Today, this would be the sort of thing to embellish a band’s image, not to mention provide material for an entire segment of VH1’s “Behind the Music.” Not so in 1959, when four members of The Platters were arrested on drug and prostitution charges following a concert in Cincinnati when they were discovered with four women (three of them white) in what was reported as “various stages of undress.” Despite the fact that none of the Platters were convicted of anything, the Platters (who were all black) were removed from several radio stations’ playlists.
Speaking of odd music anniversaries: Today in 1985, Michael Jackson purchased the entire Beatles music library for more than $45 million.
Birthdays begin with Leo Fender, who never recorded music as far as I know, but had a primary role in rock and roll because of the guitar that bore his name.
Bobby Hatfield, who formerly lived in Beaver Dam, was one of the Righteous Brothers:
Phil Spector produced the Righteous Brothers. Phil’s ex-wife, Ronnie, also has a birthday today:
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull:
Eric Braunn of Iron Butterfly:
John Farriss of INXS:
Michael Bivins of Bell Biv Devoe:
Steve Prestegard.com: The Presteblog 