On July 17th, 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California.

In 1959, jazz singer Billie Holiday died in a New York hospital while under arrest for narcotics possession. She was 44.

In 1961, The Supremes released their first record, “Buttered Popcorn.”

Also in 1961, John Chancellor replaced Dave Garroway on the “Today” show, but admitted he hated the job and wanted out after the first day.

In 1965, “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” by James Brown was released. It sold more than two million copies.

In 1967, Jimi Hendrix performed as the opening act for The Monkees in New York.

In 1968, the animated Beatles film “Yellow Submarine” premiered at the London Pavilion.

In 1982, “Valley Girl” by Frank Zappa and his 14-year-old daughter, Moon Unit, entered the pop chart.

In 1986, 50 people were hurt in gang violence outside a Run-DMC show in Long Beach, California.

In 1991, the revamped Lynyrd Skynyrd opened its world tour in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Also in 1991, James Brown was honored by his native state of Georgia for his comeback following a two-year prison term.

In 1996, bassist Chas Chandler of The Animals died in a British hospital at age 57. He had been undergoing tests related to an aortic aneurysm.

Also in 1996, Smashing Pumpkins fired drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The announcement came less than a week after Chamberlin was arrested on a drug charge and backup keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin was found dead of a heroin overdose.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor Donald Sutherland is 78. Actress-singer Diahann Carroll is 78. Guitarist Spencer Davis of the Spencer Davis Group is 71. Bassist Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath is 64. Actress Lucie Arnaz is 62. Actor David Hasselhoff is 61. Bassist Fran Smith Junior of The Hooters is 61. Singer Regina Belle is 50. Country singer Craig Morgan is 49. Bassist Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, Folk Implosion) is 47. Christian singer Susan Ashton is 46. Actor Andre Royo (“The Wire”) is 45. Actress Bitty Schram (“Monk”) is 45. R-and-B singer JC of PM Dawn is 42. Rapper Sole’ is 40. Country singer Luke Bryan is 37. Actor Mike Vogel (“The Help”) is 34. Actor Tom Cullen (“Downton Abbey”) is 28. Actor Brando Eaton (“Dexter”) is 27. Singer Jeremih is 26. Actress Summer Bishil is 25.