bmusic - Newsletter No. 94

In 1955, RCA Victor A&R man Steve Sholes signed Elvis Presley to the label. The deal was made at New York's Warwick Hotel and involved US$40,000. US$25,000 to Sun Records and US$15,000 to Hi-Lo Music for Presley's song publishing. Elvis could have whatever was left over!

In 1965, Bob Dylan married former model Sara Lowndes in a Nassau County civil ceremony. Four days later, Dylan left on his first world tour with the Band. Dylan didn't acknowledge the marriage to the public until the following February.

In 1968, the Beatles released their long-awaited double album simply called "The Beatles" but better known as "The White Album". Among the 29 songs was Ringo Starr's first songwriting contribution to the group's repertoire, "Don't Pass Me By," which as a single, made it to Number One in Scandinavia.

In 1970, Myra Brown and Jerry Lee Lewis divorced in Memphis, Tennessee. Brown claimed the marriage "had turned into a nightmare" since they married when she was just 14. She was also Lewis' cousin.

In 1970, The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, married Deidre Yvonne Jenkins on the front porch of her Barnwell, South Carolina house.

In 1980, Eagles drummer/vocalist Don Henley was arrested in Los Angeles after paramedics treated a nude sixteen year-old girl suffering from drug intoxication at his home. Henley was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, cocaine and Quaaludes and for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

In 1982, Joni Mitchell married her bass player, Larry Klein, at the Malibu home of her manager, Elliot Roberts.

In 1987, U2 opened an LA concert for itself, appearing as country-rock group 'The Dalton Brothers'.

In 1990, David Crosby suffered multiple fractures in an accident on his motorcycle in LA. Police said Crosby was speeding and not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.

In 1990, Paul McCartney's birth certificate sold at auction for US$18,000.

In 1990, Mick Jagger married his girlfriend of 10 years, Jerry Hall, in Bali.

In 1994, David Crosby successfully underwent liver transplant surgery.

In 1995, the Rolling Stones became the first act to broadcast a concert on the Internet.

In 1995, Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong was arrested for dropping his pants at a concert in Milwaukee. He was fined US$141.

In 2001, Justin Timberlake broke his foot while rehearsing for the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party and has had to cancel his next two weeks of appearances.

In 2001, Michael Jackson stirred worldwide outrage when he dangled his infant child over the balcony of his Berlin hotel in a motion to fans. The dangerous move sparked unprecedented debate over Michael Jackson's ability to parent his children responsibly.

BACK TO CONTENTS

Births In 1938, singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot.

In 1941, Byrds vocalist Gene Clark.

In 1942, 'Spirit In The Sky' man, Norman Greenbaum.

In 1946, Allman Brothers and Derek and the Dominos guitarist Duane Allman.

In 1947, Joe Walsh, guitarist and vocalist for the James Gang and the Eagles.

In 1950, E Street Band guitarist Little Steven.

In 1950, Talking Heads bassist Tina Weymouth.

In 1960, Guns 'n ' Roses and Cult drummer Matt Sorum.

In 1965, Beastie Boy Mike D (Michael Diamond).

BACK TO CONTENTS

Deaths In 1972, Allman Brothers bass player Berry Oakley was killed in a motorcycle accident just three blocks from the site where Duane Allman was also killed. He was thrown thirty metres from his motorcycle. Attendants at the scene believed Oakley had escaped serious injury but he died from a brain tumour 20 minutes after being admitted to hospital.

In 1972, former singer/songwriter for Neil Young's 'Crazy Horse', Danny Whitten, died of a heroin overdose. Neil Young's anti-drug album, "Tonight's the Night", released in 1975, memorialised Whitten.

In 1979, former Jethro Tull recording bass player, John Glascock, died of Endocarditis from a tooth abscess in London at the age of 26. Though he recorded with Jethro Tull, Glascock's long battle with heart disease kept him from touring with the band.

In 1979, Bluegrass banjo and mandolin player Bobby Napier was crushed by a falling rock. He was a member of The Lost Creek Boys Bluegrass Band.

In 1980, legendary vaudeville actress Mae West died of natural causes at 87. West fits into the category of music as she actually recorded a rock LP with such songs as "Twist And Shout" and "Shakin All Over".

In 1983, Badfinger member Tom Evans hung himself. He was 36.

In 1994, swing and scat king Cab Calloway died after never fully recovering from a stroke suffered six months earlier. He was 86 years old when he died.

In 1995, manager and promoter Peter Grant died of a heart attack. Grant had managed, among others, Led Zeppelin, The Yardbirds, Jeff Beck, The Animals and Chuck Berry.

In 1997, INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence was found dead at the age of 37 in his hotel room at the Ritz Carlton in Double Bay, Sydney. The cause of death was suicide by hanging. Hutchence was in Sydney preparing for INXS' 20th anniversary tour which was scheduled to begin in three days.

In 1998, guitarist Seth Dogramajian aged 48. Dogramajian had been a member of Long Island Sounds with Gene Simmons before Simmons' KISS days. Seth was also a member of the Lynx, later renamed The Missing Links.

In 1999, Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps member Grady Owen. He played rhythm guitar, bass and sang.

In 2001, jazz pianist Tommy Flanagan died of complications linked to an aneurysm he'd suffered ten years earlier. Flanagan had worked with Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, John Coltrane (on his "Giant Steps" album), Yusef Lateef, Sonny Rollin, Barry Harris, Miles Davis, Donald Byrd and more. He died aged 71.

In 2001, Scott Murray, drummer for Australian band 28 Days, was killed when a car struck him as he was crossing a street in Melbourne.

BACK TO CONTENTS

NEWSLETTER SUGGESTIONS

If there's a segment or something you think bmusic should include in it's weekly newsletter just let us know. Drop us a line at feedback@bmusic.com.au After all, the newsletter is for you. If you have a story or an article you'd like to have considered for inclusion just e-mail it to feedback@bmusic.com.au

BACK TO CONTENTS

DON’T WANT THE bmusic NEWSLETTER?

If you’re sick of our boring newsletter, or you have wrongfully been placed on the Subscription list for bmusic, simply reply to this e-mail and replace the subject line with UNSUBSCRIBE and we won’t hassle you anymore.

BACK TO CONTENTS

PRIVACY

You can rest assured that your e-mail address and any other details bmusic has about you will never be forwarded to parties outside the bmusic organization. We are as sick as you are of getting unauthorised, crap e-mails from some mail list. Credit card numbers are not stored by bmusic.

BACK TO CONTENTS

SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK!

A free service brought to you by www.bmusic.com.au Copyright © 2003 bmusic.

To receive the bmusic weekly e-newsletter simply click Here and send the e-mail.

If you've missed a newsletter simply visit the bmusic newsletter Archive.

BACK TO CONTENTS