May 20

In 1954
Bill Haley's "Rock Around The Clock" was released as a single.  It didn't become a hit until a year later when it was featured in the movie "Blackboard Jungle."

In 1957          
The Coasters' "Searchin'" and "Young Blood" broke into the Top 40.

In 1960
The band Johnny and the Moondogs changed its name to the Silver Beetles.  The band eventually decided to call itself The Beatles.

In 1966
George Harrison made his first visit to the Maharishi Yogi.

Tired of waiting for a tardy John Entwistle and Keith Moon, The Who's Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey went on stage at the Ricky Tick Club in Windsor, England, performing with the bass player and drummer of the local band that opened the show.  When Moon and Entwistle finally arrived, Townshend hit Moon on the head with his guitar.  The drummer quit the band, but returned a week later.

In 1967
Jimi Hendrix signed his first American record contract with Reprise Records.  He and his band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, had already released records on the Polydor and Track labels in Britain.

The BBC banned the Beatles' "A Day in the Life" because officials said the song encouraged drug use.

The Dave Clark Five appeared on the British TV show "Piccadilly Palace."
         
Aretha Franklin's "Respect" hit number one on the R&B chart.

The Young Rascals' "Groovin'" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

The Easybeats' "Friday On My Mind" peaked at number 16 on the pop singles chart.

In 1968
Pete Townshend married girlfriend Karen Astley.

In 1970
The Beatles movie "Let It Be" had its premier in London and Liverpool.

In 1971
Chicago's Peter Cetera underwent four hours of emergency surgery after being beaten up at a Chicago Cubs-Los Angeles Dodgers game.  He was attacked because of the length of his hair.

In 1972
T. Rex's "Metal Guru" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.

In 1977
The musical "Beatlemania" opened at the Winter Garden Theater in New York.

In 1978          
The film "The Buddy Holly Story" starring Gary Busey had its premier in Holly's hometown of Lubbock, Texas.

Wings' "With A Little Luck" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

In 1979
Elton John performed a concert in Leningrad.

In 1989
Gerry Marsden and Paul McCartney were among an all-star remake of the Gerry and the Pacemakers hit "Ferry 'Cross The Mersey," which hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.

In 1992
Aerosmith came to the rescue of an explicit exhibition called "Corporal Politics" at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  When the National Endowment for the Arts refused to fund the exhibit, the Boston band donated ten-thousand-dollars to the show.

In 1995
Don Henley married Sharon Summerall in a ceremony in Malibu.  Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel were among the celebrities in attendance.

In 1997
New album releases included John Fogerty's "Blue Moon Swamp" and Paul McCartney's "Flaming Pie."

In 1998
Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan were among the mourners at the funeral for Frank Sinatra.

In 1999          
Jan & Dean, the Grass Roots, and Pat Boone were among the artists who sued K-tel International Inc. for breach of contract and non-payment of royalties in relation to 27 compilation albums containing their work.

In 2000
The Guess Who played a show at a Winnipeg, Canada, community center.  The show, featuring band members Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings, Jim Kale, Donnie McDougall, and Garry Peterson, was a warm-up gig for the group's upcoming reunion tour.

In 2001
Jose Feliciano received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

In 2002
Aerosmith was among the honorees at the 19th annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards.

In 2003
Ted Nugent was dropped from the line up for the Muskegon, Michigan Summer Celebration after he allegedly used racial slurs during an interview with a Colorado radio station.

Stevie Wonder was among those who took part in the ASCAP Pop Music Awards in Los Angeles.

George Harrison's single "Any Road" debuted in the top 40 on the Billboard pop singles chart, landing at number 37.
         
The album "The In-Laws: Music from the Motion Picture," including material from Paul McCartney, Badfinger, Electric Light Orchestra, The Bee Gees, and Elvis Presley, was released.

In 2004
Lou Reed and partner Laurie Anderson brought their terrier to a birthday party for the bulldog of the Soho Kitchen Club's chef.

In 2005
Former Beach Boys Brian Wilson and Al Jardine were on hand for the dedication ceremony for a monument marking the site in Hawthorne, California where Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson's childhood home once stood.

In 2006
Lynyrd Skynyrd had to cancel an appearance at the U.S. Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms, California because frontman Johnny Van Zant had an emergency appendectomy two days earlier.

Aerosmith resumed work on a new album.  The band had been forced to take a break from the road and the studio because frontman Steven Tyler was recovering from surgery on a ruptured a blood vessel in his voice box.

Ozzy Osbourne, Bee Gees Barry and Robin Gibb, and Annie Lennox were among the performers at the Prince's Trust 30th Birthday charity concert.

Elton John launched into an obscenity-laden tirade when he was interrupted by a photographer while presenting an award at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

In 2007
The man who wrote a number of Elvis Presley's movie tunes, including "Rock-a-Hula-Baby" and "Follow That Dream," died.   Songwriter Ben Weisman, whom Presley used to call "the mad professor, died of pneumonia at a long-term care facility in Los Angeles.  He was 85.

In 2008          
Hall & Oates received the 2008 BMI Icon Award at the performing rights organization's 56th annual Pop Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California.

Jermaine Jackson's divorce was final.  While his ex-wife declined alimony, she got custody of their children Jaafar and Jermajesty along with three-thousand dollars a month in child support.

The Chelsea Flower Show opened in Britain, featuring "Life to Life," a memorial garden honoring the late Beatle George Harrison.

New releases included Donna Summer's CD "Crayons," which was her first full collection of new music since 1991, and actress Scarlett Johansson's debut album "Anywhere I Lay My Head," which features David Bowie singing backing vocals on a couple of cuts.

In 2009
Kiss, Queen, Rod Stewart, Santana, and Lionel Richie were among the guests who participated in the season finale of "American Idol," in which Kris Allen received the title.

May 19

In 1956          
Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" peaked at number two on the pop singles chart.

The Platters' "Magic Touch" peaked at number four on the pop singles chart.

In 1958
Bobby Darin released the single "Splish Splash."  It was the first song to be mastered on an eight-track recording.

In 1960
The Drifters recorded the song "Save The Last Dance For Me."

Disc jockey Alan Freed and eight other people were charged by a federal grand jury with commercial bribery, also known as payola.

In 1961
The Everly Brothers created their own record label, Caliope, to discover and support new talent.  They continued to release their own work on Warner Brothers Records.

In 1962
Ernie Maresca's "Shout! Shout! (Knock Yourself Out)" peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.

Gene Pitney's "(The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance" and Ray Charles' "I Can't Stop Loving You" broke into the Top 40.

In 1965
The Beatles' "Ticket To Ride" hit number one on the pop singles chart.
         
The FBI visited Wand Records to investigate the lyrics to the Kingsmen's hit "Louie Louie."

In 1966
The Beatles shot promotional videos for the songs "Paperback Writer" and "Rain," which were to air on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1967
Beatles manager Brian Epstein hosted a media listening party for the group's upcoming album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

In 1968
The Fifth Dimension appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

In 1969
The Who released the album "Tommy."

In 1973
Billy Preston's "Will It Go Round In Circles" broke into the Top 40.

Paul Simon released the single "Kodachrome."

In 1976
Keith Richards crashed his Bentley into a highway divider in a community about 50 miles north of London.  Police found drugs in the car and eventually charged him with possession of cocaine and marijuana.

In 1978
Dire Straits released their first single, "Sultans of Swing," in the UK.

In 1979          
Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Denny Laine, and Mick Jagger joined Eric Clapton for a wedding reception jam celebrating Clapton's marriage to George Harrison's ex-wife Patti Boyd.  The two had been married in March.

Supertramp's album "Breakfast in America" was the top selling album in the U.S.

Paul McCartney and Wings' single "Goodnight Tonight" peaked at number five on the pop singles chart.

In 1984
Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" marked its 520th week, a total of 10 years, on Billboard's Top 200 album chart.

The O'Jays and The Romantics performed together on "Soul Train."

In 1986
Peter Gabriel released the album "So."

In 1989
The Surfaris drummer Ron Wilson died of a brain aneurysm.  He was 44.

In 1992
New album releases included Kiss' "Revenge" and Jimmy Buffett's "Boats, Beaches, Bars, & Ballads."

In 1998          
Sonny & Cher received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 2000
James Brown was sued a former employee for harassment and wrongful dismissal.

The Allman Brothers Band announced that founding guitarist Dickey Betts would not be with the band on its upcoming summer tour, citing "creative differences."

Peter, Paul, and Mary kicked off a 40th anniversary tour with a three night stand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 2002
Ronnie Spector performed at Joey Ramone's Annual Birthday Bash, a benefit concert honoring the late Ramones frontman Joey Ramone and supporting the Lymphoma Research Foundation.  Ramone died a year earlier following a lengthy battle with the disease.

In 2003
Aretha Franklin led a candlelight vigil for Luther Vandross, who was in a coma following a stroke he suffered a month earlier.  The Four Tops also participated in the event, which was held at a church in Detroit.

Sammy Hagar performed a benefit concert in New York's Battery Park to support the city's fire houses.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg had planned to shut eight Manhattan fire houses as an effort to save the city money.

In 2004
Sharon Osbourne discussed the new Country Cow Creamery ice cream flavors that were named for her and husband Ozzy, including Death by Sharon and Ozzy's Carnivorous Carrot Cake.

In 2005
Ronnie Spector was among the performers at the 5th annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash concert and art exhibit fundraising party in honor of the late Ramones frontman Joey Ramone.  Proceeds from the event went to the Lymphoma Research Foundation.  Ramone died in April 2001 following a lengthy battle with the disease.

In 2006          
Keith Richards returned to his home in Connecticut ten days after having surgery in an Auckland, New Zealand hospital relating to a head injury he suffered a few weeks earlier in Fiji.

Lynyrd Skynyrd had to cancel a concert in Mountain View, California because frontman Johnny Van Zant had an emergency appendectomy a day earlier.

Billy Joel and James Taylor were among the performers at Sting's 2006 Rainforest Foundation Benefit Concert.

Freddie and the Dreamers frontman Freddie Garrity passed away at a hospital in Bangor, Wales after becoming ill on vacation.  He was 69.

In 2007
Fats Domino played a 30-minute set at Tipitina's, marking his first concert in New Orleans since losing his home and virtually all of his possessions in Hurricane Katrina nearly two years earlier.

Keith Richards attended the "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" premiere in Los Angeles.  The Rolling Stones guitarist appears in the film as the father of Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow -- whose mannerisms Depp has admitted to basing on the legendary rocker.

In 2008
Brian Wilson announced that he'd returned to Capitol Records, and would be releasing his album "That Lucky Old Sun" through the label in the fall.

Charlie Daniels was among those who took part in Vince Gill's Pro-Celebrity Invitational charity golf tournament.

In 2009          
Natalie Cole received a kidney transplant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.  However, while she was undergoing the procedure her sister Carol died.  Carol had just been diagnosed with lung cancer a week earlier.

Elton John was the keynote speaker for the Biotechnology Industry Organization's BIO International Convention in Atlanta.  John addressed the HIV and AIDS epidemic and the role of biotechnology in developing treatments and methods to stop the spread of the disease, and offered projections on future challenges and options in battling the illness.

The songwriting and production team of Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff received the BMI Icon Award at the performing rights organization's 57th annual BMI Pop Awards dinner in Los Angeles.

May 18

In 1963
The Beatles began their first headlining tour with a show in Slough, England.
         
Joan Baez joined Bob Dylan on stage at the Monterey Folk Festival.

In 1964
Paul McCartney was a guest on the David Frost's BBC show "A Degree of Frost."

In 1965
The Beatles took the Grammy for Best Performance by a Vocal Group.  Peter Sellers presented the group with the trophy.

In 1966
Bruce Springsteen participated in his first recording session with the band the Castilles.

In 1968
The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, the Steve Miller Blues Band, Grateful Dead, and Big Brother and the Holding Company with Janis Joplin topped the bill at the Northern California Rock Festival in Santa Clara.

Tiny Tim released the single "Tiptow Through the Tulips."

In 1971
The Band began their first tour of Europe with a show in Rotterdam.

In 1972
The Beatles reportedly came to an agreement on splitting their collective assets in order to free up 17-million-dollars that had been frozen because of lawsuits pending between the former band mates.

In 1974
Ray Stevens novelty song "The Streak" hit number one on the pop singles chart.
         
The Jackson 5's "Dancing Machine" peaked at number two on the pop singles chart.

Marvin Hamlisch's "The Entertainer" peaked at number three on the pop singles chart.

Bachman-Turner Overdrive released the single "Taking Care of Business."

In 1978
The movie "The Buddy Holly Story" had its world premiere in Dallas, Texas.

In 1979
Journey hosted "The Midnight Special," which featured appearances from the Jacksons and Herbie Hancock.

In 1981
Phil Collins' "In The Air Tonight" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.

In 1983
Elton John released the album "Too Low For Zero."

In 1984
Michael Jackson was invited to visit the White House by then-President Ronald Reagan.

In 1985          
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Don't Come Around Here No More" peaked at number 13 on the pop singles chart.

In 1987
Kiss released the video "Exposed."

In 1988
James Brown spent the night in jail on charges of drug possession and fleeing the police.

In 1989
Former Byrds drummer Michael Clarke won a judgement in a Tampa, Florida, court allowing him to continue using the name The Byrds with another group.  Clarke had been sued over the issue by one-time band mates Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, and Chris Hillman.

In 1990
The Rolling Stones' "Urban Jungle Tour" opened at Feyenoord Stadium, Rotterdam, Holland.  In Holland, "Paint It Black" was number one on Dutch charts, because it was the theme song for the Dutch version of the TV series "Tour of Duty."

Robert Plant's album "Manic Nirvana" and Jethro Tull's video "This Is The First 20 Years" were certified Gold.

In 1991
Rod Stewart's "Rhythm Of My Heart" peaked at number five on the pop singles chart.

In 1992
Ozzy Osbourne announced he was giving up touring at the end of his current tour, the "No More Tours Tour."  Osbourne later returned to the road.

In 1993
Kiss released the album "Kiss Alive 3," and band members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Bruce Kulick were inducted into Hollywood's Rock Walk of Fame.
         
Ozzy Osbourne released the video "Live And Loud" video."

Elton John's album "The One" was certified multi-Platinum.

In 1994
Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, married Michael Jackson in a ceremony in the Dominican Republic.

Barbra Streisand donated 25-thousand-dollars to a band program at a Detroit school.

In 1997
Former Guess Who members Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman reunited for the first time in years, to perform at a flood relief concert in Winnipeg.

In 1998
Elton John announced that he was severing ties John Reid management after a 28 year relationship.

In 1999
Jimmy Buffett released the album "Beach House on the Moon."

In 2000
The compilation album "Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan" was certified Gold.

In 2003
AC/DC performed at a restaurant in Singapore to prove that the country was safe despite the SARS outbreak.
         
A funeral for the late Jimi Hendrix Band bassist Noel Redding was held in Ardfield, Ireland.

The Beatles exhibit "The Mad Day Out: Summer of '68" closed at the Matthew Street Gallery in Liverpool, England.

In 2004
Jimmy Buffett launched a tour in support of the album "License to Chill" with a show in Denver.

"George Thorogood & The Destroyers Greatest Hits: 30 Years of Rock" hit stores. 

In 2006
Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Johnny Van Zant had an emergency appendectomy at Stanford University Hospital in Stanford, California.  His condition forced the group to cancel several concerts and other appearances.

In 2007
Tina Turner stepped out of retirement to perform at a fundraiser at London's Natural History Museum for the UK-based charity Cauldwell Children.

In 2008
A Russian businesswoman reportedly wanted to hire Elton John for an hour-long private show in Moscow, and pay him five-point-two-million-dollars -- the highest fee ever for a solo performer for a private gig.
         
Neil Diamond's "Home Before Dark," debuted at number one on the UK album chart, becoming his first-ever set of new material to hit the top spot on the British chart.

May 17

In 1963
Bob Dylan and Joan Baez teamed up with Pete Seeger at the first Monterey Folk Festival.

In 1967          
The Bob Dylan documentary "Don't Look Back," chronicling his 1965 British tour, had its premiere at the Presidio Theater in San Francisco.  Dylan later denounced the movie and filed a court injunction to bar it from being shown.

In 1968
The film "Wonderwall," for which George Harrison wrote the soundtrack, had its premier at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Richard Harris released the album "A Tramp Shining," featuring the single "MacArthur Park."

In 1969
Simon & Garfunkel's "The Boxer" peaked at number seven on the pop singles chart.

Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Bad Moon Rising" and Elvis Presley's "In The Ghetto" broke into the Top 40.

Chicago released its debut album, "Chicago Transit Authority."

In 1973
Stevie Wonder released the single "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life."

Yes' albums "Yessongs" and "The Yes Album" and The Carpenters' single "Sing" were certified Gold.

In 1974          
Frankie Avalon hosted an all-oldies version of "The Midnight Special" including guests Sam & Dave, Fabian, and the Fleetwoods.

Elton John was featured in the TV special "Say Goodbye to Norma Jean and Other Things."  He performed a number of hits, including "Candle in the Wind" and "Rocket Man."

In 1975
Just two weeks before the start of the Rolling Stones' lengthy Tour of the Americas '75, Mick Jagger put his right hand through a window at Gorman's restaurant in Montauk, on Long Island.  It took 20 stitches to close the wound, but didn't affect the tour schedule.

Ozark Mountain Daredevils' "Jackie Blue" peaked at number three on the pop singles chart.

Queen's "Killer Queen" peaked at number 12 on the pop singles chart.

10cc released the single "I'm Not In Love."

Elton John's album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" was certified Platinum.  It was the first album to sell a million copies on the day it was released.

In 1976
Dr. Hook's single "Only Sixteen" was certified Gold.

In 1978
Lou Reed kicked off a two week stand at the Bottom Line in New York.  Some of the shows were included on Reed's live album "Take No Prisoners."

In 1979          
Cher's album "Take Me Home" was certified Gold.

In 1980
Kiss drummer Peter Criss, the one who wore the catlike makeup, left the group for a solo career.

Paul & Linda McCartney appeared on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

In 1986
Van Halen's "Why Can't This Be Love" peaked at number three on the pop singles chart.

In 1987
Tom Petty's estate in Encino, California burned down, causing a million dollars in damage.

In 1988
Cher's self-titled album was certified Gold.

In 1989
Wet Willie bassist Jack Hall died.

The Doobie Brothers released the album "Cycles."

In 1992          
Genesis had to end a show after two songs during a stop in Tampa, Florida for their "We Can't Dance" tour because Phil Collins had a sore throat.  Police arrested several concertgoers who got upset when the show stopped.

In 1999
Rock producer Bruce Fairbairn died at the age of 49 of unknown causes.  He had worked with Aerosmith, AC/DC, and Van Halen.

In 2002
Songwriter Sharon Sheeley died from complications from an aneurysm at a hospital in Los Angeles.  Sheeley was behind a number of early rock hits, including Ricky Nelson's "Poor Little Fool," Eddie Cochran's "Somethin' Else," and Brenda Lee's "Dum Dum."  She was 62.

In 2004
The TV special "Motown 45" aired.  Lionel Richie served as a co-host, while the Four Tops, the Temptations, former Supremes Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong, Gladys Knight, Jermaine Jackson, and Michael McDonald were among the artists who took part in the program.

In 2005
Paul Simon received the 2005 BMI Icon Award at the BMI Pop Awards.  The event recognizes the most performed rock and pop songs of the previous year, and also pays tribute to songwriting legends.

Neil Young delivered the material for what was to become the album "Prairie Wind" to his record label.

In 2006
Paul McCartney and Heather Mills confirmed that they had split up.

In 2007
Jack Bruce performed at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow as part of the launch of the school's new informal performance space the Jack Bruce Zone.  Bruce had been a student at the academy back in the 1950s.

The Killers scrapped a concert in Boulder, Colorado just two songs into their set because frontman Brandon Flowers was suffering from a throat ailment and couldn't continue the show.  The singer's condition also forced the band to postpone a show in Seattle three days later.

In 2008
Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson's horror flick "Chemical Wedding," which tells the story of a reincarnated occultist and mystic Aleister Crowley, had its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.  Dickinson co-wrote the script with Julian Doyle.  The singer, who's also a licensed pilot, flew a number of guests with him to the South of France for the premiere.

In 2009
Elton John's Broadway show "Billy Elliot: The Musical" was the big winner at the 54th annual Drama Desk Awards, taking ten categories including Outstanding Musical.  Elton himself earned the trophy for Outstanding Music for his contribution to the production.

 May 14

In 1955          
Bill Haley and the Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" broke into the Top 40.

In 1956
An optometrist gave Buddy Holly contact lenses but he couldn't adjust to them, so he kept his glasses, which became his trademark.

In 1959
Cliff Richard's movie "Serious Charge" had its debut.

In 1963
Leslie Gore recorded the single "Judy's Turn To Cry" at a session at A&R Studios in New York.

In 1964
Jan and Dean recorded the single "Little Old Lady (From Pasadena.)"

In 1966
Paul Revere and the Raiders' "Kicks" peaked at number four on the pop singles chart.

Dionne Warwick's "Message To Michael" peaked at number eight on the pop singles chart.

The Yardbirds' "Shapes of Things" peaked at number eleven on the pop singles chart.
         
Simon and Garfunkel's "I Am A Rock" and The Lovin' Spoonful's "Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind?" broke into the Top 40.

In 1968
John Lennon and Paul McCartney announced the formation of the Beatles' company Apple Records.

The Rascals recorded the single "People Got To Be Free."

In 1970
Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young released the song "Ohio" in the wake of the Kent State killings.  The foursome also announced that the group was splitting up.

In 1976
Yardbirds frontman Keith Relf electrocuted by his guitar when he attempted to tune the instrument while in the bathtub.  His body was found by his eight-year-old son.  Relf was 33.

In 1977
Boz Scaggs' "Lido Shuffle" peaked at number eleven on the pop singles chart.

Steve Miller Band's "Jet Airliner" broke into the Top 40.

In 1986
Genesis' "Invisible Touch" single was released.

In 1988          
Crosby, Stills, and Nash and the Bee Gees were among the groups attending the 40th anniversary celebration of Atlantic records.  Surviving members of Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Foreigner, and Yes also appeared at the event.

Bruce Hornsby and the Range's "The Valley Road" broke into the Top 40.

In 1991
The Bee Gees released the album "High Civilization."

In 1996
The Isley Brothers released the album "Mission to Please."

In 2002
The Queen-based musical "We Will Rock You" opened in London.

David Crosby appeared on the Fox News Channel to voice his opposition to a proposed plan to store nuclear waste in the Yucca Mountains in Nevada.

Van Morrison released the album "Down the Road."

In 2003
The Isley Brothers' album "Body Kiss" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart.

In 2004
Phil Spector, already facing a trial in connection with the murder of actress Lana Clarkson, was arrested in Los Angeles in conjunction with a fight with his chauffeur.  When police arrived on the scene, both the producer and the driver were trying to place each other under citizen's arrest for assault in the matter.

In 2005          
Rod Stewart cancelled the first of two scheduled concerts in Birmingham, England because he was battling, quote, "a severe viral throat infection."

In 2007
Aretha Franklin received an honorary doctorate of music from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

In 2008
Neil Diamond's "Home Before Dark" debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, becoming not only his first album to enter the chart in the top spot, but the first chart-topping album of his career.

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles single "Tracks of My Tears," Roy Orbison's single "Oh, Pretty Woman," Joni Mitchell's album "For the Roses" were among the new additions to the National Recording Preservation Board's National Recording Registry.

The last of the 30 signs marking "Bob Dylan Way," a pathway through the arts district in downtown Duluth, were hung, completing the two-year-old project to honor the legendary folk rocker.

May 13

In 1955          
Elvis Presley's concert in Jacksonville, Florida turned into a riot as frenzied fans charged the singer, tearing off most of his clothes.

In 1957
Chuck Berry's "School Day" peaked at number three on the pop singles chart.

Pat Boone's "Love Letters In The Sand" broke into the Top 40.

In 1966
The Rolling Stones released the single "Paint It Black."

The Kinks recorded the song "Sunny Afternoon."

In 1967
The Supremes' "The Happening" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

Arthur Conley's "Sweet Soul Music" peaked at number two on the pop singles chart.

The Buckinghams' "Don't You Care" peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.
         
The Mamas and the Papas' "Creeque Alley" broke into the Top 40.

Martha and the Vandellas' "Jimmy Mack" hit number one on the Billboard R&B chart.

The Turtles released the single "She'd Rather Be With Me."

In 1970
The Beatles' album "Let It Be" was certified Gold, and the band's movie "Let It Be" opened in New York.

Badfinger began sessions for the song "No Matter What."

In 1971
Jefferson Airplane frontwoman Grace Slick crashed her car into a concrete wall near San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.  Her accident caused a delay in the band's recording sessions.

James Brown began recording sessions in Nashville on the album "Hot Pants."

In 1972
Ringo Starr's "Back Off Boogaloo" peaked at number nine on the pop singles chart.

Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue" and Billy Preston's "Outa-Space" broke into the Top 40.

In 1974          
A Jackson 5 concert in Washington, DC ended in violence when fans began to throw bottles outside RFK Stadium.  Police arrested 43 people, and 50 people were injured in the melee.

In 1977
Linda Ronstadt denied reports that she'd been offered one-million-dollars to be a nude centerfold for "Hustler" magazine.

The Beatles albums "The Beatles Live at the Hollywood Bowl" and "Live at the Star Club in Hamburg" were released in the UK.

In 1978
Jimmy Buffett appeared on "Saturday Night Live," and performed the song "Son of a Sailor."

Paul Anka opened the disco "Jubilation" in Las Vegas.

Jefferson Starship's "Count On Me" peaked at number eight on the pop singles chart.

Atlanta Rhythm Section's "Imaginary Lover" broke into the top ten.

Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" broke into the Top 40.
         
Bob Seger released the single "Still the Same."

In 1983
Iron Maiden released the album "Piece of Mind."

In 1985
Stevie Wonder was honored by the United Nations for his efforts against apartheid.

Bruce Springsteen married actress Juliann Phillips.

Dire Straits released the album "Brothers in Arms."

In 1988
Judas Priest released the album "Ram It Down." 

In 1993
Barry White and Bette Midler were among the stars who lent their voices to the season finale of "The Simpsons."

In 2003
The songwriting team of Brian and Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier received the 2003 BMI ICON Award at the 51st annual BMI Pop Awards dinner.  The honor came a day after the threesome were inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk.

The late John Entwistle's bass called "Frankenstein" was among the instruments that went under the hammer at an auction at Sotheby's in London.

In 2004 
Kiss' Gene Simmons sparked the anger of Muslims in Australia when called the Islamic culture, quote, "vile" during an interview with a Melbourne radio station.

Paul McCartney apologized to East London residents -- and their pets -- when he was told the noise generated by his tour rehearsals at the Millennium Done were bothering the people -- and at least one house cat -- who live near the venue.

In 2006
Aretha Franklin received an honorary doctorate of music from Berklee College of Music in Boston.

In 2007
Bo Diddley suffered a stroke following a concert in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and was admitted to the intensive care unit at a hospital in Omaha, Nebraska for treatment.

In 2008
The Turtles frontmen Flo and Eddie filed a lawsuit against Capitol Records for allegedly stretching a 1990 sampling deal with rapper Ice Cube for the company's own financial gain, while not accounting for or paying them any royalties.

The exhibit "The Story of the Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection," featuring the '60s girl group's stage costumes, opened in London.

May 12

In 1956
Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally" peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.

In 1958
The Everly Brothers' "All I Have To Do Is Dream" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

Pat Boone's "Sugar Moon" broke into the Top 40.

In 1960
Elvis Presley's comeback TV special, "Welcome Home, Elvis" aired on ABC.  The show, hosted by Frank Sinatra, marked Presley's return to showbusiness after two years in the Army.

In 1962
Gary "U.S." Bonds' "Twist, Twist Senora" peaked at number nine on the pop singles chart.

The Temptations entered the pop singles chart for the first time with the song "Dream Come True."

In 1963
Bob Dylan walked out on a scheduled appearance on CBS' "The Ed Sullivan Show" because censors objected to his song "Talking John Birch Society Blues."

In 1964
Barbra Streisand's debut disc "The Barbra Streisand Album" took three Grammys including Album of the Year honors.  Other winners at the event included Peter, Paul, and Mary; Ray Charles; and Nino Tempo and April Stevens.

In 1965
The Rolling Stones began sessions at Chess Studios in Chicago.

In 1967          
Archie Bell, frontman for Archie Bell and the Drells, was drafted into the Army to serve in Vietnam.

Pink Floyd performed at the British Games for May event at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, marking the first time quadrophonic sound was used in concert.

In 1968
Jimi Hendrix was arrested for possession of hashish and heroin while crossing the border into Canada for a show in Toronto.  He said the drugs had been planted on him, and he was eventually acquitted of the charges.

The Rolling Stones performed at the New Musical Express Poll Winners Concert in London.  It was the group's first appearance in almost two years.

John Lennon and Paul McCartney held their first board meeting for their Apple Corps.

In 1970
The Grateful Dead released the album "Workingman's Dead."

In 1971
Mick Jagger and Bianca Perez Morena De Macias were married in a ceremony in St. Tropez, France.  Other members of the Rolling Stones, along with Eric Clapton, Stephen Stills, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr were guests.

In 1972
New releases included The Rolling Stones' album "Exile on Main Street" and Paul McCartney and Wings' single "Mary Had A Little Lamb."

In 1973
Steely Dan's "Reeling In The Years" peaked at number eleven on the pop singles chart.
         
Dr. John's "Right Place, Wrong Time" broke into the Top 40.

In 1975
The Jefferson Starship gave a free concert in New York's Central Park to celebrate the band's 10th anniversary.  An estimated 60-thousand fans showed up for the show, and a New York radio station ended up paying 14-thousand-dollars to clean up after the show and repair damages done to the park by fans.

In 1979
Singer Mickey Thomas made his debut with the Jefferson Starship at a free concert in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.

Peter Gabriel was among the artists performing a benefit concert for the family of lighting director Bill Duffy, who died a few weeks earlier in a work-related accident.

Cher's "Take Me Home" peaked at number eight on the pop singles chart.

In 1983
Meat Loaf filed for bankruptcy, saying he had more than one-million-dollars in debts.

In 1984
Lionel Richie's "Hello" hit number one on the pop singles chart.

In 1990          
Ex-Eagles Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Timothy B. Schmit reunited for a six-song performance at the R&R convention in Los Angeles.

In 1991
Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, and Yes were among the artists who participated in the multi-city "Simple Truth Appeal" concert to benefit Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq.

In 1992
Paul Simon and Billy Joel met with former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev in New York.

In 1998
Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band performed at the Bottom Line in New York to preview Ringo's new album, "Vertical Man."

In 2002
Dionne Warwick was arrested at the Miami International Airport on charges of marijuana possession.

In 2003
Motown hitmakers Brian and Eddie Holland and Lamont Dozier, better known as Holland-Dozier-Holland, were inducted into the Hollywood RockWalk.

Ozzy Osbourne was among the artists who contributed to the Hearing Aid Music Foundation auction.  The organization is dedicated to educating musicians and fans on the importance of protecting their eardrums.

Elton John was among the guests at a pre-World Cup fundraising party for children's charities, hosted by former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and her husband, David, at the couple's home in London.
         
Contenders for the 57th annual Tony Awards were announced, and the musical "Movin' Out," based on the music of Billy Joel, was among the top nominees.

The domestic violence charges against Lou Rawls were dropped by a judge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, who said there wasn't enough evidence in the case to prosecute.

In 2004
Surviving Bee Gees Barry and Robin Gibb received honorary doctorates in music at the graduation ceremony at Manchester University in England.  They also took part in an opening ceremony of a recording facility at the school that was to be named after the Gibbs' late brother, Maurice.

McFadden & Whitehead's John Whitehead was killed when he was shot while fixing his car on a street in Philadelphia.  He was 55.

The AC/DC-inspired film "Thunderstruck" was among the movies screened at the Cannes Film Festival, which opened in the southern French city.

In 2006
The New Cars, featuring Todd Rundgren and original Cars members Elliot Easton and Greg Hawkes, began its first tour with a show in Robinsonville, Mississippi.

Paul McCartney made Forbes.com's list of the ten most generous celebrities.

In 2007
Ozzy Osbourne, Genesis, ZZ Top, and Heart were saluted at the taping of the 2nd annual VH1 Rock Honors ceremony in Las Vegas.  Nickelback, Alice in Chains, Queens of the Stone Age, and Keane were among the participants.

In 2008
Paul McCartney and Heather Mills' divorce became official.  Their settlement included a monetary award of nearly 50-million-dollars for Mills.  The figure was more than the former Beatle had originally offered, but significantly less than his ex was seeking.

In 2009
Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan was rushed to the hospital in Athens, Greece suffering from a severe bout of gastroenteritis, just hours before the band was to perform.

The exhibit "John Lennon: The New York City Years" opened at New York's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex NYC.