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Today in Music History

November, 18

  • 2000 Kenny Rogers kicks off his 2000 Christmas tour in Dalton, Ga.
  • 1999 Doug Sahm, the rock guitarist known as “The Texas Tornado,” dies in Taos, N.M. He is 58. Although he only had one big hit, “She’s About A Mover” in 1965, he followed it with a long recording career, appearing on albums by the Grateful Dead and Willie Nelson and bringing such stars as Bob Dylan and Dr. John to his own recording sessions.
  • 1997 An AC/DC five-CD boxed set, “Bonfire,” is released in the U.S. The set is intended as an honor to the band’s original singer Bon Scott. “Bonfire” comes as a bonus to hard-core fans because it is the first time any of the act’s work with Scott has been released since his death on Feb. 19, 1980.
  • 1997 John Denver’s last recording, “The Unplugged Collection,” is released in the U.S. The album features versions of such well-known Denver compositions as “Annie’s Song,” “Rocky Mountain High,” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
  • 1994 Cab Calloway dies in a Delaware nursing home. He is 86. The big band leader never recovered from a stroke he suffered June 12 at his home. He is probably best known for his trademark “hi-de-ho” song ”Minnie the Moocher.” He was also featured in the movie “The Blues Brothers.” In October he was honored at a White House ceremony by President Clinton for his contribution to the arts.
  • 1990 Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones marries model-actress Jerry Hall in Bali, Indonesia. The couple has two children and has been together for 12 years. In 1999, the couple’s union is dissolved after allegations that Jagger fathered a child by Brazilian model Luciana Morad.
  • 1987 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Mony Mony,” Billy Idol. Idol’s version of the song reaches the top of the charts 13 years after Tommy James and the Shondells make it a hit.
  • 1973 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Photograph,” Ringo Starr. The song is written by Starr and former Beatle mate George Harrison.
  • 1963 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “I’m Leaving It Up to You,” Dale and Grace.
  • 1960 Kim Wilde is born in Chiswick, England, the daughter of singer Marty Wilde. Her biggest hit is “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” a No. 1 song in 1987.
  • 1956 Fats Domino sings “Blueberry Hill” on TV’s “Ed Sullivan Show.”
  • 1936 Doo-wop singer Hank Ballard is born in Detroit.