This Day in Music History – February 17th

1955 – Little Richard sent his first audition tape to Specialty Records.

1960 – The Everly Brothers signed with Warner Bros. Records in a 10-year contract worth $1 million.

1964 – The first Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass concert was held, in Los Angeles, CA.

1966 – Brian Wilson began recording the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.”

1967 – The Beatles’ “Penny Lane” backed with “Strawberry Fields Forever” was released in the U.S.

1969 – Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan had a recording session in Nashville, TN. “Girl from the North Country” was the only duet released from the session.

1970 – Joni Mitchell announced her retirement from live performances. She returned to the stage within a year.

1970 – Maurice Gibb (Bee Gees) opened in the London stage musical “Sing a Rude Song.”

1971 – James Taylor made his prime-time television debut on ABC’s the “Johnny Cash Show.”

1972 – Pink Floyd began a 4-night stand in London. During the stand they premiered “The Dark Side of the Moon” a full year before it was released.

1975 – John Lennon released “Rock n’ Roll.” It was his last record before he left the music business for 5 years.

1976 – The Eagles released their “Greatest Hits.”

1976 – Bette Midler was awarded the “Woman of the Year” award from Harvard’s University’s Hasty Pudding Theatrical Society.

1979 – The Clash opened its first U.S. tour at The Palladium in New York City.

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