On This Day in Music History – July 18th

1953:  Elvis Presley made his first ever recording when he paid $3.98 at the Memphis recording service singing two songs, ‘My Happiness’ and ‘That’s When Your Heartaches Begin’. The so-called vanity disc, was a gift for his mother. It would surface 37 years later as part of an RCA compilation called ‘Elvis – the Great Performances’.

1960:  Brenda Lee went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘I’m Sorry’ it made No.12 in the UK. Seeking publicity the 4′ 11 tall singer was once billed as a 32-year- old midget and had the nickname Little Miss Dynamite.

1964:  The Four Seasons started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Rag Doll’, the group’s fourth No.1 and a No.2 hit on the UK chart. Co-writer Bob Gaudio said that he got the inspiration for the song from a young girl in tattered clothes that cleaned his car windows at a stop light.

1964:  The Rolling Stones appeared on the US chart for the first time when their cover of Buddy Holly’s ‘Not Fade Away’ peaked at No.48.

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