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Today in Music History: 40 candles for Jack White

July 09, 2015

Jack White performs in Fargo, N.D.
Jack White performs at the Fargo Theatre in Fargo, N.D., on April 26, 2015.
courtesy Third Man Records

Birthday Highlight:

Jack White turns 40 today. Born John Anthony Gillis in Detroit in 1975, White has enjoyed success as part of the White Stripes, the Raconteurs, the Dead Weather and as a solo artist. White is also the founder of Third Man Records, based in Nashville. He released his debut solo album, Blunderbuss, in April 2012, and followed that up with Lazaretto on June 10, 2014; both of Jack White's solo albums received wide commercial and critical acclaim. Earlier this week, White and Allison Mosshart announced the Dead Weather will release a new album, Dodge & Burn, in September 2015.

Also, Today In:

1954 - Elvis Presley recorded "Blue Moon of Kentucky" (the B-side for his first single) at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tenn. Presley had recorded the A-side "That's Alright" four days earlier.

1955 - Bill Haley & His Comets went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Rock Around The Clock," staying at No. 1 for eight weeks and becoming one of the biggest selling singles of all time.

1956 - Following a June 30 riot at a rock concert featuring Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers in Asbury Park, N.J., Bill Haley and His Comets were denied permission to play at the Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. A city ordnance was passed that read: "Rock and roll music encourages juvenile delinquency and inspires young females in lewd bathing suits to perform obscene dances on the city's beaches."

1958 - Johnny Cash signed to Columbia Records, where he remained for the next 30 years and released more than 60 albums.

1962 - Bob Dylan recorded "Blowin' In the Wind" at Columbia Recording Studios in New York City during an afternoon session.

1977 - Elvis Costello quit his job at Elizabeth Arden Cosmetics to become a full-time musician.

1983 - The Police started an eight-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Every Breath You Take."

1988 - Cheap Trick went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "The Flame," the group's only U.S. No. 1.

1995 - The Grateful Dead gave their last concert with leader Jerry Garcia at Chicago's Soldier Field.

Birthdays:

Lee Hazlewood was born today in 1929.

AC/DC's first singer Bon Scott was born today in 1946.

Debbie Sledge of Sister Sledge is 61.

Jim Kerr of Simple Minds is 56.

Courtney Love is 51.

Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse is 40.