On this day: March 31, 1967

Finishing up a tour at London's Finsbury Park Astoria, later renamed The Rainbow Theatre, on March 31, 1967, the headliner was expected to be The Walker Brothers, but instead newcomers The Jimi Hendrix Experience stole the show when singer Jimi Hendrix set fire to his guitar on stage.

Hendrix was gaining notoriety after the release of his single Hey Joe, and his second single Purple Haze, which the group was performing as the fire took place, promised to be even more successful.

Rock and roll had never been hotter.

Other notable events for March 31:
-Robert Plant's second solo single, Our Song, was released on March 31, 1967
-Lou Reed made his UK singles chart debut on March 31, 1973 with Walk on the Wild Side
-Two members of Orbital were not allowed to perform on Britain's Top of the Pops TV show on March 31, 1990 because they were wearing t-shirts protesting the local poll tax
-Gloria Estefan was seriously injured when her tour bus collided with a juggernaut on March 31, 1991

On this day, March 30, 1967

On March 30, 1967 the Beatles arrived at photographer Michael Cooper's studio in Flood Street, Chelsea for a photo shoot. Little did anyone know, the photos taken that day would become the iconic album cover for their Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album.

Each of the Beatles were dressed as pantomime militia and were holding brass and woodwind instruments. They were surrounded by images of each of the Fab Fours all-time heroes.

George Harrison's heroes included Eastern religious leaders, John Lennon's heroes included Oscar Wilde, H.G. Wells, Edgar Allan Poe, and other literary figures, Paul McCartney's heroes included composer Karlheinz Stockhausen, and sculptor Simon Rodia, and Ringo Starr's heroes included Stuart Sutcliffe.

Other notable events for March 30:
-Fraulein, by Bobby Helms, entered the US country singles charts on March 30, 1957 where it remained for 52 weeks, making it the longest running chart single in the 50's
-The Chiffons topped the US singles chart on March 30, 1963 with He's so Fine
-85 rioting fans were arrested on March 30, 196 after a Rolling Stones concert in Paris
-The Sex Pistols entertained a crowd of 50 for their first booking at London's 100 Club on March 30, 1976
-The Greatest Hits album by Eurythmics outsold combines sales of the next six albums in the UK chart on March 30, 1991

On this day: March 29, 1957

Lonnie Donegan, the 'Irish Hillbilly' begin his second US tour on March 29, 1957 with a show at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Donegan was still riding on the success of his hit Rock Island Line, which had been released a year earlier, and had sold over 150,000 copies in the first two weeks.

Rock Island Line was regarded as a skiffle novelty song by most critics, but radio play helped give the song mainstream success.

Other notable events for March 29:
-After their single, Cover of Rolling Stone, Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show were actually pictured on the front of the magazine on March 29, 1973
-All six Led Zeppelin albums released to this point were in the charts on March 29, 1975
-Dolly Parton's The Bargain Store topped the US country charts on March 29, 1975 despite being banned from some radio stations for supposedly suggestive lyrics
-Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon spend its 303 week in the US charts on March 29, 1980, thus beating the record previously held by Carole King's Tapestry

On this day: March 28, 1979

One day after his nation-wide tour started, on March 28, 1979 Eric Clapton took time off to marry Patti Boyd, George Harrison's ex-wife.

There were apparently no hard feelings between Harrison and Clapton, Harrison, among other stars, was expected at the reception planned for after the tour.

Boyd and Clapton had known each other for many years, and many speculate the song Badge, written by Clapton and Harrison, and a later hit for Cream, expressed Clapton's feelings in the line 'talking about a girl that looks quite like you.'

Other notable events for March 28:
-Eddie Cochran recorded Summertime Blues on March 28, 1958
-Radio Caroline, Britain's first pirate radio station began broadcasting on March 28, 1964
-David Crosby fell asleep at the wheel on March 28, 1982 thanks to a myriad of drugs in his system. Luckily no one was hurt when he crashed his car, but he was arrested when police found cocaine and other drug paraphernalia in the car

On this day: March 27, 1965

The Yardbirds replaced departing guitarist Eric Clapton with relative newcomer Jeff Beck on March 27, 1965.

Beck brought a new dimension of sound to the band, thanks to his experiments with feedback, and use of extra light strings. One music critic raved 'Jeff's arrival in the Yardbirds is the best thing that ever happened to them.'

Other notable events for March 27:
-Grand Funk Railroad fired their manager Terry Knight on March 27, 1972
-Grateful Dead leader Jerry Garcia was pulled over on March 27, 1973 for speeding in the New Jersey turnpike and put in jail for three hours. Garcia had to pay $15 for the speeding ticket, but much more when police found various illegal substances in his car
-ABBA topped the UK chart on March 27, 1976 with their Evolution Song contest winner, Save Your Kisses for Me
-Ronnie Lane, ex-Small Faces, Faces, and Slim Chance, was admitted to the hospital on March 27, 1982 for treatment of multiple sclerosis

On this day: March 26, 1977

Declan P. McManus, more commonly known as Elvis Costello released his first single on March 26, 1977. The single was titled Less than Zero, and it failed to chart.

Costello was an unknown in the music industry, but he grew board with his day job and sent a tape of his music to the new independent label Stiff Records. Producers could hear an obvious talent, and signed Costello right away.

Soon after, he released two other songs which fared better; Alison (My Aim is True), and (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes. Costello soon gained the attention of the music press and fans alike.

Other notable events for March 26:
-Three versions of Let Me Go Lover, by Dean Martin, Teresa Brewer, and Ruby Murray, all placed in the top 10 UK singles chart on March 26, 1955
-The Police, currently at the height of their fame on March 26, 1980, played a one-off show in Bombay, India. They were the first western pop group to do so in 10 years

On this day; March 25, 1978

Nearly 20 years after his death, Buddy Holly reached the number 1 spot on UK charts on March 25, 1978 with his album, 20 Golden Greats. Holly had done relatively well on the charts before, with his 1963 album Reminiscing and Buddy Holly Story both placing on the charts.

Ironically, some think if Holly hadn't died when he did, he would have faded away quickly. His last song released before his death, Heartbeat was a relative flop, and interest only picked up in him after news of his tragic death spread.

Other notable events for March 25:
-British jazz trumpeter Humphrey Lyttleton enthused about American R&B star Muddy Watters on March 25, 1955 in the UK pop weekly New Musical Express
-Elvis Presley made his  last concert appearance for eight years on March 25, 1961 at Pearl Harbor's Block Arena
-Bob Dylan and Donovan both made their UK singles chart debut on March 25, 1965. Dylan with The Times They are a Changin' and Donovan with Catch the Wind
-The Turtles topped the US charts with Happy Together on March 25, 1967

On this day: March 24, 1958

It is well known that Elvis Presley didn't shy away from his American duty. And on March 24, 1958, he traveled to the Memphis Draft Board to sign up for his obligatory two years. The date was especially important to Presley as two years to the day before had been his last performance on Dorsey Brothers Stage Show.

To prepare for the time he would spend in the army, Presley stockpiled songs to be released periodically, he also cut his famous hair and asked to be treated the same as the other boys in service.

Other notable events for March 24:
-A crazed fan at a Lou Reed concert in Buffalo, New York jumped on stage and bit into Reed's posterior on March 24, 1973
-The soundtrack album to the movie Absolute Beginners was released on March 24, 1986 it featured Ray Davies, David Bowie, and others
-Gloria Estefan was awarded a 'Golden Globe' by Columbia Records for selling 5 million albums outside the US on March 24, 1990

On this day: March 23, 1985

The ink was hardly dry from Billy Joel's first divorce, but that didn't stop him form marrying Christie Brinkley on March 23, 1985.

Joel had met Brinkley in 1982 when he was on vacation and playing a hotel piano in the Caribbean. Brinkley then stared in the music video for Joel's Uptown Girl, which would be his biggest hit of the decade.

Other notable events for March 23:
-Multi-instrumentalist 'Mother' Maybelle Addington joined country music's 'royal' Carter Family on March 23, 1926 by marrying Ezra Carter
-Eddie Cochran's C'mon Everybody entered the UK singles chart on March 23, 1959
-John Lennon's first book, In His Own Write, was published in Britain on March 23, 1964
-It was announced on March 23, 1985 that authorities at Wembley Stadium had refused to provide free facilities for the forthcoming Live Aid concert

On this day: March 22, 1956

Carl Perkins was severely injured and his brother, Jay Perkins, was killed when the pair smashed into a pick-up trick while driving to the Perry Como Show on March 22, 1956.

Perkins had just released Blue Suede Shoes, and was expected to top the pop, country, and R&B charts within weeks. The timing of the accident, while unfortunate for Perkins was fortuitous for a young Elvis Presley, who released his own version while Perkins was recovering. Presley, who was not only younger but also single, appealed more to young women than Perkins, who was married did.

Perkins was not bitter about the turn of events though, and was just happy he had had his own minor success first.

Other notable events for March 22:
-Buddy Holly and the Crickets played the Gaumont cinema in Salisbury on March 22, 1958 during their UK tour
-Ten Years After played a final UK concert in London on March 22, 1974, in 1978 the group's singer/guitarist Alvin Lee formed Ten Years Later without his former band mates 
-Mark Dinning passed away on March 22, 1986. He was the first singer to top the US singles chart with a 'death' record, Teen Angel

On this day: March 21, 1952

30,000 teenagers were disappointed in Cleveland on March 21, 1952 when DJ Alan Freed's Rock 'n' Roll Stage Show was cancelled due to too many people showing up.

Fire regulations stated there was only room in the arena for 10,000 people. It is interesting to note that most of the teens in attendance that night where white, at this time rock 'n' roll was still very much considered 'black' music, but that didn't stop these teens from wanting to dance the night away.

Other notable events for March 21:
-After a season at the Kaiserkeller on Hamburg's notorious Reeperbahn, the Beatles played an evening debut performance on March 21, 1961 at The Cavern
-The Guess Who's American Woman single was released on March 21, 1970
-David Bowie and Iggy Pop were arrested on March 21, 1976 on suspicion of marijuana possession at New York's Rochester Hotel. They were released on $2,000 bail
-Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter was released from jail on March 21, 1976 following publicity given to his case by the Bob Dylan song Hurricane

On this day: March 20, 1969

Some may consider March 20, 1969 as the beginning of the end for the Beatles, others may consider it a minor day of importance, and still others consider it a day of the greatest importance, it was on this day that John Lennon married Yoko Ono.

The couple met when Ono's artwork was displayed in a London gallery, although they were both married to others at the time, their attraction was evident and they were soon a couple.

Of the marriage Lennon said; 'intellectually, we didn't believe in getting married, but one doesn't love someone just intellectually.'

Other notable events for March 20:
-Eric Clapton and Buffalo Springfield members Richie Furay, Neil Young and Jim Messinna were arrested at a private residence in LA on March 20, 1968. They were charged with being in a place where it is suspected marijuana is being used
-Janis Joplin posthumously topped the US singles charts on March 20, 1971 with Me and Bobby McGee
-Marc Bolan and T. Rex topped the UK singles chart on March 20, 1971 for the first of four times with Hot Love
-The boat from which Radio Caroline, Britain's first pirate radio station, transmitted its illegal programs sank on March 20, 1980
-The Chipmunks could never be the same again following the death of record company executive Al Bennett on March 20, 1989, Alvin was named after him

On this day: March 19, 1976

Paul Kossoff, best known as the founder of Free passed away on March 19, 1976. He was just 26 years old. Kossoff was the son of comedian/ actor David Kossoff.

Drugs were a big part of Kossoff's life, and the previous August his heroine habit caused a heart attack and kidney collapse which resulted in his being dead for half an hour. In March Kossoff was traveling from London to New York and fell asleep in his seat, never to wake up.

Other notable events for March 19:
-Buddy Holly and the Crickets performed on March 19, 1958 at the Ritz in Wigan Lancashire as part of their UK tour
-Rolling Stone magazine reviled on March 19, 1970 that the opening words to the Beatles song Come Together were the same as Chuck Berry's You Can't Catch Me. "Here come old flat top, he come groovin' up slowly'.
-Duran Duran played to a full house on March 19, 1984 at New York's Madison Square Garden
-Les Warner, drummer with the Cult left the group on March 19, 1988 when they decided to relocate to LA

On this day: March 18, 1965

The Rolling Stones continued to embrace their moniker of 'the bad boys of rock' on March 18, 1965 when, after asking the owner of a service station use of the bathroom, Bill Wyman, Mick Jagger, and Brian Jones took matters into their own hands and urinated against the wall instead.

Charges were eventually pressed in the matter, and other band-mates including Charlie Watts and Keith Richards were expected to testify to the good characters of their friends. In the end each member of the offending party was fined $8 for the incident, but would forever be remembered as a rebel.

Other notable events for March 18:
-Bill Haley and the Comets arrived back in the states on March 18, 1957 after a world tour during which they performed for over 500,000 fans
-Production team Stock, Aitken and Waterman, had three singles in the top 4 places o the UK charts on March 18, 1989. They were; Jason Donovan's Too Many Broken Hearts, Bananarama's Help, and Donna Summer's This Time I Know it's for Real

On this day: March 17, 1990

Ric Greech passed away on March 17, 1990. Greech was best known for his time spent in the group Blind Faith, which also included Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton.

Greech was born in Bordeaux, France and was also a member of groups including; Farinas ,Air Force, a re-formed Traffic, and the Crickets.

Unfortunately, Greech was a heavy drug user and his time in all of these bands was as short lived as his life, which was ended use to debilities related to his drug use.

Other notable events for March 17:
-The Bee Gees their US television debut on March 17, 1968 on the Ed Sullivan Show
-American Hot Wax, the film about US disk jockey Alan Freed, the man who coined the term 'rock and roll', premiered in the US on March 17, 1978
-Prince began filming Graffiti Bridge on March 17, 1990, it was a follow up to his Purple Rain movie

On this day: March 16, 1979

A fight broke out on March 16, 1979 at a hotel bar between Elvis Costello's Attractions and members of Stephen Still's backing group. Issues first arose when some of the Attractions made offensive remarks about Still's cocaine habit, which he had recently kicked, and referred to Ray Charles as a 'blind ignorant n*****'

Costello and crew had been drinking heavily prior to the altercation and it is believed some of the anger from that night was misdirected, and had been caused by Linda Ronstadt recording five of Costello's songs recently, bringing him fame with the older 'uncool' generation.

Other notable events for March 16:
-Fats Domino's I'm Walkin' replaced his own Blue Monday at the top of Billboard's R&B chart on March 16, 1957
-Louis Armstrong topped the UK singles charts on March 16, 1968 with Wonderful World
-(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay by the late Otis Redding topped the US singles chart on March 16, 1968
-President Richard Nixon attended the first performance of the Grand Ole Opry on March 16, 1974, at the new purpose-built Opry House. It cost $15 million to build
-Seven members of  country start Reba McEntire's backing group perished in a plane crash on March 16, 1991

On this day: March 15, 1956

A new play opened on Broadway on March 15, 1956. It was called My Fair Lady, and it would go on to be one of the most well known plays of all times.

The original play is an adaptation of Pygmalion, in which a rich man transforms a working class woman who is hard around the edges into a lady of society. The play stared several big names for the time including; Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway, and Julie Andrews.

It also spawned a hit album with such well known songs as On the Street Where You Live, and I Could Have Danced All Night.

My Fair Lady is still performed on a regular basis throughout the world.

Other notable events for March 15:
-Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers arrived in Britain on March 15, 1957 for a tour
-A Los Angeles radio station played the Donny Osmond single Puppy Love for 90 minutes non-stop on March 15, 1972
-The movie Rude Boy, featuring the Clash, opened in London on March 15, 1980
-Phil Lynott's third volume of poetry, A Collected Work of Phil Lynott was published on March 15, 1980
-The surviving Beatles became freemen of the city of Liverpool on March 15, 1984

On this day: March 14, 1972

President Ronald Reagan made a lot of fans on March 14, 1972 when he issued an unconditional pardon to a self described fully rehabilitated member of society, Merle Haggard.

Haggard had a rough childhood when his father passed away when he was just nine years old. After that time, he began having run-ins with the law and eventually he was sentenced to two years and five months in San Quentin prison for burglary.

His prison stay was notable for two reasons; first, he spent a part of it in a solitary cell next to Caryl Chessman, a homicidal rapist who was the subject of a song by Ronnie Hawkins, and he was also in prison when Johnny Cash made a visit to perform for the inmates.

After his release Haggard worked hard to turn his life around, and the unconditional pardon is proof he was successful.

Other notable events for March 14:
-Marty Robbins made his US chart debut on March 14, 1953 with I'll Go On Alone
-Elvis Presley's 26th movie, Stay Away Joe, premiered on March 14, 1968
-The Rolling Stones played a farewell concert at the Roundhouse in London on March 14, 1971, the band was forced to move to France due to tax exiles
-Roxy Music topped the UK chart on March 14, 1981 with their cover version of John Lennon's Jealous Guy, released as a tribute to the recently lost Beatle

On this day: March 13, 1965

Eric 'Slowhand' Clapton left the Yardbirds on March 13, 1965. It was the eve of the release of the groups third single For Your Love.

Clapton, who is a blues purist was reportedly constantly at odds with bass player Paul Samwell-Smith over musical policy. Samwell-Smith prefered a more commercial arrangement, which can be heard on For Your Love with bongos and harpsichord. Samwell-Smith was quotes as saying the group needed a commercial song to break into the mainstream. If they had continued to play only the blues, the group may never have found stardom.

Other notable events for March 13:
-Million-selling pop/folk act the Kingston Trio were nearly killed in a plane crash on March 13, 1959 it was just five weeks after Buddy Holly was killed in similar circumstances
-Rod Stewart left Steampacket on March 13, 1966 to resume his solo career
-David Cassidy made his US top 40 debut on March 13, 1971 with Cherish
-U2 topped the UK album charts for the first time on March 13, 1983 with War

On this day: March 12, 1969

It was a happy day for the Beatles on March 12, 1969 when the last bachelor Beatle married Linda Eastman in a civil ceremony at London's Marylebone Registry Office.

None of the other Beatles were present at the ceremony in an attempt to minimize the amount of fans in the area at the time. Although Harrison and his wife had planned a reception at the Ritz Hotel, it wasn't meant to be, as police raided his home and found controlled substances throughout.

Fans who were witness to the couple after the ceremony were happy with McCartney's choice, though possibly a bit surprised.

Other notable events for March 12:
-The Beatles played in Washington on March 12, 1964, their first live show in America
-LA rock band Love released their first album on March 12, 1966, it was also called Love
-Jethro Tull's Aqualung album was released on March 12, 1971, as was John Lennon's first solo album since the break up of the Beatles, Power to the People
-Joe Stampley enter the US country charts on March 12, 1976 with The Sheik of Chicago, a tribute to Chuck Berry

On this day: March 11, 1967

It was announced on March 11, 1967 that a song by the Beatles was the most covered song of all time, with a record 446 different recordings by other artists since its release.

Originally the composition was passed on for being too mellow and nicey-niccey. But, when Paul McCartney added his own lyrics magic happened. The song was first featured in the movie Help! and would go on to be a hit for other artists including; Marianne Faithful and Matt Monro, as well as Ray Charles.

Other notable events for March 11:
-Manfred Man (aka The Mann Hugg Blues Brothers featuring P.P. Jones) played London's Marquee for the first time on March 11, 1963
-Tom Jones topped the UK charts on March 11, 1965 with It's Not Unusual
-The Slits made their concert debut on March 11, 1977
-It was announced on March 11, 1989 that  the revival of Gene Pittney's 1960's hit Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart had sold 2 million copies

On this day: March 10, 1977

Press lined the street outside Buckingham Palace on March 10, 1977, but for reasons that had little to do with the Queen.

The Sex Pistols, complete with new bass guitarist Sid Vicious were rumored to be signing their new contract with A&M Records in this location.

The band pulled up to the spot, and made some rude signs before driving away. However, they soon returned, and the contract was signed.

The spot chosen for the signing was a little ironic, as the next single from the group would be called God Save the Queen, however despite the seemingly supportive title, the song was  anything but favorable towards Queen Elizabeth II.

Other notable events for March 10:
-Johnnie Ray was mobbed on March 10, 1956 on his arrival in Australasia for his first down under visit
-David Bowie recorded an in-concert album on March 10, 1974 called David Live, it was recorded at Philadelphia's Tower Theatre
-Andy Gibb passed away on March 10, 1988
-Russian teenagers revealed in a survey on March 10, 1990 the acts they would most like to see in concert were; Michael Jackson, Pink Floyd and the Beatles

On this day: March 9, 1972

UNICEF was given a very generous donation of $1,200,000 on March 9, 1972 from Allan Klein, the manager behind George Harrison's Concerts for Bangladesh. However, many speculated the donation was a meager representation of what it should be.

Reportedly, $5 per unit from sales of the award winning triple album documenting the charity events which took place at Madison Square Garden in August 1971 should have been donated to the charity. Poor regulations and lack of registering the event as a charity meant no one was paying as close of attention to the sales figures as they should have been.

Rolling Stone Magazine and other publications formally accused Klein of taking money that should have been given to the charity.

Other notable events for March 9:
-Rival versions of the calypso hit The Banana Boat Song were released on March 9, 1957 by the Terriers and Harry Belafonte
-Brian Epstein attended his first lunchtime session at The Cavern on March 9, 1961, the session starred the Beatles
-Rolling Stone Brian Jones entered the hospital on March 9, 1967 with respiratory problems
-The last performance of the Grand Ole Opry took place on March 9, 1974 at the Ryman Auditorium on Nashville

On this day: March 8, 1986

Exactly 16 years after her first solo concert, Diana Ross topped the UK charts with her single Chain Reaction on March 8, 1986.

Before going solo Ross was a member of perhaps the most successful girl group ever, The Supremes. During her time with the group Ross enjoyed 10 number one singles in less than three years.

While her solo career was not a bust, she never saw the same success she had had when she was with the group. Before the 1986 hit, her last number one was I'm Still Waiting, which was released in 1971

Other notable events for March 8:
-Britain's New Musical Express predicted on March 8, 1957 that newcomer Tommy Sands would quickly eclipse the success of Elivs
-The Beatles were heard on BBC radio for the first time on March 8, 1962 on a show called Teenager's Turn
-The Dave Clark Five made the first of many appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show on March 8, 1964
-The Beatles held the top 2 places in the US album charts on March 8, 1969 with The Beatles (aka The White Album), and the soundtrack album to their feature film Yellow Submarine
-Mick Jagger became a Friend of Covent Garden Opera House on March 8, 1969

On this day: March 7, 1976

Elton John was honored on March 7, 1976 with his own waxwork in the famed Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

John was the the first pop start since the Beatles to be given such an honor. But, it was hard to deny the success of the star at that time. He had had a string of hits starting in 1971 with Your Song, and in 1975 had sold over 1 million albums.

Another contributing factor to as why John was chosen may have been his over the top costumes and flamboyant glasses would have made him a much more entertaining figure to create than retiring Prime Minister Harold Wilson's designated successor, James Callaghan, who was immortalized in wax soon after.

Other notable events for March 7:
-The first jazz record was released on March 7, 1917, it was called The Dixie Jazz Band One Step, and was by Nick LaRocca's Original Dixieland Jazz Band
-The Beatles made their broadcast debut on March 7, 1962 when they appeared on the BBC's radio program Light Programme
-During a Rolling Stones performance at the Palace Theatre on March 7, 1965 a girl fell from a balcony
-Brian Wilson's Caroline No, released March 7, 1966, was the first solo single from any member of the Beach Boys

On this day: March 6, 1970

On March 6, 1970 a musician released an album, not that big of a deal, except when you realize the musician is a man named Charles Manson, and he was currently, and is still, serving a life sentence in prison for being the mastermind behind the murder of Sharon Tate by his 'Family'.

Manson brainwashed his 'Family' prior to carrying out the murder, and claimed to hear hidden messages in many Beatles songs, specifically from the White Album including; Helter Skelter, Piggies, Revolution, Rocky Racoon, and Blackbird.

Before turning into a murderer/psychopath Manson was a wannabe pop star, he auditioned for the Monkees, and even played with the Beach Boys a few times. His composition Cease to Exist, re-titled Never Learn Not to Love actually appeared on a 1968 B-side. There are some that speculate if he was more successful with music would he never have turned to murder.

Other notable events for March 6:
-The Filmore East opens in New York on March 6, 1968
-Sandie Shaw was married on March 6, 1968 to fashion designer Jeff Banks
-John Lennon's US visa was revoked on March 6, 1972

On this day: March 5, 1982

John Belushi, actor, comedian and musician passed away on March 5, 1982. He was just 33 years old.

Belushi died of an accidental drug overdose which caused respiratory failure.

Remembered mostly for his films including; Animal House and The Blues Brothers, few know his musical performances in these movies gained attention on the US charts. He is well known for his cover of Barrett Strong's Money, and even more so for his version of Louie Louie by the Kingsman.

Although the world lost this great man over 30 years ago, his legacy will live on for generations through the work he left behind.

 

Other notable events for March 5:
-Sergent Elvis Presley was officially demobbed on March 5, 1960
-Gene Pitney entered the UK charts with That Girl Belongs to Yesterday on March 5, 1964, it was a cover of a Rolling Stones composition
-The Mannish Boys with David Bowie released their debut single on March 5, 1965, I Pity the Fool
-Catch My Soul, Jack Good's adaptation of Othello opened in Hollywood on March 5, 1968

On this day: March 4, 1966

The Beatles were in hot water on March 4, 1966 when John Lennon made a comment about godlessness in this time. While the comments were almost looked passed when they originally appeared in London's Evening Standard, when they were reprinted in the American magazine Datebook, outrage ensued.

Lennon said; The Beatles are more popular than Jesus right now, and Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink.

The outrage in America was huge, and millions protested the group, smashed their albums and all around bashed the Fab Four. Eventually the pandemonium died down, but it was never forgotten.

Other notable events for March 4:
-The Rolling Stones played the first date of their 'farewell' tour on March 4, 1972 in Britain before tax exile in France
-The Rolling Stones recorded their Love You Live album on March 4, 1977 at Toronto's El Mocambo club
-Four of the top five singles in the US were produced and composed by the Bee Gees on March 4, 1978

On this day: March 3, 1966

Buffalo Springfield was formed on March 3, 1966 when singer/songwriter Stephen Stills joined forces with Richie Furay, Neil Young and Dewey Martin. The band was named, so the story goes, after seeing the phrase on the side of a steamroller.

The group almost never happened, if it hadn't been for a traffic jam in LA where Stills, Young and Furay were all stuck in. Or if you chose to believe the other story, Stills had been trying to get in contact with Young for some time with no success. Then one day he happened to spot Young's trademark hearse driving in the opposite direction on the Sunset Strip and chased him down. Either way, without these four members, one of the best groups of the mid 60's would never have been.

For What it's Worth, the biggest hit for the group was written about the LA riots, and further immortalized in the movie Riot on Sunset Strip. Unfortunately, internal issues broke the band up within a few years, but Stills and Young both went on to have successful careers with and without each other, and Furay went on to launch Poco.

Other notable events for March 3:
-Elvis Presley made his first appearance on March 3, 1955 on the influential American country television show, Louisiana Hayride
-Slade's Cum On Feel the Noize entered the UK charts at number 1 on March 3, 1973, this was the first time a single entered at number 1 since the Beatles had broken up
-London auctioneers Sothrbby held their first auction of pop memorabilia on March 3, 1980 

On this day: March 2, 1983

March 2, 1983 is a big day for music, maybe one of the biggest ever. It was on this day that the compact disc was first released in Britain.

Music lovers all around the world were impressed with the improved sound quality, and it soon became apparent CD's would overtake both records and cassette tapes.

Ringo Starr was not impressed with the new technology at first, stating the new technology was too clean, however within a few years his whole catalog of music would be available.

The first CD ever pressed was of course Born in the USA, by Bruce Springsteen.

Other notable events for March 2:
-Buddy Holly and the Crickets played their first British date on March 2, 1959
-Elvis stepped on British soil for the first time on March 2, 1960, and the last. The only reason the King was in the UK was because the plane which was returning him from his national service stopped there to refulel
-Englebert Humperdink's Release Me reached number 1 o  March 2, 1967, preventing the Beatles double Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane from reaching the top spot, and stopping their string of 11 number 1's in a row

On this day: March 1, 1969

Jim Morrison was arrested in Miami Florida on March 1, 1969 for lewd and lascivious behavior. Morrison had been shocking fans for years at this point, but authorities had finally had enough when the singer, who was a known stimulant abuser and heavy drinker, exposed himself while doing a routine with a towel.

In the past Morrison had been able to escape with minor charges, but this was much more serious, and probably would have resulted in heavy jail time, except Morrison fled to Paris at the time, and would never return.

Other notable events for March 1:
-Chess Records released singles by Muddy Waters, I Got My Mojo Working, and Chuck Berry, School Day, on March 1, 1957
-George Harrison announced his first US tour on March 1, 1974, he was the first Beatle to do so
-The Glitter Band released Angel Face on March 1, 1974 it was their first single without lead singer Gary Glitter
-Fred 'Sonic' Smith married Patti Smith on March 1, 1980