Eagle Classic Hitstory May 18 on birminghamseagle.com

On This Day in Eagle Classic Hitstory...

May 18

1911
Big Joe Turner is born in Kansas City, Mo. His shouting blues inspired rock singers like Elvis Presley and Little Richard. In 1954, he even topped the charts with "Shake, Rattle and Roll."
Big Joe Turner "Shake, Rattle and Roll"

1949
Rick Wakeman, keyboardist with Yes, is born Richard Christopher Wakeman in Perivale, London.
Rick Wakeman "Starship Trooper/Wurm"

1952
George Strait, the popular country artist who lent his name to Dire Straits, is born in Pearsall, Texas.

1963
Bob Dylan duets with Joan Baez on "With God on Our Side" at the Monterey Folk Festival.

1963
The Beatles kick off their first headlining tour with a concert at the Grenada Theatre in Slough, England.

1964
David Frost interviews Paul McCartney on the BBC show A Degree of Frost.

1965
Here's a Grammy Awards ceremony to remember. After Peter Sellers presents the Beatles with the Best Performance by a Vocal Group trophy, John Lennon leads the band in an a cappella rendition of "It's a Long Way to Tipperary."

1966
It's Bruce Springsteen's first day at a recording studio as the Castiles (of which the Boss is a member) cut their song "That's What You Get."

1968
The Turtles' Greatest Hits passes the six-month mark on the album chart. The collection was certified gold April 12.

1968
The Doors, the Animals, Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Country Joe & the Fish, and Taj Mahal all play the Northern California Folk Rock Festival.

1971
The Band launch their first European tour in Rotterdam, Holland. The tour concludes June 3 at London's Royal Albert Hall.

1972
The New York Times reports the former Beatles have agreed to end their feuding. In addition, Paul McCartney claims the four have decided to split their fortune resulting from their partnership. The four ex-Beatles came to this solution, he explains, to free $17 million now frozen in litigation.

1978
The Buddy Holly Story, a film starring Gary Busey as Holly, has its world premiere in Dallas. The movie will be a critical and commercial success.
The Buddy Holly Story

1979
Journey host The Midnight Special, with special guests the Jacksons and Herbie Hancock.
Journey The Midnight Special 1979

1982
Joe Strummer reappears after fleeing the Clash and moving to Paris for a month. He claims his disappearance was due to exhaustion and doubts about his career.

1993
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS are given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
KISS Rock Walk Induction 1993

1998
Country humorist and Grand Ole Opry member Jerry Clower receives the All- American Football Foundation's Outstanding American Award at Sam’s Town Casino in Tunica, Miss.

1998
Sir Elton John confirms that his representation by John Reid has ended after 28 years. John announces that he has set up his own management company, Elton John Management Ltd., to be headed by London Records U.K. managing director Colin Bell.

2004
The BBC name Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood their composer in residence. Greenwood will have access to the BBC archives and use of the BBC Concert Orchestra for a piece he will compose over the next three years.

May 18 Birthdays