1810 – Composer Frederic Chopin was born.

1826 – Composer John Thomas was born.

1928 – Paul Whiteman and his orchestra recorded “Ol’ Man River.”

1930 Trombonist Benny Powell born in New Orleans, LA.

1929 Pianist Fats Waller records his piano solo “Handful of Keys.”

1940 Guitarist Ralph Towner born in Chehalis, WA.

1941 – The first FM Radio station opened in Nashville, TN.

1956 – The Fats Domino album “Rock and Rollin’ With Fats Domino” was released on the Imperial Label.

1957 – The Everly Brothers signed with Cadence Records and then recorded “Bye Bye Love.”

1957 – Chuck Berry released “School Days” on Chess Records. It became his biggest hit to date.

1958 – Buddy Holly & the Crickets opened their only British tour in London.

1963 – Gerry & the Pacemakers released their first British single, “How Do You Do It.”

1968 – Johnny Cash and June Carter were married.

1968 – Elton John’s first single, “I’ve Been Loving You,” was released in England.

1969 – Jim Morrison (Doors) was arrested and officially charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, indecent behavior, open profanity and public drunkenness in Miami. Morrison was later sentenced. Morrison died while the sentence was under appeal.

1970 – The Charles Manson album “Lie” was released. The profits went to Manson’s defense.

1972 – John Lennon was granted an extension on his American work visa. Lennon then began recording “Sometime in New York City.”

1973 – The Robert Joffrey Dance Company opened the presentation “Deuce Coupe Ballet”. The show was based on the music of the Beach Boys.

1974 – Queen began their first headlining tour or England.

1974 Pianist Bobby Timmons dies at 38.

1977 – Sara Lowndes Dylan filed for a divorce from Bob Dylan.

1980 – Patti Smith married Fred “Sonic” Smith (formerly with MC5).

1981 – The TV movie “Elvis and the Beauty Queen” was aired on NBC. Don Johnson played the role of Elvis.

1982 – Jimmy Page’s first solo LP was released. It was the soundtrack to Death Wish II.

1987 Basie guitarist Freddie Green dies at 75.

1990 – Janet Jackson’s first concert tour began. It was the Rhythm Nation World Tour 1990.

1991 – “The Doors” movie debuted. Val Kilmer played the role of Jim Morrison.

1995 – In Switzerland, Bill Berry (R.E.M) suffered a brain aneurysm while performing on stage.

1998 – Prince released the 3-CD set “Crystal Ball.” The initial release was restricted to the web site http://www.love4oneanother.com.

1999 – Sony Music Distribution raised their wholesale prices on audio CDs by 8 cents.