Today in 1968, Iron Butterfly’s “In-a-Gadda-da-Vita” reached the charts. It is said to be the first heavy metal song to chart. It charted at number 117.

That was the short version. The long version takes an entire album side:

At the other end of the charts was South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela:

Quite a selection of birthdays today, starting with T.G. Sheppard:

John Lodge, bassist for the Moody Blues:

Kim Carnes:

The incomparable Carlos Santana:

Jay Jay French of Twisted Sister:

Michael Anthony of Van Halen:

Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam:

And having reached the end of today’s blog …

• Music