Music
Throwback Thursday: The Beatles’ Ringo Starr Was Born
1940
Born on this day is Richard Starkey (Ringo Starr), known for being a part of the legendary rock group the Beatles. While also being the drummer, Starr sang and wrote songs for the group, singing “With a Little Help from My Friends” and writing “Octopus’s Garden.”
1956
The Platters’ version of “My Prayer” was released. Their cover reached No.1 on the charts and was featured in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, as well as the 1985 film Mischief and the 1999 film October Sky. Billboard ranked The Platters’ version as the No. 4 song for 1956.
1956
Johnny Cash made his first appearance onto the Grand Ole Opry’s stage with an acoustic guitar, his bandmates and his iconic black suit. Two months prior, his single “I Walk the Line” was released.
1957
Elvis Presley scored his first UK No.1 with “All Shook Up” – ranking as his tenth UK single release. The single stayed at No.1 for seven weeks.
1966
The Kinks were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with “Sunny Afternoon”, the group’s third and last UK No.1.
1984
Bruce Springsteen went to No.1 on the US album chart with Born In The USA. The album went on to spend a total of 139 weeks on the US chart. It’s also one of three albums to produce seven Top 10 US singles – the other two albums being Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.
1984
Prince started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with “When Doves Cry”, his first US No.1. The single went on to sell over 2 million copies, as well as hitting No. 4 in the UK.
2000
Bobby Brown was released from a Florida jail after serving 26 days by wife Whitney Houston, comedian friend Chris Rock and a crowd of supporters and reporters. The R&B singer was serving a 75-day sentence after repeatedly violating his parole on a 1996 drunk driving conviction.
2009
Michael Jackson’s family and fans said goodbye to the legendary pop star at his memorial service, which was viewed by nearly 2.4 billion people worldwide. The singer’s coffin was placed in front of the stage during the event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles after an earlier private funeral. Big names, such as Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey, all paid tribute before the family joined a sombre finale on stage. Motown boss Berry Gordy, who signed the Jackson Five, ended his tribute with the words: “Michael, thank you for the joy, thank you for the love. You will live in my heart forever.”
2010
Paul McCartney joined Ringo Starr onstage at a concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall to help celebrate the former Beatle drummer’s 70th birthday. With Ringo’s All Starr Band joined by Yoko Ono, Joe Walsh, Angus Young and Steven Van Zandt, Paul belted out “Birthday” and Ringo delivered “With A Little Help From My Friends”.