1901 -

The Victor Talking Machine Company was incorporated. After a merger with Radio Corporation of America, RCA-Victor became the leader in phonographs and many of the records played on them.

1945 -

Ten year old Elvis Presley makes his first public appearance in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show singing "Old Shep". He won 2nd place and 5 dollars.

1954 -

Elvis Presley appears at The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, where his act is received poorly. The show's booking agent suggests that he go back to truck driving.

1955 -

The Four Aces led the US hit parade with "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing", the first US number one record that was specifically written for a motion picture.

Elvis Presley's "I Forgot to Remember to Forget Her" hits #2 on the Memphis charts.

1957 -

Jerry Lee Lewis records his biggest hit, "Great Balls of Fire" as a follow-up to his six million seller, "Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On".

After a heated argument with her father, Connie Francis reluctantly records "Who's Sorry Now", in two takes. Although she doesn't like the song at all, record buyers feel differently and by the following March, it would become her first hit, reaching number 4 in the US and number 1 in the UK.

RCA Victor has all ready received a half-million advanced orders for Elvis Presley's Christmas album. So far only 200,000 copies have been pressed.

The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom TV show premieres on ABC-TV. It would last until 1960.

1958 -

Billboard Magazine runs an article that states "payola, that under-the-turntable device whereby record companies win plugs and influence disc jockeys, is fast growing into a monster that may yet destroy its creators. According to key record execs, jockey payola is so widespread that it's no longer possible to measure its effectiveness." Disc jockey Alan Freed's career will soon be ended by the scandal.

1960 -

"Stay" by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, enters the US chart on its way to number one. At just 1:37, it becomes the shortest US chart topper in rock and roll history.

1961 -

Neil Sedaka records "Happy Birthday Sweet 16".

As a follow up to their number one smash, "Blue Moon", The Marcels release a similar tune called "Heartaches", which will climb to number seven on the US Pop chart.

Bob Dylan makes his concert hall debut at New York's Carnegie Hall, earning $20 for the night. Of the 53 people that attended, most were friends.

1962 -

The Beatles' first single, "Love Me Do", backed with "P.S. I Love You", is released in the UK. The record gets its first radio play the same evening on the EMI-owned Radio Luxembourg and will peak at #17 on the UK chart in December.

After a four year absence, Little Richard makes his return to rock and roll as he kicks off his first ever tour of the UK, sharing the bill with Sam Cooke.

1963 -

Billboard Magazine reports that hot-rodding songs are the latest teen fad, replacing surfing songs. Among the top tunes is the Beach Boys' "Little Deuce Coupe", #15 on the pop charts. Capitol Records starts supplying DJ's and record retailers with a book of hot-rod terms.

Eric Clapton replaces Anthony Topham in the Yardbirds.

The Beatles make their first appearance on the UK rock and roll TV show Ready Steady Go!, where they are interviewed by fellow performer, Dusty Springfield.

1964 -

The Beatles appear on a taped episode of the American rock and roll TV show Shindig!. From London, they perform "I'm a Loser", "Boys" and "Kansas City".

The Supremes' "Baby Love" enters Billboard's Hot 100. It stays on the charts for thirteen weeks, becoming their second number one release in a row.

The Animals' self-titled album enters the Billboard LP chart. It contains their #1 hit, "House Of The Rising Sun".

1965 -

Gary Lewis & the Playboys enter the studio to record two of their biggest hits, "She's Just My Style" and "Sure Gonna Miss Her".

A quartet from Ohio who called themselves The McCoys' had the #1 song on Billboard's singles chart with "Hang On Sloopy". The record was also a hit in the UK, where it went to #5.

The Who, The Four Tops and Gerry and the Pacemakers all appear on the US TV show, Shindig!.

1966 -

On October 6th, early British rocker Johnny Kidd was killed in a car crash in Manchester, England, at the age of 26. The car was being driven by the husband of the secretary of his fan club. Although he never made a dent in the US record charts, Kidd had several hits in the UK. He is best remembered on the North America music scene for writing The Guess Who's 1965 chart debut, "Shakin’ All Over".

Bobby Hebb received a gold record for his US #2 hit, "Sunny".

1967 -

The Association’s "Never My Love" reached its peak position of number 2 on Billboard's Hot 100. As of the end of 2001, The Recording Industry Association of America listed it as the second most played song in the 20th century with over 7 million radio plays. "You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling" by The Righteous Brothers was first with over 8 million. To see the rest of the list, see our page on Classic Rock's Most Played Songs.

Cass Elliot of the Mamas & Papas spends the night in a London jail after a dispute over her hotel bill. The charges would be dropped the next day.

On October 3rd, folk legend Woody Guthrie passed away of Huntington’s chorea in a hospital where he had spent the last ten years. Along with writing "This Land is Your Land", Guthrie was a major influence on Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs and many others. In 1967, his son Arlo would score a hit with "Alice's Restaurant", which was made into a movie in 1969.

All six members of the Grateful Dead are busted by California narcotics agents for possession of marijuana at the groups' 710 Ashbury Street House in San Francisco. After six hours, they are all released on bail.

The Beatles reject an offer of $1 million from promoter Sid Bernstein, to make a second appearance at New York's Shea Stadium . He originally brought the group to Shea in August 1965.

1968 -

Mama Cass Elliot appears as a solo act at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. The two week run is cancelled when opening night proves to be a disaster. Cass has tonsillitis and her band is poorly rehearsed.

Motown Records files a $4 million lawsuit against the songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland for failing to write any new material for the company for the past year.

One of the original super groups, Cream, a trio consisting of Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce, set out on their farewell tour. Their hit single "White Room" was still climbing the charts, following the success of "Sunshine Of Your Love" earlier in the year.

Jose Feliciano performs a controversial version of The Star Spangled Banner before the fifth game of the World Series between the Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals.

1969 -

"Abbey Road", the last album recorded by The Beatles, enters the UK charts at number one. The L.P. would go on to be the group's biggest seller in Britain, although "The Beatles" (the white album) sold more in North America.

George Harrison's song "Something" is released as the "A" side of a Beatles' 45, a first for Harrison. Along with Lennon and McCartney's "Come Together", the single will reach number one next month.

Creedence Clearwater Revival started a four week run at the top of the US album chart with "Green River", the group's first number one album.

1970 -

On October 4th, just days after recording what would be her biggest hit, 27 year old Janis Joplin died of a heroin overdose at Hollywood's Landmark Hotel . "Me and Bobby McGee" would reach number one in early 1971, her highest chart success since "Piece Of My Heart" with Big Brother and The Holding Company in 1968.

1971 -

Rod Stewart enjoyed a two sided, US number one record with "Maggie May / "Reason To Believe".

John Lennon's "Imagine" LP enters the Billboard Hot 200 album chart.

"Got to Be There", Michael Jackson's first solo single, was released by Motown Records.

Soul Train, a new, weekly TV show that showcased current R&B artists, makes its debut in the US. The first broadcast featured Gladys Knight and The Pips, Eddie Kendricks and Honey Cone.

1973 -

Cher had the top tune in the US with a song written especially for her, "Half-Breed". In the UK however, the single failed to chart at all.

The BBC broadcast the 500th edition of the rock and roll show, Top Of The Pops. The featured acts were Slade, Gary Glitter and The Osmonds.

1974 -

Olivia Newton-John had her first chart topping album with "If You Love Me, Let Me Know", which also contained her third number one single, "I Honestly Love You".

After a long dry spell, Dionne Warwicke returned to the US top ten with "Then Came You", recorded with The Spinners. Due to some superstitious feelings having to do with astrology, the former Ms. Warwick added an "e" to the end of her name for good luck. She would later return to the old spelling, which is actually a mis-spelled version of her real name: Warrick

John Lennon releases his "Walls And Bridges" LP.

Irish rockers Thin Lizzy play their first date with the twin-guitar line-up of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson in Aberystwyth, Wales.

The Guess Who's "Clap For The Wolfman" peaks at #6 on Billboard's Hot 100. The track featured the voice of legendary disc jockey, Wolfman Jack.

The Beach Boys went to #1 on the US album chart for the second time with "Endless Summer".

1975 -

John Lennon won his lengthy battle to stay in the US when the three judge panel of the US Court of Appeals in New York ruled that his 1968 arrest in Britain for possession of marijuana was "contrary to US ideas of due process and is invalid as a means of banishing the former Beatle from America." Two days later, Lennon and his wife Yoko celebrate his 35th birthday with the birth of their only child, Sean Ono Lennon.

Harry Chapin's "Cats in the Cradle" is released.

Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" LP hits #1 on the US album chart.

1976 -

John Belushi joins Joe Cocker on Saturday Night Live during the performance of "Feeling Alright". Belushi performs his exaggeratedly spastic imitation of Cocker and the crowd goes wild. After the show, Cocker says he's happy with Belushi's impression of him.

Rod Stewart's "Tonight's The Night" is released. It will become his second US #1 hit.

Hall and Oates' second album, "Abandoned Luncheonette", which contained the hit single, "She's Gone", is certified gold three weeks after its release.

Rick Dees and His Cast of Idiots receive a gold record for one of the more bizarre novelty hits of the decade, "Disco Duck". In December, it will become only the fourth single ever to be certified platinum.

1977 -

Actress Britt Eklund launches a $15-million palimony suit against Rod Stewart. The case would be later settled out of court.

Following what appeared to be an attempt to steal the body of Elvis Presley from Forest Hill Cemetery a month earlier, Presley's remains and those of his mother Gladys are moved to Graceland.

Gene Simmons receives a platinum record for his solo LP, one of four released concurrently by the members of KISS. Simmons' charts the highest, reaching #22.

Billy Joel's breakthrough album, "The Stranger", enters the Billboard album chart.

1978 -

ABBA's Benny Anderson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad are married. The union would last just three years.

Tammy Wynette, the popular country music singer who cracked the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 with "Stand By Your Man", was abducted, beaten and held in her car for two hours by a kidnapper wearing a ski mask. He held a gun on her and forced her to drive 90 miles from Nashville, Tennessee. She was later released and the kidnapper escaped.

Mick Jagger offers an apology to the Reverend Jesse Jackson after Jackson denounces the Stones' song, "Some Girls" as racist. Jagger, however, refuses to change the lyrics.

The Rolling Stones perform "Beast Of Burden" NBC's Saturday Night Live.

1979 -

Robert John had the top tune on the Billboard pop chart with a song called "Sad Eyes". It had been nearly 21 years since his first chart appearance in 1958 with a minor hit, "White Bucks and Saddle Shoes".

A little more than a year after the death of drummer Keith Moon, The Who's "The Kids Are Alright", goes platinum.

The Eagles' "Heartache Tonight" is released.

Warner Brothers Records rush releases Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" album weeks ahead of schedule when tracks begin mysteriously popping up on US radio stations.

1980 -

Bob Marley collapses onstage during a concert in Pittsburgh. He is flown to Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York City, and then to Ethiopia to rest. He would later be admitted to a German disease-treatment center, but would die of brain tumour in May 1981.

Fleetwood Mac members Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood present the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band with a platinum record for their contribution to the album "Tusk".

Queen had their second US number 1 song when "Another One Bites the Dust" hit the top. Earlier in the year, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" also went to head of the hit parade.

Even though he resurrected their career in the mid 1970s, The Bee Gees filed a $200-million law suit against their manager, Robert Stigwood, claiming mis-management. The lawsuit would be settled out of court, with mutual public apologies, in May 1981.

1981 -

Billy Joel released the first digitally recorded, live album, "Songs in the Attic", a collection of tunes he had recorded before his big breakthrough, "Just The Way You Are".

On October 5th, Jud Strunk, comedian and singer / songwriter who appeared on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In and scored a number 14 hit with "Daisy A Day" in 1973, died in a small plane crash in Maine, USA. He was 45.

1982 -

Led Zeppelin's guitarist Jimmy Page receives a 12 month conditional discharge after being found guilty of cocaine possession.

"Jack and Diane" by John Cougar led the Billboard hit parade, while his earlier release, "Hurts So Good" was still at number ten.

1984 -

Although her Pop career was on the decline, Anne Murray won the Country Music Association's Album of the Year Award for "A Little Good News". She was the first woman to ever win the award.

1986 -

The Everly Brothers are awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

1987 -

Chuck Berry is awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His film biography, Hail, Hail Rock & Roll premiered the same night.

Brenda Lee Day was declared in her home town of Lithonia, Georgia and a street was named after her.

The three members of ZZ Top made advance bookings for seats on the first passenger flight to the Moon.

1988 -

Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" finally falls off of Billboard's Hot 200 Album Chart after a record 741 weeks.

Ringo Starr and his wife Barbara Bach fly to Tucson, Arizona to enter an alcohol abuse program. Over six weeks later, they complete the program and return to England.

1989 -

Jefferson Airplane play a concert where admission is a can of food for the San Francisco Food Bank.

1990 -

On October 8th, Procol Harum's drummer, Barrie Wilson died after several months in a coma following a car accident. He was 43.

1991 -

J. Frank Wilson, who recorded "Last Kiss", one of rock and roll's greatest teenage death songs, died of a heart attack on October 4th, a few months shy of his fiftieth birthday.

Michael Jackson gives away the bride at Elizabeth Taylor's seventh wedding, held at Jackson's Neverland Ranch. The Groom was construction worker Larry Fortensky, whom Taylor would divorce in 1997. When asked why she married so many times, Taylor said that she was a very moral person and would never sleep with a man unless she was married to him.

1992 -

The US Postal Service announces a commemorative stamp booklet that includes rock legends Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Ritchie Valens, Clyde McPhatter, Otis Redding and Dinah Washington.

On October 5th, former Temptations singer Eddie Kendricks died of cancer, a year after having one lung removed. He was 52.

Sinead O’Connor did her career some major damage after she held up an 8" x 10" color photo of Pope John Paul II, ripped it into pieces and said, "Fight the real enemy." Over the next few days the NBC switchboard in New York received thousands of calls denouncing O'Connor's performance. The network and the show's executive producer, Lorne Michaels, both denied any knowledge of O'Connor's plan and said she had performed the song differently in rehearsal. Catholic groups expressed outrage at the act and called it patently offensive to people of all religious beliefs. NBC has never again aired the O'Connor performance.

1993 -

Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell" enters the LP chart.

The Beatles' "1962-1966" (The Red Album) and "1967-1970" (The Blue Album) are released on CD.

1994 -

42 year-old John Mellencamp confirms he recently had a mild heart attack brought on by an 80-cigarettes-per-day habit and a cholesterol level of 300.

The Eagles reunion tour is halted when Glenn Frey needs emergency stomach surgery.

Elvis Aaron Presley: The Tribute is broadcast live on pay-per-view TV in the US. In attendance at the Pyramid Arena in Memphis are Lisa Marie Presley and her husband, Michael Jackson.

1996 -

Van Halen announces that former Extreme lead singer Gary Cherone was chosen as the new lead singer of the group, replacing Sammy Hagar.

1999 -

Paul McCartney releases his first album since the death of his wife Linda in April 1998. Entitled "Run Devil Run", the CD is a collection of rare rock oldies along with new McCartney songs.

Tom Jones reached #1 on the UK album chart with "Reload", which, at 59, made him the oldest artist to score a British chart topping album with new material.

Roger Daltrey announced that The Who were reforming, making their first performance in Las Vegas. The show was also being planned to be broadcast live on the internet.

2000 -

Benjamin Orr, bassist / vocalist for the Cars lost his fight with pancreatic cancer on October 5th, at the age of 53. Orr sang lead vocals on some of the band's most recognizable hits, such as "Just What I Needed", "Bye Bye Love", "Drive" and "Let's Go".

Paul Anka files for divorce from his wife Anne. The couple had been married since 1963.

John Lennon's assassin, Mark Chapman was denied parole after serving 20 years in prison. Chapman was interviewed for 50 minutes by parole board members, who concluded that releasing Chapman would 'deprecate the seriousness of the crime'.

2002 -

Mick Jagger donated £100,000 to his old Grammar school in Dartford to help pay for a music director and buy musical instruments.

2004 -

Billy Joel got married to a woman who is just four years older than his daughter. The 55 year old piano man tied the knot with Katie Lee, a 22 year old cooking student that he had been dating for about a year.