Billy Preston

Take a stroll down memory lane and see what happened this week in music history, December 10-16.

Take a stroll down memory lane and see what happened this week in music history, July 2-8.

January 30th, 1969 - The Beatles, joined by Billy Preston, play the rooftop gig on top of the Apple building on Savile Row, London. Lasting for just over 40 minutes it was the last time The Beatles performed live.

December 12th, 1970 – Smokey Robinson and the Miracles start a two week run at No.1 on the singles chart with ‘Tears Of A Clown’. It was the group’s 26th Top 40 hit and first No.1.

July 4th, 1974 – The Steely Dan break-up is finalized as they play their last show in Santa Monica, California. They would not tour again for the next 18 years as a full band. All this despite the fact that they have the current No. 4 song ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’ and a Platinum album with ‘Pretzel Logic’.

December 14th, 1998 - Billy Preston pleads guilty to insurance fraud in a LA court and agrees to testify against six others who allegedly participated in similar acts. Allegedly, Preston was part of a group who staged car crashes, thefts, and fires for a total of 18 fraudulent insurance claims...

July 5th, 1978 - Pressing of The Rolling Stones' new album 'Some Girls' is suspended at the manufacturing plant after complaints from several celebrities. The album sleeve featured mock advertisements using celebrity images

December 15th, 1956 - A phrase is born when Elvis Presley gave his final performance on a live radio program in Louisiana. At the end of the show, the DJ uttered the now legendary phrase "Elvis has left the building."  Presley had made 50 appearances on that particular radio show throughout his career.

July29th 1968 - The Byrds leave to tour in South Africa. However, they are down one 'Byrd' as Gram Parsons decides not to play in protest of the South African apartheid.

July 7th 1967 - Dusty Springfield begins a three-week residency at New York's Copacabana nightclub. Best known for her hit songs 'Son of a Preacher Man' and 'I Only Want to be With You', Springfield was one of the most successful British female performers, having six top 20 singles between 1963 and 1989...