” It was McCartney’s first live concert to be televised.

Also in 1993, for a record sixth decade Ray Charles scored an album in Billboard’s Hot 200, after his “My World” made its first appearance on the chart.

In 1994, Egyptian officials cancelled a Peter Gabriel concert at a resort near the Israeli border. Seven-thousand Israelis were expected to cross the border for the show, and trouble was feared on the Egyptian side.

Also in 1994, Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis, who wrote the famous movie theme “Never On Sunday,” died in Athens at age 69. Hadjidakis was married to singer Nana Mouskouri.

Still in 1994, the TV special “The Lion King: A Musical Journey With Elton John” was seen on ABC.

In 1995, Jewish leaders demanded an apology from Michael Jackson over his song “They Don’t Care About Us,” which contained anti-semitic slang words.

In 1996, Ella Fitzgerald, the jazz legend dubbed America’s “First Lady of Jazz,” died at her Beverly Hills home at age 78. She’d been suffering from complications of diabetes, which had led to the amputation of both her legs below the knee in 1993.

Also in 1996, George Martin, who produced most of the Beatles’ recordings, became “Sir George” when he was knighted by the Queen.

Still in 1996, Garth Brooks set sales records in eight Canadian cities as tickets went on sale for his summer tour. More than 300-thousand tickets were sold the first day.

Again in 1996, top Seattle band Soundgarden played before 500 contest winners at the Town Pump, a club in Vancouver’s Gastown district. The concert was the first of 13 “blind date” shows across the country sponsored by Molson Breweries. Radio contest winners were taken to a secret location to hear the surprise act.

In 1998, Billy Ray Cyrus (pictured with daughter Miley) crushed the competition in balloting for the TNN/Music City News Awards. Cyrus took five awards including male artist of the year, album of the year (“Cover to Cover”), single of the year and song of the year (“It’s All the Same to Me”) and video of the year (“Three Little Words”) at the awards show at the Nashville Arena.

Also in 1998, the Spice Girls opened a 40-city North American tour in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was the British girl group’s first show without Ginger Spice — Geri Halliwell — who had quit the group two weeks earlier. The Spice Girls had sold 32 million albums in 30 months.

In 1999, “No Boundaries,” a compilation album created for the benefit of the refugees of Kosovo, was released by Epic Records. The 16-track set featured rare, live and previously unreleased special versions of songs by an array of musicians, including Pearl Jam, Alanis Morissette, Neil Young, Rage Against the Machine, Oasis, Korn, and others.

In 2001, Stompin’ Tom Connors demanded an apology from the Canadian Country Music Association for inducting him into its hall of fame and making him a life member against his wishes. Connors had long accused the industry group of failing to support Canadian performers.

In 2002, a rare autographed copy of The Beatles’ album Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band sold at auction in London for the equivalent of $57,800 US, more than five times the price predicted.

In 2003, London Ont.’s Hume Cronyn (below), who with his wife Jessica Tandy starred in TV’s first sitcom in “living color,” The Marriage, and who made 17 TV movies including The Gin Game, died of prostate cancer at age 91.

Also in 2003, Metallica were at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘St Anger’, the band’s fourth US No.1.

In 2004, Jimmy Arnold, a founding member and lead singer with the Toronto-basedFour Lads (There’s Only One Of You, Put A Light In The Window, Who Needs You, Standing On The Corner, No Not Much!, Moments To Remember, Skokiaan, Istanbul) died at age 72.

Also in 2004, Velvet Revolver’s debut album “Contraband” sold 256,000 copies in its first week of release to nail the top spot on the Billboard 200 Album Chart.

In 2005, Coldplay went straight to No.1 on US album chart with their third album ‘X&Y’, having already entered at number one in the UK. The last time a British artist had a simultaneous US and UK number one was in November 2000 with ‘1’, a compilation of hits by The Beatles.

Also in 2005, the R & B girl group Destiny’s Child announced they would be breaking up in the fall at the end of their current world tour.

In 2007, 83-year-old Bob Barker‘s final appearance as emcee of CBS TV’s”The Price Is Right” aired.  He had hosted the game show for 35 years! The show had been taped on June 6.

Also in 2007, Canadian pianist Richard Bell, one-time member of Janis Joplin’s Full Tilt Boogie Band, died in Toronto at age 61 after a battle with multiple myeloma.

In 2009, Vancouver-born film director Allan King died of brain cancer at age 79.  Besides his acclaimed documentaries such as Warrendale and Skid Row, he worked frequently on television series such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone, Road to Avonlea, Dracula: The Series, and Twice in a Lifetime.

In 2011, TV screens across North America were filled with the ugly images of Vancouver’s infamous Stanley Cup riots, after the Canucks lost the deciding Game 7 to Boston. About 150 people, including nine Vancouver police officers, were injured, a host of downtown stores were trashed, and even cars were torched. Damage was estimated in the tens of millions of dollars.

Also in 2011, Bob Banner, producer/director of such popular TV shows as the Carol Burnett Show, The Garry Moore Show, Solid Gold and Candid Camera, lost his battle with Parkinson’s disease at age 89.

Still in 2011, U2 took top spot on Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid musicians for the second year in a row. The group’s earnings in 2010 netted more than $195 million. Bon Jovi was second with $125 million and Elton John held third earning $100 million.

In 2012, high-profile New York City news anchor Sue Simmons left WNBC-TV, some three weeks after her 70th birthday.  After 32 years with the station her contract had not been renewed.  On this last broadcast Simmons received fond farewells from long time co-workers, as well as from numerous sports figures and celebrities.

In 2013,  Roger LaVern, the keyboard player with the UK group The Tornadoes of Telstar(1962) fame, succumbed to prostate cancer at age 74. it was LaVern’s playing on the clavioline, an early version of a synthesizer, that gave the instrumental recording its unique sound.

2014 – Casey Kasem, creator of American Top 40 and the voice of Shaggy on Scooby-Doo, dies from Lewy body dementia at 82

Today’s Birthdays:

Actress Judy Pace (New Odd Couple, The Young Lawyers, Brian’s Song) is 72.

Bassist Lee Dorman of Iron Butterfly is 72.

Singer Janet Lennon of the Lennon Sisters (Lawrence Welk Show) is 68.

Singer Russell Hitchcock of Air Supply is 65.

Singer Steve Walsh of Kansas is 62.

Country singer Terri Gibbs is 60.

Actor Jim Belushi (The Defenders, According to Jim, Sat. Night Live) is 60.

Actress Julie Hagerty (Reunited, Women of the House, Lucky Luke) is 59.

Actress Eileen Davidson (Bold & the Beautiful, Young & the Restless, Days of Our Lives) is 55.

Actor Thomas Mikal Ford (Martin, New York Undercover) is 52.

Drummer Scott Rockenfield of Queensryche is 51.

Actress Helen Hunt (Mad About You, St. Elsewhere) is 51.

Actress Courteney Cox (Cougar Town, Friends) is 50.

Guitarist Tony Ardoin of River Road is 50.

Guitarist Michael Britt of Lonestar is 48.

Drummer Rob Mitchell (Sixpence None The Richer) is 48.

Rapper-actor Ice Cube is 45.

Actress Leah Remini (King of Queens) is 44.

Ontario-born TV presenter Tanya Memme (Sell This House) is 43. 

Trombone player T-Bone Willy of Save Ferris is 42.

Actor Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother, Doogie Howser, M.D.) is 41.

Actor Greg Vaughan (General Hospital) is 41.

Actress Elizabeth Reaser (The Goold Wife, Grey’s Anatomy, Saved) is 39.

Actor Esteban Powell (The Cleaner, Level 9, Bone Chillers) is 38.

Singer Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm is 38.

Actress Anna Torv (Fringe) is 36.

Actor Christopher Castille (Step by Step) is 34.

Guitarist Billy Martin of Good Charlotte is 33.

Actor Denzel Whitaker (Bros. & Sisters, All That) is 24.

Chart Toppers – June 15

1947
Mamselle – Art Lund
Linda – Buddy Clark with the Ray Noble Orchestra
My Adobe Hacienda – Eddy Howard
It’s a Sin – Eddy Arnold

1956
The Wayward Wind – Gogi Grant
I’m in Love Again – Fats Domino
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You – Elvis Presley
Crazy Arms – Ray Price

1965
Back in My Arms Again – The Supremes
Crying in the Chapel – Elvis Presley
I Can’t Help Myself – The Four Tops
What’s He Doing in My World – Eddy Arnold

1974
Billy, Don’t Be a Hero – Bo Donaldson & The Heywoods
You Make Me Feel Brand New – The Stylistics
Sundown – Gordon Lightfoot
I Don’t See Me in Your Eyes Anymore – Charlie Rich

1983
Flashdance…What a Feeling – Irene Cara
Time (Clock of the Heart) – Culture Club
My Love – Lionel Richie
Our Love is on the Faultline – Crystal Gayle

1992
Jump – Kris Kross
I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey
Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-A-Lot
Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus

2001
Lady Marmalade – Christina Aguilera, Li’l Kim, Mya & Pink
Play – Jennifer Lopez
What It Feels Like for a Girl – Madonna
Don’t Happen Twice – Kenny Chesney

2010
OMG – Usher featuring will.i.am
California Gurls – Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
Airplanes – B.o.B featuring Hayley Williams
The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert

ON THIS DAY in 1908
orchestra leader John Scott Trotter was born in Charlotte NC. He was musical director for Bing Crosby on NBC Radio’s “Kraft Music Hall” (1937-1946), on his Decca records, on Bing’s Philco transcribed ABC show until 1954, and later for Bing’s TV sitcom in the 1960’s.  He was also orch. leader on the George Gobel Show on NBC TV in the ’50’s.  Later he directed the music for the Charlie Brown cartoon specials. He died of cancer Oct. 29 1975 at age 67.

In 1909, folk singer and actor Burl Ives was born in Hunt Illinois. His CBS radio series Wayfaring Stranger beginning in 1944, popularized many of the folksongs he had collected in his travels. By the 1960s, he had hits on both popular and country charts.  Some of the more memorable include The Blue Tail Fly, A Holly Jolly Christmas, A Little Bitty Tear, Funny Way of Laughin’, & Call Me Mr. In-Between.  He made more than three dozen appearances on TV, including a recurring role on the series Alias Smith & Jones.  He died of mouth cancer at Anacortes Wash. Apr 14, 1995 at age 85.

In 1916, actress Dorothy McGuire (below)was born in Omaha Nebraska. On the small screen she was featured in Rich Man, Poor Man, & the series Little Women, with a recurring role in the daytime drama The Young & The Restless.  She guested several times on St. Elsewhere, Highway to Heaven & The Love Boat.  She died of heart disease Sept. 13, 2001 at age 85.

In 1922, a U.S. President was heard on the radio for the first time. President Warren G. Harding dedicated the Francis Scott Key Memorial and was heard on radio station WEAR in Baltimore.

In 1923, it was the beginning of the country music recording industry. Ralph Peer of Okeh Records recorded Fiddlin’ John Carson doing The Little Old Log Cabin in the Lane — and the first country music recording was in the can.

In 1937, “The Happy Gang” troupe of musicians, led by singer-pianist Bert Pearl, made their first broadcast on station CRCT, a C-B-C affiliate in Toronto, with Kay Stokes, Bob Farnon and Blaine Mathe. It became a NATIONAL listening habit 4 months later, and would run for 22 years (and nearly 49-hundred shows) until 1959.  Pearl died in 1986.

In 1939, Ethel Waters became the first African-American to perform on television, when NBC featured her in two experimental programmes: The Ethel Waters Show and Mamba’s Daughters.

In 1949, Frankie Laine recorded the first of his three straight Gold Records for the Mercury label, “That Lucky Old Sun.”

In 1950, after 13 years on the radio (beginning on the Fibber McGee & Molly Show) Harold Peary played the role of The Great Gildersleeve one final time. Three months later Willard Waterman seamlessly took over the role, and the show continued successfully for another eight years on radio and for several years on TV as well.

In 1953, Elvis Presley graduated from L-C Humes High School in Memphis. His first post-graduation jobs were with the Precision Tool Company and then driving a truck for Crown Electric.

In 1956, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “The Wayward Wind,” by Gogi Grant.

In 1958, in New Orleans, Fats Domino recorded a future Top 20 single, “I’m Gonna Be A Wheel Someday.”

In 1959, Connie Francis sang her latest hit single, “Lipstick on Your Collar” on the CBS-TV Ed Sullivan Show. Brook Benton sang his first Top 20 hit “Endlessly,” while Henny Youngman and Canada’sWayne & Schuster supplied the comedy.

In 1961, country singer Patsy Cline suffered serious head and hip injuries in a head-on car crash in Madison, Tennessee, that killed the couple in the other car. Patsy sustained head injuries after being thrown through the windshield.  She would die in a plane crash nearly two years later.

Also in 1961, rocker Gene Vincent was knocked unconcious after a show in Newcastle, England when he was rushed by his young fans and shoved down a stairway.

In 1964, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Chapel of Love,” by The Dixie Cups.

In 1965, pioneering newscaster/commentator H.V. Kaltenborn, the distinctive radio voice with precise diction who before, during and after World War II provided insight and analysis on world affairs in his mostly ad-lib style, died at age 86.

Also in 1965, Paul McCartney recorded “Yesterday.” That same day Bob Dylan recorded “Like A Rolling Stone.”

In 1966, The Beatles spent 7 evening hours in the Abbey Road Studios working on “Here, There And Everywhere.” Paul McCartney, John Lennon and producer George Martin all labelled it one of their favorite Beatles songs. In 2000, Mojo magazine ranked it the 4th greatest song of all time.

In 1967, “The Steve Allen Comedy Hour,” Steve’s 2nd prime time TV series, premiered on CBS.

Also in 1967, The Doors performed at Steve Paul’s Scene in New York City. Jimi Hendrix was in the audience.

Still in 1967, The Monkees began recording “Daydream Believer.” It would be completed 7 weeks later.

In 1968, Ernest (Pop) Stoneman, leader of one of the most famous family groups in country music, died in Nashville at 75.

In 1969, R&B singer Wynonie Harris (Bloodshot Eyes, Good Rocking Tonight, Who Threw the Whiskey in the Well) died of esophageal cancer at age 53.

Also in 1969, in London John & Yoko recorded a lengthy interview with David Frost which appeared three weeks later on his syndicated US talk show.

Still In 1969, the Rolling Stones announced they’d formed their own record company. Rolling Stones Records was a subsidiary of Atlantic.

In 1970, CBS-TV’s Ed Sullivan show was headlined byTommy James & the Shondells playing “Ball of Fire” & “I’m Alive.”
Margaret Whiting and Sergio Franchi also sang; the legendary comedienne Moms Mabley sang “Abraham, Martin & John,”  while Ben Stiller’s parents, the comedy team of Stiller & Meara performed a comedy sketch with Franchi.

Also in 1970, Blood, Sweat & Tears became the first Western rock band to play Soviet bloc countries, opening a tour of Yugoslavia, Romania and Poland.

Still in 1970, Eric Clapton’s Derek & the Dominoesmade their live debut in Britain.

Again in 1970, Grand Funk Railroad spent $100,000 for a block long billboard in New York’s Times Square to advertise their album “Closer to Home.”

Once more in 1970, The Grateful Dead released their “Workingman’s Dead” LP.

In 1972, up to 300 people tried to crash the gate at aRolling Stones concert in Tucson, Arizona. Police were called in with tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Also in 1972, at Madison Square Garden in New York, actor Warren Beatty held his fifth benefit concert for Democratic Presidential hopeful George McGovern.  It featured singers Simon & Garfunkel, and Peter Paul & Mary, plus the comedy team of Mike Nichols & Elaine May.

Still in 1972, Led Zeppelin played the first of two nights at the Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale, New York.

In 1974, David Bowie opened his ”Diamond Dogs” tour at the Montreal Forum. Instead of his Bowie’s flamboyant ”Ziggy Stardust” persona, Bowie stunned his fans with a conventional hairstyle and a two-piece suit for the opening number.

Also in 1974, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Billy, Don’t Be a Hero,” by Bo Donaldson & the Heywoods.

In 1975, America reached the top spot on the Billboard pop music chart with Sister Golden Hair. The group had previously (March, 1972) taken A Horse With No Name to the number one spot. The trio of Dan Peek, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell had received the Best New Artist Grammy in 1972.

In 1976, the Beatles were awarded a gold record for the compilation album of past hits titled, Rock ‘n’ Roll Music.

Also in 1976, the Chuck Barris off-beat talent show “The Gong Show” made its debut on NBC TV’s daytime schedule.

In 1977, Canadian folksinger Alan Mills died in Montreal at age 63. Mills made more than 30 L-Ps, was the host of C-B-C Radio’s ”Folk Songs For Young Folks” from 1947 to ’59 and appeared at the 1960 Newport Folk Festival. He wrote the popular folk song ”I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.’

Also in 1977, two other obits from the world of TV & radio.  Alan Reed, who was prominent in bigtime radio, notably as Falstaff Openshaw in Fred Allen’s Alley, as well as the voice of TV’s Fred Flinstone, died at age 69.  And Robert Middleman, who played Barney on TV’s The Monroes, died at age 66.

Still in 1977, CBC President Al Johnson asked for public input in changing the corporation’s program philosophy.

In 1979, it was reported that members of the southern blues-rock band Little Feat had gone their separate ways after 10 years together. Group leader Lowell Georgedied of a heart attack two weeks later at age 34. The surviving members of Little Feat made a successful comeback in 1988.

In 1980, “Theme From New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra peaked at #32 on the pop charts.

Also in 1980, Billy Joel started a six-week run at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with ‘Glass Houses’, his second chart topping album.

In 1982, actress Marjorie Bennett, who played Blossom on TV’s Dobie Gillis, and Birdie Brockway on the series Lassie, died of cancer at age 87.

Also in 1982, the Pretenders fired bass player Pete Farndon. Two days later the band’s guitar player, James Honeyman-Scott, died. Farndon died of a drug overdose in 1983.

In 1986, zoologist Marlin Perkins, the host of Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom,” and before that NBC TV’s “Zoo Parade,” died near St. Louis at age 81.

Still in 1986, Oscar- and Tony-winning lyricist and composer Alan Jay Lerner died of lung cancer in New York at age 67. With Frederick Loewe, Lerner wrote the Broadway musicals ”Camelot,” ”Brigadoon” and ”My Fair Lady.”

Also in 1986, students at Collegiate High School in Passaic, New Jersey were treated to a concert by Bon Jovi. They won the honour by submitting 13-hundred postcards in a contest — 13-hundred cards per student!

Again in 1986, “On My Own” by Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald topped the charts and stayed there for 3 weeks. The pair recorded their vocal parts separately and had never met until after the song went to number one.

Also in 1986, after 29 years of what was considered North America’s longest-running continuously-published radio station survey, CHUM Radio in Toronto published its last weekly music chart.  It’s last #1 song was “Live to Tell” by Madonna.

In 1987, the action-adventure series “A Team,” last aired on NBC-TV after 4 years.

Also in 1987, Madonna (below) played the first date on her Who’s That Girl World Tour at the Osaka Stadium in Japan. The tour became the highest-grossing tour up to that time, taking in more than $20 million.

Still in 1987, the No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit was “Head to Toe,” by Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam.

In 1988, Edmonton pianist Angela Cheng became the first Canadian winner of the Montreal International Music Competition.

Also in 1988, rocker Chuck Berry was sued for $5 million by a woman who claimed he punched her in the mouth during an argument.

In 1989, Zsa Zsa Gabor was arrested for slapping a Beverly Hills motorcycle patrolman.

Also in 1989, singer Bruce Cockburn received an honourary degree from Toronto’s York University for his work in aid of humanitarian causes.

Still in 1989, singer/songwriter Carole King helped unveil her new star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1991, on their tour of the US West Coast Nirvanaappeared at The Palladium in Hollywood.

In 1992, 38 people were slightly hurt and 28 arrested after violence broke out among 75-thousand people at a beachfront sports and music festival in Belmar, New Jersey. The trouble started after the town asked the sponsor of the event, M-T-V, to close the festival an hour early after cars were vandalized.

In 1994, film and television composer Henry Mancini(below) died in Beverly Hills, California of liver and pancreatic cancer. He was 70.

In 1995, an estimated one-in-four Americans watchedDiane Sawyer interview Michael Jackson and his wife,Lisa Marie Presley on A-B-C’s “PrimeTime Live.” It was the couple’s first interview since their surprise marriage a year earlier. They divorced the following year.

Also in 1995, Irish blues guitarist Rory Gallagher died in London of complications following a liver transplant. He was 47. Gallagher had hit his peak in 1972 and ’73 with the albums “Live in Europe” and “Blueprint.”

In 1997, stocky tough guy character actor Richard Jaeckel, who had running roles in the TV series Baywatch, Spenser For Hire, Supercarrier, Salvage 1 & Firehouse, died of cancer at age 70.

Also in 1997, record collector and critic Clyde Gilmour ended his more than 40-year run as host of “Gilmour’s Albums” Sundays on C-B-C Radio. (In the ’40’s he reviewed films for CKWX Vancouver.) Illness forced the 85-year-old Gilmour to call it quits. He died five months later.

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

Again in 1997, at the City of Hope Softball Game at Greer Stadium in Nashville, not all was fun and games. A peg from teammate Doug Supernaw caught Canadian country singer Terri Clark square in the face, leaving her with extensive soft tissue injuries and a fracture in her left cheekbone.

Also in 1997, the final episode of “Lois and Clark” aired on ABC.

In 1999, at the TNN Music City News Country Awards,Faith Hill and husband Tim McGraw cemented their claim as the new queen and king of country music. Hill was the evening’s top winner, receiving five honors. McGraw received the best male vocalist accolade.

In 2000, Fox-TV’s animation hit “The Simpsons” received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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

Also in 2002, in Lubbock Texas, a power failure ended aBritney Spears concert after only two songs.

In 2003, jazz trombonist Jimmy Knepper died at age 75 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Also in 2003, Bryan Adams (above), Iggy Pop andPaul Weller all appeared at a weekend festival at The Isle Of Wight.

In 2004, 71-year old James Brown pleaded ‘no contest’ to a domestic violence charge in South Carolina. The plea deal involved no jail time, instead he had to forfeit a $1087 bond.  Brown was charged with pushing his wife to the floor during a January argument in which Tomi Rea Brown suffered scratches and bruises to her right arm and hip.

In 2006, Shakira kicked off her 99 date Oral Fixation world tour in Zaragoza, Spain. Attended by over 2 million fans, the tour grossed more than $98 million dollars.

Also in 2006, Rufus Wainwright recreated the whole of Judy Garland’s legendary 1961 Carnegie Hall concert at the famous New York City institution, in marking the show’s 45th anniversary.

In 2008, Paul McCartney gave a free concert in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev – in the city’s Independence Square. More than 350,000 people turned out for two-and-a-half-hour show – reportedly the biggest concert in the country’s history.

Also in 2008, Usher was at No.1 on the Billboard album chart with his fifth studio album ‘Here I Stand.’

In 2009, Bob Bogle, the co-founder and original lead guitarist of the Tacoma-based early rock band The Ventures, died in Vancouver of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 75.

In 2011, “A Treasure,” collection of live Neil Young recordings from ’84-‘85, was released. The album contained previously unreleased tracks.

In 2012, actress/comedienne Yvette Wilson, who had featured roles in more than 100 episodes each of the sitcoms Moesha and its spinoff The Parkers, lost her battle with cervical cancer at age 48.

Also in 2012, Gordon Lightfoot and Bob Seger were in New York City to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, at its 43rd Annual Induction and Awards Dinner.

Today’s Birthdays:

Actress Marla Gibbs (Jeffersons, 227) is 83.

Actor Jack Bannon (Lou Grant, Petticoat Junction) is 74.

Singer Rod Argent of The Zombies and Argent is 69.

Businessman-TV personality Donald Trump (The Apprentice) is 68.

Guitarist Barry Melton of Country Joe & the Fish is 67.

Drummer Alan White of Yes is 65.

Actor Eddie Mekka (Carmine on Laverne and Shirley) is 62.

Actor Will Patton (Falling Skies, The Agency, Numb3rs) is 60.

Singer Boy George is 53.

Actress Kim Lankford (Knot’s Landing, Murphy’s Law) is 52.

Actress Traylor Howard (Monk, Boston Common, Two Guys a Girl & a Pizza Place) is 48.

Actress Yasmine Bleeth (White Collar, Baywatch, Titans, Nash Bridges) is 46.

Actor Michael Cade (California Dreams, General Hospital) is 43.

Actor Kevin McHale (Glee) is 27.

Actress Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars, Privileged) is 25.

Actor Daryl Sabara (Father of the Pride, Miss/Guided) is 22.

Chart Toppers – June 14

1946
The Gypsy – The Ink Spots
All Through the Day – Perry Como
They Say It’s Wonderful – Frank Sinatra
New Spanish Two Step – Bob Wills

1955
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White – Perez Prado
Rock Around the Clock – Bill Haley & His Comets
Learnin’ the Blues – Frank Sinatra
In the Jailhouse Now – Webb Pierce

1964
Chapel of Love – The Dixie Cups
A World Without Love – Peter & Gordon
Love Me with All Your Heart – The Ray Charles Singers
Together Again – Buck Owens

1973
My Love – Paul McCartney & Wings
Frankenstein – The Edgar Winter Group
Pillow Talk – Sylvia
You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me) – Johnny Rodriguez

1982
Ebony and Ivory – Paul McCartney with Stevie Wonder
Don’t You Want Me – The Human League
The Other Woman – Ray Parker Jr.
For All the Wrong Reasons – The Bellamy Brothers

1991
More Than Words – Extreme
I Wanna Sex You Up – Color Me Badd
Rush, Rush – Paula Abdul
Meet in the Middle – Diamond Rio

2000
Oops I Did It Again – Britney Spears
I Turn To You – Christina Aguilera
Be with You – Enrique Iglesias
The Way You Love Me – Faith Hill

2009
Boom Boom Pow – Black Eyed Peas
Halo – Beyoncé
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Then – Brad Paisley