Today in Music History Archives

1960, Percy Faith started a 9-week run at No.1 on the US chart with ‘Theme From A Summer Place’ a No.2 hit in the UK.

1961, The Beatles played three gigs in one day. The first was a lunchtime show at The Cavern Club, then at night they appeared at the Cassanova Club, Liverpool and at Litherland Town Hall, Liverpool.

1958, Billed as ‘The Big Gold Record Stars’ Bill Haley and his Comets, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly & The Crickets, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmie Rodgers all appeared on the first date of a six day tour of Florida.

1964, A British company shipped ½ ton of Beatle wigs to the US. An American reporter later asked John Lennon, “How do you feel about teenagers imitating you with Beatle wigs?” John replied “They’re not imitating us because we don’t wear Beatle wigs.”

1959, Ray Charles recorded ‘What’d I Say’, in New York City. The song had evolved in concert as a call-and-response between Charles and his female back-up singers. It became Charles’ biggest hit to date, reaching No.1 on the R&B and No.6 on the pop charts.