On this day: February 29

Happy leap day! Since this day comes around so infrequently, today, I'm going to look back at the top singles and top albums for leap days from 1960 to 1980

Top singles in the US for leap days:
1960- Theme from A Summer Place, by Percy Faith Orchestra
1964- I Want to Hold Your Hand, by The Beatles
1968- Love is Blue, by Paul Mauriat
1972- Without You, by Nilsson
1976- Theme from S.W.A.T., by Rhythm Heritage
1980- Crazy Little Thing Called Love, by Queen

Top singles in the UK for leap days:
1960- Why, by Anthony Newley
1964- Anyone Who had a Heart, by Cillla Black
1968- Cinderella Rockafella, by Ester and Abi Ofarim
1972- Son of My Father, by Chicory Tip
1976- December '63 (Oh What a Night), by Four Seasons
1980- Coward of the Country, by Kenny Rogers

Top albums in the US for leap days:
1960- The Sound of Music, by the original cast
1964- Meet the Beatles, by the Beatles
1968- Magical Mystery Tour, by the Beatles
1972- American Pie, by Don McLean
1976- Desire, by Bob Dylan
1980- The Wall, by Pink Floyd

Top albums in the UK for leap days:
1960- South Pacific Film Soundtrack
1964- With the Beatles, by the Beatles
1968- Greatest Hits, by Diana Ross and the Supremes
1972- Neil Reid, by Neil Reid
1976- The Very Best of Slim Whitman, by Slim Whitman
1980- The Last Dance, by various artists 

Other notable events for February 29:
-The Beatles dominated the US charts on Feb. 29, 1964 with their album Meet the Beatles at number 1 and Introducing the Beatles at number 2, they held the top spots for nine weeks
-Police officers discovered Buddy Holly's trademark glasses on Feb. 29, 1980 during a routine perusal files 
-Vince Neil left Motley Crue on Feb. 29, 1992
-Anthrax signed to Elektra on Feb. 29, 1992, for a reported $10 million

On this day: February 28, 1966

The venue where the Beatles performed over 280 shows, The Cavern, closed its doors for good on Feb. 28, 1966. The Beatles performed there between March 1961 and August 1963.

The Cavern was forced to close due to debts estimated to be about $15,000. The was the club to be at in the early 60's in England.

It was re-opened later that same year, but closed again in 1973 when the owners demolished the building. Later, a New Cavern Club was opened in the same location.

Other notable events for February 28:
-The Sex Pistols fired their original bass player Glen Matlock on Feb. 28, 1977. The replacement would be the infamous Sid Vicious
-Three successful 70's groups broke up on Feb. 28, 1981. Each would result in future success. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart of the Tourists because Eurythmics, Billy Idol, vocalist for Generation X became a solo star, and both Terry Williams and Dave Edmunds of Rockpile went on to work with Dire Straits and became a record producer respectively
-Michael Jackson won a record seven Grammy Awards on Feb. 28, 1984

On this day: February 27, 1967

Pink Floyd, a Cambridge based quartet, still relatively unknown, released their first single on February 27, 1967. It was called Arnold Layne.

The band was named after two businessmen, Pink Anderson, and Floyd Council, and would forever have to deal with questions from unaware people of 'which one's Pink?'

Arnold Layne was based on an actual local occurrence, and if you listened closely, the lyrics concerned a man who had stolen female underwear from washing lines. The song would reach the top 20 in the UK, in spite of the strange lyrics.

 

Other notable events for February 27:
-For the first time, on Feb. 27, 1955, sales of the recently released seven inch 45 rpm outsold the the larger 78 rpm
-Rolling Stone Keith Richards was arrested on Feb. 27, 1977 at Toronto's Harbour Castle Hotel for drug possession
-Godfather of soul James Brown was paroled on Feb. 27, 1991 after spending over two years in prison for resisting arrest after a car chase across two states, carrying a gun and persistent drug abuse

On this day: February 26, 1983

Michael Jackson's second album, Thriller reached number 1 on February 26, 1983. It was a follow up to his successful debut album Off the Wall, released in 1979,

Many consider Thriller the most successful album of all time, and it would go on to spend 37 weeks at the top of the chart, sell over 40 million copies worldwide. It was also the first album in the UK to have six hits, with five of them reaching the top 10, and in the US seven tracks made it to the top 10. They were; Billie Jean, Beat It, The Girl is Mine, Wanna Be Startin' Something, Human Nature, P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing), and of course Thriller.

Jackson received 12 Grammy nominations for this album.

Other notable events for February 26:
-A republican politician proposed a bill in the House of Representatives to ban the movement of obscene, lewd, lascivious or filthy discs, or any other article capable of producing sound on Feb. 26, 1954. The politician was not a fan of R&B
-Jimmy Page released his only pre-Led Zeppelin solo single on Feb. 26, 1965, it was called She Just Satisfies
-The Beatles music was finally released on digital on Feb 26, 1987

On this day: Febraury 25, 1989

February 25, 1989 was a pretty successful day for Roy Orbison, despite the fact he had passed away the previous December.

Orbison was involved with not just one, but two CD's on the charts that day. his own; Mystery Girl, and Volume One, the debut album of the Traveling Wilburys. Before these two albums, Orbison had been out of the spotlight, and off the charts for over 20 years.

He truly gave meaning to the phrase 'gone but not forgotten'

Other notable events for February 25:
-Irish singer Ruby Murray had three singles in the UK top 6 on Feb. 25, 1955; Softly Softly, Heartbeat, and Happy Days, Lonely Nights
-Buddy Holly recorded That'll be the Day on Feb 25, 1957 at Norman Petty's studio in Clovis, New Mexico
-The Beatles began filming their second feature film, Help! on Feb. 25, 1965. The film was originally called Eight Arms to Hold You, but was later changed
-Peter, Paul and Mary re-formed on Feb. 25, 1983 for their first European tour since 1967

On this day: February 24, 1967

The Bee Gees signed a five year contract with Robert Stigwood, an Australian music manager who was partners with Beatles manager Brian Epstein at one time.

Although their musical career began in Australia, The Bee Gees found fame in both the US and the UK. Their first single, New York Mining Disaster 1941, peaked just shy of the top 10 in the UK, and their next single, To Love Somebody was just as big in the US.

Throughout their career the Bee Gees would go on to have several more hits, but would also suffer great personal tragedy. Just going to show all that glitters is not gold, and fame is not always a happy ending

Other notable events for February 24:
-Bill Haley received a $250,000 guarantee on Feb 23, 1956 for 21 US oncerts
-Happy Mondays dominated the UK charts on Feb. 23, 1990 with 6 singles in the top 30

On this day: February 23, 1991

Whitney Houston achieved an impressive feat on February 23, 1991 when she earned her ninth number 1 song, in just six years.

Houston began her career when she was still just a teenager, providing backing vocals for Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls among others.

Her string of number one hits began in 1985 with Saving All My Love For You. In 1986 she had a hit with How Will I Know, and The Greatest Love of All, In 1987 she had success once again with I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me), and Didn't We Almost Have it All. In 1988 she released So Emotional, and Where Do Broken Hearts Go. In 1990 she had I'm Your Baby Tonight. And finally, in 1991, her ninth number 1 was All the Man That I Need.

Sadly, Houston passed away in 2012

Other notable events for February 23:
-Dire Straits played their first American show on Feb. 23, 1979 in Boston, Massachusetts
-The Smiths topped the UK charts on Feb. 23, 1985 with their album Meat is Murder, dethroning Bruce Springsteen's Born in the U.S.A.

On this day: February 22, 1976

Florence Ballard passed away on February 22, 1976, she was the original lead singer of the Supremes, but at the time of her death, at just 32 years old, she was living in poverty with her three children.

Ballard, Diana Ross, and Mary Wilson made up the original Supremes and began working together in 1960 as the Primettes. However, they were soon signed by Berry Gordy Jr. and the name was changed. It was no secret that Gordy favored Ross as the lead singer, and gave her such hits as; Baby Love, Stop! In the Name of Love, and Come See About Me. Ballard did get to sing at least one major hit though, she is the lead on Love Is Here and Now You're Gone.

But, tensions between Ballard and Ross continued to grow, and Ballard started drinking more heavily. By 1967 she had left the group to attempt a solo career, with little success.

Other notable events for February 22:
-Loretta Lynn claimed on Feb. 22, 1959, after hearing of the death of her father, that she had had a dream that night of seeing him in a coffin
-Techno superstar Gary Numan closed his Numa Records label on Feb. 22, 1987
-The 1989 Grammy's were boycotted by rap artists when they discovered their award would not be broadcast on TV
-Andy Warhol passed away on Feb. 22, 1987

On this day: February 21, 1976

Country music was king on February 21, 1976 when Good Hearted Woman topped the charts.

The song was recorded by country music starts Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, and was from the album The Outlaws, the first country record in history to be certified platinum for selling over one million copies.

Before the success of The Outlaws, Nelson had traveled from his native Texas to Nashville, where he recorded songs including; Crazy, Night Life, Funny How Time Slips Away, and Hello Walls. But Nelson was not happy up north, and returned to Texas when his house burned down.

Jennings escaped death in 1959 when he gave up his seat on the ill fated plane that would kill Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper.

Other notable events for February 21:
-Three British Beat classics were released on Feb. 21, 1964; Little Children, by Billy J. Kramer, Just One Look, by The Hollies, and Not Fade Away, by The Rolling Stones
-Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water album entered the UK chart at number 1 on Feb. 21, 1970, it would remain there for the next 12 weeks
-Sly Stone was jailed on drug charges on Feb. 21, 1987

On this day: February 20, 1972

Paul McCartney was in some hot water on February 20, 1972 after his new band, Wings, released a song called Give Ireland Back to the Irish.

The song argued Great Britain should return the province of Northern Ireland to the jurisdiction of the Dublin government, which controlled the rest of the island. Although most critics dismissed the song, and it was almost immediately banned from all airways in the UK, the release of the song was troubling as it came just weeks after Bloody Sunday, when a civil rights march turned into a riot.

In spite of the controversial single, Wings would go on to release several popular songs.

Other notable events for February 20:
-Cher filed for divorce from her husband Sonny on Feb. 20, 1974, she would go on to marry Gregg Allman just four days after the divorce was finalized
-Kiss placed their footprints in concrete outside Grauman's Chinese Theater in LA on Feb. 20, 1976
-A New York court ruled on Feb. 20, 1976 that John Lennon's alleged verbal agreement with Morris Levy of Roulette Records was invalid. The agreement was for Lennon to release an album of vintage rock songs from the 50's. It was denied because Lennon was already contracted to Capitol/EMI

On this day: February 19, 1977

On February 19, 1977 Fleetwood Mac released their biggest album to date, and probably ever, Rumors.

In spite of being recorded at a time when the band was in the middle of a great deal of personal turmoil, three relationships that involved at least one member of the band were breaking up, the album would go on to spend 31 weeks at the top of the charts. The album also generated four top 10 US hit singles with; Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Don't Stop, and You Make Loving Fun.

I guess it's true what they say, personal issues can create some of the best music, at least in the case of Fleetwood Mac

Other notable events for February 19:
-Carl Perkins, who originally sang Blue Suede Shoes, left Sun Records on Feb. 19, 1958 to become the first major rockabilly artist to sign with Columbia
-Donna Summer's first disco hit Love to Love You Baby won a gold disk on Feb. 19, 1976 for selling over a million copies
Ronald 'Bon' Scott, vocalist in AC/DC, died Feb. 19, 1980 in his car after an evening of drinking

On this day: February 18, 1968

Psychedelic drugs had begun taking a toll on Pink Floyd founder and singer/guitarist Roger 'Syd' Barrett, and on February 18, 1968 he was officially replaced by Dave Gilmour who had occasionally played with the band to that point.

Barrett was responsible for many of the groups early hits including; Arnold Layne and See Emily Play, but his increasing drug use had made him unreliable and often incoherent.

Later, band member Roger Waters would go on to write the song Shine on You Crazy Diamond about the original singer/guitarist who was becoming more and more reclusive.

Other notable events for February 18:
-The Everly Brothers recorded When Will I Be Loved on Feb. 18, 1960, it was recorded during their last session for Cadence Records before they signed with Warner Bros. label
-Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band made their New York debut on Feb. 18, 1971 at Unganos
-Sparkle in the Rain by Simple Minds entered the UK charts at number 1 on Feb. 18, 1984
-Yoko Ono was born Feb. 18, 1933
-John Travolta was born Feb. 18, 1954

On this day: February 17, 1969

Two musical greats came together on this day in 1969, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash collaborated in a recording project at CBS Studios. Both had expressed interest in working together in the past, but because of busy schedules this was the first time both were available.

In spite of several songs being recorded that day, only Dylan's Girl From The North Country was ever used on a album, appearing on Nashville Skyline.

Dylan said of the session later; "I was scared to death."

Other notable events for February 17:
-Elvis wins his first Gold award on Feb. 17, 1960 for his album Elvis
-Joni Mitchell announced she would no longer make live appearances on Feb. 17, 1970. Her hiatus would last less than a year when she performed on stage at the Isle of Wight Festival
-Pink Floyd began a three-night live session on Feb. 17, 1972 at London's Rainbow Theater where they premiered material that would later become part of Dark Side of the Moon
-The Clash opened the US portion of their Pearl Harbor '79 tour on Feb. 17, 1979 at New York's Palladium

On this day: February 16, 1991

Sinead O'Connor is known for her controversial antics, let's not forget the Saturday Night Live performance where she tore up a picture of the Pope. On February 16, 1991 O'Connor continued her shocking antics by announcing she would not accept any Grammy Awards she might win.

O'Connor was nominated for four awards that year including; Best Album, Best Song, Best Female Vocalist and Best Alternative Album.

She would actually go on to win Best Alternative Album (the first time this award was given), Best Record of the Year and Best Alternative Musical Performance, and was the first artist ever to refuse her awards.

Other notable events for February 16:
-The BBC broadcast the first TV show aimed directly at a teenage audience on Feb. 16, 1957
-Paul Anka married Marie Ann Dezogheb on Feb. 16, 1963, the wedding took place in Paris
-Ricky Nelson began his first British tour on Feb. 16, 1972, on the tour, Nelson shed his pop past in favor of a country rock sound
-Sonny Bono is born Feb. 16, 1935
-ABBA the Movie premiers on Feb. 16, 1978

On this day: Febraury 15, 1981

The film Dance Crazy premiered on February 15, 1981.

It featured several acts that had risen to stardom thanks to the 2-tone movement, which began in Coventry, England. Some of the acts featured in the movie were; The Specials, Madness, The Selector, The Beat, and The Bodysnatchers.

Most of the acts features were inter-racial and were known for playing West Indian ska music. An album was also released with the movie, and it would eventually climb to the top 5 in the charts

Other notable events for February 15:
-Joe Turner recorded the original Shake, Rattle and Roll on Feb. 15, 1954, it would later become the first top 5 hit in the UK for Bill Haley and the Comets
-The Dick Clark Show launches on Feb. 15, 1958. The first guests included; Connie Francis, Chuck Willis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Pat Boone, and Johnnie Ray
-The Bottom Line club opened in New York City on Feb. 15, 1974
-Nat King Cole passed away Feb. 15, 1965, he had had cancer

On this day; february 14, 1977

Happy Valentines Day!

On this romantic day, it's only appropriate to talk about a band that was filled with love and relationships, at least it was on February 14, 1977 when ABBA played the final concert of their British tour.

ABBA had just had their most successful year yet, releasing three big hits; Mamma Mia, Fernando, and Dancing Queen, but even more impressive than that is the fact that this group is from Sweden, and only a handful of acts outside the US and the UK had managed any kind of success at this time.

Other notable events for February 14:
-The Who recorded Live at Leeds on Feb. 14, 1970
-John Lennon and Yoko Ono hosted the Mike Douglas Show on Feb. 14, 1972 while Douglas took a vacation
-Billy Idol left his group Generation X on Feb. 14, 1981 to begin his solo career

On this day: February 13, 1981

Pink Floyd set a staggering record on February 13, 1981 when their mega hit Dark Side of the Moon became the longest-charted rock album in history, when it completed its 402 week on the Billboard chart.

Only two other albums were on the charts longer; Johnny's Greatest Hits, by Johnny Mathis, and the original cast recording of My Fair Lady.

Dark Side of the Moon would go on to beat out both of these albums as well, and celebrated 560 weeks on the US charts in 1985. Becoming the all time longest lasting album on the charts.

Other notable events for February 13:
-The Rolling Stones appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on Feb. 13, 1966
-Phil Lynott, lead singer of Thin Lizzy married Caroline Crowther on Feb. 13, 1980. Crowther is the daughter of British entertainer Leslie Crowther
-The Jam's hit A Town Called Malice hits number 1 on Feb. 13, 1982, it was only released three days earlier
- Frank Sinatra launched hos own record label, Reprise, on Feb. 13, 1961. It would go on to sign major acts including; The Beach Boys, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young

On this day: February 12, 1967

British police raided the home of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards on February 12, 1967. The police were acting on a tip from a British newspaper, News of the World. When they entered the home, police found Richards, Mick Jagger, and Jagger's girlfriend Marianne Faithfull, along with a variety of drugs and illegal substances.

Richards and Jagger were both arrested and spent a few nights in jail. However, thanks to an impassioned letter that argued the sentence was much too harsh for the crime, the Stones were let off with hardly any punishment at all, and the press coverage of the event just helped the fuel the popularity of the band.

Other notable events for February 12:
-Screaming Jay Hawkins releases his hit I Put A Spell on You on Feb. 12, 1956. The song would later be a hit for The Alan Price Set
-London's Pye Records announced they had signed the 'British Bob Dylan' on Feb. 12, 1965. The record company had signed singer/songwriter Donovan
-Jimi Hendrix returned to his hometown of Seattle Washington on Feb. 12, 1968 to a hero's welcome. He even received a replica key to the city
-Debbie Harry announced she would be releasing a solo album on Feb. 12, 1981. The album was a flop

On this day: February 11, 1963, 1964 and 1965

If you're tired of reading about the Beatles on this blog of the biggest events in rock history, well then you might want to skip this post. But face it, the Beatles were a huge part of rock, and they hold an iconic place in its history, so you'll be hearing a lot more about them before the year is over, probably before the week is over too! However, for some reason, February 11, seems to have been a particularly busy day for the Fab Four, here are a few of the highlights.

February 11, 1963
The Beatles hit the studio on February 11, 1963. At a cost of 400 pounds, they spent 10 hours in the studio and recorded 10 different tracks.

Among the songs recorded were; I Saw Her Standing There, Misery, Do You Want to Know a Secret, and There's a Place.

February 11, 1964
This year on February 11, the Beatles played their first US concert, it took place at the Washington Coliseum in Washington D.C. and was mostly inaudible over the 8,000 plus screaming fans.

February 11, 1965
February 11, 1965 is a particularly happy day in Beatles history, Ringo Starr married his childhood sweetheart, Maureen Cox, in London. George and girlfriend Patti Boyd, as well as John and wife Cynthia Lennon were in attendance. Paul was away on Africa at the time.

Other notable events for February 11:
-Elvis performed Heartbreak Hotel on TV for the first time on Feb. 11, 1956
-The Monkees set a record on Feb. 11, 1969 when their album, More of the Monkees, jumped from number 122 to number 1 on the US charts
-Prince won Best Solo Artist on Feb. 11, 1985 at the fourth annual BRIT awards

On this day: February 10, 1988

Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose, but on February 10, 1988, Holly Johnson, the lead singer of Frankie Goes To Hollywood won in a big way. Johnson was being sued for apparently breaking his contract with record label ZTT (Zang Tumb Tumm).

The British High Court ruled in Johnson's favor that ZTT was unreasonable, and nonsensical. Soon after the decision Johnson signed with MCA records. And, as if that wasn't bad enough, ZTT was also ordered to pay Johnson's court costs, an estimated $500,000.Talk about relax!

Other notable events for February 10:
-The first ever gold record was presented to Glenn Miller on Feb. 10, 1942, it was for his song Chattanooga Choo Choo
-Record producer Phil Spector was injured in a car crash on Feb. 10, 1974
-Paula Abdul became the first female to have an album in the top 10 in the US charts for over 50 weeks on Feb. 10, 1990. The album was Forever Your Girl

On this day: Febraury 9, 1981

Bill Haley, the man who taught  teens everywhere how to rock around the clock passed away on February 9, 1981 when he was just 56 years old.

Haley was thrown into stardom unexpectedly when his hit Rock Around the Clock was featured in a movie and exploded on the charts. After that, he managed to have another 21 singles make the Billboard charts including; Burn That Candle, See You Later Alligator, Rip It Up, and more.

However, Haley was already in his 30's when stardom came, and his fame only lasted a few years when Elvis's bad boy image made Haley's squeaky clean 'good boy' image obsolete.

Other notable events for February 9:
-Paul McCartney and his group Wings began touring in the UK on Feb. 9, 1972. The group played small venues at several colleges and universities
-George Harrison presented UNICEF with a check for $9 million on Feb. 9, 1982. The check was a settlement for a benefit concert held in Bangladesh in 1971
-Pete Townshend, Chrissie Hynde and The Communards played a benefit show on Feb. 9, 1986 to benefit victims of a volcano eruption in Columbia
-Carole King is born on Feb. 9, 1941

On this day: February 8, 1990

Del Shannon, perhaps best known for the 60's hit Runaway, took his life on February 8, 1990.

Shannon found fame early in life with hits such as Runaway and other 60's classics, but feel into obscurity soon after. Though he worked hard for a comeback, and it seemed he might be successful at it too.

At the time of his death, he was finishing an album with production from Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne. He was also rumored to be a potential replacement for Roy Orbison in The Traveling Wilburys, a group made up of superstars including; Bob Dylan, Petty, George Harrison and Lynne.

Shannon was also recently married to his second wife. All these things however, were not enough to prevent Shannon from taking his life on a cold February day leaving behind a family and a generation of fans who would miss him.

Other notable events for February 8:
-P.J. Proby is banned from the American TV show Shindig on Feb. 8, 1965 due to several reports the singer was repeatedly splitting his pants onstage
-Peter Asher and Gordon Waller discontinued their writing partnership on Feb. 8, 1967 after co-writing 14 US hit singles together
-Blind Faith is created with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech on Feb. 8, 1969
-James Dean is born Feb. 8, 1931
-Creed Bratton (The Grass Roots, and The Office-TV show) is born Feb. 8, 1943

On this day: February 7, 1987

Paul Simon flew to London on February 7, 1987. All in all, not that notable of an event. However, once he landed he was immediately forced to defend his choice of music for his latest album, Graceland.

Simon had chosen to use local black musicians from South Africa on the album, a decision that rubbed many the wrong way due to an international political boycott of the country due to racial segregation.

Unfazed, Simon defended his choice saying music can never have political frontiers- the end justifies the means, especially when great musicians are provided with a wider international platform on which to perform. In the end, Simon was proven right as Graceland became one of his most successful albums.

Other notable events for February 7:
-1,000 mourners attend the funeral of Buddy Holly on Feb. 7, 1959. The funeral took place at Lubbock City Cemetery in Texas
-George Harrison undergoes surgery for a tonsillectomy on Feb. 7, 1965 at London's University College Hospital
-Pink Floyd premiers their live version of The Wall on Feb. 7, 1980 in LA
-Axl Rose is born Feb. 7, 1962
-Beatlemania ensues as the Fab Four touch down at New York's Kennedy Airport on Feb. 7, 1964. A riot almost occurs in the excitement of 10,000 fans seeing the supergroup land in America for the first time

On this day: February 6, 1981

The remaining Beatles, and the wife of the late John Lennon both paid tribute to the recently departed icon on February 6, 1981.

Yoko Ono paid her tribute to her husband by releasing a song on this date called Walking on Thin Ice- For John. Lennon had been working on this song the day he was shot and killed outside The Record Plant.

The surviving Beatles, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr came together, in a way, to record All Those Years Ago to remember their friend and fellow Beatle. Starr had actually recorded the song for an upcoming album, but decided not to use. Harrison was featured on the track as well. Later, McCartney and his wife added vocals of their own, and the song was finally released. Although the three Beatles were never together when the song was recorded, it was the first post Beatles track to feature all three of them.

Other notable events for February 6:
-The mother and sister of Feargal Sharkey are held at gunpoint by terrorists in Londonberry on Feb. 6, 1986
-Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn made their debut on the country charts with After the Fire has Gone on Feb. 6, 1971
-Kraftwerk becomes the first German group to top the UK charts with their hit Computer Love/The Model on Feb. 6, 1982

On this day: February 5, 1966

It was not uncommon for controversial songs to be released in the mid and late 60's, but perhaps one of the most controversial was released February 5, 1966.

The Ballad of the Green Berets was recorded and released by US Army Special Forces, Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler. Sadler had not only fought in Vietnam, but had lost a leg during his duty.

The controversy with this song came from the emotional lyrics in the song, talking about a young wife at home with a new baby and her husband has just been killed in battle, but his dying wish is for his young son to someday become a Green Berets just like the father he will never personally know now.

The song, although loved and hated in equal part, eventually hit number 1, and has been featured in several movies and TV shows over the years, further cementing its place in history

Other notable events for February 5:
-Perry Como, The Crew Cuts, Patti Page and Ray Anthony were named the biggest turn-ons in a New York radio contest on Feb. 5, 1955
-Will You Love Me Tomorrow hits number 1 on Feb. 5, 1961
-Rudy Pompilli, the sax player in Bill Haley's Comets passed away Feb. 5, 1976. Ironically, it was 19 year to the day since he had first set foot on British soil, as a sax player for the infamous band

On this day: February 4, 1983

On February 4, 1983 Karen Carpenter was found unconscious in her parents home in Downey California. She was just 32 years old.

Carpenter was rushed to the hospital, but never regained consciousness. Her cause of death was later ruled as heartbeat irregularities associated with anorexia.

Throughout their career the Carpenters, a brother and sister duo, were known for their immaculately crafted songs which almost always had an upbeat happy feel to them. Some of their biggest hits included; (They Long to Be) Close to You, Top of the Word, and Please Mr. Postman.

If one positive thing could have come from the passing of Carpenter it is the dangers of anorexia. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth more than 30 years later. Young women, and men, all over the country still feel they must fit into this 'standard' of beauty that only exists when you are a size 0. Education about health and different body types needs to be more common throughout schools everywhere, so this type of death can be avoided in the future.

Other notable events for February 4:
-Sales of the British music paper, New Musical Express top 100,000 for the first time ever on Feb. 4, 1955
-The Beatles appoint Eastman and Eastman as general council on Feb. 4, 1969, this is Paul McCartney's response to the hiring of Allen Klein the day before
-Two albums by Guns N' Roses, Appetite for Destruction and G n R Lies, were both in the top 5 for US album charts on Feb. 4, 1989. This was the first time this has happened in 15 years
-Alice Cooper was born Feb. 4, 1948

On this day: February 3, 1959

February 3, 1959, the day the music died.

In the middle of a snowstorm a small airplane took off from Mason City, Iowa carrying three of the biggest names in music at the time; Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. All were killed instantly.

The trio were touring as part of the Winter Dance Party tour and all three left promising careers behind.

The death of these three young men was immortalized in a song called American Pie, which just happens to be my favorite song of all time. If you listen to the lyrics, almost every line is related to these three musicians in one way or another, and many have a double meaning. I personally just like the song because it tells a fantastic story, unlike a lot of songs that just have a catchy beat or a hook that gets stuck in your head.

Other notable events for February 3:
-John Lennon, George Harrison and Ringo Starr appoint Allen Klein, Rolling Stones manager, as their new Mr. Fix-it on Feb. 3, 1969. Paul McCartney refused to sign
-On Feb. 3, 1990, for the first time, the top 3 singles on the UK charts were not by British acts. They were; Sinead O'Connor, Nothing Compares to You, Kylie Minogue, Tears on my Pillow, and Technotronic, Get Up
-John 'Ozzy' Osborne is born Feb. 3, 1948
-Record producer Joe Meek commits suicide on the 8th anniversary of Buddy Holly's death, Feb. 3, 1967

On this day: February 2, 1979

Many people weren't too surprised when they heard the news on February 2, 1979 that Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious had passed away. In fact, many people felt it was only a matter of time.

The last few months of Vicious' life were not the best, he was accused of murdering his girlfriend Nancy Spungen in October 1978,  and spent time in jail and in detox clinics trying to kick his heroin habit. Unfortunately, it was his drug use that would claim the 21 year old's life in early February.

Questions still surround the death of Spungen, and with the death of Vicious, there will probably never be answers.

Other notable events for February 2:
-The Coasters sign with Atlantic Records on Feb. 2, 1956, they would have 17 hits within the next 5 years
-Liberty Records, a UK record label was launched Feb. 2, 1962
-Duran Duran release their first single, Planet Earth, Feb. 2, 1981
-Graham Nash is born Feb. 2, 1942

On this day: February 1, 1986

Dick James, one of the best known names in the music publishing business passed away on February 1, 1986 due to a heart attack.

James began his career as a dance band vocalist, probably best known at this time for recording the theme song to the children's TV show Robin Hood, but soon found his real talents were behind the scenes as a publisher.

He signed a contract in 1962 with a little known group called the Beatles in which he would get 50 percent of the profits generated by songs written by Lennon/McCartney, each of the song writers would get 20 percent and the group's manager would get the remaining 10. Years later the Beatles tried to sue to get the full rights to their songs, but they were unsuccessful.

James also signed another unknown artist, Elton John, in the mid 60's. Legal battles soon came back once again, this time in favor of John who was awarded about $7.5 million in royalties.

 

Other notable events for February 1:
-The Beatles reach number 1 in the US for the first time on Feb. 1, 1964 with I Want to Hold Your Hand
-P.J. Proby was banned from appearing at venues controlled by the ABC theater chain after an incident where he split his pants on stage
-Ray Sawyer, Dr. Hook, was born Feb. 1, 1937
-Lisa Marie Presley was born Feb. 1, 1968