The number one British single today in 1954:

Today in 1955, RCA Records purchased the recording contract of Elvis Presley from Sam Phillips for an unheard-of $35,000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uxGCkedFVo

The number one single today in 1960 holds the record for the shortest number one of all time:

The number one British single today in 1970 hit number one after the singer’s death earlier in the year:

Today in 1980, Don Henley was arrested when a naked overdosed 16-year-old girl was found in his apartment. Henley was placed on probation for two years and fined $2,000.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwYU8jq6Qw0

The number one single today in 1981:

The number one British album today in 1992 was “Cher’s Greatest Hits 1995–1992”:

Birthdays begin with Lonnie Jordan of War:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xTGrfs5TXM

Who is Malcolm Rebennack? You know him as Dr. John, who found himself in …

Jim Brown, not of the Cleveland Browns, but of UB40:

Peter Koppes of The Church:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6jhpaX7fNQ

One death of note today in 1995: Matthew Ashman, who played guitar for Adam and the Ants and Bow Wow Wow: