Today in Music History On August 5th

Music shapes culture and memories, and every day holds stories of artists, albums, and performances that have left a lasting mark. Today, we explore some of the most significant events in music history that happened on this day. From legendary artist birthdays to groundbreaking album releases and unforgettable concerts, these moments continue to inspire music lovers worldwide. Let’s dive into the rich tapestry of music history and discover fascinating anecdotes that bring these events to life.

A vintage vinyl record spinning on a turntable, symbolizing timeless music history

1957 - American Bandstand

American Bandstand first aired on US TV. Dick Clark had replaced Bob Horn the previous year when the show was still called Bandstand, Clark went on to host the show until 1989. Countless acts appeared on the show over the years, including ABBA, The Doors, Talking Heads, Madonna, Otis Redding, R.E.M. and Pink Floyd.

1965 - The Beatles

The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Help!' the group's eighth consecutive UK No.1 single. John Lennon later stated he wrote the lyrics of the song to express his stress after the Beatles' quick rise to success. "I was fat and depressed and I was crying out for 'Help'."

1965 - Jan and Dean

Jan Berry of Jan and Dean was accidentally knocked off a camera car and broke his leg on the first day of filming a new film Easy Come, Easy Go. Several other people were also hurt, causing Paramount to cancel the movie entirely.

1972 - Aerosmith1

Aerosmith signed to CBS Records for $125,000 after record company boss Clive Davis saw them play at Max's Kansas City Club New York.

1975 - Kim Fowley

Drummer Sandy West and guitarist Joan Jett formed the first ever all-female heavy rock band after being introduced by producer Kim Fowley. The Runaways released four studio albums, among its best-known songs: 'Cherry Bomb', 'Queen's of Noise' and a cover of the Velvet Underground's 'Rock n Roll'. Sandy West died on October 21, 2006, at the age of 47.

1979 - Def Leppard

Def Leppard signed to Phonogram Records with an advance of £120,000 pounds ($180,000), giving them a 10% royalty on 100% of sales for the first two years. The band were signed to the label by 23-year-old A&R man Dave Bates who had seen the band play two shows in July. As the group's drummer Rick Allen was too young to sign himself, the other band members signed the contract along with Rick's father Geoff at their family home in Green Lane, Dronfield.

1983 - David Crosby

Crosby Stills Nash & Young member David Crosby was sentenced to five years in jail in Texas for cocaine and firearms offences. When he was arrested, Crosby was caught in the grip of a cocaine addiction that caused him to squander all the money he had made over the years. Attempts to appeal the decision were unsuccessful, and on March 6, 1986, Crosby began serving his sentence. He was released on parole five months later,

1984 - Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen played the first of ten nights at the Meadowlands in New Jersey to mark the homecoming of the Born in the USA Tour. The 156-date world tour, which grossed around $80–90 million, ended on October 2, 1985, with four nights at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Born in the USA album was inside the top 10 of the Billboard 200 during the entire tour.

1992 - Jeff Porcaro

Jeff Porcaro drummer from Toto died age 38 from a heart attack. His death has been the subject of controversy: some say the attack was caused by an allergic reaction to garden pesticide, while others say Porcaro's heart was weakened by smoking and cocaine use. Porcaro also worked with many other acts including Sonny & Cher, Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, Steely Dan, Paul Simon and Boz Scaggs.

1993 - Randy Hobbs

Randy Hobbs, bass player with The McCoys, Edgar Winter Group and Motrose was found dead in his hotel room in Dayton Ohio from a drug overdose aged 45.

2009 - Miley Cyrus

A 53-year-old who claimed he was secretly engaged to Miley Cyrus was charged with trying to stalk the US singer. Mark McLeod was arrested after trying to contact the Hannah Montana actress on a film set near Savannah, Georgia. McLeod claimed he had met Cyrus 18 months earlier and that she had accepted his marriage proposal. He told police that Cyrus' father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, approved of their relationship and that Cyrus had sent him "secret messages" through her TV show.

2009 - Aerosmith

Steven Tyler was airlifted to hospital after falling off stage during a gig at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota. The 61-year-old Aerosmith singer fell from a catwalk onto a couple of fans, he suffered neck and shoulder injuries. About 30 minutes after the accident, guitarist Joe Perry came out to tell the crowd that the remainder of the show had been cancelled.

2013 - Usher

Usher's eldest son, Usher V, was hospitalised after he became stuck in a drain while swimming in a pool at Usher's home. The next day, his ex-wife Tameka Foster filed a request in Fulton County Superior Court, seeking temporary primary custody citing Usher V's "near-death accident" as evidence of a lack of supervision of the children. At a hearing on August 9, 2013, the case was dismissed, and Usher retained primary custody of their two sons.

2021 - Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga played the second of two sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. It was Bennett's last ever performance, a week later the 95-year-old singer, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016, announced he was retiring from performing.

2024 - Maurice Williams

Maurice Williams from the American doo-wop group The Zodiacs died age 86. The Zodiacs had the 1960 US No.1 & 1961 UK No.14 single 'Stay'. At 1:36, 'Stay' is the shortest recording ever to reach No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song was also a hit for Jackson Browne, The Four Seasons and The Hollies. The inclusion of 'Stay' on the soundtrack to the film Dirty Dancing in 1987 led to the song selling more records than it had during its original release.