History Spotlight:

Today in 1980, Joy Division singer and guitarist Ian Curtis died at home in Macclesfield, England, at the age of 23. Curtis was known for his bass-baritone voice, dance style, and songwriting. Joy Division released the critically acclaimed debut album Unknown Pleasures in 1979, and recorded their follow-up Closer in 1980. Curtis's suicide resulted in the band's dissolution and the subsequent formation of New Order.

Also, Today In:

1974 - Ray Stevens started a three-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with the novelty song "The Streak" which capitalized on the then popular craze of streaking.

1978 - The Buddy Holly Story, featuring Gary Busey in the title role, premiered in Dallas, Texas. The film was well received by critics and audiences alike.

1981 - After nearly 20 years with Motown Records, Diana Ross left the label and signed a record $20 million contract with RCA. Her hit duet "Endless Love" was released on Motown in August even though she had left the label.

1985 - Simple Minds were at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Don't You Forget About Me". A year later, the track was featured in the 1985 American teen drama film The Breakfast Club.

1991 - R.E.M.'s 7th studio album Out Of Time hits No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

1997 - Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris scored a hat trick as the Damon Albarn-captained Blur team won the Soccer Six charity soccer tournament in London.

2008 - Ting Tings scored their first U.K. No. 1 single with "That's Not My Name," a track from the Manchester duo's debut studio album, We Started Nothing.

Birthdays:

Singer-songwriter Albert Hammond (father of the Strokes' Albert Hammond Jr.) is 74.

Legendary British Keyboardist Rick Wakeman (who played with Yes and David Bowie) is 69.

Mark Mothersbaugh of Devo is 68.

Country singer George Strait is 66.

Wreckless Eric (born Eric Goulden) is 64.

Midnight Oil founding member Jim Moginie is 62.

Jack Johnson is 43.

Highlights for Today in Music History are gathered from This Day in Music, Paul Shaffer's Day in Rock, Song Facts and Wikipedia.