JULY 10, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

85 Years Ago Today In 1941 - Ian Whitcomb, singer, songwriter, ukulele player, bandleader, motion picture and television scorer, record producer, radio disc jockey and Tower Records (a subsidiary of Capitol Records) artist, is born Ian Timothy Whitcomb in Woking, Surrey, England.

1949 - Dave Smalley, guitarist and vocalist with the band The Mods (1964-1966) and The Choir (1966-1969), and bass guitarist (1970-1973) with the Capitol Records group The Raspberries is born David Bruce Smalley in Oil City, Pennsylvania.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1948 - Capitol Records has five of the top 20 songs on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart with The Pied Piper's Capitol Records single "My Happiness" at #4 up from #7, Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Nature Boy" is #7 down from #3, Mel Blanc and The Sportsmen Quartet's Capitol Records single "The Woody Woodpecker Song" (with The Sportsmen Quartet's track "I’d Love To Live In Loveland With A Girl Like You" on the flipside) enters the top 20 at #8, Pee Wee Hunt and His Orchestra's Capitol Records single "Twelfth Street Rag" is #15 down from #11, and Margaret Whiting (with Frank DeVol and His Orchestra)'s single "A Tree In The Meadow" (with "I'm Sorry, But I'm Glad" on the flipside), enters the chart at #17.

75 Years Ago Today In 1951 - Peggy Lee and Mel Tormé, with arranger Sid Feller conducting his orchestra (Buck Clayton and Bernie Privin on trumpet; Warren Covington, Lou McGarity, and Buddy Morrow on trombone; Barry Galbraith on guitar; Joe Shulman on bass; John Lewis on piano; and William Exiner on drums), record the tracks "Don't Fan The Flames" and "Telling Me Yes And Telling Me No" which Capitol Records will release together as a single (5-1738).

1952 - Tennessee Ernie Ford, with Cliffie Stone's Orchestra, records the tracks "The Tennessee Local" and "Blackberry Boogie" which will be released by Capitol Records on the Capitol Americana label (#2170) at Capitol Records' Melrose studios in Hollywood, California. "Blackberry Boogie" will peak at #6 on Billboard's Country singles chart.

1954 - Frank Sinatra (with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Three Coins In A Fountain" is #8 down from #7 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart and Kay Starr (with orchestra conducted by Harold Mooney)'s Capitol Records single "The Man Upstairs" is #17 down from #14.

70 Years Ago Today In 1956 - Trumpeter Harry James (with Nick Buono also on trumpet; Juan Tizol on valve trombone; Willie Smith and Herb Lorden on alto saxophone; Francis Polifroni on tenor saxophone; Larry Kinnamon on piano; Joe Comfort on bass; and Buddy Rich on drums) records the track "What Am I Here For" at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California. The label will reject this version and James will re-record it on May 2, 1957.

1957 - Frank Sinatra, with The Ralph Brewster Singers (Sue Allen, Betty Allen, Ralph Brewster, Peggy Clark, Barbara Ford, Lee Gotch, Beverly Jenkins, Jimmy Joyce, Gene Lanham, Bill Lee, Ray Linn, Jr., John Mann, Thora Mathiason, Dorothy McCarty, Loulie Jean Norman, Betty Noves, Thurl Ravenscroft, Ginny Roos, Max Smith, Bob Stevens, Bill Thompson, Bob Wacker, Betty Wand, Gloria Wood, and Norma Zimmer) and arranger Gordon Jenkins conducting the studio orchestra (Victor Arno, Harry Bluestone, Walter Edelstein, Sol Kindler, Joseph Livoti, Nick Pisani, Joseph Quadri, Lou Raderman, Mischa Russell, and Marshall Sosson on violins; William Baffa, Louis Kievman, Paul Robyn, and David Sterkin on violas; Cy Bernard and Armand Kaproff on cellos; Bill Miller on piano; Nathan Gangursky and John Ryan on bass; Allen Reuss on guitar; and Kathryn Thompson on harp), records the tracks "Adeste Fideles", "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear", and "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" with producer Voyle Gilmore in Studio A at The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California for Sinatra's Capitol Records album "A Jolly Christmas".

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - Faron Young's Capitol Records single "Hello Walls" is #39 down from #27 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

1965 - The Beatles' Capitol Records album "Beatles VI" is #1 on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart.

1967 - Singers Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens (with Roy Nichols on lead guitar; Glen Campbell, Lewis Talley, and Billy Mize on guitar; Norman Hamlett on steel guitar; Jerry Ward on bass; Eddie Burris on drums; and George French on piano) record the track "Look Over Me" with producer Ken Nelson at The Capitol Tower Studios, in Hollywood, California for Haggard's 1968 Capitol Records album "Sing Me Back Home".

1972 - Capitol Records releases Pink Floyd's single "Free Four" with "Stay" on the flipside.

1972 - Capitol Records group Heads, Hands & Feet perform live on a bill with The James Gang at Knob Hill in Clarkston, Michigan.

1989 - Mel Blanc, radio, motion picture and television actor, cartoon voice artist ("man of a thousand voices"), and Capitol Records artist, dies in Los Angeles, California at age 81 and is later interred in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California with the epitaph "That's All Folks" on his tombstone.

2005 - Dr. Cora Martin-Moore, head of the Capitol Records gospel group The Echoes of Eden Choir of St. Paul's Baptist Church, dies in Los Angeles, California at age 74.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1894 - Jimmy McHugh, pianist, song plugger, composer of pop songs (including "Let's Get Lost", "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", "On The Sunny Side Of The Street", "I'm In The Mood for Love", and many others) as well as Broadway and motion picture scores, is born James Francis McHugh in Boston, Massachusetts. McHugh collaborated with many lyricists including Capitol Records co-founder Johnny Mercer as well as Ted Koehler, Ned Washington, Harold Adamson, Frank Loesser, and Dorothy Fields. Many Capitol Records artists have covered McHugh's songs and Capitol released a compilation of them as #17 of its "Capitol Sings" series of CDs "Jimmy McHugh - I Feel A Song Coming On".

1900 - After getting permission from British company The Gramophone Company (later to become EMI) and commissioning the original artist to make a copy, Emile Berliner registers the image of ‘His Master’s Voice’ with the U.S. Patent Office. In the United States, it will become the logo of the Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor). The image will remain the official logo for EMI in the United Kingdom.

1954 - Neil Tennant, singer, songwriter, and part of the EMI America Records duo Pet Shop Boys is born Neil Francis Tennant in North Shields, Northumberland, United Kingdom.

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - Ricky Nelson's Imperial Records single "Travelin' Man" is #12 down from #7 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart, it's flipside "Hello Mary Lou" is #21 down from #15, and Fats Domino's Imperial Records single "It Keeps Rainin'" is #23 up from #24. Imperial Records' catalog is currently owned by Capitol Music Group's parent company, Universal Music Group.

1963 - It's a busy day at the BBC's studios in London as The Beatles record the tracks "A Taste Of Honey", "Memphis, Tennessee", "Sweet Little Sixteen", "Lonesome Tears In My Eyes", "Nothin' Shakin'", "The Hippy Hippy Shake", "So How Come (No-one Loves Me)", "Matchbox", and "Love Me Do" for the sixth episode of the radio show "Pop Go The Beatles" which Auntie Beeb will broadcast on July 23, 1963.

1968 - The Jazz Crusaders (Wayne Henderson on trombone, Wilton Felder on tenor saxophone, Joe Sample on piano and electric piano, Buster Williams on bass, and Stix Hooper on drums) record the tracks "Hey Jude", "Firewater", and (with Arthur Adams on guitar) "Love & Peace" at the Pacific Jazz Studios in Los Angeles, California with producer Richard Bock and recording engineer Thorne Nogar for their Pacific Jazz album "Powerhouse". Pacific Jazz's catalog is currently owned by Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1954 - D.J. Dewey Phillips plays Elvis Presley's single "That's All Right" for its first time on radio, on WHBQ in Memphis, Tennessee.

1994 - Steven Seagal leaves his footprints in cement at ceremony #163 at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.

20 Years Ago Today In 2006 - The Cartoon Network starts showing episodes of "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" as part of its "Adult Swim" late night block of shows.

JULY 9, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1917 - Bob Howe, long time Capitol Records employee (retires in 1978), is born Robert Howe in Humbolt, Nebraska.

105 Years Ago Today In 1921 - Irv Kluger, drummer, vibraphonist, studio musician, and member of the Capitol Records group Stan Kenton and His Orchestra (1947-1948) as well as the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Tex Beneke, and Artie Shaw, is born in Brooklyn, New York.

1924 - Leonard Pennario, pianist, composer, and Capitol and Angel Records artist is born in Buffalo, New York. Mary Kunz Goldman, Pennario's official biographer, has a daily blog about how she's progressing on writing her book.

1929 - Jesse McReynolds, vocalist, fiddle and mandolin player, and guitarist for the Capitol Records (1952) duo Jim and Jesse McReynolds, is born Jesse Lester McReynolds in Carfax (near Coeburn), Virginia.

45 Years Ago Today In 1981 - Emily West, singer and Capitol Records Nashville recording artist, is born Emily Nemmers in Waterloo, Iowa.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1942 - At Capitol Records' eleventh recording session, vocalist Johnnie Johnston, with Gordon Jenkins conducting his orchestra (lineup unlisted) records the titles "Dearly Beloved", "That Old Black Magic", "The Singing Sands Of Alamosa", and "Light A Candle In The Chapel" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "Dearly Beloved" as a single (Capitol 120) with "Easy To Love" (recorded May 12, 1942) on the flipside, "That Old Black Magic" as a single (Capitol 130) with "Can't You Hear Me Callin' Caroline?" (also recorded May 12, 1942) on the flipside and on the album "Time To Dance With Gordon Jenkins And His Orchestra" (CCF-264), and "The Singing Sands Of Alamosa" and "Light A Candle In The Chapel" together as a single (Capitol 118).

1947 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California, Paul Weston and His Orchestra (Ray Linn, Charlie Griffard, and Zeke Zarchy on trumpet; Allan Thompson, Bill Schaefer, and Elmer Smithers on trombone; Herbie Haymer on tenor saxophone; Fred Stulce, Matty Matlock, Hap Lawson, and Lenny Hartman on reeds; Milt Raskin on piano; George Van Eps on guitar; Jack Ryan on bass; and Nick Fatool on drums), record the titles "When The White Roses Bloom (In Red River Valley)" and "True" with vocals by Andy Russell, then "Just Around The Corner" with vocals by The Pied Pipers (vocalists June Hutton, Chuck Lowry, Hal Hopper, and Clark Yocum) at the first session then "Why Should I Cry Over You" with vocals by Johnny Mercer and The Pied Pipers, "I Want To Be A Friend Of Yours" with vocals by just The Pied Pipers, and "Louisville Lou" with vocals by just Johnny Mercer at the second session. Capitol Records will issue "When The White Roses Bloom (In Red River Valley)" and "True" together as a single (Capitol 450) as by Andy Russell, "Just Around The Corner" and "I Want To Be A Friend Of Yours" as single (Capitol 456) by The Pied Pipers, "Why Should I Cry Over You" as a single (Capitol 448) by Johnny Mercer with "Sugar Blues" (recorded July 1, 1947) on the flipside and "Louisville Lou" as a single (Capitol 15152) as by Johnny Mercer with "Love That Boy" (recorded October 24, 1947) on the flipside.

1948 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Nature Boy" is #4 on The Billboard magazine's Most-Played Juke Box Records chart, #5 on the magazine's Records Most Played By Disk Jockeys chart, #7 on the magazine's Best-Selling Popular Retail Records chart, and #13 on the magazine's Most-Played Juke Box Race Records chart. The King Cole Trio's Capitol Records single "Put 'Em In A Box" debuts at #30 also on The Billboard magazine's Most-Played Juke Box Records chart.

1949 - Margaret Whiting and Johnny Mercer (with Paul Weston and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is still #4 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart, Mel Tormé (with orchestra conducted by Pete Rugalo)'s Capitol Records single "Again" is #11 down from #10, and Margaret Whiting (with Frank DeVol and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "A Wonderful Guy" is #17 up from #20.

1952 - Vocalist Tennessee Ernie Ford and Ella Mae Morse, with Cliffie Stone and His Orchestra (Billy Liebert on piano, Jimmy Bryant, and Billy Strange on guitar, Wesley "Speedy" West on steel guitar, Clifford Snyder aka Cliffie Stone on bass, and Roy Harte on drums) record the titles "I'm Hog Tied Over You" and "False Hearted Girl" at Capitol Records' studios at 5515 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Capitol Records will issue both titles together as a single (Capitol 2215).

1952 - Walter Gorecki and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) record the titles "Clamback Polka", "Gray Horse Polka", "Happy Mami Polka", and "Money Polka" in (listed as possibly) New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Clambake Polka" and "Gray Horse Polka" together as a single (Capitol 2190) and "Happy Mami Polka" and "Money Polka" together as a single (Capitol 2282).

1955 - Nat "King" Cole's double sided Capitol Records hit "A Blossom Fell" (with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra) and "If I May" (with The Four Knights on backing vocals and Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra) is still #3 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart, Les Baxter and His Orchestra and Chorus' Capitol  Records single "Unchained Melody" is #4 down from #3, Frank Sinatra (with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Learnin' The Blues" with "If I Had Three Wishes" on the flipside, is still #5, and Tennessee Ernie Ford (with Cliffie Stone's Band)'s Capitol Records single "The Ballad Of Davy Crocket" is #25 down from #21.

1957 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California with producer Robert E. Myer, flutist Martin Ruderman and guitarist Laurindo Almeida record "Faure's "Sicilienne", Ravel's "Pièce En Forme De Habanera", Ibert's "Entr'acte", and Chopin's "Prelude N° 15 (Raindrops)" at the first session and Emile Desportes' "Pastorale Joyeuse" and "Ronde (For Flute & Piano)" and Gossec's "Tambourin" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Almeida's album "Duets With The Spanish Guitar" (P/DP-8406).

1962 - Capitol Records buys the masters for The Genteel's (Ron Vinyard on lead guitar, Lenny Angelo, Richard Tornero, and Dave Aerni on guitar, Gerry Martin on bass, Bill Gifford on piano, and Carl Hubert on drums) titles "Take It Off" (produced by the song's composers Paul Buff and George Babcock) and "Hitchhiker" (produced by Voyle Gilmore) from Stag Records and will issue them together as a single (Capitol 4798).

1965 - Peggy Lee, with Sid Feller conducting his orchestra, records the tracks "Happy Holidays", Winter Wonderland", and "Little Drummer Boy" at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California with producer Dave Cavanaugh for her 1965 Capitol Records album "Happy Holidays".

1969 - Pink Floyd record the track "Biding My Time" with producer Norman Smith at EMI's Abbey Road Studios in London, England. The track, written by Roger Waters, will eventually be released on the band's "Relics" album in May 1971.

1972 - Buck Owens' Capitol Records single "Made In Japan", with "Black Texas Dirt" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts.

1973 - Capitol Records releases Tennessee Ernie Ford's album "Country Morning".

1982 - Wingy Manone, a trumpet player and a Capitol Records artist, dies at age 82 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

1982 - Nielsen/Pearson (Reed Nielsen and Mark Pearson), with unlisted others, record a rejected take of the title "I Can't See You Tonight" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records.

1987 - Capitol Records registers the master for Marillion's (lineup unlisted) title "Tux On" and will issue it as a single (Capitol 44060) with "Sugar Mice" (registered on April 16, 1987) on the flipside.

1988 - Poison's Enigma Records single (distributed by Capitol Records) "Nothin' But A Good Time" with "Look But You Can't Touch" on the flipside, peaks at #6 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

30 Years Ago Today In 1996 - Capitol Records releases two more volumes from its Ultra Lounge Series of compilation albums: "Volume 8: Cocktail Capers" and "Volume 9: Cha-Cha De Amor".

25 Years Ago Today In 2001 - The Country Music Association announces the inclusion of Capitol Records producer Ken Nelson and Capitol Records recording artists The Jordanaires into the Country Music Hall of Fame that will happen at a special ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee on October 4, 2001 and they will also be recognized during the Annual CMA Awards November 7, 2001 on CBS-TV.

2002 - Rod Steiger (born Rodney Stephen Steiger), television and motion picture actor and a Capitol Records artist (on the original motion picture soundtrack for "Oklahoma!"), dies of pneumonia and kidney failure at age 77 and is later interred in the Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

110 Years Ago Today In 1916 - Joe Liggins, an arranger, pianist, founder of Joe Liggins and His Honeydrippers and an Exclusive, Specialty, Mercury, and Aladdin Records artist, is born in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

1952 - The Gerry Mulligan Quartet (Mulligan on baritone saxophone, Chet Baker on trumpet, Jimmy Rowles on piano, and Joe Mondragon on bass) record the tracks "Hagi and Haig" and "She Didn't Say Yes, She Didn't Say No" at Phil Turetsky’s House in Los Angeles, California for Pacific Jazz  Records, whose catalog is now owned by Capitol Records.

1952 - Les Paul applies for his first patent, "Combined Bridge and Tailpiece for Stringed Instruments", on July 9, 1952, a one pickup design which was granted on March 13, 1956, #2,737,842.

70 Years Ago Today In 1956 - Trumpeter Thad Jones (with Billy Mitchell on tenor saxophone, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Eddie Jones on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums), records the tracks "Billie Doo", "Let's", "In A Mellow Tone", and "Thedia" (all of which are rejected) and (with just Thad Jones on trumpet and Burrell on guitar) "Something To Remember You By" (which will be released by Blue Note Records [Japan] on the compilation album by various artists "The Other Side Of The 1500 Series") with producer Alfred Lion and recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder at The Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. Blue Note's catalog is currently owned by Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

1957 - The Mingus Three (Charles Mingus on bass, Hampton Hawes on piano, and Danny Richmond on drums) records the track "Summertime" in New York City, New York with producer Lee Kraft for their self-titled album for Roulette Records. Roulette's catalog is currently owned by Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

1968 - The Jazz Crusaders (Wayne Henderson on trombone, Wilton Felder on tenor saxophone, Joe Sample on piano, Buster Williams on bass, and Stix Hooper on drums) record the tracks "Love Is Blue", "Promises, Promises", and "Cookie Man" at the Pacific Jazz Studios in Los Angeles, California with producer Richard Bock and recording engineer Thorne Nogar for their Pacific Jazz album "Powerhouse". Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, now owns the Pacific Jazz catalog.

1972 - Wings, at their first public appearance, opens at Chateauvillon in the south of France and marks the first time Paul McCartney has appeared on stage since 1966.

1982 - Michael Johnson, with unlisted others, records the title "There's A Love" in an unlisted location. EMI-America, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue the title on Johnson's album "Lifetime Guarantee" (SN-16390).

1989 - Future Capitol Records artist Eddy Raven's Universal Records single "In A Letter To You" is #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts. The track will later be leased to Capitol Records for use on "Greatest Hits" compilations.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1955 - One year to the day from when it was released by Decca Records, Bill Haley and His Comets single "Rock Around The Clock", with "Thirteen Women" on the flipside, becomes the first Rock 'n' Roll song to hit #1 on Billboard's singles chart thanks to its use in the MGM movie "The Blackboard Jungle".

JULY 8, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1904 - Bill Challis, arranger (most notably of Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra's Capitol Records recording of "San") is born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1944 - Jo Stafford (with Paul Weston and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Long Ago (And Far Way)" is #9 up from #10 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart and Andy Russell (with orchestra conducted by Al Sack)'s Capitol Records single "Amor" is #10 down from #6.

1948 - The King Cole Trio end seven straight days of performances at the Capital Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah.

1950 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Mona Lisa", with "The Greatest Inventor Of Them All" (I still haven't been able to get my hands on a copy of this song on CD yet) now on the flipside, is #1 up from #2 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart. The song was written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for the Paramount Pictures movie "Captain Carey USA" (which I also haven't been able to find on DVD), starring Alan Ladd. Also charting on this date are Kay Starr (with Lou Busch and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Bonaparte's Retreat" at #16 up from #17 and Les Paul's Capitol Records single "Nola" at #20 down from #19.

1952 - Joe Resetar and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) record the titles "Capitol Polka", "Little Man Polka", "Georgia Polka", and "Powder Puff Polka" in (listed as possibly) New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Capitol Polka" and "Little Man Polka" together as a single (Capitol 2189) and "Georgia Polka" and "Powder Puff Polka" together as a single (Capitol 2304).

1952 - Roger Wagner conducts The Roger Wagner Chorale (lineup unlisted) as they record Brahms' "I'll Enter Your Garden/The Fiddler/How Sad Flows The Stream", "At Night/Awake, Awake/A House Stands 'Neath The Willows Shade", "In The Night/I'm Going Away/The Dead Youth/How Lovely Is The Maytime" in Los Angeles, California. After remastering the same day, Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the group's album "German Folk Songs" (P-8176).

1957 - Composer and arranger Johnny Richards and His Orchestra (Burt Collins, Jerry Kail, Paul Cohen, and Doug Mettome on trumpets, Jimmy Cleveland, Jim Dahl, and Frank Rehak on trombones, Al Antonucci on French horn, Jay McAllister on tuba, Gene Quill on alto saxophone, Frank Socolow on tenor saxophone, Billy Slapin on baritone saxophone and piccolo, Shelly Gold on bass saxophone, Hank Jones on piano, Chet Amsterdam on bass, Maurice Marks on drums, and Willie Rodriguez on tympani) record the titles "Nina Never Knew", a mono and a stereo take of "Walkin'", and "Cimarron" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Nina Never Knew" and the mono version of "Walkin'" on Richards' album "Wide Range" (T 885). the stereo take of "Walkin'" on the reel to reel release of the album (ZC-32), and rejected the take of "Cimarron". The group would re-record it on July 11, 1957.

1957 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Send For Me" returns to the top 40 of Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart tied for #24 up from #45 with Rusty Draper's single "Freight Train", Ferlin Husky's Capitol Records single "Gone" is #36 down from #25, and Tommy Sands' Capitol Records single "Goin' Steady" is tied for #36 down from #29 with Rick Nelson's Imperial Records single "I'm Walkin'".

1958 - The Capitol Records original motion picture soundtrack LP for "Oklahoma!" is the first album certified Gold by the R.I.A.A. At this time, the R.I.A.A. awards a Gold album for $1 million worth of albums shipped based on the manufacturer's wholesale price. In 1975 the requirement is changed to 500,000 units shipped.

1963 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer is #3 on WCSH 970 AM's The WCSH "Live 25" chart in Portland, Maine and his Capitol Records album "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer" is the station's The 970 Album Spotlight choice.

1964 - Buck Owens records the tracks "Don't Let Her Know" and "I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)" (which Capitol Records will release together as a single) as well as "Buck's Polka". All the tracks will appear on Owens' Capitol Records album "I Don't Care".

60 Years Ago Today In 1966 - The Beatles' Capitol Records album "Yesterday And Today" is certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.

1968 - Capitol Records releases Buck Owens' single "Let The World Keep On A Turning".

1977 - Chuck Crane, with unlisted others, records the titles "Now You Know Just How It Feels" and "I'm Not Gonna Wait Forever" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on Crane's album "Crane" (ST-11742).

1977 - Lee Clayton, with unlisted others, records the titles "Border Affair" and "Rainbow In The Sky" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on Clayton's album "Border Affair" (ST-11751).

1982 - Nielsen-Pearson (Reed Nielsen and Mark Pearson), with unlisted others, records the title "(Carolina) Carrie" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title as a single (Capitol 5225) with "Hasty Heart" (recorded July 15, 1982) on the flipside and on the duo's album "Blind Luck" (ST-12176).

1987 - Vocalist Don Williams, with unlisted others, records the titles "Running Out Of Reasons To Run" and "Another Place, Another Time" at Sound Emporium Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue both titles on Williams album "Traces" (CLT-48034 on vinyl and 7-48034-2 on CD).

1990 - Garth Brooks' Liberty Records (later renamed Capitol Records Nashville) single "The Dance", with "Friends In Low Places" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts.

35 Years Ago Today In 1991 - Capitol Records releases Tennessee Ernie Ford's compilation CD "Capitol Collectors Series: Tennessee Ernie Ford".

2002 - The Vines' first Capitol Records album "Highly Evolved" is released. The video for the album's first single, "Get Free", is directed by Roman Coppola.

2003 - Capitol Records releases the original motion picture soundtrack for "How To Deal" which includes tracks from Capitol Records artists Syke Sweetnam, Liz Phair, The Music, Chingy, Beth Orton, Aslyn, and Marjorie Fair (aka The Best Rainy Days).

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1935 - E.M.I. (Ireland) is formed.

1935 - Steve Lawrence, a singer, television and motion picture actor, and a United Artists Records artist is born Sidney Leibowitz.

1957 - Rick Nelson's Imperial Records single "Teenager's Romance" is tied for #12 down from #9 with The Diamonds' single "Little Darlin'" on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart, Fats Domino's Imperial Records single "Valley Of Tears" is #17 down from #13, and Rick Nelson's Imperial Records single "I'm Walkin'" is tied at #36 down from #24 with Tommy Sands' Capitol Records single "Goin' Steady". Imperial Records' catalog is currently owned by Capitol Music Group's parent company, Universal Music Group.

60 Years Ago Today In 1966 - Arranger Gerald Wilson (on maracas) and His Orchestra (Al Porcino, Jules Chaikin, Freddie Hill, Mel Moore, and Nat Meeks on trumpet; Mike Barone, John Ewing, and Lester Robertson on trombone; Ernie Tack on bass trombone; Anthony Ortega on alto saxophone and flute; Jimmy Woods on soprano and alto saxophone; Harold Land and Teddy Edwards on tenor saxophone; Jack Nimitz on baritone saxophone; William Green on flute and piccolo; Roy Ayers on vibraphone; Jack Wilson on piano; Buddy Woodson on bass; Mel Lee on drums; and Max Garduno on conga) record the tracks "Chanson Du Feu Follet (Song Of The Mad Fire)", "Blues Latinese" and "The Golden Sword" for their Pacific Jazz album "The Golden Sword" with producer Richard Bock and recording engineer Lanky Linstrot at TTG Studios, in Los Angeles, California. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, currently owns Pacific Jazz's catalog.

1978 - Gerry Rafferty's United Artists Records album "City to City" is #1 on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart.

1992 - Taylor Mayne Pearl Brooks, daughter of Liberty Records (later renamed Capitol Records Nashville) artist Garth Brooks and his wife Sandy Mahl Brooks, is born.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY.

1907 - Florenz Ziegfeld stages his first Follies at the Jardin de Paris, a rooftop theater atop the New York and Criterion theaters on Broadway between 44th and 45th Street in New York City, New York..

80 Years Ago Today In 1946 - Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison leave their hand and footprints in cement at ceremony #75 at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.

1997 - Robert Zemeckis leaves his footprints in cement at ceremony #166 at Mann's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.

JULY 7, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1917 - John Y. Sullivan, comedian, singer, radio performer, and the second "Lonzo" (after Lloyd George left the team in 1950) in the Capitol Records duo Lonzo & Oscar, is born in Edmonton, Kentucky.

1924 - Mary Ford, singer, guitarist, and a Capitol Records artist as part of a duo with her husband Les Paul is born Iris Colleen Summers in Pasadena, California.

1927 - Charlie Louvin, a guitarist, singer and a Capitol Records artist both solo and as part of the duo The Louvin Brothers with his brother Ira, is born Charlie Elzer Loudermilk in either Section or Henegar, Alabama. If anyone has a definitive birthplace, please leave a comment.

1940 - Ringo Starr, singer, drummer, motion picture actor, animated feature voice actor, member of the groups Rory Storm and The Hurricanes, the Parlophone, Capitol, and Apple Records group The Beatles, and a solo artist on Apple Records is born Richard Henry Parkin Starkey, Jr. at 9 Madryn Street in Dingle, an inner-city area of Liverpool, England. 

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1945 - Johnny Mercer's Capitol Records single "On The Atchison, Topeka and The Santa Fe" enters Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records charts at #4. The track will eventually peak at #1 and be on the charts for sixteen weeks.

75 Years Ago Today In 1951 - Nat "King" Cole (with orchestra conducted by Les Baxter using an arrangement by Nelson Riddle)'s Capitol Records single "Too Young" is #1 on The Billboard magazine's Records Most Played By Disk Jockeys, Best Selling Pop Singles, and Most Played Juke Box Records charts, Les Paul and Mary Ford's Capitol Records single "How High The Moon" is still #3, and Les Paul's Capitol Records single  "Josephine" is #16 up from #20 on the Best Selling Pop Singles chart.

70 Years Ago Today In 1956 - Gene Vincent and The Blue Cap's Capitol Records single "Be Bop A Lula" is still #23 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart, The Four Freshman's Capitol Records single "Graduation Day" is #27 up from #48, Dean Martin (with Dick Stabile and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Standing On The Corner" is #29 up from #40, Frank Sinatra (with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "How Little We Know" is #35 down from #33, Tex Ritter's Capitol Records single "The Wayward Wind" is #37 up from #47, and Joe "Fingers" Carr's Capitol Records single "Portuguese Washerwoman" is tied for #40 up from #55 with Tommy Leonetti's single "Free".

1958 - Capitol Records releases Jean Shepard's single "He's My Baby" with "Secret Of Life" on the flipside.

1958 - Dean Martin (with Dick Stabile and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Return To Me" is tied for #8 down from #6 with Jimmie Rodgers' single "Secretly" on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, Nat "King'  Cole's Capitol Records single "Looking Back" is #13 up from #18, The Four Prep's Capitol Records single "Big Man" is #15 down from #10, The Johnny Otis Show's Capitol Records single "Willie And The Hand Jive" is #27 up from #33, and Ed Townsend's Capitol Records single "For Your Love" is tied for #31 down from #29 with Link Wray and His Ray Men's single "Rumble". Also, Nat "King' Cole's Capitol Records single "Looking Back" is #31 on WMGM's Top 40 Survey in New York City, New York.

1960 - Nat "King" Cole records the tracks "I Saw Three Ships" and "A Cradle In Bethlehem", with Ralph Carmichael and His Orchestra.

1963 - Buck Owens' Capitol Records single "Act Naturally" returns to #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts and Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer" is #14 on WDRC 1360 AM's "The Big D" Swinging 60 Survey in Hartford, Connecticut and #41 on KRLA's Tune-Dex in Los Angeles, California.

1964 - Arranger and pianist Onzy Matthews (with Harry "Sweets" Edison, Ollie Mitchell,Melvin Moore, John Anderson, and Bob Rolfe on trumpets; Dave Wells on bass trumpet and trombone; Lou Blackburn, Pete Myers, and Dick Leith on trombone; Gabe Baltazar on alto saxophone; Clifford Scott on alto saxophone and tenor saxophone; Curtis Amy and Alex Nelson on tenor saxophone; Jay Migliori on baritone saxophone; Ray Crawford on guitar; Jim Crutcher on bass; and Chiz Harris on drums) records the tracks "Moon River", "Down In My Soul" (which will be rejected), and "You'll Know The First Time" for his Capitol Records album "Sounds For The '60s!" with producer Lee Gillette and recording engineer Hugh Davies at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California.

1965 - Peggy Lee, with Sid Feller and His Orchestra, records the tracks "Free Spirits", "Seventh Son", and "I Go To Sleep" with producer Dave Cavanaugh at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California for her Capitol Records album "Then Was Then And Now Is Now!".

1967 - Vocalist Bonnie Owens, with unlisted others, records the titles "If You Really Want Me To I'll Go", "Everything That's Fastened Down Is Comin' Loose", and "I'd Be More Of A Woman" in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue "Everything That's Fastened Is Comin' Loose" and "I'd Be More Of A Woman" together as a single (Capitol 5977) and all three titles on her album "Somewhere Between" (ST 2861).1969 - Apple Records releases Plastic Ono Band's single "Give Peace A Chance", with "Remember Love" on the flipside, with Capitol Records handling manufacturing and distribution in the United States.

1973 - Apple Records releases Wings' single "Live And Let Die" (the title song for the motion picture) with "I Lie Around" on the flipside. Capitol Records will handle distribution in the United States.

1975 - Capitol Records releases Natalie Cole's album "Inseparable".

1977 - Chuck Crane, with unlisted others, records the titles "Can't Run Away" and "Lady In Love" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on Crane's album "Crane" (ST-11742).

1977 - Lee Clayton, with unlisted others, records the titles "Like A Diamond" and "Silver Stallion" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on Clayton's album "Border Affair" (ST-11751).

1977 - Bill Amesbury, with unlisted others, records the titles "You Belong To Me", "Smile", "I Could Make You Happy", and "Music, Music" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records. No issuing information is listed.

1982 - Capitol Records creates the final masters for Bow Wow Wow's titles "C30, C60, C90 Go", "Louis Quatorze", "Gold He Said", "The Mile High Club", "Fools Rush In", "Radio G String", "Uomo Sex Al Apache", "W-O-R-K", "Sexy Eiffel Towers", "I Want My Baby On Mars", "Sun, Sea And Piracy", and "Giant Sized Baby Thing" for their album "Twelve Original Recordings"  (SK-12234) which will be released in the United States on Capitol's subsidiary Harvest Records.

1985 - Duran Duran's Capitol Records single "A View To A Kill" (title song for the motion picture), with "A View To A Kill (That Fatal Kiss)" on the flipside, is #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

1987 - Vocalist Don Williams, with unlisted others, records the titles "Come From The Heart" and "Easy Touch" at Sound Emporium Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue both titles on Williams' album "Traces" (CLT-48034 on vinyl, 7-48034-2 on CD).

25 Years Ago Today In 2001 - Fred Neil, songwriter ("Candy Man", "Everybody's Talkin'"), singer and Capitol Records recording artist (1966-1971), dies of skin cancer at age 65 at his home in Summerland Key, in Monroe County, Key West, Florida.

20 Years Ago Today In 2006 - Syd Barrett, (born Roger Keith Barrett), singer, songwriter, guitarist, founder of the Tower, Harvest, Columbia and Capitol Records group The Pink Floyd, and a solo artist, dies in his home in Cambridge, England at age 60 due to complications from diabetes.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1930 - Hank Mobley, composer, tenor saxophonist, member of the Blue Note Records group The Jazz Messengers and a solo Blue Note Records artist, is born Henry Mobley in Eastman, Georgia.

1944 - A flying bomb hit's EMI's Hayes factory in England near a surface shelter, killing 37 employees and injuring an additional 56 employees who were either in the shelter or caught in the open.

1954 - The Bob Brookmeyer Quartet (Brookmeyer on valve trombone, John Williams on piano, Red Mitchell on bass, and Frank Isola on drums) record the tracks "Isn’t It Romantic", "Doe Eyes", "Red Devil", "Body And Soul", and "Last Chance" with Brookmeyer producing with recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder at the Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey for their self-titled Pacific Jazz album whose catalog is currently owned by Capitol Records.

70 Years Ago Today In 1956 - Fats Domino's Imperial Records single "I'm In Love Again" is still #6 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart and Domino's Imperial Records single "My Blue Heaven" is in a 3 way tie for #31 down from #33 with Otis Williams' single "Ivory Tower" and Eddie Fisher (with Hugo Winterhalter and His Orchestra)'s single "On The Street Where You Live".

1958 - David Saville's Liberty Records single "Witch Doctor" is #10 down from #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, Rick Nelson's Imperial Records single "Poor Little Fool" enters the chart at #18 in a tie with The Kalin Twins' single "When?", and Dion and The Belmonts' Laurie Records single "I Wonder Why" is tied for #25 down from #22 with Johnny Cash's single "Guess Things Happen That Way". Universal Music Group, the parent company of Capitol Music Group, currently owns the Liberty, Imperial and Laurie Records catalogs.

1962 - Dinah Washington, with arranger Don Costa leading the studio orchestra, records the tracks "Fly Me To The Moon" (which will appear on her Roulette Records album "In Love"), "Wouldn't Know What To Do" (which Roulette will release as a single), "No Hard Feelings" (which will appear on her Roulette Records album "Back To The Blues"), and "1 Me And The One I Love" ( (which will also appear on her Roulette Records album "In Love") with producer Henry Glover and recording engineer Eddie Smith at Bell Sound in New York City. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, currently owns Roulette Records catalog.

1962 - Bobby Vee's Liberty Records single "Sharing You" is #15 up from #16 on Billboard's Hot 100 single chart and Dinah Washington's Roulette Records single "Where Are You" is still #40. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, currently owns the Liberty and Roulette Records catalogs.

2002 - Dorle Jarmel Soria, record producer, opera supporter, author, journalist, reviewer, as well as co-founder of Cetra-Soria Records and founding co-director (1953-1957) of Angel Records in the U.S. with her husband Dario Soria, dies at age 101 at her home in Manhattan, New York.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

55 Years Ago Today In 1971 - Ub Iwerks (born Ubbe Ert Iwwerks), artist, cartoon animator who hand drew the first Mickey Mouse cartoon "Plane Crazy" for Walt Disney by himself in two weeks, director and studio owner, dies of a heart attack at age 70 in Burbank, California.

JULY 6, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1915 - LaVerne Andrews, singer, Capitol Records solo artist (1956-1959) and with the Capitol Records group The Andrews Sisters, is born Laverne Sophie Andrews in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1942 - Modern Music Sales Company, a newly formed division of Modern Vending Company created to distribute Capitol Records to department stores, record stores, and jukeboxes in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, receives its first shipment of Capitol's first six singles. The local operators who were visiting Modern's showroom at the time of the delivery listened to them and ordered large quantities, with the initial shipment selling out that first day. The company repainted the two sided sign hanging on its office to read "Modern Music Sales Company - The Home Of Capitol Records" with the Capitol Dome logo on both sides. Nat Cohn and Harry Rosen run the company. George Fass was appointed sales manager and would cover metropolitan New York. Meyer "Parky" Parkoff was appointed office manager and covered Connecticut. Ben Becker handled upper New York state. Sam Green took care of New Jersey.

1947 - The Giants Of Jazz (Louis Armstrong on trumpet and vocals, Tommy Dorsey on trombone, Benny Goodman on clarinet, Charlie Barnet on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, Lionel Hampton on vibraphone, Mel Powell on piano, Al Hendrickson on guitar, Harry Babasin on bass, and Louis Bellson on drums) record the title "Goldwyn Stomp" on the Goldwyn Soundstage in Hollywood, California. This recording was intended to be on the soundtrack of "A Song Is Born" released by Capitol (CC 106) but didn't make the final cut.

70 Years Ago Today In 1956 - The Four Freshmen (Bob Flanigan on vocals, trombone and base; Don Barbour on vocals and guitar; Ross Barbour on vocals and drums; and Ken Albers on vocals, trumpet, mellophone and bass), with arranger Dick Reynolds conducting the studio orchestra (Uan Rasey, Ray Triscari, Joe Triscari, Buddy Childers, and Mannie Klein on trumpet; Jack Marshall on guitar; Milt Raskin on piano; Don Simpson on bass: and Frank Carlson on drums), during two sessions held the same day for their Capitol Records album "The Four Freshman And Five Trumpets", record the tracks "The Night We Called It A Day", "Something In The Wind" and the first rejected take of "There Will Never Be Another You" at the first session and, with Pete Condoli on trumpet joining the orchestra for the second session, record "After You've Gone" and the final and accepted take of "There Will Never Be Another You". Both sessions were held in Los Angeles, Calfornia.

1959 - The Kingston Trio's Capitol Records single "M.T.A." is #18 up from #28 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart and Franck Pourcel and His French Fiddler's Capitol Records single "Only You (Loin De Vous)" is #35 down from #23.

1963 - Kyu Sakamoto's Capitol Records single "Sukiyaki" is #2 down from #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer" is #12 down from #6, Bobby Darin's Capitol Records single "Yellow Roses" is #26 down from #16, Al Martino's Capitol Records single "I Love You Because" is #30 down from #19, The Beach Boy's Capitol Records single "Shut Down" is #31 down from #29 and its flip side, "Surfin' U.S.A.", is #36 down from #17. Also, Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer" is #3 on Billboard magazine's Middle-Road Singles chart, #7 on the magazine's Hits Of The World - Hong Kong chart, #10 on KFWB's Fabulous Forty Survey in Los Angeles, California, #11 on KDWB's Fabulous Forty Survey in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Missouri, #14 on Cash Box magazine's Top 100 Singles chart, #27 on the magazine's Hot R&B Singles chart, and #48 on C-FUN's C-Funtastic Fifty chart in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records album "Ramblin' Rose" is #52, his album "Dear Lonely Hearts" is #106, and his album "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer" debuts at #113 on Billboard magazine's Top LPs - 150 Best Sellers - Monaural chart and is #2 on KDWB's Favorite Albums chart in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota.

1964 - Peggy Lee, with arranger Lalo Schifrin conducting the studio orchestra (Justin Gordon and Paul Horn on reeds; Robert Bain, John Pisano, and Howard Roberts on guitar; Chuck Berghofer on bass; Lou Levy on piano; Stan Levey on drums; and Francisco Aguabella on bongos and congas) and producer Dave Cavanaugh, records the tracks, "There'll Be Some Changes Made", "Just Call Me Love Bird (Theme From 'Joy House')", and "Senza Fine" at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California. All the tracks will be released on Lee's Capitol Records album "In The Name Of Love".

1970 - Capitol Records releases Buck Owens' album "The Kansas City Song".

1970 - Grand Funk Railroad's Capitol Records album "Grand Funk" is certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.

55 Years Ago Today In 1971 - Louis Armstrong, trumpet player, singer, band leader, motion picture actor, and Capitol Records artist (on the original soundtrack albums for "A Song Is Born" and "High Society"), dies of a heart attack in Corona, Queens, New York at age 69.

1974 - Anne Murray's Capitol Records single "He Thinks I Still Care", with a cover version of The Beatles' "You Won't See Me" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts.

1975 - Merle Haggard's Capitol Records single "Movin' On", with "Here In 'Frisco" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts.

1997 - Greg Scott Eklund, a songwriter and the drummer for the Capitol Records group Everclear, marries his girlfriend Ellina, whom he met in 1990 at the University of Oregon and who convinced him to take up the drums again after a two-year hiatus.

1998 - Roy Rogers, singer, actor and Capitol Records recording artist, dies in his Apple Valley home in Victorville, California of congestive heart failure at age 86.

2005 - Carrie V. Arnold (born Carrie Virginia Morgan), who worked for AES of Winchester and Capitol Records for 15 years, dies at her home in Winchester, Virginia at age 72.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1957 - In between sets at a show that 16-year-old John Lennon was doing with his band, The Quarry Men, at the St. Peter's Church Fete in Woolton Parish, Liverpool, England, a mutual friend, Ivan Vaughan, introduces him to 15 year old Paul McCartney who Lennon invites to join his band after he shows John how he tunes his guitar along with a few new guitar chords and singing all the lyrics of Eddie Cochran's "Twenty Flight Rock".

1959 - Martin Denny's Liberty Records single "Quiet Village" is #14 down from #8 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, Dion and The Belmonts' Laurie Records single "A Teenager In Love" is #19 down from #10, and Fats Domino's Imperial Records single "I'm Ready" is #39 down from #29. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, currently owns the Liberty, Laurie and Imperial Records catalogs.

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - The first issue of "Mersey Beat" magazine is released and features The Beatles on its cover.

1963 - The Essex's Roulette Records single "Easier Said Than Done" is #1 up from #5 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, The Chiffons' Laurie Records single "One Fine Day" is #6 up from #7, and Jan and Dean's  Liberty Records single "Surf City" is #7 up from #10. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, currently owns the Roulette, Laurie, and Liberty Records catalogs.

1964 - Trombonist Grachan Moncur III, with Wayne Shorter on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Cecil McBee on bass and Tony Williams on drums, records the tracks "Gnostic", "Thandiwa", "The Twins", and "Nomadic" for his Blue Note album "Some Other Stuff" with producer Alfred Lion and recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.

1964 - United Artists releases The Beatles' first movie "A Hard Day's Night" worldwide and it premieres at 9.00 p.m. at the London Pavilion Theatre.

1964 - ATCO Records releases The Beatles' single "My Bonnie" with "Nobody's Child" on the flipside.

1965 - Future Virgin Records group The Rolling Stones' London Records single "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", with "Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man" on the flipside, becomes their first #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

1973 - Otto Klemperer, conductor, father of actor Werner Klemperer (Colonel Klink in "Hogan's Heroes"), and EMI Classics artist, dies in Zürich, Switzerland at age 88 and is buried in the Israelitischer Friedhof — Oberer Friesenberg, also in Zürich.

1979 - Capitol Records artist (1976-1979) Minnie Ripperton makes her last televised appearance on an episode of "The Merv Griffin Show" that airs on this date. She performs the song "Memory Lane", featuring her enunciating the phrase "Oh Why", high in the seventh octave. She will die six days later on July 12, 1969 of breast cancer at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

40 Years Ago Today In 1986 - Pink Floyd's compilation album "A Collection Of Great Dance Songs", originally released by Columbia in the U.S., but re-released by Capitol Records in 2000 (I replaced the legal lines and stock numbers and reformated the artwork to fit into Capitol's packaging templates), is certified Platinum by the R.I.A.A.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1854 - John Phillip Sousa, composer and leader of the Marine Corps. band, is born in Washington, DC, USA.

110 Years Ago Today In 1916 - James Montgomery Flagg's illustration of Uncle Sam appears on the cover of Leslie's Weekly for the first time. It will later be adapted to appear on the "I Want You For U. S. Army" poster promoting enlistment into the armed forces during World War I.

110 Years Ago Today In 1916 - Shortly before 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 6, 1916, nitrate film exploded in the operating booth of the Grand Theater at 72 Main Street, in Batavia, NY. fatally burning assistant projectionist Lamont D. Gillons.

1925 - Bill Haley, singer, guitarist, and bandleader, is born William John Clifton Haley in Highland Park, Michigan.

1925 - Merv Griffin, singer, composer, talk show host, television game show producer, and real estate magnate, is born Mervyn Edward Griffin, Jr. in San Mateo, California.

50 Years Ago Today In 1976 - 50 Cent, rapper, is born Curtis James Jackson III in South Jamaica, Queens, New York.

JULY 5, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1935 - Richard Levitt, countertenor soloist with the Capitol Records group The Roger Wagner Chorale (1964) is born in Los Angeles, California.

1943 - Robbie Robertson, a guitarist, singer, songwriter, member of the Capitol Records group The Band, and a solo artist, is born Jaime Robert Robertson in Toronto, Canada.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

80 Years Ago Today In 1946 - Cootie Williams and His Orchestra (Williams and Bob Merrill on trumpet and vocals; E. V. Perry, Otis Gamble, and Billy Ford on trumpet' Clarence "Gene" Redd on trumpet and vibraphone' Ed Burke, Edward Johnson, and Julius "Hawkshaw" Watson on trombone; Rupert Cole and Daniel Williams on alto saxophone; Chuck Clarke and Edwin Johnson on tenor saxophone; Bob Ashton on baritone saxophone; Arnold Jarvis on piano; Pee Wee Tinney on guitar; Norman Keenan on bass; and Butch Ballard on drums) record the tracks "Wrong Neighborhood", "Piney Brown's Gone", "I May Be Easy But I'm No Fool" (all with vocals by just Bob Merrill), the instrumental "Vibraphobia", and "Let's Do The Whole Thing Or Nothing At All" (with vocals by just Cootie Williams) at WMCA Studios in New York City. Capitol Records will release "Wrong Neighborhood" as a single (#289) with "Let's Do The Whole Thing Or Nothing At All" on the flip side, and "I May Be Easy But I'm No Fool" as a single (#314) with "Ain't Got No Blues Today" (recorded September 11, 1946) on the flip side. The remaining tracks will finally be released in 1997 on Mosaic Records box set "Classic Capitol Jazz Session".

1947 - Red Ingle and The Natural Seven (with vocals by Cinderella G. Stump aka Jo Stafford)'s Capitol Records single "Tim-Tay-Shun" (aka "Temptation) enters the top 5 of Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart at #5.

1949 - Capitol Records artist Yogi Yorgesson (aka Harry Stewart) sings "Object Of My Affection" on "Command Performance" with Shirley Ross, Errol Garner, Arthur Stevens and Mark Stevens.

1950 - Mel Blanc overdubbed his vocals, using a script adaptation by Alan Livingston, on to instrumental tracks recorded June 29, 1950 by arranger Billy May, who conducted the orchestra, for the titles "I Taut I Taw A Puddy Tat" and "Yosemite Sam" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the final mixes of both titles together as a single (Capitol 1360) which will go on to be Blanc's biggest seller for the label.

1950 - Vocalist Margaret Whiting, with pianist Joe "Fingers" Carr and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted), records the title "Funny Bunny Hug" and, with additional vocals by Gillette & The Peppers (lineup unlisted), the titles "Let's Do It Again" and "Closer, Closer, Closer" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "Let's Do It Again" as a single with "Friendly Star" (recorded July 7, 1950) on the flipside and has yet to issue "Funny Bunny Hug" or "Closer, Closer, Closer".

1950 - Bandleader and trumpet player Ray Anthony and His Orchestra (Woody Fansler, Chuck Mederios, and Marty White also on trumpet, Keith Butterfield on trumpet and trombone, Tom Oblak and Bob Quatsoe on trombones, Dick Reynolds on trombone, Earl Bergman on alto saxophone, Steve Cole on clarinet and alto saxophone, Tom Arthur and Bob Tricarico on tenor saxophones, Leo Anthony on alto and bass saxophones, Ray Browne on piano, Danny Gregus on guitar, Al Simi on bass, and Buddy Lowell on drums) records the titles "Skycoach", "Harlem Nocturne", and "Dixie Doodle" with vocals by Gene Reynolds and The Skyliners (lineup unlisted) using arrangements by George Williams and, with Betty Holliday on vocals and arrangements by Dick Reynolds, the titles "I'm Gonna Tell My Mommy On You" and "Marshmallow World" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Skycoach" as a single (Capitol 1131) with "Can Anyone Explain No No No" (recorded July 6, 1950) on the flipside, "Harlem Nocturne" as a single (Capitol 1249) with "My Heart Is Out Of Town" (recorded August 20, 1950) on the flipside, "Dixie Doodle" as a single (Capitol 1169) with "All Of A Sudden" (recorded July 6, 1950) on the flipside, and has yet to issue "I'm Gonna Tell Mommy On You" and "Marshmallow World".

1952 - Jane Froman (with orchestra conducted by Sid Feller)'s Capitol Records single "I'll Walk Alone" is still #14, Nat "King" Cole (with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Somewhere Along The Way" (with "What Does It Take" on the flipside) debuts on the top 20 at #16, Al Martino (with orchestra conducted by Monty Kelly)'s Capitol Records single "Take My Heart" (with "I Never Cared" on the flipside) debuts at #17, and Les Paul and Mary Ford's Capitol Records single "Smoke Rings" (with "In The Good Old Summertime" on the flipside) debuts at #20  on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart.

70 Years Ago Today In 1956 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California, The Four Freshmen (Bob Flanigan on vocals, trombone and base; Don Barbour on vocals and guitar; Ross Barbour on vocals and drums; and Ken Albers on vocals, trumpet, mellophone and bass), with arranger Dick Reynolds conducting the studio orchestra (Uan Rasey, Ray Triscari, Joe Triscari, Buddy Childers, and Mannie Klein on trumpets, Jack Marshall on guitar, Milt Raskin on piano, Don Simpson on bass, and Frank Carlson on drums), record the titles "Everytime We Say Goodbye", "Someone Like You" and the first rejected take of "For Sentimental Reasons" at the first session, and a second take of "For Sentimental Reasons" (which will remain unissued until it appears on Mosaic Records' 2000 box set "The Complete Capitol Four Freshmen Sessions April 1950-July 1960"), "Got A Date With An Angel", "Goodnight Sweetheart", and "Laughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue "Everytime We Say Goodbye", "Someone Like You", "Got A Date With An Angel", "Goodnight Sweetheart", and "Laughing On The Outside (Crying On The Inside)" on the group's album "The Four Freshman And Five Trumpets".

1958 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Looking Back" is #30 on Cash Box magazine's Best Selling Singles chart.

1959 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records album "To Whom It May Concern" is #45 on The Billboard magazine's Top LPs - Best Selling Monophonic LPs chart.

1960 - Vocalist Nat "King" Cole", with pianist Ralph Carmichael conducting the orchestra and chorus (lineups unlisted), records the titles "Away In A Manger", "I Saw Three Ships" with no orchestra, "Silent Night" with the orchestra, and "The First Noel" also without the orchestra in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Cole's album "The Magic Of Christmas" (W/SW 1444).

1960 - Vocalist Mark Murphy, with Bill Holman conducting his own arrangements to the orchestra (Jimmy Rowles on piano and unlisted other musicians playing trumpets, saxophones, guitar, bass, and drums) records the titles "Put The Blame On Mame" with uncredited female voices, "My Gal's Come Back", "Playing The Field" with Murphy also whistling, "Swingin' On A Star", "Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing", and "Heart And Soul" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Mark Murphy and Bill Holman's Orchestra's album "Playing The Field" (T/ST 1458).

1960 - The George Shearing Quintet (Eddie Costa on vibraphones, George Shearing on piano, Dick Garcia on guitar, and listed as probable George Duvivier on bass and Walter Bolden on drums) records the titles "On Green Dolphin Street", "Let's Live Again", and "Ghost Of Yesterday" with vocalist Nancy Wilson and the instrumental "Whisper Not" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "On Green Dolphin Street" and "Let's Live Again" on George Shearing and Nancy Wilson's album "The Swinging's Mutual" (T/ST 1524) and all the titles on the CD "The George Shearing Quintet With Nancy Wilson" (5-97935-2).

1960 - At two sessions held this day in New York City, New York Jackie Gleason conducts a large orchestra (lineup unlisted but featuring woodwinds and two trumpets) as they record the titles "Will You Still Be Mine" and "How High The Moon" at the first session and the titles "Everybody Loves My Baby" and "By Myself" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Gleason's album "Jackie Gleason Presents: The Gentle Touch" (W/SW 1519).

1960 - Capitol Records releases the original motion picture soundtrack of "Bells Are Ringing" which stars Judy Holliday and Capitol Records artist Dean Martin.

1960 - Capitol Records releases The Charlie Barnet Quartet's album "Jazz Oasis" (ST 1403).

1963 - Pianist George Shearing (along with Gary Burton on vibraphone, Ron Anthony on guitar, Gene Cherico on bass, Vernel Fournier on drums, and Armando Peraza on congas), begins the first of two straight days of live sets at The Blackhawk, in San Francisco, California which will be recorded and released by Capitol Records on the album "Rare Form".

1965 - Organist Eddie Lund and an uncredited quartet record the titles "Pearly Shells", "Blue Coral Sea", "Bora Bora", "Tahiti Is Blue", "Island Angel", "The Far Land", "Lovely Hula Girls", "Blue Hawaii", "Mareva", "Lovely Lotus Flower", "Hinano Lei", and "How High The Moon" at an unlisted studio. Tower Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue all the titles on Lund's album "Mai Tai Time" (T/ST 5001).

1965 - Capitol Records releases Buck Owens' single "Only You (Can Break My Heart)" with "Gonna Have Love" on the flipside.

1965 - Capitol Records releases The Beach Boys' album "Summer Days (And Summer Nights)".

60 Years Ago Today In 1966 - Capitol Records releases The Beach Boys' compilation album "Best Of The Beach Boys" as well as Peter & Gordon's compilation album "The Best Of Peter & Gordon" on it's The Star Line subsidiary.

1967 - Mariano Moreno, with unlisted others, records the titles "Don't Sleep In The Subway", "Windy", "Up, Up And Away", and "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Moreno's album "Mariano Moreno And The Unbelievables" (T/ST 2831).

1967 - The Lettermen (vocalists Jim Pike, Tony Butala, and Bob Engemann), with Dick Hazard conducting his own arrangements to the orchestra (lineup unlisted), record the titles "Just One Smile", "I Have Love", "No Other Love", and "For All We Know" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "No Other Love" as a single by Jim Pike (Capitol 2203) with "Holly" (recorded January 20, 1968) on the flipside and have yet to issue the other three titles.

1967 - The Beach Boys record the title "She's Goin' Bald" (originally titled "Untitled #1") in Los Angles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title on the group's album "Smiley Smile" (ST 2891).

1967 - Vocalist Kay Adams, with Cliffie Stone and His Group (lineup unlisted), records the titles "Alcohol & Tears", "I Let A Stranger (Buy The Wine)", "The Day You Left Me", and "Close Up The Honky Tonk" in Los Angeles, California. After overdubs are recorded for "I Let A Stranger (Buy The Wine)" on August 5, 1967, Tower Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue all the titles on Adams' album "Alcohol & Tears" (ST 5087).

1967 - Capitol Records purchases the masters for the soundtrack of "Albert Peckingpaw's Revenge", aka "Jennie, Wife/Child", which includes Don Epperson's titles "Gonna Have A Good Time", "Lord Have Mercy On Me", "Please Mrs. Peckingpaw", and "Revenge", Davie Allan And The Arrows' titles "Mario's Theme", "Lulu's World", and "Peckinpaw's Theme", Lydia Marcelle's "My Birthday Suit", Jimmy August's "Tender Grass", and Jan Sweet's title "Love Me Now And Forever". Sidewalk Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue all the titles on the soundtrack album "Albert Peckinpaw's Revenge" (ST-5907).

1969 - Merle Haggard's Capitol Records single "Working Man Blues" enters the U.S. Country singles charts.

1970 - At the International Pop Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, Grand Funk Railroad's (Mark Farner and keyboard, guitar, and vocals, Mel Schacher on bass, and Don Brewer on drums and vocals) performance of the titles "Are You Ready", "Paranoid", "In Need", "Heartbreaker", "Inside Looking Out", "Mean Mistreater", "Mark Says Alright", "T.N.U.C.", "Into The Sun", "Introduction" and "Words Of Wisdom" are recorded. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the group's album "Live Album" (SWBB-633).

1972 - The Lettermen (vocalists Jim Pike, Tony Butala, and Gary Pike), with unlisted others, record the titles "Sandman", "Maybe We Should" and "Everything That Touches You" in Los Angeles, California. After overdubs are recorded for all the titles on July 10 and 25, 1972 and August 2, 1972, Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the group's album "Spin Away" (SW-11124).

1972 - Capitol Records purchases the masters Goose Creek Symphony (lineup unlisted)'s titles "Mary", "Cindy", and "Tulsa Turnaround" but have yet to issue any of the titles.

1977 - Richard Torrance, with unlisted others, records the titles "Main Squeeze" and "Keep On Running" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records. No issuing information is listed.

1977 - Vocalist Juice Newton, with unlisted others, records the titles "The Fire Down Below" and "Your Place Or Mine" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "The Fire Down Below" on Juice Newton And Silver Spur's album "Come To Me" (ST-11682) and has yet to issue "Your Place Or Mine".

1977 - Lee Clayton, with unlisted others, records the title "Tequila Is Addictive" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title on Clayton's album "Border Affair" (ST-11751).

1983 - Harry James, a trumpeter, bandleader, actor and Capitol Records artist (1955-1958), dies of lymphatic cancer in Las Vegas, Nevada at age 67 just nine days after his last concert appearance held in Los Angeles, California.

1985 - W.A.S.P. records the title "Widowmaker" at an unlisted studio. Capitol Records will issue the title on the group's album "The Last Command" (ST-12435).

1987 - Heart's Capitol Record single "Alone" is #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

1992 - A bus carrying the Capitol Records band Helix, as well as its roadies, goes off the road near Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada, and plunges down a 40-foot precipice. Two roadies were seriously injured and the band's bassist Daryl Gray escaped with minor injuries, but the band's guitarist and co-founding member Paul Hackman was killed at age 39.

20 Years Ago Today In 2006 - Eight days after it's scheduled release, the 30th anniversary edition of The Steve Miller Band's album "Fly Like An Eagle" still isn't in stores.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1952 - Al Martino (with orchestra conducted by Monty Kelly)'s BBS Records single "Here In My Heart" is #3 down from #2 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart.

1952 - Gerry Mulligan (with Chet Baker on trumpet, Jimmy Rowles on piano, and Joe Mondragon on bass) records two sides for Pacific Jazz. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, currently owns Pacific Jazz's catalog.

1954 - The Bob Brookmeyer Quartet (Brookmeyer on valve trombone, John Williams on piano, Bill Anthony on bass, and Frank Isola on drums) record the tracks "Liberty Belle", "Have You Met Miss Jones", and "Traditional Blues" with Brookmeyer producing and recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder at the Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey for their self-titled album released by Pacific Jazz Records, whose catalog is now owned by Capitol Records.

1962 - Dinah Washington, with arranger Don Costa, records the tracks "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me", "My Devotion", " If It's The Last Thing I Do", and "Our Love" (which Roulette Records will release on the album "In Love"), "It's A Mean Old Man's World" (which will appear on the Roulette Records album "Back to the Blues", and "Was It Like That?" (which will also be on the album "In Love") at Bell Sound, in New York City, New York. Universal Music Group currently owns Roulette's catalog and re-releases the albums on the Capitol Jazz label, a division of Blue Note Records, which is a division of Capitol Music Group.

1975 - Pink Floyd, The Steve Miller Band, and Captain Beefheart perform at a live concert at the Knebworth Festival in Hertfordshire, England.

1978 - The City of Los Angeles declares The Pantages Theatre a historic landmark. Capitol Records would store items in space below the theatre and, in one instance, used one of its staircases leading up from the basement, which had a great view of The Capitol Tower, for a publicity photoshoot for The Beach Boys.

45 Years AGo Today In 1981 - Capitol Records group America joins Three Dog Night, former Liberty Records duo Jan and Dean, and John Sebastian in commemorating The Beach Boys' twentieth anniversary with a concert on a barge next to The Queen Mary in Long Beach Harbor, California. The concert is hosted by Wolfman Jack and broadcast via satellite worldwide.

1982 - Michael Johnson, with unlisted others, records the title "City Of Angels" in an unlisted location. EMI-America, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue the title on Johnson's album "Lifetime Guarantee" (SN-16390).

25 Years AGo Today In 2001 - Ernie K-Doe (aka Ernest Kador, Jr.), who scored a #1 in 1961 with the Minit Records single "Mother-In-Law", written by Allen Toussaint and with "Wanted" on the flip side, dies at age 65 and, after a traditional jazz funeral, was interred in the 200-year-old Duval tomb in Saint Louis Cemetery #2, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Minit Records' catalog is currently owned by Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1954 - 19-year-old Elvis Presley records the title "That's All Right (Mama)" at his first session at Sam Phillips' Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Sun Records will issue the title as a single two weeks later on July 19, 1954, with "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" (also recorded during this two-day session, along with the titles "I Love You Because" and "Harbor Lights") on the flipside.

50 Years Ago Today In 1976 - At approximately 9:00 a.m. I met my future wife, Kristine Heimback, on the first day of a summer school musical theater class taught by Bernie Green at Amherst Central Junior High School. She was going to Bishop Neumann High School.

JULY 4, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1937 - Ray Pillow, singer, songwriter, member of The Grand Ole Opry and Capitol Records artist, is born in Lynchburg, Virginia.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1940 - Future Capitol Records artists, The Louvin Brothers, make their debut in Flatrock, Alabama.

1953 - Les Baxter and His Orchestra's Capitol Records single "April In Portugal is still #3 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart, Les Paul and Mary Ford's Capitol Records single "Vaya Con Dios" is #6 up from #7, Les Baxter and His Orchestra's Capitol Records single "Ruby" is #15 down from #11, Kay Starr (with orchestra conducted by Harold Mooney)'s Capitol Records single "Half A Photograph" is #17 down from #13 and its flipside "Allez-Vous-En" is #18 down from #15, and Pee Wee Hunt and His Orchestra's Capitol Records single "Oh!" is still #20. Also, Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Pretend is #15 on The Billboard magazine's Most Played In Juke Boxes chart and Cash Box magazine's Best Selling Singles chart and #20 on The Billboard magazine's Most Played By Jockeys chart. Cole's single "Return To Paradise" debuts at #21, his single "I Am In Love" is #37 and its flipside, "My Flaming Heart", is #44 also on Cash Box magazine's Best Selling Singles chart.

1955 - Future Capitol Records artist Gene Vincent, while on his Triumph motorcycle in Franklin, Virginia, is hit by a woman in a Chrysler, crushing his left leg.

1964 - The Beach Boys' Capitol Records single "I Get Around", with "Don't Worry Baby" on the flipside, is the groups' first #1 hit on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. "Don't Worry Baby" will later peak at #24.

1968 - Hearts And Flowers (lineup unlisted) record the titles "Grass" and "The Way That You Treat Me" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records. No issuing information is listed.

1968 - The Steve Miller Band (lineup unlisted) record the title "Stepping Out" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records has yet to issue the title.

1969 - The Steve Miller Band (lineup unlisted) records the title "The Last Wombat In Mecca" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title on the band's album "Your Saving Grace" (SKAO-331).

1970 - Guitarist and vocalist Jimi Hendrix, bass player Billy Cox, and drummer Mitch Mitchell perform "Voodoo Child", "All Along The Watchtower", and "Star Spangled Banner" during at the second annual Atlanta Pop Festival in Atlanta, Georgia which is recorded. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the album "Jimi Hendrix - An Original Video Soundtrack" (MLP-15022).

55 Years Ago Today In 1971 - During summer vacation from the University of Massachusettes (where she was a pre-med major), future Capitol Records artists Natalie Cole performs her first professional singing job at a college hangout called "The Pub" in Amherst, Massachusetts where she was also working as a waitress.

1975 - Future Capitol Records group Dolenz, Jones, Boyce, and Hart debut their act at Six Flags Over Mid-America in St. Louis, Missouri in front of an audience of 12,500 people. Capitol Records will later sign the group and release two singles and, in May 1976, the band's self-titled album.

1980 - The Beach Boys give a free outdoor performance to an estimated 500,000 people in Washington, D.C.

40 Years Ago Today In 1986 - W.A.S.P. (lineup unlisted) records the titles "Sweet Cheetah" at an unlisted location. Capitol Records will issue the title on the group's album "Inside The Electric Circus" (ST-12531).

1995 - Capitol Records releases Foo Fighters' self-titled debut album.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1927 - Graphic designer and photographer Reid Miles is born in Chicago, Illinois. In 1955, when Blue Note moved to the 12” LP format, Francis Wolff hired Miles to design album covers and, over the next 12 years, he will create an iconic visual aesthetic that will define the look of the Blue Note Records on over 500 covers.

1943 - Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson, a co-founder, singer, and composer with the Liberty Records band Canned Heat is born Alan C. Wilson in Boston, Massachusetts. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Groups' parent company currently owns Liberty's catalog. If anyone knows Alan's middle name please leave a comment.

1952 - John Waite, a singer, member of the Chrysalis Records band The Babys, and an EMI America Records solo artist, is born in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Groups' parent company currently owns the Chrysalis and EMI America Records catalogs.

1960 - The Fleetwood's Dolton Records single "Runaround" is #25 up from #29 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart, Rick Nelson's Imperial Records single "Young Emotion" is #26 down from #18, Don Costa and His Orchestra's United Artists Records single "Theme From 'The Unforgiven'" is #27 up from at #37, and Fats Domino's Imperial Records single "Walking To New Orleans" re-enters the top 40 at #31 up from #46. Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company, currently owns Imperial, Dolton, and United Artist Records' catalogs.

45 Years Ago Today In 1981 - Kim Carnes' EMI America Records single "Bette Davis Eyes", with "Miss You Tonight" on the flipside, is #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

250 Years Ago Today In 1776 - Printed copies of The Declaration Of Independence, announcing the formation of The United States Of America, are posted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

200 Years Ago Today In 1826 - Former presidents of The United States Of America, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, die (in Monticello, Virginia and Quincy, Massachusetts respectively) within five hours of each other 

200 Years Ago Today In 1826 - Songwriter Stephen Foster is born Stephen Foster Collins in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania.

195 Years Ago Today In 1831 - Former president of The United States Of America, James Monroe, dies.

1872 - Future president of The United States of America, Calvin Coolidge, is born.

1958 - Radio station WKBW in Buffalo, New York goes to a top 40 format.

1970 - Casey Kasem hosts the radio show "American Top 40" for the first time this day.

JULY 3, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1934 - Donfeld, graphic designer (starting in 1953 at age 19 after graduating from Chouinard Art Institute) for Capitol Records and Emmy nominated television and Academy Award-nominated motion picture costume designer, is born Donald Lee Feld in Los Angeles, California.

1943 - Judith Durham, solo artist and the lead singer with the Capitol Records recording group The Seekers, is born Judith Mavis Cock in Melbourne, Australia.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1947 - The King Cole Trio (Nat "King" Cole on piano and vocals, Oscar Moore on guitar, and Johnny Miller on bass) record the titles "I Think You Get What I Mean", "(Everyone Has Someone) But All I've Got Is Me", "Now He Tells Me", and "I Can't Be Bothered" at Radio Recorders' studios at 932 North Western Avenue in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue "I Think You Get What I Mean" as a single (Capitol 444) with "I Miss You So" (recorded June 13, 1947) on the flipside, "(Everyone Has Someone) But All I've Got Is Me" and "I Can't Be Bothered" on the compilation album "King Cole 10th Anniversary" (W 514). Mosaic Records will issue all the titles in the box set "The Complete Capitol Recordings Of The Nat King Cole Trio" (MR27-138 on vinyl and MD18-138 on CD).

1947 - Peggy Lee, with Dave Barbour All Stars (with Barbour on guitar, Ray Linn on trumpet, and unlisted saxophone, piano, celeste, bass, and drum players), records the titles "Why Should I Cry Over You", "It Takes A Long, Long Train With A Red Caboose", and "Just An Old Love Of Mine" in Los Angeles, California with producer Lee Gillette. Capitol Records will issue "Why Should I Cry Over You" Lee's 2000 compilation CD "Rare Gems And Hidden Treasures" (5-27564-2) and "It Takes A Long, Long Train With A Red Caboose" and "Just An Old Love Of Mine" together as single (Capitol 445).

1948 - The King Cole Trio's Capitol Records single "Nature Boy" is still #3 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart, The Pied Pipers' Capitol Records single "My Happiness" is #7 up from #8, Pee Wee Hunt's Capitol Records single "Twelfth Street Rag" is #11 up from #14, and The Sportsmen's a cappella Capitol Records single "You Can't Be True Dear" is #15 down from #11.

1952 - Vocalist Kay Starr, with Harold Mooney conducting the orchestra (lineup unlisted) records the titles "Tonight You Belong To Me", "What Can I Say Dear, After I Say I'm Sorry", "Waitin' At The End Of The Road", and a new take of "Three Letters" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first three titles on Starr's album "The Kay Starr Style" (CDN-363) and "Three Letters" as a single (Capitol 2213) with "Comes A-long A-love" (recorded August 19, 1952) on the flipside.

1952 - At two sessions held this day in New York City, New York, Jackie Gleason conducts a large orchestra with a string section (lineup unlisted) records songs "Desire", "Flirtation", "Temptation" and "Enchantment" from C. Dudley King's "Lover's Rhapsody" at the first session and then, with the addition of Bobby Hackett on trumpet, the titles "Dark Is The Night (C'est Fini)", "Tenderly", "I'm Thru With Love", and "When Your Lover Has Gone" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Gleason's album "Jackie Gleason Presents Songs From "Lover's Rhapsody"" (H-366).

1954 - Kay Starr (with orchestra conducted by Harold Mooney)'s Capitol Records single "If You Love Me (Really Love Me) is #5 up from #6 on Billboard's Best Selling Retail Records chart, Frank Sinatra (with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Three Coins In A Fountain" is still #7, Kay Starr (with orchestra conducted by Harold Mooney)'s Capitol Records single "The Man Upstairs" is #14 down from #9, and Frank Sinatra (with Nelson Riddle and His Orchestra)'s Capitol Records single "Young At Heart" is #17 down from #11.

1957 - Vocalist Martha Lou Harp, with Neal Hefti and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted), records the titles "By The Bend Of The River" and "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" in New York City, New York. Prep Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue both titles together as a single (Prep F113).

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - Faron Young's Capitol Records single "Hello Walls" is #27 down from #21 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

60 Years Ago Today In 1966 - The Beatles' Capitol Records single "Paperback Writer", with "Rain" on the flipside, returns to #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1967 - It's a Monday and Capitol Records releases Bobbie Gentry's single "Ode To Billie Joe" with "Mississippi Delta" on the flipside.

1970 - Buck Owens and Susan Raye record the track "The Great White Horse" with producer Ken Nelson that will be the title track of their Capitol Records album that is released on September 8, 1970.

1972 - Mississippi Fred McDowell, blues guitarist, singer, and a Capitol Records recording artist (a one-off 1969 album, "I Do Not Play No Rock'n' Roll"), dies of cancer at age 68 in Memphis, Tennessee. 

CradLemoon.net has a good overview of his life and many links to discographies.

50 Years Ago Today In 1976 - A memorial service for Johnny Mercer, Broadway, radio, and motion picture singer, actor and songwriter, and co-founder of Capitol Records is held in his hometown, Savannah, Georgia.

1985 - John Aquilino, lead singer for the Capitol Records band (1984-1985) Icon, leaves the group and Capitol will drop the band.

40 Years Ago Today In 1986 - Rudy Vallee, singer, saxophonist, bandleader and radio, television and movie actor, and Capitol Records recording artist (1954), dies at age 84 in North Hollywood, California and will be interred in St. Hyacinth's Cemetery, Westbrook, Maine where his headstone was later stolen.

2000 - At 11:00 PM EDT Turner Classic Movies shows "The Wizard Of Oz" with Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" on the Second Audio Program (SAP) channel to see if the two really do sync' up.

25 Years Ago Today In 2001 - Roy Nichols, guitarist and 22-year member of Merle Haggard and The Strangers, dies in a hospital in Bakersfield, CA of a heart attack at age 68.

25 Years Ago Today In 2001 - Capitol Records and Chrysalis Records release the Jethro Tull compilation album "The Very Best Of  Jethro Tull" which features 20 tracks that have been digitally remastered at 24-bit at Abbey Road Studios in London, England.

25 Years Ago Today In 2001 - Capitol Records releases a digitally remastered and enhanced version of Duran Duran's 1982 album "Rio" in a standard jewel case and in a 7,500 unit limited edition mini-sleeve.

2008 - Larry Harmon, an entrepreneur, television show producer, and licensor and owner of the rights to Bozo The Clown and Laurel and Hardy dies of heart disease at age 83 at his home in Los Angeles, California.

2012 - Andy Griffith, a motion picture and television actor and a Capitol Records artist dies at age 86.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1919 - Fred Maddox, singer, guitarist, member of the band The Maddox Brothers and Rose, and brother of Capitol Records artist Rose Maddox, is born Fred Roscoe Maddox.

1935 - Webley Edwards' radio show spotlighting authentic island performances, "Hawaii Calls", begins broadcasting from Waikiki's Moana Hotel, and will run for 37 years. Webley would compile and produce a series of albums of Hawaiian music for Capitol Records

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - Ricky Nelson's Imperial Records single "Travelin' Man" is #7 down from #5 on Billboard's Hot 100 single chart, its flip side "Hello Mary Lou" is #15 up from #16, and Fats Domino's Imperial Records single "It Keeps Rainin'" is #24 up from #28. Imperial Records' catalog is currently owned by Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

1962 - Dinah Washington, with arranger Don Costa conducting an unknown studio orchestra, records the tracks "Someone Else Is Taking My Place" and "He's Gone Again" (which will both appear on the Roulette Records album "Dinah Washington"), as well as "I Didn't Know About You" (released on the Roulette Records album "Three Of Us", which also featured tracks by Sarah Vaughan and Joe Williams), "There I Go" (finally released on Mosaic Records' 2004 box set "The Complete Roulette Dinah Washington Recordings"), "You're A Sweetheart", and "I'll Close My Eyes" (both also released on the Roulette Records album "Three Of Us") with producer Henry Glover and recording engineer Eddie Smith at Bell Sound in New York City, New York. Roulette Records' catalog is currently owned by EMI Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

1963 - Tenor saxophonist Harold Land, with Carmell Jones on trumpet, John Houston on piano, Jimmy Bond on bass and Mel Lee on drums, records the tracks "Tom Dooley", "Scarlet Ribbons" and "Kisses Sweeter Than Wine" for his Imperial Records album "Jazz Impressions Of Folk Music" with engineer Bones Howe at Radio Recorders, in Los Angeles, California. Imperial Records' catalog is currently owned by EMI Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

1968 - John Maddox, a guitarist with the group The Maddox Brothers & Rose, and brother of Capitol Records artist Rose Maddox dies at age 52.

1969 - Capitol Records artist Gordon MacRae performs "America The Beautiful" live on "The Ed Sullivan Show".

50 Years Ago Today In 1976 - Brian Wilson performs onstage as a member of The Beach Boys, for the first time in twelve years, at a concert given before 74,000 fans at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1878 - George M. Cohan, vaudeville and Broadway performer, singer, dancer, songwriter, playwright, director and producer, and a motion picture actor, is born George Michael Cohan in Providence, Rhode Island. The motion picture "Yankee Doodle Dandy" is loosely based on events from Cohan's life.

1965 - Trigger, a motion picture actor and Capitol Records artist Roy Rogers' horse, dies at age 33 and is later stuffed and put on display at the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Victorville, California.

55 Years Ago Today In 1971 - Jim Morrison, poet, songwriter and lead singer of the band The Doors, is found dead (really) at age 27 by his girlfriend, Pamela Susan Courson, at 5:00 AM in a bathtub in Paris, France from a heart attack and was buried at Pere-Lachaise cemetery, also in Paris.

1989 - Jim Backus, writer as well as a motion picture, television, radio and cartoon voice actor, dies at age 76 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California from complications of pneumonia after suffering from Parkinson's disease for many years and is later buried in Westwood Memorial Park, Westwood, California.