2000 Yusuf Islam, born Stephen Georgiou and formerly known by his stage name Cat Stevens denies that he has in the past supported militant Islamic group Hamas. Islam was denied entry into Israel because he allegedly gave money to Hamas during his last visit to the country in 1998.
1999 Limp Bizkit frontman and Interscope senior executive Fred Durst is arrested in St. Paul, Minn. after allegedly kicking a local security guard in the head during the band’s show at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.
1998 In Toronto, Mayor Mel Lastman lashes out at the Spice Girls for backing out of a promise to perform at a free outdoor event in front of Toronto’s City Hall. They choose instead to appear on MuchMusic, a Canadian music channel.
1998 Singer/songwriter Jimmy Driftwood dies in Fayetteville, Ark., of a heart attack. He is 91. Driftwood, who was born James Corbett Morris, was best known for writing the Grammy-winning songs “The Battle Of New Orleans,” “Wilderness Road,” and “Tennessee Stud.”
1996 Composer Gottfried von Einem dies at the age of 78.
1992 Police arrest Guns N’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose at New York’s Kennedy Airport on charges related to a 1991 incident at a concert in St. Louis. The singer is said to have started a melee by diving into a crowd during the Guns N’ Roses concert.
1979 Minnie Riperton dies of cancer at the age of 30. She is a member of Stevie Wonder’s backup group, Wonderlove, in 1973. Her biggest solo hit is the million-selling No. 1 song “Lovin’ You” in 1975.
1978 The O’Jays celebrate their 20th anniversary.
1969 Blind Faith makes its live debut in the United States at Madison Square Garden in New York.
1962 The Rolling Stones make their performing debut at the Marquee Club in London.
1954 Elvis Presley signs his first recording contract (Sun Records) and quits his job as a truck driver.
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