Today in Music History...February 9, 2017

Music History: February 9

 

Births

1909: Carmen Miranda
1914: Ernest Tubb
1939: Barry Mann
1940: Brian Bennett (The Shadows)
1942: Carole King, Mark Mathis (The Newbeats)
1943: Barbara Lewis
1947: Joe Ely, Major Harris
1951: Dennis "DT" Thomas (Kool and the Gang)

Deaths

1981: Bill Haley

Events

1958: Ratings show that ABC's American Bandstand is now America's top-rated daytime television program, with an average of 8,400,000 viewers per day.
1964: At 8:00 PM EST, CBS' Ed Sullivan Show takes to the airwaves to broadcast the Beatles' first US television appearance. Nearly 73 million Americans -- a record for its time, and still one of the highest ratings ever -- watch as John, Paul, George and Ringo perform "All My Loving," "Till There Was You," "She Loves You," "I Saw Her Standing There," and "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to 703 screaming teenage fans (mostly girls) in the audience.
Although the group realized how important America was to their career, they had no idea just how important the Sullivan show was to domestic audiences; when the full impact of the event hit them just before the show, John Lennon became so nervous he taped the band's song lyrics to the back of his guitar, just in case. 
Before the band's performance, Sullivan reads a telegram: "Congratulations on your appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and your visit to America STOP We hope your engagement will be successful and your visit pleasant STOP Sincerely Elvis and the Colonel." During "Till There Was You," a message flashes when John appears on-screen: "Sorry, girls, he's married."
Although the music can barely be heard over the screams, this one show has an enormous effect on galvanizing future rock stars into attempting their own version of Beatlemania. Indeed, one other future music star from Britain appears on the show this night -- the Monkees' Davy Jones, performing as part of the cast of Broadway's Oliver!
1966: Liza Minnelli brings her nightclub act to New York City with a show at the Persian Room of the Plaza Hotel.
1972: In keeping with the rather low-key nature of his new group, Paul McCartney debuts Wings on stage with a surprise appearance at England's Nottingham University. From there, the band sets off on a largely improvised tour of the country, playing unannounced in many places.
1974: Iggy Pop and his band, The Stooges, play a notorious gig at Detroit’s Michigan Palace. One of their last concerts, the show finds Pop verbally abusing and taunting the audience, who respond with barely restrained violence. The concert makes its way to record as Metallic KO.
1975: The variety show Cher, meant to take the place of the old Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, debuts on CBS with guests Elton John and Bette Midler.
2001: After being booted from the "reunion" lineup of the Eagles, guitarist and original member Don Felder files a lawsuit against the group.

Releases

none

Recording

1962: Neil Sedaka, "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do"
1967: The Beatles, "Fixing A Hole"

Certifications

1970: Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" is certified gold
1970: Simon and Garfunkel's album Bridge Over Troubled Water is certified gold

Charts

1957: Elvis Presley's "Too Much" hits #1
1959: Lloyd Price's "Stagger Lee" hits #1
1963: Paul and Paula's "Hey Paula" hits #1
1963: Ruby and the Romantics' "Our Day Will Come" enters the pop charts
1974: The Love Unlimited Orchestra's "Love Theme" hits #1
1974: Hall and Oates' "She's Gone" enters the pop charts
1974: Paul McCartney and Wings' "Jet" enters the pop charts