History Highlight:

Today in 1977, The Clash began recording sessions in London for their first album, The Clash. The Clash were part of the original wave of British punk. The incorporated elements of reggae, dub, funk, and rockabilly. After forming in 1976, the band were quickly picked up by CBS Records after just 30 shows. The debut album was a commercial and critical success for the band and opened the door for wider acceptance for the punk music scene.

Also, Today In:

1958 - Frank Sinatra started a five-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. album chart with Come Fly With Me.

1962 - Henry Mancini went to No. 1 on the U.S. album chart with the soundtrack to Breakfast At Tiffany's, its most recognizable melody being that of "Moon River".

1971 - It was a turning point in the career of Carole King as Tapestry, soon to be a smash hit album, was released.

1975 - Legendary record producer Phil Spector was injured seriously in an car crash, but the details on how the crash happened were kept secret from even his best friends.

1979 - Rod Stewart started a four-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy", his third U.S. No. 1.

1990 - Paula Abdul started a three-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Opposites Attract". The rap portion at the beginning and in the lead break of the song was voiced by MC Skat Kat — or, as he's known at The Current, Production Manager Derrick Stevens.

1993 - Recluse Michael Jackson granted his first interview in 15 years to Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Jackson claimed that he had a disorder that destroyed the pigmentation of the skin and that he had had very little plastic surgery.

2008 - Amy Winehouse won five prizes at the Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year (both for her single "Rehab"), and Best New Artist.

Birthday:

Roberta Flack is 78.