Today in Music History Archives

1961, Chubby Checker started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Pony Time’, his second No.1 of the 60’s. It reached No.27 in the UK.

1955, Billboard reported that for the first time since their introduction in 1949, 45rpm singles were outselling the old standard 78’s.

1956, Elvis Presley had his first national hit when ‘I Forgot To Remember To Forget’ went to No.1 on the Billboard Country & Western chart.

1963, The Rolling Stones started a Sunday night residency at The Station Hotel, Richmond, Surrey. The Stones were paid £24 ($41) for the gig and played on the first night to a total of 66 people. £24 from 1963 would be worth £392, adjusted for inflation.

1940, Woody Guthrie wrote the lyrics to ‘This Land Is Your Land’ in his room at the Hanover House Hotel in New York City. The song was brought back to life in the 1960s, when several artists of the new folk movement, including Bob Dylan, The Kingston Trio, Trini Lopez, Jay and the Americans, and The New Christy Minstrels all recorded versions, inspired by its political message.