Today in Music History for Dec. 20:
In 1944, drummer Bobby Colomby of the big band rock group "Blood, Sweat and Tears" was born. Formed from the remains of the legendary New York rock band, "The Blues Project," in the late 1960s, "Blood, Sweat and Tears" was the brainchild of lead vocalist and keyboard player Al Kooper and guitarist Steve Katz. Kooper split from the group after their first album, and was replaced by David Clayton-Thomas, who spent much of his early musical career in Toronto.
In 1958, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and John Lennon performed as "The Quarrymen" at the wedding reception of Harrison's brother, Harry.
In 1966, "Battle of New Orleans" by Johnny Horton was awarded a gold record seven years after its release. The song had gone to the top of the charts in 1959. Horton died in a car crash the following year.
In 1967, rock group "Jethro Tull" was formed by guitarist Mick Abrahams. But Abrahams left the group soon after their first album, and under the subsequent leadership of flutist and vocalist Ian Anderson, "Jethro Tull's" music changed from progressive blues and jazz to a mixture of folk and heavy metal music.
In 1967, singer Jimmie Rodgers was severely beaten in a mysterious roadside attack in Los Angeles. Rodgers was in hospital for more than a year, underwent three brain operations and ended up with a steel plate in his skull. It was seven years before he could resume his career. Evidence indicated an off-duty Los Angeles policeman was responsible for the beating, and the city eventually paid Rodgers $200,000 to avoid a court case. Jimmie Rodgers' hits in the late 1950's included "Honeycomb," "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" and "Secretly."
In 1969, "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by "Peter, Paul and Mary" was the No. 1 song in the U.S.
In 1973, singer Bobby Darin died during an operation to correct a malfunctioning heart valve. He was only 37. Darin was one of the most popular teen idols of the 1950s, and is probably best remembered for his 1959 million-seller "Mack the Knife." His other hits included "Splish Splash," "Beyond the Sea" and "Dream Lover." Besides being a gifted singer, he was also an accomplished actor. Darin was nominated for an Oscar as best supporting actor for his role in the 1964 film "Captain Newman M.D."
In 1975, Joe Walsh, formerly of "The James Gang," joined the "Eagles" after the departure of Bernie Leadon. Leadon had become disenchanted with the direction the "Eagles" were taking -- away from country towards rock.
In 1981, the musical "Dreamgirls," starring Jennifer Holliday, premiered on Broadway. It ran for 1,522 performances, picking up six Tony Awards in 1982. "Dreamgirls" is based primarily on the story of "Diana Ross and the Supremes."
In 1982, pianist Arthur Rubinstein died at his home in Geneva, Switzerland, at the age of 95.
In 1985, Eric "Rad" Yunker, a 32-year-old guitar designer, was electrocuted while testing an instrument for "ZZ Top" in a San Francisco club. He was 32.
In 1986, Soviet rock star Stas Namin joined such U.S. and British rockers as Peter Gabriel, Howard Jones, Nona Hendryx and Jackson Browne in a two-day benefit concert at a baseball stadium in Tokyo. The event, modelled after 1985's Live Aid show, raised funds for the Japan UNICEF Association and other charitable groups.
In 1986, country music star Randy Travis joined the Grand Ole Opry.
In 1987, the Irish rock group "U2" ended their eight-month world tour in Tempe, Ariz., with two sold-out concerts that were recorded for their documentary film, "Rattle and Hum." About 118,000 fans attended the two shows at Sun Devil Stadium.
In 1993, John Williams ended 13 years as conductor of the Boston Pops, saying he wanted to devote more time to composing. His movie scores include "Star Wars" and "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
In 1994, "Beach Boys" co-founders Brian Wilson and Mike Love laughed and hugged at a Los Angeles news conference announcing the end of a lawsuit by Love. He had sought credit and royalties on 35 of the group's songs. Wilson agreed to pay Love $5 million and split future royalties on the tunes. A jury had earlier ruled that Love's name should have been included on such hits as "California Girls" and "I Get Around."
In 1995, the members of "The Drifters" were forbidden to leave Guyana after a series of concerts. They owed about $4,000 in entertainment taxes.
In 1999, Canadian-born country music legend Hank Snow known for his hit song "I'm Movin' On," died at age 85 in Nashville, Tenn.
In 2006, rapper Eminem and Kim Mathers were divorced for a second time. They had first married in 1999 and divorced in 2001. They remarried in January 2006 and he filed for divorce again that April.
In 2007, rocker Eddie Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli settled their divorce.
In 2009, James Gurley, the lead guitarist for psychedelic band "Big Brother and the Holding Company," which was fronted by Janis Joplin, died at age 69. Gurley was best known for his association with Joplin, who joined the band in 1966, shortly after it emerged from the San Francisco music scene.
In 2012, country singer Tate Stevens, mentored by judge L.A. Reid, won the second season of Fox TV's "The X Factor." He won a $5 million recording contract.
In 2016, singer-songwriter Sia filed for divorce from her husband of two years, filmmaker Erik Anders Lang, citing irreconcilable differences.
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The Canadian Press
