History Highlight:

Nick Drake was born on this day in 1948. An English singer-songwriter and musician known for his gentle guitar-based songs, Drake failed to find a wide audience during his lifetime, but his work has gradually achieved wider notice and recognition. Today, Drake is considered a significant artist in rock history, inspiring legions of latter-day singer-songwriters. Drake died in 1974 of a drug overdose that may have been suicide or may have been accidental; debate persists to this day.

Also, Today In:

1965 - The Four Tops went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "I Can't Help Myself."

1971 - Carole King started a five-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "It's Too Late / I Feel The Earth Move." Both songs were from her Tapestry album.

1973 - The stage version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show opened in London. The production starred Tim Curry, who also later appeared in the film version, released two years later.

1974 - The Delinquents, a band featuring Mick Jones (later of The Clash), made their debut at the Students union bar at Queen Elizabeth College in Kensington, London.

1976 - Future Smiths singer Steven Morrissey had a letter published in the music magazine Record Mirror and Disc, asking the editor why the paper had not included any stories on The Sex Pistols.

1980 - Donna Summer became the first act to be signed by David Geffen to his new Geffen record label.

1990 - Prince played the first of 12 sold-out nights at Wembley Arena in London.

2011 - Amy Winehouse was booed by crowds in Serbia's capital Belgrade after appearing to be too drunk to perform.

Birthdays:

Tommy DeVito of the Four Seasons is 87.

Ann Wilson of Heart is 64.

Paula Abdul is 53.

Scott Avett of the Avett Brothers is 39.

Ben Haggerty — better known as Macklemore — is 32.