1968 - Simon & Garfunkel release Bookends. A multivalently layered song cycle observing the confusion of those seeking an elusive American Dream, wistfully reflecting on innocence lost forever to the cold winds of change. Simon & Garfunkel never overstate; instead they observe, almost journalistically, enormous life and cultural questions in the process of them being asked. In just over 29 minutes, Bookends is stunning in its vision of a bewildered America in search of itself.
1998 - With the big "alternative" acts now squarely in the mainstream, the Lollapalooza festival is officially cancelled, with Green Day, Radiohead and Foo Fighters among the bands turning down offers to headline. The festival launched in 1991 with Jane's Addiction, Nine Inch Nails and Siouxsie and the Banshees at the top of the bill. It is now an annual American four-day music festival held in Grant Park in Chicago featuring all genres of music.
2007 - Keith Richards denied that he snorted the ashes of his late father during a drugs binge. Jane Rose, Richards' manager, told MTV News the remarks were made "in jest", and she could not believe they had been taken seriously.
But NME interviewer Mark Beaumont was convinced that Richards was not joking when speaking to him about the alleged incident. ‘He did seem to be quite honest about it. There were too many details for him to be making it up,’ he later told BBC news. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Birthdays:
Richard Manuel was born on this day in 1943. In a group remembered for their vocal talent, the late Richard Manuel was often seen as the lead singer. His is the first voice you hear on the Band's legendary debut album, Music From Big Pink, a rich baritone so soulful and charged with pathos it's hard to believe it could come from the frail Canadian.
Manuel committed suicide in 1986. Eric Clapton wrote "Holy Mother" and former band mate Robbie Robertson "Fallen Angel" as tributes to him.
Tony Orlando is 79. His best-known hits include the 1971 No. 1 single "Knock Three Times" and the 1973 No. 1 single "Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree".
Richard Thompson is 74. An iconic figure in British folk-rock, Richard Thompson is arguably the genre's greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist. As one of the founding members of the group Fairport Convention, Thompson would have a seismic impact on both U.K. folk and rock, incorporating elements of traditional music. After leaving Fairport, Thompson recorded a series of critically acclaimed albums with his spouse Linda Thompson. Richard launched a solo career in earnest with 1983.
Eddie Murphy is 62. He has a hit with "Party All The Time," written and produced by Rick James. Murphy also makes the charts with the novelty song "Put Your Mouth On Me" and the Michael Jackson collaboration "Whatzupwitu."
Mike Ness of Social Distortion is 61.
On This Day In Music History is sourced from This Day in Music, Allmusic, Song Facts and Wikipedia.
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