This Day in Music
On this day in music, June 5, 1965, Rogers and Hammerstein’s soundtrack to the musical film The Sound of Music began a 70-week run at the top of the UK album chart. The enduring soundtrack was named the best-selling album of the year and continued to hold that title in 1966 and 1968, eventually becoming the UK’s second-highest selling album of the decade, behind The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Across the Atlantic, The Sound of Music also hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and set a new record for remaining in the Top Ten for 109 weeks. The album would remain on the chart for a total of 238 weeks (more than 4.5 years), while the Julie Andrews-led film broke box office records around the globe.
In 1956, Elvis Presley made one of his most memorable TV appearances on The Milton Berle Show. While previous televised performances featured The King of Rock‘n’Roll covered by his guitar, this particular broadcast found Presley unhampered by any instruments, as he performed “Hound Dog.” A full-body shot found the 21-year-old heartthrob gyrating and dancing – scandalizing the American public (and thrilling his fans).
In 1993, 59-year-old singer-songwriter Conway Twitty died. After rising to fame in the 50s as part of the rockabilly scene, Twitty found phenomenal success on the Billboard country charts, hitting No.1 a record-breaking 40 times throughout his career.
In 1964, David Bowie (then Davie Jones and The King Bees) released his first single, “Liza Jane” on Vocalion Pop. Although the young artist made the rounds on UK shows like Ready Steady Go!, Juke Box Jury, and The Beat Room, the single failed to sell, and Bowie was dropped from the label.
In 1964, The Rolling Stones played their first show on US soil at the Swing Auditorium in Southern California. The British band was touring in support of their self-titled debut.
In 1971, Grand Funk Railroad broke a record previously held by The Beatles when they sold out New York’s Shea Stadium in just 72 hours.
BORN ON JUNE 5
1943: Michael Davis (MC5)
1946: Freddie Stone (Sly and the Family Stone)
1947: Tom Evans (Badfinger)
1956: Richard Butler (The Psychedelic Furs)
1956: Kenny G
1979: Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy)
1998: Dave
