This Day in Music History: May 20
May 20, 2017We cover all sorts of news, facts and historical and interesting facts that happened on this day in music history.
Today: May 20.
1964: Rudy Lewis of The Drifters died at the age of 28 under mysterious circumstances, the night before the band was supposed to record 'Under the Boardwalk'. Johnny Moore, former backup singer for The Drifters was called back in order to perform lead vocals for the recording session.
Compare ticket prices to The Drifters concerts
.jpg)
1967: The Young Rascals started a two week run at the top of the US singles chart with 'Groovin', which also reached the No.8 spot in the UK. The band named themselves after a US comedy TV show. The song was also covered by Marvin Gaye, Booker T. & the M.G.'s and Gladys Knight & the Pips.
1968: The band members of The Beatles met at George Harrison's home in Esher, Surrey with a bunch of new songs after their visit to India. They managed to tape 23 new songs on Harrison's 4-track recorder, with many of the songs to end up on their next two albums (The White Album and Abbey Road). The demos include: ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, ‘Cry Baby Cry’, ‘Blackbird’ , 'Revolution’, and ‘Child of Nature’ (a song by John Lennon that later became ‘Jealous Guy’).
Compare ticket prices to Paul McCartney concerts
Compare ticket prices to Ringo Starr concerts
.jpg)
1969: Led Zeppelin met at A&R Studios in New York City and started three days of recording and mixing sessions. In this recording session, Zeppelin recorded the song 'Heartbreaker' as well as various other parts for new tracks for the band's forthcoming second album. They were under pressure to finish sessions for their second album, so they will be able to release it in time for the Autumn market.
Compare ticket prices to Robert Plant concerts
1972: T. Rex topped the UK singles chart with the song 'Metal Guru'. It was the band's fourth and final No.1 hit. They also had the UK No.1 album with 'Bolan Boogie'.
1978: Paul McCartney topped the US singles chart with 'With A Little Luck', McCartney's sixth solo US No.1.
1997: Foo Fighters released 'The Colour And The Shape', their second album. It was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Rock Album in 1998. Even though Foo Fighters are an American band, the word 'Colour' in the album title is always spelled with the British spelling. This was a nod to producer Gil Norton, who is British.
Compare ticket prices to Foo Fighters concerts
2007: Rihanna featuring Jay-Z started a 10 week run at the top of the UK singles chart with 'Umbrella'. It spent 10 consecutive weeks at the top of the chart in the UK, which made it the longest running No.1 single since ‘Love Is All Around' by Wet Wet Wet. Rihanna and Jay-Z also won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for the track.
Compare ticket prices to Rihanna concerts
2012: Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees died from cancer at the age of 62. He helped turn disco into a global phenomenon by providing the core of the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever. Hits by Bee Gees include: How Deep Is Your Love, Massachusetts, I've Gotta Get a Message to You, Stayin' Alive and more. These hits established their pop legacy by placing their falsetto harmonies at the centre of the 70s disco boom.
2013: Ray Manzarek, keyboard player and founder member of The Doors died at the age of 74. He was suffering from bile duct cancer for many years and eventually died in a clinic in Rosenheim, Germany, with his wife and brothers at his bedside. Manzarek formed The Doors with lead singer Jim Morrison in 1965 after meeting each other by chance in Venice Beach, Los Angeles.
Think we left some interesting fact out? You have anything to add? Is there anything else worth mentioning that happened on this day in music history? Write us in the comments below.
Back to TixSearcher.com's Blog
