Music History for
March 23


Today's:


1743 - Handel's "Messiah" was performed in London for the first time at the Covent Garden theatre. It was presented under the name "New Sacred Oratorio" until 1749.

1750 - Composer Johann Matthias Sperger was born.

1792 - In London, Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major (the "Surprise Symphony") was performed publicly for the first time.

1878 - Composer Franz Schreker was born.

1896 - Umberto Giordano's opera "Andrea Chenier," premiered in Milan, Italy.

1961 - Elvis Presley recorded "Can't Help Falling in Love."
Today in Elvis History

1964 - John Lennon's first book, "In His Own Write" was published.

1969 - Anita Bryant and the Letterman appeared at a "Rally For Decency" in Miami following Jim Morrison's indecent exposure onstage there.

1973 - Yoko Ono was granted permission to live in the U.S. permanently.

1971 - John Lennon was ordered to leave the U.S. within 60 days by immigration authorities. This was the beginning of his long fight to stay in the country. The reason given for the deportation was related to his 1968 conviction for possession of marijuana in England.

1978 - The Police signed with A&M Records.







1979 - Van Halen released the album "Van Halen II."


1985 - Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley were married in New York. They were divorced in 1994.

1985 - Julian Lennon held his first concert in San Antonio, TX.
Today in Beatles History

1987 - The Soul Train Music Awards debuted. It was the first televised awards ceremony to pay exclusive homage to black producers, songwriters and recording artists in the music industry.

1999 - Michael Jackson announced that he would donate the proceeds from his next two concerts to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Red Cross.
Today in Michael Jackson History

1999 - Pope John Paul II's "Abba Pater" was released. The 11 tracks chanting and praying with musical accompaniment.

1999 - In Gibraltar, a set of postage stamps was released commemorating what would have been the 30th wedding anniversary of Yoko Ono and John Lennon.
- Today in Beatles History