On this day: April 30, 1983

Blues legend McKinley Morganfield, better known as Muddy Waters passed away on April 30, 1983 at the age of 68. Waters died of a heart attack in his hometown of Chicago where he had moved over 40 year ago to work in a paper mill.

Waters made his first commercial recording in 1946 and was singed to the Aristocrat label, later Chess Records. Waters worked with many of the top names in blues throughout the 1950's including; Willie Dixon, Little Walter Jacobs, Otis Spann, Buddy Guy and more.

Perhaps what Waters is most famous for today is something most people don't even realize. Both the Rolling Stones, and Rolling Stone Magazine took their names from a line in one of Waters' songs.

Other notable events for April 30:
-Manchester group Herman's Hermits, led by actor Peter Noone, began their first US tour on April 30, 1965 supported by the Zombies. Both groups enjoyed greater chart success in the US than thier native Britian
-Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon album was absent from the US charts for the first time on April 30, 1988 after an incredible 725 weeks, just three weeks short of 14 years
-The Dirty Dancing soundtrack topped the UK album charts, while More Dirty Dancing was also in the top 3 of the chart

On this day: April 29, 1960

Warner Bros launched a new label in Britain on April 29, 1960 and immediately released one of the biggest hits of their artists careers, Cathy's Clown by the Everly Brothers.

Previously, on the Cadence label, the Everly Brothers had released a string of hits including; All I Have to do is Dream, Bird Dog, Problems, Take a Message to Mary, ('Til) I Kissed You, and more. Unfortunately, even though their first release for Warner Bros was a massive hit, the brothers would only release one more million-plus seller for the label, Walk Right Back.

Other notable events for April 29:
-Jerry Lee Lewis started his second UK tour on April 29, 1962, his first in 1958 had ended in disaster when the British media discovered he was married to his 13-year-old cousin
-Andrew Loog Oldham signed a management deal with the Rollin' Stones on April 29, 1963, insisting they add the final 'g'
-Black Sabbath began their first tour with vocalist Ronnie James Dio on April 29, 1980, Dio replaced Ozzy Osborne

On this day: April 28, 1990

It was a musical wedding when Guns n' Roses front man Axl Rose marries Erin Everly, the daughter of Don Everly of the Everly Brothers.

The couple did not enjoy a long honeymoon and Rose was filing for divorce within months. Although they temporarily reconciled, they eventually split for good before their one year anniversary.

In other areas of Rose's life things were not much better, Rolling Stone Magazine named Rose the worst male vocalist, and the worst dressed male rock artist. However, Guns n' Roses did win the Best Heavy Metal Band title.

Other notable events for April 28:
-Tom Donahue, the man responsible for launching FM radio in San Francisco at station KMPZ died on April 28, 1975, it was the same day he was due to return to the station as general manager
-Rolling Stone Bill Wyman launched AIMS on April 28, 1987 to provide promising young musicians with affordable time in the recording studio
-Peter Gabriel's innovative video for Sledgehammer won awards in the US for Best Pop Video and Best Design and Art Direction on April 28, 1987

On this day: April 27, 1981

Former Beatle Ringo Starr married his wife Barbara Bach on April 27, 1981. The couple had met on the set of the movie they were both staring in, Caveman. The movie was not well received, and much of the dialogue consisted of grunting.

While still dating, the couple were driving to a party when they were in a serious crash less than a mile from Barnes, West London. It was the same area where Marc Bolan had been killed in 1978.

George Harrison and Paul McCartney were among the gusts invited to celebrate the couples nuptials.

Other notable events for April 27:
-Capitol Records contacted Gene Vincent on April 27, 1956 telling him they wanted him to be their Presley equivalent
-David Bowie was delayed for several hours on the boarder between Russia and Poland on April 27, 1976 and customs officers confiscated Nazi memoribelia
-Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes appeared in a movie about an underground newspaper, Behind the Lines on April 27, 1977
-Deacon Blue played a charity gig on April 27, 1989 for the Lockerbie Air Disaster Fund

On this day: April 26, 1982

April 26, 1982 was not a great day for singer Rod Stewart, he was mugged and robbed while standing next to his $50,000 Porsche on Hollywood Boulevard.

Stewart had just released hos last single for Riva Records, How Long, and was about to begin a new contract with Warner Bros which would result in his first number one single in five years, Baby Jane.

Stewart had had a tumultuous career up to this point, and the attack he experienced that day didn't help matters.

Other notable events for April 26:
-Calypso hitmaker Harry Belafonte signed a $1 million deal on April 26, 1957, at the time he has eight singles on the charts, and five of his albums had reached the top 3
-Ringo Starr appeared in his first TV special on April 26, 1978, it was an updated version of Mark Twain's the Prince and the Pauper

On this day: April 25, 1988

Whitney Houston had a lot to celebrate on April 25, 1988 when her second album, Whitney not only entered the chart at number one, the first album by a female artist to do so, but also sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Along with her debut album, which had sold over 13 million copies, Houston became the only artist, male or female, whose first two albums sold over 10 million copies each.

As if this wasn't enough, Houston's single Where do Broken Hearts Go became her sevenths number one single in a row, breaking the record previously held by the Beatles, and the Bee Gees for six consecutive  number one singles.

Houston was the daughter of singer Cissy Houston, who had a major hit with Be My Baby, and the cousin of Dionne Warwick, but she was quickly making a name for herself as well.

Other notable events for April 25:
-Chief Nashville outlaw Willie Nelson played the White House in Washington on April 25, 1978 for President Carter who was a great supporter of Agusta's Capricorn label which also featured the Allman Brothers
-Carolyn Franklin, younger sister of Aretha, who had a few small R&B hits as a soloist after working as Aretha's backing vocalist for several years, died of cancer on April 25, 1988 at the age of 43

On this day: April 24, 1971

Bob Welch joined Fleetwood Mac on April 24, 1971 though the recommendation of Judy Wong, the wife of Glenn Cornick, bass player for Jethro Tull.

Fleetwood Mac had by this time lost two of their singer/guitarists to a religious cult known as the Children of God, the first being Peter Green, and the second being Jeremy Spencer, who walked out on the group while in the middle of a tour not to be seen again for over two years.

Green agreed to rejoin temporarily so the band could finish their tour, but made it clear he was not coming back full time. When Welch joined the band he was the first American to be part of the band. But, he was not long lasting either, leaving in 1975 to form a new group.

Welch was replaced by Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, in one of the best decisions made by Fleetwood Mac.

Other notable events for April 24:
-I Wonder Why became the first hit for both Bronx-based doo wop superstars Dion and the Belmonts, and the label for which they recorded, Laurie Records on April 24, 1958
-Emmylou Harris scored her first country chart hit on April 24, 1976 with  Together Again
-Stop Making Sense, the feature film made by Talking Heads premiered on April 24, 1987 in San Francisco

On this day: April 23, 1978

It's not unusual for groups to cover songs originally done by other artists, but when the Sex Pistols Sid Vicious covered Frank Sinatra's My Way on April 23, 1978 the world of music would change forever.

Vicious covered the song for a movie the band was making, and shows Vicious enter a small theater in Paris, take the stage to sing the song, and as the song progresses it becomes more and more heavy metal and less melodic.

The song would become a top 10 hit for the group.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udjS5yhtT8I

Other notable events for April 23:
-The famous Ash Grove club in Los Angeles, where famous acts like Canned Heat had played during their formative years, burned down on April 23, 1969
-Timothy Leary received a further prison sentence on April 23, 1973 following his 1970 escape
-Harold Arlen, writer of Over the Rainbow, famously recorded by Judy Garland, passed away on April 23, 1986
-Kylie Minogue was seen on British TV for the first time on April 23, 1989 on an Australian soap opera, the Henderson Kids

On this day: April 22, 1968

Herb Alpert was not known as much of a singer on April 22, 1968, he was busy as a record producer for his own A&M records, and with his instrumental band, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. But, when recording a TV special to promote the group's latest album, The Beat of the Brass, Alpert decided the audience deserved to hear something special.

Alpert dedicated the next song to his wife, and began singing This Guy's in Love With You. Soon after the show premiered, CBS was receiving a flood of phone calls about the song, and Alpert decided to release it as a single, it reached the number 1 spot in six weeks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWjbUAYcxII

Other notable events for April 22:
-John Lennon changed his middle name on April 22, 1969 to honor his new romantic interest, he went from John Winston Lennon to John Ono Lennon
-The Jam released their first single, In the City on April 22, 1977, it peaked at number 40 in the UK charts
-750,000 people attended Earth Day a show in New York's Central Park on April 22, 1990 that starred Hall and Oats, Edie Brickell, the B52's and Ben E. King

On ths day: April 21, 1978

A minor accident turned into a major tragedy when folk/rock singer Sandy Denny fell down a flight of stairs, and four days later, on April 21, 1978 died of a cerebral brain hemorrhage. Denny was a new mother and just 31 years old.

Denny was part of the group Fairport in the last 60's before starting her own group, Fortheringay with her boyfriend and future husband Trevor Lucas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUeTVLZoMeg

Other notable events for April 21:
-The Beatles and the Rolling Stones met for the first time on April 21, 1963 at the latter's regular Sunday evening gig at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, West London
-Janis Joplin played at the Royal Albert Hall, London on April 21, 1969
-Joe Strummer disappeared for three weeks on April 21, 1982, which resulted in the Clash, the group he fronted, cancelling a scheduled tour, he was found living rough in Paris
-Amy Grand sued Marvel Comics on April 21, 1990 for including her likeness in a Dr. Strange comic

On this day: April 20, 1992

Stars came together on April 20, 1992 at London's Wembly Stadium to honor and pay tribute to the late Freddie Mercury who passed away the previous November due to complications from AIDS.

The show raised awareness and over $15 million for AIDS research. It is estimated that over 1 billion people in 70 difference countries saw the show, more than saw the Live Aid event.

Performers included; David Bowie and Annie Lennox performing Under Pressure, George Michael and Lisa Stansfield performing These are the Days of Our Lives, Elton John and Axl Rose performing Bohemian Rhapsody, and for the grand finale, Liza Minnelli led a 90 person choir in a rendition of We  Are the Champions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i26406_EldM&list=PLCx_pXCshI0y0FcLm-gzNT2ZrwA2FDCg_

Other notable events for April 20:
-Thirteen-year-old Dolly Parton released her first single Puppy Love in America on April 20, 1959
-Vocal tracks for Eleanore Rigby were recorded for the Sgt. Pepper album on April 20, 1966. The original title of the album was Daisy Hawkins but was changed when McCartney spotted the name Rigby on a clothes shop

On this day: April 19, 1986

Prince topped three US charts, pop, dance and R&B for the third time in his career on April 19, 1986 with his single Kiss. Previously the songs that had earned him this title were; When Doves Cry, and Let's Go Crazy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lsKXnR04gk

Other notable events for April 19:
-Elvis Presley started his train journey (he had developed a fear of flying) from Memphis to Los Angeles on April 19, 1960 once in LA he would be filming G.I. Blues a film which portrayed him as a young US soldier in Germany
-Dead Boys drummer Johnny Blitz was stabbed in the street after a gig at New York's CBGB's club on April 19, 1978
-For the first time ever, the top five artists in the US country chart were all female on April 19, 1980. They were; Crystal Gayle, Dottie West, Debbie Boone, Emmylou Harris, and Tammy Wynette

On this day: April 18, 1981

Bass player for Yes, Chris Squire, and drummer Alan White both left the band on April 18, 1981, in-spite of the success of the band including nine UK top 10 albums since 1971. The two left with the intention of forming a new super group with ex-Led Zeppelin members Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. It never happened.

Yes was formed in 1968 and got their first major exposure as the opening act for Cream's farewell concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. Although the group was constantly in rotation of members, when White and Squire left, it meant the end of the band, at least for the next six months. The reformed later after the two's other plans failed to take shape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tdu4uKSZ3M

Other notable events for April 18:
-The first ever Western pop album was released in China on April 18, 1985, it was by Wham!
-Aretha Franklin finally reached the top of the UK singles chart on April 18, 1987. It was 20 years after her chart debut with Respect.

On this day: April 17, 1960

While traveling to London to get a light back to L.A. Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent were in a serious car crash near Chippenham in Wiltshire, England on April 17, 1960. The driver of the car, Cochran's fiancee, and Vincent all survived the crash, but Cochran was thrown through the windshield and killed.

During his short life, Cochran was a moderate star, with four singles that reached the British charts, but no number 1's. The songs, now classics, were; Summertime Blues, C'mon Everybody, Somethin' Else, and Hallelujah I Love Her So. After his death however, the singer became a star, as is often the case, and six more hits were released by Cochran by mid 1963.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In7z7B87Puc

Other notable events for April 17:
-Tony Bennett, reportedly Frank Sinatra's favorite singer, recorded his first track ever on April 17, 1962, it was Boulevard of Broken Dreams
-Johnny Cash played the White House for President Nixon on April 17, 1970. Nixon reportedly asked Cash to play Okie from Muskogee, A Boy Named Sue, and Welfare Cadillac
-Paul McCartney became the first composer to simultaneously have two songs on the US black music and country charts on April 17, 1982

On this day: April 16, 1990

London's Wembley Stadium hosted a massive concert on April 16, 1990. The concert was held to celebrate the release of black South African leader Nelson Mandela. Mandela was the leader of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and was sentenced to life in prison in 1964 for sabotage and plotting to overthrow the South African government.

Among the artists who participated in the event were; Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, Lou Reed, Bonnie Raitt, Simple Minds, the Neville Brothers, Tracy Chapman, and Aswad. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_G7vzJwcYM

Other notable events for April 16:
-The first album by the Rolling Stones was released on April 16, 1964 in Britain, two weeks later it had broken the album chart stranglehold by the Beatles which had lasted 51 weeks
-Stock, Aitken, and Waterman won the Ivor Novello Award on April 16, 1988 as top songwriters of the year

On this day: April 15, 1989

On April 15, 1989 Roy Orbison had one of the biggest, and most unexpected comebacks in music history.

After years without releasing a successful single, at least as a solo artist, Orbison had finally returned to the top 10 with the release of his song You Got It. Orbison had enjoyed some success as part of the Traveling Wilburys, along with Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and George Harrison, but solo success had been long gone for the 60's star.

Unfortunately,  Orbison was unable to enjoy any of his newfound success, he had passed away from a heart attack a few months earlier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zDjnDAwmig

Other notable events for April 15:
-The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards topped the UK chart on April 15, 1972 with their bagpipe version of Amazing Grace, eclipsing the definitive version by Judy Collins which had peaked at number 5 a year earlier
-Billy Joel broke his left wrist on April 15, 1982 when a car hit his motorcycle in Long Island. He was hospitalized for a month emerging shortly before he and his wife/manager Elizabeth were divorced

On this day: April 14, 1983

Stevie Wonder signed a multi-million dollar deal with Mowtown Records on April 14, 1983, it was not the first time the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist had been signed with the company.

Wonder, who started cranking out hits in the 60's when he was just 13, had worked with the company for most of his career. In fact, he was with Mowtown when he recorded some of his biggest hits including; Uptight (Everything's Alright), I was Made to Love Her, For Once in my Life, and My Cherie Amour.

In 1971 when Wonder turned 21, he was finally paid royalties for the songs he had recorded and released over the past eight years. The money allowed him to start his own record label. But, by the early 80's Wonder returned to the umbrella of Mowtown. It was a good move for both, as his next two singles; I Wish, and Sir Duke, as well as his double album all went platinum after their release.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otJsDVCkrfI

Other notable events for April 14:
-Pink Floyd demonstrated an electronic device known as the Azimuth Coordinator on April 14, 1968 during a concert at London's Royal Festival Hall
-The title of the second feature film by the Beatles was changed on April 14, 1965 from Eight Arms to Hold You to Help!
-Pete Townshend performed without the Who on April 14, 1974 at London's Roundhouse
-Gary Numan released the Turing Principle, on April 14, 1980, it was the first longform rock video to be commercially available in Britain

On this day: April 13, 1982

April 13, 1982 was not a Friday, but it was a pretty unlucky day for former Byrd, and member of Crosby, Stills, Nash (and sometimes Young), David Crosby. The singer was arrested in his dressing room at Cardi's, a nightclub in Dallas Texas. Police had found cocaine and a gun on Crosby.

Throughout the years, Crosby had had a great deal of success in many different bands, although it wasn't without it's issues. But the major drug problems didn't start for him until his girlfriend tragically passed away.

Unfortunately, Crosby's problems continued after this arrest, he was sentenced to five years in jail in 1983 for another drug charge, but began to work on his addiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q18Tht5bBtg

Other notable events for April 13:
-The Rolling Stones played their first concert behind the Iron Curtain on April 13, 1967 when they performed in Warsaw, Poland. Police broke up a riot during the show using tear gas
-Bill Haley's Rock Around the Clock returned to the Top 20 of the UK singles chart on April 13, 1968 after an absence of 10 years
-The musical Grease closed on April 13, 1980 after 3883 performances in New York on Broadway, having produced a gross income of over $8 million

On this day: April 12, 1966

Jan Berry, one half of the famous duo Jan and Dean was involved in a serious auto accident on April 12, 1966. Berry slammed his Chevrolet Corvette into a parked truck on Whittier Boulevard. Berry may have been distracted that day as he had just learned he was required to sign up for the army, and had to take a medical school evaluation.

Although the accident was serious, and left Berry badly injured, totally paralyzed from a coma and with some brain damage that would take years to revers, the duo did eventually make light of the situation with their song, Dead Man's Curve, about a very dangerous stretch of Sunset Boulevard where many deadly accidents occur. Ironically, it was in the vicinity of where Berry's own accident took place as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1Cuekbklkg

Other notable events for April 12:
-Actor David Essex's film That'll be the Day premiered on April 12, 1973 in London's West End. Other famous names to appear in the film were'; Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, and Billy Fury
-Aretha Franklin married actor Glynn Turman on April 12, 1978. Her father the Reverend C.L. Franklin officiated the ceremony, which was attended by the Four Tops, who serenaded the bride with Isn't She Lovely

On this day: April 11, 1961

Bob Dylan gave his first professional public performance on April 11, 1961 at Gerde's Folk City in Mew York. He was virtually unknown at the time, and was the opener for bluesman John Lee Hooker.

Dylan was not only unknown at the time, he was also underage. He traveled to New York in 1960 to visit the dying Woody Guthrie, and was soon introduced to many of Guthrie's friends including; Pete Seeger, Cisco Houston, Peter LaFarge, and Ramblin' Jack Elliot.

Soon after, Dyan began playing hoot, or talent, nights at Gerde's and would stay on after the amateurs left, and the professionals began playing. Because he was underage, he needed a guardian to sign his contracts for him, so owner of the venue Mike Porco helped the young musician out.

Among the songs Dylan played on the night of his debut were; House of the Rising Sun, and Song to Woody. It wasn't long before Dylan started making a name for himself and brought crowds to the club to hear him play.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcqnCzC-8d8

Other notable events for April 11:
-Elvis Presley first used vocal backing group the Jordanaires on April 11, 1956 on a recording session. The track was, I Want You, I Need You, I Love You
-Dave Clark's musical, Time, opened at London's Dominion Theater on April 11, 1986, it starred Cliff Richard in the leading role

On this day: April 10, 1962

Stuart Sutcliffe, the original bass player for the Beatles passed away on April 10, 1962 when he was just 21 years old. Sutcliffe passed away in the arms of his fiancee from a brain hemorrhage.

Sutcliffe joined what would later become the Beatles in 1960, when they were known as Johnny and the Moondogs. John Lennon met Sutcliffe when they attended school together, and although he was just an average musician, his sense of style helped him become part of the group. Sutcliffe was with the Beatles for two tours in Germany, and when they had their failed audition to become the backing band for Billy Fury. But, by 1961 he enrolled in Hamburg Art College and left the band.

Ironically, it wold be eight years later to the day, that Sutcliffe's replacement as bass player, Paul McCartney, would announce he was leaving the Beatles to focus on his solo career.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2zjkRwLaIo

Other notable events for April 10:
-Nat 'King' Cole was badly beaten on April 10, 1956 while playing on stage for an all white audience in Birmingham, Alabama
-Paul McCartney visited a Beach Boys recording session on April 10, 1967 apparently helping them to produce Vegetables  , a track included on the group's Smiley Smile album

On this day: April 9, 1988

The Pet Shop Boys received a hard earned distinction on April 9, 1988 when they tied the record for most chart-topping hits by a duo with the Everly Brothers, and Wham!

The Everly Brothers scored four chart toppers with; All I Have to do is Dream, Cathy's Clown, Walk Right Back, and Temptation.

Wham! did it with; Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Freedom, I'm Your Man, and The Edge of Heaven.

The Pet Shop Boys topped the charts with; West End Girls, It's a Sin, Always on my Mind, and Heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZv7amQjB00

Other notable events for April 9:
-Gene Vincent first recorded his timeless classic Be Bop-a-Lula' on April 9, 1956
-B.B. King, who scored his first hit single when Three O'clock Blues reached the US R&B charts in the last week of 1961, finally reached the UK singles charts on April 9, 1989 with his collaboration with U2 on the song When Love Comes to Town

On this day: April 8, 1970

It was a day of peace, love and happiness when the movie Woodstock premiered in London on April 8, 1970. The four plus hour movie was filmed during the three-day music festival that had taken place in Woodstock, New York the previous summer.

One of the biggest events in music history, the movie showcased not only many of the stars who performed during the show, but also included interviews with audience members. If you ever have the opportunity, watch this amazing movie that honestly shows what it was like to experience Woodstock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czFr_kJCdKQ

Other notable events for April 8:
-Saxophonist and guitar player Mike Vickers left Manfred Man on April 8, 1966, bass player Tom McGuinness moved to the spot of guitar player and Jack Bruse left John Mayall's Bluesbreakers to fill McGuinness' shoes
-REM left IRS records, for whom they had recorded their first successful albums on April 8,  1988, the group then signed with Warner Bros. for an advance that Miles Copleland, the boss of IRS recommended they accept
-Cure drummer Lawrence 'Lol' Tolhurst, a founding member of the group, left the band on April 8, 1989, band leader Robert Smith reportedly felt Tolhurst was no longer making appropriate musical contributions

On this day: April 7, 1962

April 7, 1962 was a faithful day for the future Rolling Stones, three of the future members met this day at Alexis Korner's Ealing Club. The group would play their first show as the Rollin' Stones in July of 1962.

Mick Jagger, Keith Richards started a conversation with Lewis Brian Hopkins-Jones. All three were avid fans of rhythm and blues, and soon decided to start a band together. The original Rollin' Stones included members; Jagger, Richards, Jones, as well as; Ian Stewart, Dick Taylor, and Mick Avory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjxL3U2mCyg

Other notable events for April 7:
-The Clash released their debut album on April 7, 1977
-A record 40 British acts appeared on the US top 100 chart on April 7, 1984
-Wham! became the first Western group to play in China on April 7, 1985 when they appeared in Peking

On this day: April 6, 1979

Rod Stewart surprised the world on April 6, 1979 when he married Alana Hamilton, not his longtime girlfriend Britt Ekland.Ekland tried to sue Stewart, much to his displeasure, claiming he would never have reached the level of success he had, without her help and input.

The marriage didn't last very long, with Stewart constantly on the move. The pair divorced in 1984, and Hamilton sues her ex husband for increased alimony. Soon after, Stewart fathered a child with girlfriend Kelly Emberg, but the pair separated in 1990, and Emberg filed a $25 million 'palimony' lawsuit. The following year Stewart married Rachel Hunter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjxL3U2mCyg

Other notable events for April 6:
-Bob Marley's date of birth, according to his passport, was April 6, 1945, although it was claimed that he was actually born two months earlier on Feb. 6
-Brenda Lee made her debut in the US country charts on April 6, 1957 with One Step at a Time at the age of 12
-Apple, the company launched by the Beatles, not Steve Jobs, opened its offices in London's Savile Row on April 6, 1968

On this day: April 5, 1990

Godfather of Soul James Brown started to turn his life around for the better on April 5, 1990 when he was transferred from a Georgia jail to Lower Savannah Work Center. Brown had been in jail for 15 months, serving a six year sentence for charges including; drugs, guns, resisting arrest, and more. In the work center, Brown counseled drug abusers for $4 an hour.

Brown's troubles started in 1988 when he was charged with the attempted murder of his wife. Although she later dropped the charges, the pair got themselves into a lot of trouble over the next few weeks with drug possession, arson, a car chase and more.

After he was released from jail, Brown would earn back his title as 'the hardest working man in show business, and soon his past was forgotten.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJgkuyJ8NLo

Other notable events for April 5:
-Over 100 American musicians and environmentalists took part in a charity on April 5, 1977 in Tokyo celebrating the whale and the dolphin, raising $150,000. Among the artists involved were; Jackson Browne, Country Joe McDonald, and J.D. Souther
-Danny Rapp, leader of 1950's hitmakers Danny and the Juniors, died on April 5, 1983
-The manager of Bon Jovi was sentenced to three years on probation on April 5, 1990 for drug charges

On this day: April 4, 1964

It's no secret the Beatles were popular in both the US and the UK in the mid-60's. What is impressive is that they held 12 spots on the Billboard Top 100 charts, including the whole top 5 on April 3, 1964. It's even more impressive when you realize the Beatles were virtually unknown in the US at the beginning of the year. This is a feat that has yet to be matched, and probably never will.

The top 5 songs on April 4 were; Can't Buy Me Love, Twist and Shout, She Loves You, I Want to Hold Your Hand, and Please Please Me.

Clearly the Beatles had arrived in America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxha1IUsSPI

Other notable events for April 4:
-Bucks Fizz won the Eurovision song contest on April 4, 1981 with Making Your Mind Up. The group had been specially formed to enter the contest
-Starship, the group formed by ex-members of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship scored their third US number 1 single in 18 months on April 4, 1987 with Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
-U2 entered the US album chart at number 7 on April 4, 1987 with the Joshua Tree, this was the highest new entry in the chart since 1980

On this day: April 3, 1989

Madonna may have lost a deal with Pepsi on April 3, 1989, but she still came out a winner. The pop star got to keep her $5 million given to her from the contract.

The soda company wanted to break ties with the singer after her Like a Prayer video debuted and angered the Vatican and countless Catholics around the world with imagery that was regarded as blasphemous.

Even more problematic for Pepsi was the fact that the video closely resembled a commercial Madonna had recently shot, Pepsi didn't want to risk loosing a large part of their client base and decided it was best to just cut ties with the singer instead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM-0rmUgOnY

Other notable events for April 3:
-The first Louisiana Hayride show was broadcast on April 3, 1948 by radio station KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana. The show would feature such major starts as; Elvis Presley, Hank Williams Sr., Jim Reeves, George Jones and more
-At a reported cost of over $100,000 the management of unknown British group Brinsley Schwartz flew a planeload of British journalists to New York on April 3, 1970 to watch the band play at the Fillmore East
-Kate Bush played her first live concert on April 3, 1979 which was staged at the Liverpool Empire
-Record producer Jack Douglas won over $3 million in a court battle with Yoko Ono on April 3, 1984 over royalties relating to Double Fantasy, the album by John Lennon and Ono that had just been completed when Lennon was murdered

On this day: April 2, 1969

Frank Sinatra may have thought his days of fame were over by the time the 60's came around. Known as a teen idol of the 1940's, and with his daughter now in the spotlight, Sinatra probably could have been happy with the legacy he left behind. But, his best was yet to come. His biggest hit, My Way was released on April 2, 1969 and would be on the charts eight separate times before 1972.

Although not a hit right away in the US, on the other side of the pond people couldn't get enough of it. Over the years it was covered by three other acts; Dorothy Squires, Elvis Presley, and the Sex Pistols.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egY8rUpxqcE

Other notable events for April 2:
-Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass held an incredible four positions in the top 10 of the US album chart on April 2, 1966
-The Beatles completed the recording if Sergent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album on April 2, 1967
-There were 13 female artists in the top 40 of the UK singles chart on April 2, 1988, a record

On this day: April 1, 1984

It was no April fools joke when reporters told the world on April 1, 1984 that singer Marvin Gaye had been shot and killed by his father.

Gaye was on of the biggest stars of the 1960's with hits such as; Let's Get it On, and I Heard it Through the Grapevine, not to mention 11 hits he sang with Tammi Terrell. But, as the year's went on he produced fewer and fewer hits, with his last being (Sexual) Healing released in 1977.

Personally, Gaye had many issues including; two divorces, unpaid income taxes some estimated to be as high as $2 million, and mental health issues. Still when the news of Gaye's death spread, many did not want to believe it was true.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJFgc-CNCQw

Other notable events for April 1:
-George Martin took over from Oscar Preuss as the head of A&R for EMI's Parlophine label on April 1, 1955
-Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers opened their UK tour on April 1, 1957 at London's Palladium. Having been the youngest chart topper with Why do Fools Fall in Love when he was just 13,he was also the venue's youngest headliner
-Over 1 million ticket applications followed the announcement on April 1, 1976 of a 13 date UK tour by the Rolling Stones