1959 - Dolly Parton's first single, Puppy Love, was released today in 1960, when she was 13 years old. It was in Lousiana for GoldBand Records, and the song was written by Dolly and her Uncle Bill. This is the original audio recording with a montage selection of Dolly pix.
1960 - Elvis and his crew sure loved this date, April 20, for it was 51 years ago today Elvis Presley returned to Hollywood to start filming G.I. Blues, and four years later, on the same day, his movie Viva Las Vegas premiered. Following are two excerpts from both movies; the first is opening credits and a fair whack of the movie, showing that Elvis actually could act, you know. After that we have a dynamic clip of Elvis and the beautifully gorgeous and massively talented Anne Margaret - don't tell me they didn't have magic together.
1961 - It is now precisely half a century since The Beatles debuted at the Cavern Club in Liverpool, England. Following is authentically rare, actual historic footage of the band, singing Some Other Guy, followed by a bunch of original still photographs with an amazing early gem of the band singing One After 909.
1968 - This is the day that rock group Deep Purple proved that all bands have a beginning, as this HD, 43 year-old video of them proves. The so-called heavy rock band Deep Purple performed their concert debut in Tastrup, Denmark, with an insipid cover version of the Beatles' Help. This vid is pure vintage gold.
1969 - Janis Joplin and the Kozmic Blues Band played at London's Royal Albert Hall all those years ago on April 21. Couldn't locate that exact footage footage, but here is something that'll truly touch your emotions. Janis Joplin remainsone of the bets of all time, and there is something about this clip makes you want to cry, just a little.
1971 - Barbra Streisand recorded We've Only Just Begun. 1976 The Rolling Stones' Black and Blue album was released, and it was on the same day in 1986 that Vladimir Horowitz returned to Russia to perform after being away for almost 60 years. And on April 21 1977, one of the best musicals of all time, Annie, opened on Broadway. This musical had some great songs, including this one, It's A Hard Knock Life.
It's 1987, April 20, and Ozzy Osbourne released the album Tribute. It was a live album recorded with Randy Rhoads, who had died in 1982. Rhoads was an American heavy metal guitarist who played with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. A devoted student of classical guitar, Rhoads often combined his classical music influences with his own heavy metal style. While on tour with Ozzy Osbourne, he would seek out classical guitar tutors for lessons. Despite his relatively short career, Rhoads has been a major influence on neo-classical metal players that emerged in the 1980s. He is cited as an influence by many contemporary guitarists of all styles. He is included in several 'Greatest Guitarist' lists. Another death, and a sad April 20 for 1991, when Steve Marriot was killed in a house fire at the age of 44. Marriot was an English singer-songwriter, guitarist and musician best remembered for his powerful singing voice which belied his small stature; and for his aggressive guitar playing in rock groups the Small Faces (1965–1969) and Humble Pie (1969–1975 and 1980–1981). But he was more than just a singer and song writer. In Britain, Marriott became a popular, often-photographed mod style icon. He wore his influences on his sleeve from an early age, and they were mainly his heroes, including, including Buddy Holly, Booker T & the MG's, Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Muddy Waters and Bobby Bland. In later life Marriott became disillusioned with the music industry and turned his back on the big record companies, remaining in relative obscurity. He returned to his music roots playing the pubs and clubs around London and Essex. Marriott died on 20 April 1991 when a fire, thought to have been caused by a cigarette, swept through his 16th-century home in Arkesden, Essex. He posthumously received an Ivor Novello Award in 1996 for his Outstanding Contribution to British Music, and was listed in Mojo as one of the top 100 greatest singers of all time. Keith Richards listed Marriott as one of his five favourite artists of all time. Want some vintage Marriott? This first one also features the great, great P.P. Arnold...what a voice, what a doll...the next, also live, also Small Faces. The final video is of the band he had with Peter Frampton, Humble Pie. All classic!!!
1992 - In London, a memorial concert was held for Freddie Mercury (Queen). Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Roger Daltrey, Liza Minnelli, David Bowie, George Michael, Def Leppard, and Spinal Tap performed. Check out these two amazing videos...AxleRose'n'EltonJohn'n'Queen doing Bohemian Rhapsody and an amazing, amazing audience.
1992 - Pavement's album Slanted and Chanted was released, and on the same day, same year, Madonna signed a deal with Time Warner to set up a multimedia company. The deal reportedly made Madonna the highest paid woman in pop music. A year later, same day again, Shania Twain released her self-titled debut album, and two years after that, in London, Barbra Streisand began her first tour in 28 years. Here is the wonderful Barbra Streisand - beautiful, gorgeous, talented, and here, with words of wisdom.
2004 – This is the day in 2004, when fans went on a riot at a secret show by the Libertines and Babyshambles in Stoke-on-Trent, England. The crowd were inspired to tear the venue apart after guitarist Pete Doherty pulled down the curtains behind the stage. This event wasn't recorded, but here's Pete Doherty in the Babyshambles with his song, Fuck Forever. Will Pete Doherty outlive his lifestyle? Is he a true modern pop merchant, lyricist, and observer of life? Is he one of the true original and real music artists of our time?
2008 - And finally, folks, it is now just three years to the day since The Presets went to No.1 on the Australian album chart with their second release Apocalypso. This is Talk Like That live from Ormond Hall in Melbourne, Australia. Funny how time slips away.
