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Today in Music History: Remembering Carl Perkins

January 19, 2015

Carl Perkins with a guitar
Carl Perkins passed away Today in Music History
Wikimedia Commons

History Highlight:

Today in 1998, Carl Perkins, a legendary pioneer of rockabilly, died in Nashville following a series of strokes. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, Perkins' style influenced Elvis, The Beatles and many others. His original version of "Blue Suede Shoes" sold two million copies in 1956 before Presley struck gold with his version.

Also, Today In:

1971 - The mass murder trial of Charles Manson was under way. Much to the dismay of The Beatles, Helter Skelter was played in the courtroom. Manson had reportedly scrawled "helter skelter" on a mirror at the scene of the crime.

1974 - A nine-mile long traffic jam prevented many fans from entering the Bob Dylan concert with The Band at the Miami Sportsatorium until it was half-over.

1976 - Promoter Bill Sargent made his first proposal to The Beatles to reunite, offering $30 million for just one concert. As we know, they refused it and all ensuing entreaties.

1993 - Fleetwood Mac reunited to play Don't Stop and other hits at the first inauguration celebration for President Bill Clinton.

1994 - Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on this day were The Animals, The Band, Duane Eddy, The Grateful Dead, Elton John, John Lennon (as a solo artist), Bob Marley and Rod Stewart.

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