The number one British single today in 1958 was a cover of a song written in 1923:

The number one British album today in 1963 was the Beatles’ “Please Please Me,” which was number one for 30 weeks:

The number one British single today in 1965:

This must have been interesting to watch: Today in 1972, John Lennon announced on ABC-TV’s Dick Cavett Show that the FBI was wiretapping his phone. (Lennon’s, not Cavett’s.) This was when the federal government was stupidly trying to deport Lennon. (Those who are not skeptical about the federal government, whoever the president is, are not paying attention.)

This is a bit mind-blowing to contemplate: Today in 1974, the members of Led Zeppelin attended an Elvis Presley concert at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

Presley knew Led Zeppelin. After a shaky start to the show, Presley said, “Wait a minute … if we can start together fellas, because we’ve got Led Zeppelin out there, let’s try to look like we know what we’re doing.”

The band met with Presley for two hours after the show. Presley got autographs from the band for his daughter, Lisa Marie.

(Imagine if you will Presley singing “Stairway to Heaven.”)

The number one single today in 1985:

Birthdays today begin with Eric Burdon of the Animals:

Bassist Les Chadwick, one of the Pacemakers of Gerry and the Pacemakers:

Claude “Butch” Trucks, drummer for the Allman Brothers: