The Current Music Blog: November 30, 2009 Archive

On This Day in Music History: Who turns down being in Led Zeppelin?

Posted at 7:30 AM on November 30, 2009 by Jill Riley
Filed under: Music History

Birthdays:
Dick Clark is 80
Singer Rob Grill of the Grass Roots is 66
Bassist Roger Glover of Deep Purple is 64
Guitarist Shuggie Otis is 56
Billy Idol is 54
Guitarist John Ashton of Psychedelic Furs is 52

On this day in 1965, the state of Colorado declared "Rolling
Stones Day," in honor of the Stones concert in Denver. They were even given a key to the city.
In 1969, Sponsor AT&T reneged on backing Simon & Garfunkel's first TV special when they learned that footage of Bobby Kennedy's funeral and the Viet Nam was going to be shown.
In 1972, Despite being banned by the BBC for containing "unsuitable lyrics," 'Hi, Hi, Hi" by Paul McCartney & Wings made it to #5 in the U.K. and was Top Ten eventually in the U.S.
In 1977, Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas aired. That special is remembered for Bing Crosby and David Bowie's performance of "Peace on Earth" and "The Little Drummer Boy."
In 1980, Elvis Costello and Squeeze played a benefit show for the family of the late Welsh boxer Johnny Owen. He had died from injuries sustained in the ring at an American match.
In 1999, Officials from the Boy Scouts of America were not amused when Elton John appeared on stage at London's Royal Albert Hall performing "It's A Sin" as six male dancers dressed up as Cub Scouts pranced around him, peeling off their uniforms.

History Highlight:
TERRY REID was born in 1949 in England. He's best known for turning down Jimmy Page's offer to join Led Zeppelin as lead singer. He did all right for himself though. Reid made a number of acclaimed solo albums. We celebrated his 60th birthday with "Stay With Me Baby."