Born:   Mamie Smith, 1883; Miles Davis, 1926; Lenny Kravitz, 1964

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1956   The Clovers’ “Love, Love, Love” (#4 R&B) and the Magnificents’ “Up on the Mountain” (#9) R&B) were released.

1965   Howlin’ Wolf performed on the TV show Shindig along with the Rolling Stones, who specificallyrequested he appear with them. They did his first and biggest hit, “How Many More Years.”

1968   The Jackson 5 signed to Motown Records. Among the draconian terms was a clause prohibiting their recording for another label until five years after the Motown contract was over. They were to be paid $12.50 for each released song, along with a small royalty. Motown President Berry Gordy intended to label their music “soul bubblegum.” Luckily, the label didn’t stick.

1979   British-born Maxine Nightingale, who starred in Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell, hit the Top 100 with “Lead Me On” (#5).

1990   Michael Jackson received Billboard magazine’s Music of the ’80s poll awards, including Black Artist of the Decade, Black Single of the Decade (“Billie Jean”), Pop Album of the Decade (Thriller), and Black Album of the Decade (Thriller).

1990   Lenny Kravitz performed at Dodger Stadium as the opening act for David Bowie. Inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix, Lenny originally performed under the name Romeo Blue.

1994   The world is still scratching their collective heads over this one:  The King of Pop and the Daughter of Elvis were married today. Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson tied the knot in La Vega, Dominican Republic. Obviously proud of their union, the two denied for two months that it had ever happened.

1994   The Stylistics performed at the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame concert.