Entertainment

In 1970, Elton John played his first American show at The Troubadour. In addition to performing his recent single, “Border Song,” the 23-year-old British singer-songwriter’s setlist included “Your Song,” “Take Me to the Pilot,” and a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women.” The Los Angeles show, which kicked off a 17-date US tour, was attended by the likes of Don Henley, Quincy Jones, and Leon Russell.

In 2001, 22-year-old R&B star and actress Aaliyah died in a plane crash in the Bahamas, while shooting a music video for her single “Rock the Boat.” The artist, who rose to fame as a teenager in 1994 with her multi-platinum debut, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, had recently released her third studio album, Aaliyah. The record would go on to sell more than 13 million copies worldwide, following her tragic death.

In 1957, Paul Anka, who was just shy of his 16th birthday, became the first teenage solo act to reach No. 1 with the single “Diana,” written about his brother’s babysitter. The Canadian Music Hall of Famer would go on to find major success as a singer and songwriter over the following decades.

In 2000, the Academy Award-winning composer, songwriter, musician, arranger, and producer Jack Nitzsche died of a heart attack at age 63. As a producer, Nitzsche worked with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Neil Young, The Walker Brothers, and Buffalo Springfield, while he scored such films as One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Exorcist.

BORN ON AUGUST 25

1918: Leonard Bernstein
1933: Wayne Shorter
1942: Walter Williams (The O’Jays)
1949: Gene Simmons (KISS)
1951: Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
1954: Elvis Costello
1961: Billy Ray Cyrus
1967: Jeff Tweedy

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On August 22, 1979, Led Zeppelin’s eighth studio album, In Through the Out Door, was released in the United States. Little did anyone know, it would be their final full-length recording together. A little over a year later, drummer John Bonham would tragically pass away, resulting in the group’s disbandment. Recorded over three weeks in November and December 1978 at ABBA’s Polar Studios in Stockholm, the album became a massive hit, thanks in part to such enduring favorites as “All My Love” and “Fool in the Rain.” In addition to topping the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, the album has since been certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA.

In 1969, The Beatles met at John Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park residence in England for their final photo session together. Shot by photographer Ethan Russell, photos from the session would be used for the front and back covers of the 1970 compilation album, Hey Jude. Also among the photos were images of Yoko Ono and a pregnant Linda McCartney, who would would give birth to daughter Mary just six days later.

In 1962, meanwhile, The Beatles made their very first TV appearance on the Manchester-based Granada TV. The broadcast featured the young band performing “Some Other Guy” during a lunchtime session at The Cavern Club in Liverpool. At the end, a fan could be heard shouting “We want Pete!” (referring to drummer Pete Best, who was ousted from the group a week earlier).

In 1978, former Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious made his final live appearance in London at the Electric Ballroom. The show also marked his debut as a frontman, performing alongside Rich Kids’ Steve New, The Damned’s Rat Scabies, and Nancy Spungen. The punk supergroup played under the name Vicious White Kids to a star-studded audience, including Elvis Costello, Blondie, Joan Jett, The Slits, and Captain Sensible.

In 1968, Ringo Starr quit The Beatles during The White Album sessions after becoming overwhelmed with the constant bickering and tension between band members. News of the departure was kept secret, and he later returned to the studio on September 3. During Ringo’s absence, the band recorded “Back In the USSR” with Paul on drums and John on bass.

In 1956, Elvis Presley began working on his first movie, Love Me Tender. The original title was The Reno Brothers, but it was later changed to take advantage of Presley’s song of the same name, which was recorded for the film.

In 2011, the music world lost two of its greatest songwriters: Jerry Leiber, who died at 78, and Nicholas Ashford, who died at 70. Leiber formed a highly-successful creative partnership with Mike Stoller. Together, they penned such hits as “Hound Dog” (made famous first by Big Mama Thornton, followed by Elvis Presley) “Jailhouse Rock” (Presley), “Poison Ivy” (The Coasters) and “Stand By Me,” written alongside singer Ben E. King. Ashford, meanwhile, was best known for his work alongside his former wife, Valerie Simpson. Together, they wrote such notable singles as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” (both made famous by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell), and “I’m Every Woman,” which Chaka Khan made her signature hit in 1978. The couple also enjoyed a successful recording career, scoring hits with “Found A Cure” (1979) and “Solid” (1984).

BORN ON AUGUST 22

1917: John Lee Hooker
1936: Dale Hawkins
1958: Ian Mitchell (Bay City Rollers)
1961: Debbie Peterson (The Bangles)
1961: Roland Orzabal (Tears for Fears)
1963: Tori Amos
1967: Layne Staley (Alice in Chains)
1973: Howie D (Backstreet Boys)
1995: Dua Lipa

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On August 21, 1961 – Patsy Cline recorded a cover of Willie Nelson’s song, “Crazy.” At the time, Cline was recovering from a head-on collision, which had taken place two months earlier, and was struggling to reach some of the high notes, due to broken ribs. Her performance, however, revealed none of this. In fact, “Crazy” went on to become a massive hit, spending 21 weeks on the Billboard charts and becoming one of her signature songs.

In 1961, Tamla Records (a subsidiary of Motown) released the Marvelettes’ debut, “Please Mr. Postman.” The single not only became the girl group’s biggest hit—reaching the top spot on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts and receiving Gold Certification from the RIAA in 2004—but it was Motown Records’ first No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 1967, The Doors began recording their sophomore record, Strange Days, at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood. The album was released the following month and included two Top 30 singles, “People Are Strange” and “Love Me Two Times.” It peaked at No. 3 on the US album chart and, 34 years later, received a platinum certification from the RIAA.

In 1997, Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now. It quickly became one of the fastest-selling albums ever, moving over 350,000 units on its release day and taking the title as the UK’s best-selling album of 1997 with 1.47 million units sold. Be Here Now also marks the last Oasis record to feature founding members Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan before their departures in 1999.

In 2013, legendary concert promoter Sid Bernstein died at age 95. Famous for booking The Beatles at Carnegie Hall and Shea Stadium, Bernstein was instrumental in bringing The Fab Four and other major UK acts (including The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, The Moody Blues, and The Kinks) to America in the 60s, as well as being the first promoter to organize rock concerts in sports stadiums.

In 2021, Don Everly of The Everly Brothers died at the age of 84. The duo, which also featured Don’s brother, Phil, rose to fame in the late 50s, with hits like “Bye Bye Love” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream.” The brothers’ tight-knit harmonies went on to influence the likes of The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel.

BORN ON AUGUST 21

1904: Count Basie
1938: Kenny Rogers
1944: Jackie DeShannon (Singer)
1952: Joe Strummer (The Clash)
1954: Steve Smith (Journey)
1957: Budgie (Siouxsie and the Banshees)
1957: Kim Sledge (Sister Sledge)
1967: Serj Tankian (System of a Down)
1979: Kelis

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On August 20, 2016, The Tragically Hip played their final show together, months after announcing that frontman Gord Downie had terminal brain cancer. After releasing their 13th studio album, Man Machine Poem, the Canadian band chose to go out on a high note with a 15-date goodbye tour. While the final, sold-out show took place at Kingston, Ontario’s Rogers K-Rock Centre (now the Leon Centre), the concert was broadcast to more than 11.7 million people. Viewing events took place at locations around the country, including a public screening in Kingston, attended by approximately 22,000 fans. The concert was later released as The Tragically Hip: A National Celebration.

In 1988, Iron Maiden, KISS, David Lee Roth, Megadeth, Guns N’ Roses, and Helloween appeared at England’s Monsters Of Rock festival at Castle Donington. Despite a bout of bad weather leading up to the event, Monsters of Rock attracted over 107,000 attendees.

In 1965, Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham launched Immediate Records with Tony Calder. The label’s first release was The McCoy’s “Hang On Sloopy,” while their roster would go on to include titles from Rod Stewart, Small Faces, Fleetwood Mac, and Humble Pie. They ceased operations in 1970.

In 1979, Bob Dylan released Slow Train Coming, his first album after converting to Christianity. Featuring songs about his newfound faith, the record alienated many of his longtime fans while also drawing in new Christian fans. His single “Gotta Serve Somebody” earned a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1980.

In 1965, Davy Jones & The Lower Third released “You’ve Got a Habit of Leaving,” the first of two singles that David Bowie recorded with the band. Bowie, born David Jones, changed his name soon after to avoid confusion with Davy Jones of The Monkees, and the single would mark the last track released under his birth name.

In 1983, The Police headlined John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia with support from Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Madness, and R.E.M. The Police opened with “Synchronicity I” and played 21 songs, including their future hit “Every Breath You Take.”

In 2018, soul musician Eddie Willis died from polio complications at age 82. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Willis played electric guitar and electric sitar for The Funk Brothers, Motown Records’ in-house studio band. Among the numerous songs he appeared on was The Marvelettes’ “Please Mr. Postman,” The Temptations’ “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and Stevie Wonder’s “I Was Made to Love Her.”

BORN ON AUGUST 20

1942: Jerry Garcia (The Grateful Dead)
1959: Joe Elliot (Def Leppard)
1960: Chuck D
1963: Coolio
1964: Adam Duritz (Counting Crows)
1968: Dan Donegan (Disturbed)
1981: Ashley Parker (O-Town)

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On August 19, 1964, The Beatles kicked off their first North American tour at San Francisco’s Cow Palace. Playing to an audience of 17,130, the band performed a 12-song set, including such hits as “Twist and Shout,” “All My Loving,” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.” The Righteous Brothers, Jackie DeShannon, The Bill Black Combo, and The Exciters all served as support. One of the very first tours of its kind, the 25-city run included 32 shows all around the US and Canada, including stops at the Hollywood Bowl, New York’s Forest Hills Stadium, and Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens.

In 1972, David Bowie, billed as Ziggy Stardust, played a pivitol, sold-out concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre. The theatrical show, which incorporated a variety of media, wowed critics and audiences alike, including Mick Jagger, Elton John, Rod Stewart, and Alice Cooper, who were all reportedly in attendance.

In 1977, The Sex Pistols kicked off a six-date undercover UK tour as “The S.P.O.T.S.” (Sex Pistols On Tour Secretly). Due to their rowdy reputation, the band knew that they were unlikely to be booked in clubs (or would be shut down by the police) and so, they assumed a different name in each venue (including “Tax Exiles” and “A Mystery Band of International Repute”)

In 2005, a life-size bronze statue of Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott was erected in the singer, songwriter, and bassist’s home city of Dublin, Ireland. Lynott, who died in 1986 at 36, was celebrated during an unveiling ceremony, which was attended by his former Thin Lizzy bandmates, including Gary Moore, Brian Robertson, and Scott Gorham.

In 1988, it was announced that Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” and Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog were the most-played jukebox songs of the past 100 years.

BORN ON AUGUST 19

1939: Ginger Baker (Cream)
1940: Johnny Nash (singer-songwriter)
1945: Ian Gillan (Deep Purple)
1951: John Decon (Queen)
1969: Nate Dogg (rapper)
1989: Lil Romeo (rapper, actor)

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On August 18, 1962, after just two hours of rehearsal together, Ringo Starr played his first show with the Beatles at the Horticultural Society dance in Birkenhead, England.

…Exactly two years later, the Fab Four would arrive in San Francisco for their first American tour, where they were greeted by over 9,000 ecstatic fans.

In 1977, The Police played their first official show at Rebecca’s Nightclub in Birmingham, UK. Within two years, the London trio would achieve mainstream success with singles like “Can’t Stand Losing You,” “Roxanne,” and “Message in a Bottle,” all of which featured a unique blend of jazz, punk, and reggae.

In 1984, George Michael went to No.1 in the UK (among many other territories) with “Careless Whisper,” his first single as a solo artist. The member of Wham! also became the first person to reach No.1 on the UK pop chart as both a solo artist and as a member of a band in the same year, following Wham!’s “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” The group would continue to top the pop chart throughout the year, with “Freedom” and the enduring “Last Christmas.”

In 1986, Bon Jovi released their breakthrough third studio album, Slippery When Wet. Featuring some of their biggest hits, including “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and “You Give Love a Bad Name,” the album topped charts around the globe—including in the US, Australia, Canada, and Norway—and has since been certified 12x Platinum in the US.

In 1992, grunge royalty Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love celebrated the birth of their daughter, Frances Bean Cobain.

BORN ON AUGUST 18

1950: Dennis Elliot (Foreigner)
1951: John Rees (Met At Work)
1953: Marvin Isley (The Isley Brothers)
1967: Dan Peters (Mudhoney)
1969: Erik Schrody (House of Pain)
1971: Richard James (Aphex Twin)
1977: Régine Chassagne (Arcade Fire)
1983: Mika

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