Today in Music History for Jan. 4:
In 1936, Billboard magazine published the first pop music chart based on record sales. The chart, a listing of the 10 most popular records, became a weekly feature in 1940. It fluctuated in size from 10 to 30 records until 1955, when it introduced its first top 100 chart. The "Hot 100" chart, now recognized as the definitive record singles chart in the U.S., was first published on Aug. 4, 1958.
In 1942, British jazz-rock guitarist John McLaughlin was born in Yorkshire. He first gained recognition for his work on Miles Davis' "Bitches' Brew" album.
In 1953, 20,000 people attended the funeral of country star Hank Williams in Montgomery, Ala. He had died three days earlier, at age 29, in the back seat of his limousine.
In 1954, Elvis Presley met Sam Phillips of Sun Records at the Memphis Recording Service. Phillips got Elvis' address and phone number to contact him later about a formal recording session.
In 1957, Fats Domino recorded "I'm Walkin'" in New Orleans.
In 1960, Michael Stipe, vocalist with "R.E.M." was born in Decatur, Ga. He met Mike Mills, Peter Buck, and Bill Berry in 1980 while studying at the University of Georgia. They all dropped out of school to form "R.E.M." and released their first single the following year. Throughout the '80s, "R.E.M." grew artistically to become one of the biggest pop bands in the world with hits like "One I Love" and "The End of the World As We Know It." Their 1991 album "Out Of Time" topped the charts and the single "Losing My Religion" garnered the band respect for its innovative video. "R.E.M.'s" 1994 album "Monster" showcased their ability to shift from pop to grunge with the hit "What's the Frequency Kenneth." A keen film-maker, Stipe produced the critically acclaimed "Being John Malkovich" and his photos appeared in the band's album liners.
In 1976, ex-Beatles road manager Mal Evans was shot dead by police at the home of his girlfriend in Los Angeles. Police said Evans refused to surrender a shotgun he was holding.
In 1981, Canadian songwriter Ruth Lowe died in Toronto at age 66. She composed the hit "I'll Never Smile Again" in 1939, and in 1942 wrote the words for "Put Your Dreams Away (For Another Day)," which was Frank Sinatra's closing theme for many years.
In 1981, actress Cheryl Ladd married composer Brian Russell, a former Toronto resident, at a ranch in Rifle, Colo. It was the second marriage for both. Russell's father, a Presbyterian minister from Toronto, performed the ceremony.
In 1986, Phil Lynott, former lead singer of the group "Thin Lizzy," died in a London hospital of heart failure and pneumonia brought on by drug and alcohol abuse. He was 35. The Irish-born singer was being treated for an infection of the kidneys and liver. "The Boys Are Back in Town" was "Thin Lizzy's" big hit in the summer of 1976.
In 1998, pop singer John Gary, who recorded dozens of albums for RCA Victor and other labels during the 1960s and '70s, died of cancer in Dallas. He was 65. Several of Gary's LPs, including his debut, "Catch a Rising Star," were bestsellers.
In 1997, Michael Jackson ended his "HIStory" tour with the second of two sold-out shows in Honolulu. The two concerts in Hawaii were the only U.S. dates on the tour.
In 1998, Celine Dion's album "Let's Talk About Love" hit the top of the Billboard chart. Sales were fuelled by the hit single "My Heart Will Go On," which was also included on the "Titanic" soundtrack.
In 2000, "Scary Spice" Melanie Brown of the "Spice Girls" announced she and husband Jimmy Gulzar were splitting after 15 months of marriage.
In 2004, singer Ray Davies of "The Kinks" was shot in the leg as he chased after a purse snatcher in New Orleans.
In 2008, Britney Spears lost custody of her two sons to ex-husband Kevin Federline a day after police and paramedics were called to her home.
In 2011, Mick Karn, bass player in the 1980s group "Japan," died of cancer at his home in London. He was 52. He was co-founder of the group along with David Sylvian and Steve Jansen and their 1982 album, "Tin Drum," included the hit song, "Ghosts."
In 2011, Gerry Rafferty, the Scottish singer-songwriter behind hit songs "Baker Street" and "Stuck in the Middle With You," died at the age of 63.
In 2012, country music superstar Garth Brooks was named the best-selling artist since Soundscan began tracking album sales in 1991, with 68.5 million, five million more than "The Beatles."
In 2013, singer-songwriter Sammy Johns, who had a hit in 1975 with "Chevy Van," died at the age of 66. He recorded the song in 1973 but it was nearly 18 months later before it was released. It peaked at No. 5 and sold more than three million copies. Johns never had another hit of his own, but he wrote "America" for Waylon Jennings and "Common Man" for John Conlee.
In 2016, Robert Stigwood, the impresario who managed the Bee Gees and produced 1970s blockbusters "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever," died at age 81.
In 2018, founding Moody Blues member Ray Thomas died. His record company confirmed the 76-year-old multi-instrumentalist "passed away suddenly" at his home in Surrey, England. Thomas was famous for his flute solos heard on "Nights in White Satin" and other tracks and played with the prog-rock group until 2002, when health issues led to his retirement.
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The Canadian Press
