Today in 1947, Stephen Peter Marriott - songwriter and frontman of Small Faces and Humble Pie - was born. Marriott was in the Small Faces from 1965-1969 and 1977-1978, and in Humble Pie from 1969-1975 and 1980-1981. He was known for his powerful voice, often-photographed mod style, and small stature (he was 5'5"). He died of a house fire in 1991 at the age of 44 and was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Small Faces.
Also, Today In:
1956 - Elvis began laying down tracks at RCA Victor's New York studios for what would be his first album. One of the memorable tunes recorded on this day was Presley's version of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes."
1961 - The Shirelles became the first girl group to have the No. 1 song on the U.S. chart when "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?" (also known as "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow") reached the top, and peaked at No. 4 in the U.K. The song has since been recorded by many artists over the years, including a 1971 version by co-writer Carole King. Fun fact about The Shirelles: they were founded in 1957 for a talent show at their high school.
1969 - The Beatles' last public performance took place on the roof of Apple Records in London. The impromptu concert was broken up by the police.
1971 - Janis Joplin released her most successful single "Me And Bobby McGee" posthumously, as she had died the previous October of an overdose. The song was written by Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster, originally performed by Roger Miller.
1973 - After recently changing their name from Wicked Lester, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss made their first appearance as KISS at the Popcorn Club in Queens.
1975 - The Bee Gees begin recording "Jive Talkin", which became their second U.S. chart topper and No. 5 U.K. hit.
1982 - Influential blues guitarist Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins died of cancer in Houston.
1988 - Tiffany was at No. 1 on the U.K. singles chart with "I Think We're Alone Now", the singer's only U.K. No. 1 single. In the U.S., it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was a hit for Tommy James & The Shondells in 1967.
1990 - The Stone Roses, not happy with plans to re-release their single "Sally Cinnamon," trashed the offices of Revolver FM, their London-based record company, and then hurled paint on cars parked outside. They were later arrested and charged.
2010 - Neil Young was named the MusiCares Person of the Year for his "influential artistic accomplishments and philanthropic work". A string of artist including Elton John, Norah Jones, James Taylor, Elvis Costello, John Fogerty, Dave Matthews and Sheryl Crow performed his songs as he was honored by the U.S. Recording Academy at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
2013 - Mick Jagger was named the most stylish rock star of all time by lifestyle website Complex. Jagger lead their top 50 list ahead of Prince, David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Sid Vicious and Keith Richards. Complex stated "Even today, he wears silk scarves and suits with more rakish appeal than most men - and he's pushing 70." (He is now 76.)
Birthdays:
Jefferson Airplane co-founder Marty Balin was born today in 1942.
Phil Collins is 69.
Jody Watley is 61.
