31 JULY
In Music History
1923 Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, is born in Istanbul, Turkey. Also a songwriter, he writes songs such as "Chains of Love" and "Sweet Sixteen" under the pseudonym A. Nugetre.
1918 Jazz pianist Hank Jones is born in Vicksburg, Mississippi. In addition to releasing over 60 albums, he also accompanies Marilyn Monroe as she famously sings "Happy Birthday, Mr. President," to John F. Kennedy on May 19, 1962.
1911 George Liberace, violinist and elder brother to the mononymous entertainer Liberace, is born in Menasha, Wisconsin.
1846 France's army gives legitimacy to Belgian Adolphe Sax's latest invention, the saxophone, by including it in their marching band.
America Reaches Peak Singer-Songwriter As "You've Got A Friend" Hits #1
1971The singer-songwriter era reaches its apex as James Taylor's "You've Got A Friend" hits #1 in the US.
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Featured Events
2009 With Adam Yauch (MCA) diagnosed with cancer, Beastie Boys cancel their appearance at the All Points West festival at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. In tribute, Jay-Z opens his set with a cover of "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."
1980 The Eagles split up after Glenn Frey and Don Felder go at it on stage.More
1969 Elvis Presley comes to Vegas! Making his first live concert appearance since March 25, 1961, he plays the International Hotel in Las Vegas, the first of 57 shows that help revive his career and earn him $1.5 million.
1945 Gary Lewis, future leader of Gary Lewis and the Playboys, is born Cary Levitch. His name is changed two years later when his dad changes his name from Joseph Levitch to Jerry Lewis.
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