Music History for
January 8




1705 - Georg Friedrich Handel's opera "Almira" was produced in Hamburg.

1812 - Composer Sigismond Thalberg was born.

1906 - Arthur Rubinstein made his debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

1925 - Russian composer Igor Stravinsky appeared in his first American concert. He conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in a program of his own compositions.

1940 - Vincent Lopez and his orchestra recorded the third version of Lopez’ theme song titled "Nola".

1957 - Elvis took the U.S. Army pre-induction exam on his 22nd birthday.

1960 - Eddie Cochran's last recording session was held in Hollywood.

1965 - The TV dance show "Hullabaloo" debuted on NBC.

1966 - The final episode of "Shindig!" was broadcast on ABC-TV. The show featured the Kinks and the Who.

1973 - Yoko Ono released "Approximately Infinite University" as a two record set.

1973 - Elvis Presley sued Priscilla Presley for a divorce.

1974 - KISS gave a special dress rehearsal after being signed to Casablanca Records. It was their first recording contract.

1975 - Three Led Zeppelin concerts and Madison Square Garden sold out in a record four hours.

1979 - Rush was named the Canada's official "Ambassadors of Music" by the Canadian government.

1981 - "Elvis Presley Day" was declared in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, North & South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

1989 - Richard Marx married Cynthia Rhodes.

1991 - Steve Clark (Def Leppard) was found dead. The coroner ruled that the 30-year-old died of a lethal combination of alcohol and drugs.

1993 - An Elvis Presley commemorative stamp was debuted by the U.S. Postal Service. The 29-cent stamp showed the likeness of the 1950's era Elvis.

1995 - The musical revival of "Guys and Dolls" closed after 1143 performances.

1995 - Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) hosted a national late-night radio show broadcast titled "Self Pollution Radio" from Seattle, WA.

2002 - The Black Crowes released a statement that said "For the time being, Chris Robinson is pursuing a solo career. Steve Gorman has left the band for personal reasons."