On February 19th, 1958, The Miracles released their first single, “Got A Job,” an answer song for The Silhouette’s “Get A Job.”
In 1972, Paul McCartney and Wings released “Give Ireland Back to the Irish,” a commentary about the Britain-Ireland conflict. It was banned by the BBC, but still reached the top 20 in England.
In 1974, Dick Clark staged the first American Music Awards as an alternative to the industry-dominated Grammy Awards. The winners of the American Music Awards are determined by the votes of music fans. “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” by Tony Orlando and Dawn won for favorite pop single that year.
In 1977, Fleetwood Mac released the album “Rumours.” It sold more than 17 million copies.
In 1980, AC/DC vocalist Bon Scott died after choking on his own vomit after an all-night drinking binge in London. He was 33. His death came just months after the band scored its first North American success with the album “Highway to Hell.”
In 1981, a New York Supreme Court judge ruled George Harrison “subconsciously plaigerized” the song “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons for his hit, “My Sweet Lord.” Harrison was ordered to pay $587,000.
In 1995, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee married Pamela Anderson of the TV show “Baywatch” on a beach in Cancun. The bride wore white — a bikini. They’ve since divorced.
In 1996, London police arrested singer Jarvis Cocker of Pulp for allegedly attacking three children performing with Michael Jackson at the Brit Awards. Cocker admitted he walked on stage but denied he touched any children.
In 1997, the Trinity Broadcasting Network canceled Pat Boone’s “GospelAmerica” show after viewers complained about Boone’s appearance on the American Music Awards. He ha6d been promoting his “In a Metal Mood” album by wearing a dog collar and black leather. The show was later reinstated.
Also in 1997, a judge in New York dismissed a $7 million lawsuit a fan filed against Motley Crue for hearing loss suffered at one of their concerts. The judge said the fan knew the concert would be loud going in to it.
Today’s Birthdays: Actress Carlin Glynn (“Sixteen Candles”) is 73. Singer Smokey Robinson is 73. Singer Bobby Rogers of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles is 73. Singer Lou Christie is 70. Actor Michael Nader (“All My Children”) is 68. Guitarist Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath is 65. Actor Jeff Daniels is 58. Singer-guitarist Dave Wakeling (General Public, English Beat) is 57. Talk show host Lorianne Crook is 56. Actor Leslie David Baker (“The Office”) is 55. Singer Seal is 50. Actress Jessica Tuck (“True Blood”) is 50. Drummer Jon Fishman of Phish is 48. Actress Justine Bateman is 47. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 46. Actress Bellamy Young (“Scandal”) is 43. Drummer Daniel Adair of 3 Doors Down is 38. Singer-actress Haylie Duff is 28. Actress Victoria Justice is 20.