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Today in Music History: 'Sticky Fingers' sticks at No. 1

May 22, 2015

A close-up of the crotch of someone's jeans
The Rolling Stones' 'Sticky Fingers' hit No. 1 in the U.S. album charts, Today in Music History.
Original Album Art

History Highlight:

Today in 1971, the Rolling Stones' album Sticky Fingers started a four-week run at No.1 on the U.S. charts, the group's second U.S. No.1 album. The artwork for Sticky Fingers, which, on the original vinyl release, featured a working zipper that opened to reveal cotton briefs, was conceived by American pop artist Andy Warhol. Although it's widely assumed the cover model is Mick Jagger, the jeans in the photo were actually worn by actor Joe Dallesandro. The album also features the first use of the "Tongue and Lip Design" designed by John Pasche.

Also, Today In:

1958 - Jerry Lee Lewis arrived in London with his new bride, 14-year-old third cousin, Myra. This was not well-received in most quarters, and the tour was cancelled after only three of 37 scheduled performances.

1965 - "Ticket To Ride" by the Beatles went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart.

1976 - Wings started a five-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Silly Love Songs", McCartney's fifth U.S. No. 1 since leaving the Beatles.

1989 - Rap group Public Enemy fired one of its members, Professor Griff, after he made anti-Semitic remarks in the Washington Post.

1999 - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band set a new record for the number of consecutive concerts to be performed during a continuous run at a single arena. When tickets for their reunion tour went on sale for their shows at the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey, only five shows were scheduled initially, but overwhelming demand raised the number to a total of 15 shows.

2009 - White Stripes drummer Meg White married Jackson Smith at ex-husband and bandmate Jack White's Nashville home. Jack and Meg White were married for four years and divorced in 2000.

Birthdays:

Jerry Dammers, keyboardist and founding member of the Specials, is 60

Morrissey is 56.