Petula Clark was born today in 1932, making her 87 today. Clark was initially an entertainer during World War II on BBC Radio and has had hits in both English and French. She is probably best-known for her song "Downtown", but had a string of upbeat hits in the '60s such as "I Know a Place", "My Love", "A Sign of the Times", "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love", and "Colour My World". She has sold more than 68 million records.
Also, Today In:
1956 - Elvis' first film, Love Me Tender, premiered.
1969 - Janis Joplin was arrested during a gig in Tampa, Florida, after badmouthing a policeman and using "vulgar and indecent" language. Joplin became upset after police moved into the hall forcing fans to move back to their seats.
1974 - The Faces released what would be their final single and one of the longest song titles, "You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Even Take the Dog for a Walk, Mend a Fuse, Fold Away the Ironing Board, or Any Other Domestic Shortcomings)" Two years later, Rod Stewart permanently departed to devote all his efforts to a solo career.
1980 - Blondie hit No. 1 on the charts with "The Tide Is High" - a song written by Jamaican reggae star John Holt and released in 1967 with his group The Paragons. It would be Blondie's penultimate No. 1 hit, as their final chart topper was the following year's "Rapture."
1990 - David Bowie appeared as The Elephant Man on Broadway.
1992 - Ozzy Osbourne announced his retirement from touring after a gig in California, saying "Who wants to be touring at 46?"
2007 - Jay-Z went to No. 1 on the U.S. album chart with American Gangster, his 10th No. 1 album. This made the rapper second with Elvis Presley for the most No. 1 albums on the chart; only the Beatles had more, with 19.
2016 - American jazz and blues pianist, singer, and songwriter Mose Allison died aged 89. He became notable for playing a unique mix of blues and modern jazz. His music influenced many blues and rock artists, including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Tom Waits, the Yardbirds, John Mayall, J. J. Cale, the Who (who made 'Young Man Blues' a staple of their live performances and is featured on their Live At Leeds album).
2018 - American singer and musician Roy Clark died aged 85 at his Tulsa home due to complications of pneumonia. He scored the 1969 U.S. hit single, 'Yesterday, When I Was Young' and was best known for hosting Hee Haw, a nationally televised country variety show, from 1969 to 1997.
Birthdays:
Tony Thompson of Chic was born today in 1954.
Anni-Frida Lyngstad of ABBA is 74.
Ol' Dirty Bastard (ODB) was born today in 1968.
