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Today in Music History

July, 21

  • 1998 Gospel singer O’Landra Draper dies at Meharry General Hospital in Nashville following a brief episode of renal failure. He is 34.
  • 1998 Scott Weiland is arrested again on a felony warrant in Los Angeles. Weiland posts the $250,000 bail and is released the next morning. Weiland’s court appearances stem from a September ‘97 arrest, which alleged two charges of felony possession of heroin and misdemeanor possession of a hypodermic needle.
  • 1998 The Beastie Boys begin touring in support of their fifth release, “Hello Nasty,” at Seattle’s Key Arena. It is their first headlining tour since 1995’s “Quadrophonic Joystick” tour.
  • 1998 Eagle-Eye Cherry, son of jazz artist Don Cherry and brother of singer Neneh Cherry, releases his debut set “Desireless.”
  • 1997 C. Delores Tucker, lobbyist against gangsta rap lyrics, files suit against the estate of late rapper Tupac Shakur. The suit alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress, slander, and invasion of privacy due to derogatory lyrics about Tucker on Shakur’s last album, “All Eyez On Me.”
  • 1995 Rap star Hammer and his wife welcome a baby boy, their third child, in San Jose, Calif.
  • 1990 Former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters stages a production of his rock opera, “The Wall,” in Berlin. Among the performers taking part in the benefit are Sinead O’Connor, Cyndi Lauper, Bryan Adams and Phil Collins.
  • 1985 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “Everytime You Go Away,” Paul Young.
  • 1975 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “The Hustle,” Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony.
  • 1970 No. 1 Billboard Pop Hit: “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” Carpenters.
  • 1947 Cat Stevens (Steven Georgiou) is born in London. He later changes his name to Yusef Islam after converting to the Muslim faith.
  • 1922 Kay Starr is born in Dougherty, Okla. She begins her musical career with Joe Venuti’s orchestra at age 15. She sings briefly with Glenn Miller, Charlie Barnet and Bob Crosby before launching a solo career in 1945. Her biggest hits are the No. 1 songs “Wheel of Fortune” and “Rock & Roll Waltz.”