The number two single, believe it or don’t, today in 1961:

In an unrelated development that day, Frank Sinatra began Reprise Records, which included artists beside Sinatra:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2s4slliAtQU

Today in 1967, the Monkees announced they would play on their own records …

… instead of studio musicians, as at the group’s beginning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGLx4WenGwQ

As it happened, the group recorded two years after the cancellation of the TV series in 1968.

Birthdays begin with Tennessee Ernie Ford:

Peter Tork of the aforementioned Monkees:

Peter Gabriel:

Ed Gagliardi was the first bass player for Foreigner:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UdXbMyo1rU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxKCPjcvbys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPeU3XgeUaw

Peter Hook of  Joy Division:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHYOXyy1ToI&ob=av2e

Mark Fox played percussion for Haircut 100:

Freedom Williams of C&C Music Factory:

Robert Harrell played bass for 3 Doors Down:

Two deaths of note today: Patrick Wayne of Musical Youth in 1993 …

… and Waylon Jennings in 2002: