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Today in Music History: Joe Cocker makes his U.S. TV debut

April 27, 2015

Promotional photo of Joe Cocker, circa 1970.
Promotional photo of Joe Cocker, circa 1970.
A & M Records.

History Highlight:

Today in 1969, Joe Cocker made his U.S. television debut, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show on CBS. Together with the Grease Band, Cocker performed a cover of Dave Mason's "Feelin' Alright". The song would end up being a two-time charting hit for Cocker — in 1969 and again in 1972. Cocker included a version of the song on his 1970 double album, Mad Dogs & Englishmen.

Also, Today In:

1963 - Little Peggy March started a three-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "I Will Follow Him". At 15 years, 1 month and 13 days old, Little Peggy March became the youngest female singer to have a U.S. No. 1 record.

1981 - Ringo Starr married actress and one-time "James Bond girl" Barbara Bach. The pair met while filming the movie Caveman with Dennis Quaid and Shelley Long. Married to this day, Starr and Bach have homes in England, California and Monte Carlo.

1985 - USA For Africa started a three-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. chart with "We Are The World."

1996 - Oasis played the first of two nights at Manchester City's former stadium, Maine Road, as a thank-you to fans. The 80,000 tickets sold out in hours.

Birthdays:

Casey Kasem was born on this day in 1932.

Kate Pierson of The B-52's is 67.

Paul "Ace" Frehley of Kiss is 64.

Sheena Easton is 56.

Supergrass keyboard player Bob Coombes is 43.