Saturday, March 22, 2008

Today in Music

Today in music history

Alan Freed, the American D.J. who coined the term “rock and roll”, had his 1952 Rock ’n’ Roll Stage Show at a local arena cancelled when 30000 fans overcrowded the venue. Fire regulations allowed only 10000.

The Guess Who released their biggest hit, “American Woman,” this week in 1970. Randy Bachman left the band four months later because of religious conflicts with the rock and roll lifestyle. Burton Cummings carried the band until 1975.

Bob Dylan’s song, “Hurricane,” caused enough publicity to get Rubin “Hurricane” Carter released from jail in 1976. The song promoted Carter’s innocence and is from the 1975 album, Desire.

Strawberry Fields, an area in Central Park bought by Yoko Ono in memory of her late husband was opened in 1984.

Birthdays

1953- Robert Johnson, KC and the Sunshine Band

1951- Russell Thompkins Jr, vocals, The Stylistics

1943- Viv Stanshall, vocals, ukulele, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band

1950 -Roger Hodgson, guitar, Supertramp

1949- Eddie Money, (Edward Mahoney)