2003 – Jon Spencer Blues Explosion previews a slew of new songs during a surprise gig at the Mercury Lounge in New York. Among the tracks performed are “Hot Gossip,” “Mars Arizona,” “Don’t Smile,” “Been My Baby,” “Help These Blues,” “Grindin'” and “Halftime Loser.”
2002 – Tenor saxophonist Paul Williams dies of cardiac arrest in New York. He is 87. Williams had a huge instrumental hit for Savoy Records in 1949 with “The Huckle-Buck,” a honking rearrangement of Charlie Parker’s “Now’s the Time.”
2001 – In tribute to all affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11, the Grand Ole Opry, a uniquely American institution, distributes American flags to patrons as they enter the Opry House for the show.
1999 – Sheryl Crow and friends stage a free concert for 25,000 lucky fans in New York’s Central Park. Crow’s guests include Sara McLachlan, Chrissie Hynde, Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton, the Dixie Chicks and Keith Richards.
1999 – Hurricane Floyd forces the Backstreet Boys to postpone their show at National Car Rental Center in Sunrise, Fla., near Ft. Lauderdale.
1998 – R&B vocalist Johnny Adams, 67, dies in a Baton Rouge, La., hospital after a long battle with cancer. From the late ’50s through the ’70s, the New Orleans-born singer cut regional hits like “I Won’t Cry” and “Reconsider Me” for independent Southern labels.
1998 – Shania Twain wins awards in six of the eight categories for which she is nominated in the Canadian Country Music Awards.
1996 – Singer and arranger Silas Roy Crain dies at the age of 85.
1995 – Earth, Wind and Fire is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1994 – The Temptations receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1984 – The first MTV Awards ceremonies are held at New York’s Radio City Music Hall, co-hosted by Dan Aykroyd and Bette Midler.
1979 – Kenny Rogers receives a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1970 – No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” Diana Ross. The song is the first solo effort by the singer to reach No. 1.
1960 – No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “The Twist,” Chubby Checker. The song is the only one to go to No. 1 in two separate runs (it hits again in 1962) and stays on the Hot 100 for 38 weeks. The song is first recorded by Hank Ballard & the Midnighters.
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