1942 – Vaughn Monroe and his orchestra recorded “Sleepy Lagoon.”
1959 – The play “Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry opened on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. The title comes from the poem “Harlem” (also known as “A Dream Deferred”) by Langston Hughes. The story tells of a Black family’s experiences in south Chicago, as they attempt to improve their financial circumstances with an insurance payout following the death of the father, and deals with matters of housing discrimination, racism, and assimilation. The New York Drama Critics’ Circle named it the best play of 1959, and The Independent and Time Out have listed it among the best plays ever written.
1968 – Otis Redding posthumously received a gold record for his single, “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”.
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is a song co-written by soul singer Otis Redding and guitarist Steve Cropper. It was recorded by Redding twice in 1967, including once just three days before his death in a plane crash on December 10, 1967. The song was released on Stax Records‘ Volt label in 1968, becoming the first ever posthumous single to top the charts in the US. It reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
Redding started writing the lyrics to the song in August 1967, while sitting on a rented houseboat in Sausalito, California. He completed the song in Memphis with the help of Cropper, who was a Stax producer and the guitarist for Booker T. & the M.G.’s. The song features whistling and sounds of waves crashing on a shore.
1969 – Motown bought the Jackson 5 out of their contract with Steeltown.
1990 – In London, Mick Jagger announced the Rolling Stones‘ upcoming European Tour at a press conference.
1991 – Janet Jackson signed a deal with Virgin Records for 2 albums worth $50 million. (She then renewed for 80 million in 96)
1997 – Paul McCartney was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
