1969 - Decca Records released what has been called the Rolling Stones' most political song, "Street Fighting Man," written after Mick Jagger attended a March 1968 anti-war rally at London's U.S. embassy, during which mounted police attempted to control a crowd of 25,000. The single was kept out of the U.S. Top 40 (reaching No.48) because many radio stations refused to play it based on what were perceived as subversive lyrics.
1973 - The Rolling Stones release Goat's Head Soup. This is where the Stones' image began to eclipse their accomplishments, as Mick ascended to jet-setting celebrity and Keith slowly sunk deeper into addiction. This may not be as downright funky, freaky, and fantastic as Exile, yet the extra layer of gloss brings out the enunciated lyrics, added strings, wah-wah guitars, explicit sex, and violence, making it all seem trippily decadent. If it doesn't seem like there's a surplus of classics here, all the songs work well, illustrating just how far they've traveled in their songcraft, as well as their exceptional talent as a band -- they make this all sound really easy and darkly alluring
1976 - George Harrison was found guilty of "subconscious plagiarism" of the Ronnie Mack song "He's So Fine" when writing "My Sweet Lord." Earnings from the song were awarded to Mack's estate; The Chiffons then recorded their own version of "My Sweet Lord."
1978 - The Grateful Dead perform "Shakedown Street" live for the first time ever at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.
1985 - Brothers In Arms by Dire Straits started a nine-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. album charts. Of course, the success of Brothers in Arms was helped considerably by the clever computer-animated video for "Money for Nothing," a sardonic attack on MTV. Dire Straits had never been so concise or pop-oriented, and it wore well on them. The album also topped the charts in 25 other countries and went on to sell more than 20 million copies worldwide.
2007 - Hilly Kristal, founder of the New York punk club CBGB died from complications arising from lung cancer at the age of 75. Kristal was credited with discovering Patti Smith and the Ramones and his club became a breeding ground for punk rock. The New York City venue, whose full title CBGB OMFUG stood for 'country, bluegrass, blues and other music for uplifting gourmandisers', was originally launched to showcase country music. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Birthdays:
Bob Welch, Fleetwood Mac, was born on this day in 1945.
Gina Schock, drummer for the Go-Go's, is 64.
Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze is 64.
Gerard Love of Teenage Fanclub is 54.
Debbie Gibson is 51.
Van Morrison is 76.
On This Day In Music History is sourced from This Day in Music, Song Facts, Allmusic, and Wikipedia.