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Today in Music

May, 17

  • 2000 They Might Be Giants begins offering its second MP3-only release, the EP “Working Undercover For The Man.” Comprised of all new, previously unreleased studio recordings, the eight-song set is available via Emusic.com for $7.99, with single tracks available for 99 cents each.
  • 1999 Diane Warren has a big night at the 16th annual American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers Pop Music Awards. She is named songwriter of the year for an unprecedented fifth time, her second consecutive year. Also, her “How Do I Live,” recorded by both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood, is named song of the year.
  • 1999 Modern rock act No Doubt sues Carlsbad, Calif.-based clothing manufacturer No Fear, claiming that clothing items bearing the “No Doubt” name infringe on the group’s copyrighted service mark, which the band uses on its own merchandise.
  • 1992 Bandleader Lawrence Welk dies in Santa Monica, Calif., of pneumonia at age 89. Known for his “champagne music” style, he hosted his own TV show, which ran on ABC for 16 years and continued in syndication for 11 more. His biggest pop hit came in 1961 when “Calcutta” topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for two weeks.
  • 1983 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie.
  • 1980 Drummer Peter Criss leaves Kiss to start a solo career.
  • 1974 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “The Streak,” Ray Stevens.
  • 1970 Jordan Knight of New Kids on the Block is born. His older brother Jon is also a member of the pop group from Boston.
  • 1963 Joan Baez headlines the first Monterey Folk Festival in California.
  • 1961 New age vocalist Enya is born Eithne Ni Bhraonain in the Gweedore region of County Donegal in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland.
  • 1948 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Nature Boy,” Nat King Cole.