1967 - The Doors released their self-titled debut album The Doors. A tremendous debut album, and indeed one of the best first-time outings in rock history, introducing the band's fusion of rock, blues, classical, jazz, and poetry with a knockout punch. The Doors credit the success of the album to being able to work the songs out live at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood and the London Fog nightclub on the Sunset Strip. The original album has sold 20 million copies, and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
1975 - Elton John started a two-week run at No. 1 with his version of The Beatles' "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds". Under the pseudonym "the reggae guitars of Dr. Winston O'Boogie", John Lennon also contributed background vocals to Elton’s recording session at Caribou Ranch, the legendary recording complex near Nederland, Colorado.
1986 - Thin Lizzy bassist and singer Phil Lynott died. With Thin Lizzy he had the 1973 hit 'Whiskey in the Jar', (their version of the traditional Irish song) and hits with ‘The Boys Are Back in Town’, ‘Jailbreak’ and ‘Waiting for an Alibi’.
1991 - Nirvana sign with Geffen Records. In September, their album Nevermind is released.
2011 - Scottish singer/songwriter Gerry Rafferty of Stealers Wheel (Stuck In the Middle With You and solo hit, "Baker Street") passed away.
Birthdays:
Soul singer Arthur Conley was born today in 1946.
Guitarist John McLaughlin, who formed the Mahavishnu Orchestra and has also worked with Carlos Santana, Stanley Clark and Jaco Pastorius, is 80.
Talk Talk leader Mark Hollis is on this day in 1955..
Wilco's Nels Cline is 66.
Michael Stipe is 62. As the frontman for R.E.M., Michael Stipe transformed himself from enigmatic cult hero into mainstream icon. Famed for his confoundingly opaque lyrics and notoriously mumbled delivery, the once-introverted Stipe translated his growing fame into an outlet to champion his social and political concerns, emerging as one of popular music's most respected figures, as well as the acknowledged forefather of the alternative rock movement. (Photo credit should read MAURICIO DUENAS/AFP via Getty Images)
The Pogues bassist Cait O'Riordan is 57.
Beth Gibbons, singer and lyricist of Portishead, is 57.
On this Day in Music History is sourced from Colorado Music Experience, Denver Post, This Day in Music, Song Facts and Wikipedia.