APRIL 1, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1910 - Harry Carney, s pianist, clarinet, alto and baritone saxophone player, and member of Capitol Records artist Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, is born in Boston, Massachusetts.

1928 - Jane Powell, singer, motion picture actress (including "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers" with lyrics by Capitol Records co-founder Johnny Mercer), and Capitol Records artist (soundtrack to the motion picture "3 Sailors And A Girl"), is born Suzanne Lorraine Burce in Portland, Oregon.

75 Years Ago Today In 1951 - Henry Gross, a singer, songwriter, founding member of Sha Na Na, and a solo Capitol Records artist, is born in Brooklyn, New York.

1972 - Allen and Albert Hughes, music video directors, filmmakers, and founders of Underworld Records (distributed by Capitol Records in 1993), are born in Detroit, Michigan.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1947 - At their last recording session for the Capitol Records Transcription Service, pianist Stan Kenton and His Orchestra (Buddy Childers, Ray Wetzel, Chico Alvarez, John Anderson, and Ken Hanna on trumpets, Kai Winding, Skip Layton, Milt Bernhart, and Harry Forbes on trombones, Bart Varsalona on bass trombone, Eddie Meyers and Boots Mussulli on alto saxophones, Vido Musso and Bob Cooper on tenor saxophones, Bob Gioga bass saxophone, Bob Ahern on guitar, Eddie Safranski on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums), with vocalist June Christy and vocal group The Pastels (Margaret Dale, Wayne Howard, Jerry Packer, Jimmy Borland, and Don McLeod), record the titles "Artistry in Harlem Swing" using an arrangement by Gene Roland, "Please Be Kind" with vocals by June Christy and arranged by Pete Rugolo, "I've Got It Bad And That Aint Good" with vocals by Christy, without the saxophones, and arranged by Rugolo, "By The River of Ste. Marie" with vocals by The Pastels and arranged by Rugolo, "April In Paris" with vocals by The Pastels, using only the trombones and rhythm section, and arranged by Ken Hanna, "Don't Worry 'bout Me" with vocals by The Pastels and arranged by Rugolo, "If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight" arranged by Rugolo, "Sophisticated Lady", and "The Fatal Apple (Unison Riff)" at Radio Recorders' studios at 932 North Western Avenue in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records Transcription Service will issue the first three titles on the disc B-331 and the last six titles on the disc B-332. Mosaic Records will issue all the titles in the box set "The Complete Capitol Studio Recordings Of Stan Kenton" (MQ12-163 with 12 LPs on 12" vinyl and MD7-163 with 7 CDs). Unfortunately, only "Please Be Kind", "I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good", "Sophisticated Lady", and "The Fatal Apple (Unison Riff)" are currently available on YouTube.

1953 - Capitol Records acquires Cetra-Soria's 1947-1953 library of complete Opera recordings from the label's founder, Dario Sorta, who had licensed the recording in the U.S. from the Italian label Cetra. Sorta and his wife, Dorle Jarmel Soria, will then become co-founders and co-managing directors of Angel Records in the United States, distributing classical recordings from Capitol Records' future parent company, EMI. In 1958, after EMI bought Capitol Records, the Soria's will sell Angel Records to Capitol.

1953 - Frank Sinatra is signed to Capitol Records by Alan Livingston with a one-year contract with no advance and has to cover his own recording costs. Sinatra angrily turns down the initial offering of A&R management by Dave Dexter, Jr., who had years earlier written some bad reviews of Sinatra for Down Beat Magazine, and instead is assigned to Voyle Gilmore who will eventually make Nelson Riddle Sinatra’s new arranger, ousting long-time Sinatra arranger Axel Stordahl.

1953 - During two sessions held this day in Chicago, Illinois, Trumpet player Ray Anthony and His Orchestra (Pat Roberts, Darryl Campbell, Ray Triscari, and Dale Turner also on trumpets, Sy Berger, Vince Forrest, Ken Schrudder, and Dick Reynolds on trombones, Earl Bergman and Jim Schneider on clarinet and alto saxophone, Tom Loggia and Bill Usselton on tenor saxophones, Leo Anthony on baritone and alto saxophones, Dave Sills on piano, Earl Backus on guitar, Don Simpson on bass, and Archie Freeman on drums) record the titles "Another Dawn, Another Day" using an arrangement by George Williams, "When The Saints Go Marching In" with vocals by Ray Anthony and The Skyliners (lineup unlisted), and "That's My Weakness" with vocals by Jo Ann Greer and Marcie Miller at the first session and, using arrangements by George Williams, the titles "Adios" with vocals by Tommy Mercer and The Anthony Choir (lineup unlisted), "Over The Rainbow" with vocals by The Anthony Choir, "Sweet And Lovely" with vocals by Tommy Mercer and The Anthony Choir, and "Stairway To The Stars" with vocals by The Anthony Choir at the second session. Capitol Records will issue "Another Dawn, Another Day" as a single (Capitol 2637) with "Sound Off" (recorded September 30, 1953) on the flipside, reject the take of "When The Saints Go Marching In" (a new take will be recorded on April 3, 1953), issue "That's My Weakness" as a single (Capitol 2488) with the new take of "When The Saints Go Marching In" on the flipside, and all the titles from the second session on the album "The Anthony Choir with Ray Anthony And His Orchestra" (EAP-1/2/3-442 on 7" EPs, EBF-442 on two-disc 7" EP set, H-442 on 10" LP, and T 422 on 12" LP).

1958 - Trumpet player Harry James and His Orchestra (Harry James, Nick Buono, Ollie Mitchell, and Bob Rolfe also on trumpets, Bob Edmondson and Ray Sims on trombones, Ernie Tack on bass trombones, Herb Lorden and Willie Smith on alto saxophones, Bob Poland and Sam Firmature on tenor saxophones, Ernie Small on baritone saxophone, Jack Perciful on piano, Dennis Budimir on guitar, Russ Phillips on bass, and Jackie Mills on drums) record the titles "Here's One" and "On The House" in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on James' album "The New James" (EAP-2-1037 on 7" EP and T/ST 1037 on 12" LP).

1958 - Vocalist Bob Luman, with Jackie Kelso on tenor saxophone and unlisted lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, and drums players, records the titles "Everybody's Talkin'", "Chain Of Love", "I Know My Baby Cares", and "Try Me" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "I Know My Baby Cares" and "Try Me" together as a single (Capitol F3972). Rockstar Records will issue all the titles in England on Luman's compilation album "Try Me" (RSLP1015) and Bear Family Records will issue all the titles in Germany on Luman's compilation album "Carnival Rock" (BFX 15345).

1958 - During three sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California, Otto Cesana, with unlisted others, records the titles "Let's Go", "Serenade", "Desiderio", and "Lover's Waltz" at the first session, the titles "Recollection", "Punch And Judy", "Torment", and "Ennui" at the second session, and the titles "Contentment", "Remembrance", "Forsaken", and "Tally-Ho" at the third session for Capitol Records which has yet to issue any of the titles.

1958 - During two sessions held in Studio A of Capitol Records' studios in New York City, New York, harpist Marcel Grandjany records De Falla's "Jota" and Albeniz's "Torre Bermeja" at the first session, and Padre Antonio Soler's "Sonata In A Minor" and Antonio De Cabezon's "Diferencias Sobre El Canto LLano Del Caballero" and "Cancion De Cuna" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Grandjany's album "El Amor D'España" (P-8473).

1958 - The Louvin Brothers (Charlie Louvin on vocals and guitar and Ira Louvin on vocals), with Marvin H. Hughes on piano, Paul Yandell, Walter Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland Wilson, and Ray Edenton also on guitars, Roy M. "Junior" Huskey Jr. on bass, and Murray M. "Buddy" Harman Jr. on drums, record the titles "My Baby's Gone", "She Didn't Even Know I Was Gone", "My Baby Came Back", and "Are You Wasting My Time" in Nashville, Tennesse. Capitol Records will issue the first three titles on the brothers' album "My Baby's Gone" (T 1385), "My Baby's Gone" as a single (F4055) with "Lorene" (recorded August 4, 1958) on the flipside, "She Didn't Even Know I Was Gone" and "My Baby Came Back" together as a single (Capitol F3974), and "Are You Wasting My Time" on the brothers' album "Country Love Ballads" (EAP-1-1106 on 7" EP and T 1106 on 12" LP).

1963 - Pianist Cy Coleman, with Billy May conducting his own arrangements to the orchestra (Conrad Gozzo, Uan Rasey, and Bud Brisbois on trumpets, Francis "Joe" Howard, Milt Bernhart, Ed Kusby, and George Roberts on trombones, Justin Gordon, Ted Nash, and Wilbur Schwartz on woodwinds, Ben Tucker on bass, and Bob Thomas, Irving Cottler, and Larry Bunker on drums), records a new take of the title "The Best Is Yet To Come", the title "Hey, Look Me Over", new takes of the titles "The Riviera" and "Brassmen's Holiday", and the title "You Fascinate Me So" in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California between 8:30 PM and 1:30 AM on April 2, 1963. Capitol Records will issue all the titles recorded at this session on Coleman's album "The Piano Witchcraft Of Cy Coleman" (T/ST 1952) and a revised version of the album released by Capitol Records Special Markets entitled "Piano Witchcraft" (SM-11985).

1968 - Vocalist Nancy Wilson, with Jimmy Jones conducting his own arrangements to the orchestra (Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, Dick Nash, Tom Shepard, Bill Tole on trombones, Ken Shroyer on bass trombone, Bud Shank on reeds, Don Trenner on piano, Herb Ellis and Al Hendrickson on guitars, Buster Williams on bass, Earl Palmer on drums, Larry Bunker on percussion, Ann Stockton on harp and electric harp, and a string section with unlisted musicians on ten violins, three violas, two cellos, and 1 bass), records the titles "Wave", "The Look Of Love", "Make Me Rainbows", and "When I Look In Your Eyes" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Miss Wilson's album "Easy" (ST 2909). 

1968 - The Beach Boys (lineup unlisted) record the title "Meant For You" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title on the group's album "Friends" (ST 2895).

1968 - Conductor Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians (lineup unlisted) record the titles "Medley #4" and "Medley #5" in Las Vegas, Nevada for Capitol Records which has yet to issue either title.

1969 - The Beach Boys sue Capitol Records for $2,041,446.64 in royalties and producer's fees for Brian Wilson. The band also announces it's starting its own label, Brothers Records.

1973 - Freddie Hart's Capitol Records single "Super Kind Of Woman", with "Mother Nature Made A Believer Out Of Me" on the flip side, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles chart.

1973 - John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr announce that they have split with manager Al Klein, whose contract with them and Apple Records had ended the day before, March 31, 1973.

1973 - Vocalist Red Simpson, with unlisted others, records the titles "Awful Lot To Learn About Truck Drivin'", "You Still Got A Hold On Me", "Gas, Food and Lodging", and "Feeling Like Tarzan" in Portland, Oregon with producer Gene Breeden. After Capitol Records purchases the masters and registers them on April 23, 1973, it will issue "Awful Lot To Learn About Truck Drivin'" and "You Still Got A Hold On Me" together as a single (Capitol 3616) and has yet to issue either of the last two titles.

1978 - The Lost Gonzo Band (lineup unlisted) records the titles "Beacon In The Night", "Santa Cruz (After The Nick Of Time)", "Since You Been Gone", "Riding", "Everybody Knows This Ain't Art", "Getaway", "London Homesick Blues", "The Winner", "Signs Of Life", and "Feelin' My Way" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records all the titles on the album "Signs Of Life" (SW-11788).

1978 - John "Moon" Martin, with unlisted others, records the title "All I've Got To Do" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title Martin's album "Shots From A Cold Nightmare" (SW-11787).

1978 - Vocalist Hank Cochran, with Willie Nelson and unlisted others, records the titles "Willie", "Heaven Was A Drink Of Wine", "Whatcha Think About That", "I'm Behind The Bottle", "Am I Gonna Have To Burn Atlanta Down", "Ain't Life Hell", "Uphill All The Way", "He Ain't Country", "I'm Going With You This Time", and "Too Late" in (listed as possibly) Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Cochran's album "With A Little Help From His Friends" (ST-11807), "Willie" and "Uphill All The Way" together as a single (Capitol 4585) and "Ain't Life Hell" and "I'm Going With You This Time" together as a single (Capitol 4635).

1998 - Capitol Records gets many calls after an April Fool's prank takes place on L.A. station KROQ-FM's "Kevin & Bean" morning show. What seemed like a fistfight takes place between the hosts and Radiohead's Thom Yorke after jibes about Yorke's lazy eye. In fact, Yorke is not even in the Los Angeles studio. He was played by "'Kevin And Bean"'s voice guy Ralph Garman, along with edits from a couple of acoustic numbers Radiohead had recorded in the KROQ studio on a previous visit. Many thanks to Bean for the accurate information about this prank.

2004 - Paul Atkinson, veteran record executive, VP of A&R Catalog at Capitol Records, and guitarist for The Zombies, dies in his sleep after a long battle with cancer and kidney disease at age 58.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - Guitarist Grant Green, with Ben Tucker on bass and Dave Bailey on drums, records the titles "No. 1 Green Street", "'Round About Midnight", "Grant's Dimensions", "Green With Envy", and "Alone Together" for his second Blue Note Records album "Green Street".

1963 - Trumpet player Kenny Dorham, with Joe Henderson on tenor saxophone, Herbie Hancock on piano, Butch Warren on bass, and Anthony Williams on drums, records the titles "Sao Paulo", "Straight Ahead", "Una Mas (One More Time)", and "If I Ever Would Leave You" in recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Blue Note Records will issue the first three titles on Dorham's album "Una Mas" (BLP4127 in mono and BST84127 in stereo) and all the titles on the CD issue of the album (7-46515-2).

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1883 - Lon Chaney, Sr., a motion picture actor who would regularly give rides to extras waiting at the corner of Hollywood and Vine (with a few reports of it happening even after his death), is born Leonidas Frank Chaney in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

 MARCH 31, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1908 - "Red" Norvo, a bandleader, xylophone and vibraphone player, session player, and Capitol Records artist is born Kenneth Norville in Beardstown, Illinois.

1934 - Shirley Jones, a singer, motion picture and television actress, and Capitol Records artist (on the soundtracks to the motion pictures "Oklahoma!" and "Carousel") is born Shirley Mae Jones in Charleroi, Pennsylvania.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1945 - Johnny Mercer and Jo Stafford's Capitol Records single "Candy", the flipside of Mercer's "I'm Gonna See My Baby", is still #1 on the U.S. Pop singles charts.

1953 - Vocalist Nat "King" Cole, with Nelson Riddle conducting the orchestra (lineup unlisted), records the titles "Return To Paradise", "Make Her Mine", "Why Can't We Try Again?" and "I Am In Love" in Capitol Records' studios at 5515 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue "Return To Paradise" as a single (Capitol 2489) with "Angel Eyes" (recorded January 14, 1953) on the flipside, "Make Her Mine" as a single (Capitol 2803) with "I Envy" (recorded August 24, 1953) on the flipside, "Why Can't We Try Again?" on the CD version of Cole's album "Ballads Of The Day" (7-99776-2), and "I Am In Love" as a single (Capitol 2459) with "My Flaming Heart" (recorded August 12, 1952) on the flipside.

1953 - Vocalist Tex Ritter, with Donald Robertson (listed as possibly) on piano, Margie Ann "Fiddlin' Kate" Warren on fiddle, Billy Liebert on accordion, Jack Marshall and Wesley Tuttle on guitar, and Dale Warren on bass, records the titles "One Misty, Moisty Morning", "Muskrat", and "Little Wendy Why Why" in Capitol Records' studios at 5515 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Capitol Records will issue "One Misty, Moisty Morning" and "Muskrat" on the children's album "Tex Ritter" (CAS-3167) and "Little Wendy Why Why" on the children's album also titled "Tex Ritter" (CAS-3202).

1953 - At a split session held this day in Los Angeles, California, first Stan Freberg and Pinto Colvig overdub vocals onto music tracks recorded by Van Alexander conducting his Orchestra (lineup unlisted) recorded on March 23, 1953 for the titles "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party: Part 3" and "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party: Part 4" then Mel Blanc overdubs vocals onto music tracks also recorded by Van Alexander conducting his orchestra on March 23, 1953 for the titles "Woody Woodpecker And His Space Ship: Part 1" and "Woody Woodpecker And His Space Ship: Part 2". After more overdubs are recorded on April 8 and 9, 1953 for the music tracks for "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party: Part 3" and "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party: Part 4", Capitol Records will issue the final mixes of both titles on the children's album "Mickey Mouse's Birthday Party" (DBX-3165) and will issue "Woody Woodpecker And His Space Ship: Part 1" and "Woody Woodpecker And His Space Ship: Part 2" on the children's album ""Woody Woodpecker And His Space Ship" (CAS-3171).

1957 - Ferlin Husky and His Hush Puppies's Capitol Records single "Gone", with "Missing Persons" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles chart.

1958 - The Andrews Sisters (vocalists Laverne Andrews, Maxene Andrews, and Patty Andrews), with unlisted others, record the titles "Torero" and "Sunshine" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles together as a single (Capitol F3965).

1958 - Trumpet player Harry James and His Orchestra (Nick Buono, Ollie Mitchell, and Bob Rolfe also on trumpets, Bob Edmondson and Ray Sims on trombones, Ernie Tack on bass trombone, Herb Lorden and Willie Smith on alto saxophones, Bob Poland and Sam Firmature on tenor saxophones, Ernie Small on baritone saxophone, Jack Perciful on piano, Dennis Budimir on guitar, Russ Phillips on bass, and Jackie Mills on drums) record the titles "Just Lucky", "Fair And Warmer", and "Bangtail" in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on James' album "The New James" (EAP-1/2/3-1037 on 7" EP and T/ST 1037 on 12" LP).

1958 - Carmen Dragon conducts The Capitol Symphony Orchestra (lineup unlisted) as they record Flotow's "M'Appari (From 'Martha')", Leoncavallo's "Vesti La Giubba (From "Pagliacci')", and Puccini's "Musetta's Waltz Song (From 'La Bohème')" on Stage 7 in The Goldwyn Studios at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Formosa in West Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the album "The Orchestra Sings" (P/SP-8440) as by The Capitol Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Carmen Dragon.

1958 - During two sessions held this day in New York City, New York, violinist Nathan Milstein and pianist Leon Pommers record Mozart's "Sonata In C Major, K. 296, Part 1" at the first session and "Sonata In C Major, K. 296, Part 2" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue both parts on Milstein's and Pommers' album "MOZART Sonatas For Violin & Piano" (P-8452).

1963 - The Journeymen (John Phillips and Scott McKenzie on vocals and guitars and Dick Weissman on guitar and banjo) possibly record the titles "Country Blues", "Ben And Me", and "Virgin Mary" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Country Blues" and "Ben And Me" on the group's album "New Directions In Folk Music" (T/ST 1951) and "Virgin Mary" on the CD "Capitol Collectors Series -The Journeymen" (7-98536-2). The master files show the session held on May 31, 1963, but the date given in the CD "Capitol Collectors Series -The Journeymen" was March 31, 1963.

1964 - The Beatles become the first musical act to hold the top 5 positions ("Can't Buy Me Love" at #1, "Twist and Shout" at #2, "She Loves You" at #3, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" at #4, and "Please Please Me" at #5) on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1968 - Skeets McDonald (born Enos William McDonald), singer, songwriter, guitarist, and Capitol Records artist, dies in California at age 52 after suffering a massive heart attack.

1968 - Buck Owens' Capitol Records single "How Long Will My Baby Be Gone", with "Everybody Needs Somebody" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts.

1968 - Overdubs are recorded for The Beach Boys' title "Be Here In The Morning" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the final mix of the title on the group's album "Friends" (ST 2895).

1974 - Blue Swede's Capitol Records single "Hooked On A Feeling", with "Gotta Have Your Love" on the flipside, is #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1978 - Vocalist and pianist Alan Gordon, with an orchestra (lineup unlisted) using arrangements by Jack Nitzsche, records the titles "How Can I Leave Her", "Over The Airwaves", and "I'm Comin' Down With A Thrill" in Los Angeles, California. No issuing information is listed for "How Can I Leave Her". Capitol Records initially schedules "Over The Airwaves" and "I'm Comin' Down With A Thrill" to be released on the album "Alan Gordon - Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11845) which was not released then issues just "I'm Comin' Down With A Thrill" on the album "Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11913) as by Alan Gordon and has yet to issue "Over The Airwaves".

1983 - Bob Seger, on acoustic guitar, guitar, piano, vocals, and The Silver Bullet Band (Chris Campbell on bass, Alto Reed on tenor and baritone saxophones, John "J.R." Robinson on drums, Craig Frost on organ, synthesizer, piano, and keyboards, and Bill Payne also on synthesizer, piano, keyboards) perform the title "Fortunate Son" at Cobo Hall in Detroit, Michigan during a live performance that was recorded. Capitol Records will issue the title as a single (Capitol 5532) with "American Storm" (unlisted recording date) on the flipside and as a bonus track on the CD release of the group's album "Like A Rock" (7-46195-2).

1988 - Vocalist Johnny Rodriguez, with unlisted others, records the titles 'You Might Want To Use Me Again", "I Wanta Wake Up With You", and "Someday I'm Gonna Finish Leaving You" at Woodland Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue "You Might Want To Use Me Again" as a single (Capitol 44245) with "She Loves Austin" (recorded April 26, 1988) on the flipside and after remixing "I Wanta Wake Up With You" will issue the new version of the title and "Someday I'm Gonna Finish Leaving You" together as a single (Capitol 44204).

35 Years Ago Today In 1991 - Garth Brooks' Liberty Records (later renamed Capitol Records Nashville) single "Two Of A Kind Workin' On A Full House", with "Unanswered Prayers" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1943 - "Oklahoma!" (originally titled "Away We Go") opens on Broadway at the St. James Theatre in New York City, New York with stars Alfred Drake, Joan Roberts, Celeste Holm, and Howard DeSilva. Later made into a motion picture, Capitol Records will release its soundtrack which will become the first album to be certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.

1962 - EMI withdraws all 78 rpm records in their catalogue.

1980 - EMI Records, Capitol Records parent company, reports a twelve months trading loss of £2,800,000.

1995 - Selena (born Selena Quintanilla Perez), singer and EMI Latin artist, is shot by the president of her fan club and dies at age 24.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1949 - To compete with Columbia's new 33 rpm LP, RCA Victor debuts it 45 rpm (78-33=45) system when it releases 76 albums (3 or 4 discs in a boxed set) and 104 singles on 7-inch large-hole 45-rpm records. The first 45 rpm disc, "Texarkana Baby" by Eddy Arnold, was issued by RCA in the US on March 31, 1949. It was made of green vinyl, as part of an early attempt to color-code singles according to the genre of music they featured. Others included red for classical music and yellow for children's songs. Capitol Records will be the first label to release its product in all three formats.

MARCH 30, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1913 - Frankie Laine, singer, songwriter, actor, Capitol and Tower Records (along with many other labels) artist, is born Francesco Paolo LoVecchio in Chicago, Illinois.

1945 - Eric Clapton CBE, (aka Slowhand, aka God), guitarist, singer, songwriter, motion picture actor, and member of the Apple Records group Plastic Ono Band, is born Eric Patrick Clapp in The Green, Ripley, Surrey, England.

1963 - M.C. Hammer (aka Hammer), singer, songwriter, motion picture actor, and Capitol Records artist, is born Stanley Kirk Burrell in Oakland, California.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1944 - The Pied Piper's Capitol Records single "Mairzy Doats", with "A Journey To A Star" on the flipside, enters the top 40 of the U.S. Pop singles charts.

80 Years Ago Today In 1946 - "St. Louis Woman", a musical with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Capitol Records' co-founder and president Johnny Mercer, opens at the Martin Beck Theatre (now the Al Hirschfeld Theatre) at 302 West 45 Street in midtown Manhattan, New York and will run for 113 performances. The cast includes Robert Pope as Badfoot, Harold Nicholas as Little Augie, Fayard Nicholas as Barney, June Hawkins as Lilli, Pearl Bailey as Butterfly, Ruby Hill as Della Green, Rex Ingram as Biglow Brown, and Milton J. Williams as Mississippi. After sessions are held on April 7, 8, and 9, 1946, Capitol Records will issue the original cast album which will be the label's first (CE-28).

75 Years Ago Today In 1951 - Vocalist Smiley Burnette, with unlisted others, recorded the titles "Do The Pines Grow Green In The Valley?", "I Ain't Done Nothin' To You", "Can't Go On", and "I Can't Be Honest With You" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first and last titles together as a single (Capitol 1520) and the second and third titles together as a single (Capitol 1746).

1952 - During three sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California, the original Broadway cast of "Three Wishes For Jamie" (Anne Jeffreys, John Raitt, Bert Wheeler, Robert Halliday, Charlotte Rae, and Peter Conlow), with an uncredited chorus and Joseph Littaw directing the orchestra (lineup unlisted) using music and lyrics by Ralph Blane, record the titles "Prologue/The Wake (with vocals by the ensemble)/The Girl That I Court In My Mind (vocals by John Riatt)", "My Home's A Highway (vocals by Anne Jeffreys)/We're For Love (vocals by Bert Wheeler and Chorus)", and "My Heart's Darlin' (vocals by Anne Jeffreys and John Raitt)/Love Has Nothing To Do With It (vocals by Bert Wheeler, Robert Halliday, Charlotte Rae, and Chorus)" at the first session, "Goin' On A Hayride" (vocals by Anne Jeffreys, John Raitt, Petter Conlow, and Chorus)/I'll Sing You A Song (vocals by Bert Wheeler, Robert Halliday, Peter Conlow, and Chorus), "It Must Be Spring (vocals by Anne Jeffreys and Chorus)/Wedding March (vocals by the Ensemble)/The Army Mule Song (vocals by John Raitt, Bert Wheeler, Peter Conlow, and The Chorus)", "What Do I Know? (vocals by Anne Jeffreys)/Love Has Nothing To Do With Looks (Reprise) (vocals by Anne Jeffreys)" at the second session, and "It's A Wishing World (vocals by Anne Jeffreys and John Raitt)/Trottin' To The Fair (vocals by John Raitt, Robert Halliday, and Chorus)" and "April Face (vocals by Anne Jeffreys, John Raitt, and Bert Wheeler)/Kevin's Prayer (vocals by Bert Wheeler)/Finale (vocals by The Ensemble)" at the third session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the original Broadway cast album "Three Wishes For Jaime" (S-317).

1953 - It's a Monday afternoon and at 4:00 PM EST Nat "King" Cole appears on NBC-TV's "The Kate Smith Hour" and his Capitol Records single "Pretend", with orchestra conducted by Nelson Riddle and "Don't Let Your Eyes Go Shopping (For Your Heart)" by Nat King Cole and the Trio, on the flipside, is #4 on the U.S. Pop singles chart.
65 Years Ago Today In 1953 - Mel Blanc and June Foray record vocal overdubs at Capitol Records' studios at 5515 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood, California using a script written by Ted Pierce and Warren Foster and adapted by Alan Livingston for the titles "Snowbound Tweety: Part 1" and "Snowbound Tweety: Part 2" onto music tracks recorded by the Van Alexander Orchestra on March 16, 1953. Capitol Records will issue the final mixes of both parts on the children's album "Snowbound Tweety" (CAS-3169 on 10" 78 RPM and CASF-3169 on 7" 45 RPM).

1953 - The Statesmen Quartet (Jack Hess on lead vocals, Clarence "Cat" Freeman on tenor vocals, Doty Ott on baritone vocals, and James "Big Chief" Wetherington on bass vocals), with Hovie Lister on piano, record the titles "How Many Times", "Someone To Care", "One Of These Mornings", and "When You Travel All Alone" in Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will issue "How Many Times" and "Someone To Care" together as a single (Capitol 2469) and "One Of Theses Mornings" and "When You Travel Alone" together as a single (Capitol 2566), the first three titles on the quartet's self-titled album "The Statesmen Quartet" (T/DT 2539) and the last title on the album "Something To Shout About" (T 1508) as by Hovie Lister And The Statesmen Quartet.

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - Nat "King" Cole, with Ralph Carmichael conducting his own arrangements to the orchestra (lineup unlisted but possibly including Hank Jones on piano, John Collins on guitar, Charlie Harris on bass, and Lee Young on drums), records new versions of the titles "Unforgettable", "Mona Lisa", and "The Christmas Song" in stereo at Capitol Records' studios at 151 W. 46th Street in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the 3 LP set "The Nat 'King' Cole Story" (SWCL 1613). It's the tracks from this version of "Unforgettable" that will be used to make the electronically created duet of the song with Cole's daughter Natalie in 1991..

1962 - Vocalist Lou Rawls, with unlisted musicians, records the title "Save Your Love For Me" and an as yet unissued take of the track "What Makes The Ending So Sad?" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first track as a single (Capitol 4761) with "Please Let Me Be The First To Know" (recorded February 23, 1962) on the flipside.

1963 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "All Over The World" is #43 on Cash Box magazine's Top 100 Singles chart.

1963 - Pianist Cy Coleman, with Billy May conducting his own arrangements to the orchestra (Ken Shroyer, Francis "Joe" Howard, Milt Bernhart, Ed Kusby, and William Schaefer on trombones, Justin Gordon, Ted Nash, and Wilbur Schwartz on woodwinds, Ben Tucker on bass, and Bob Thomas and Milt Holland on drums), records new takes of the titles "Leave It To Love", "Witchcraft", and "I'm Gonna Laugh You Out Of My Life" in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Coleman's album "The Piano Witchcraft Of Cy Coleman" (T/ST 1952) and "I'm Gonna Laugh You Out Of My Life" as a single (Capitol 5130) with "The Girls Of Athens" (recorded October 23, 1963) on the flipside.

1963 - Vocalist Nancy Wilson, with Gerald Wilson directing his own arrangements to the orchestra (Wild Bill Davis on organ, an unlisted pianist, Joe Pass on guitar, Jimmy Bond on bass, and Kenny Dennis on drums), records the titels "West Coast Blues", "The Show Goes On", "My Sweet Thing", and "Tell Me The Truth" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "West Coast Blues" and "The Show Goes On" on Miss Wilson's album "How Glad Am I" (T/ST 2155), "My Sweet Thing" and "Tell Me The Truth" together as a single (Capitol 4991), "Tell Me The Truth" on the multi-artist compilation album "Chart-Busters, Volume 3" (T/ST 2006), and all the titles on the CD release of Miss Wilson's album "Yesterday's Love Songs, Today's Blues" (7-96265-2).

1967 - The cover of The Beatles' Capitol Records album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album is staged by Peter Blake and photographed by Michael Cooper at 4 Chelsea Manor Studios, 1-11 Flood Street, just off King's Road in Chelsea in the late afternoon. The album cover was designed by Peter Blake and Jann Haworth from an ink drawing by Paul McCartney and it was art directed by Robert Fraser.

1968 - Hardwater (lineup unlisted) records the titles "Not So Hard" and "Good Luck" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on the group's self-titled album "Hardwater" (ST 2954) and "Not So Hard" also as a single (Capitol 2230) with "City Sidewalks" (recorded March 28, 1968) on the flipside.

1968 - Overdubs are recorded for The Beach Boys' title "Wake The World" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the final mix of the title on the group's album "Friends" (ST 2895) and also as a single (Capitol 2239) with "Do It Again" (recorded June 6, 1968 with overdubs recorded on June 7 and 8, 1968) on the flipside.

1969 - Buck Owens' Capitol Records single "Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass", with "There's Gonna Be Some Changes Made" on the flip side, is still #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts

1974 - Grand Funk Railroad's Capitol Records single "The Loco-Motion", with "Destitute And Losin'" on the flip side, enters the top 40 of Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1977 - Glen Campbell's Capitol Records single "Southern Nights", with "William Tell Overture" on the flipside is still #1 on the U.S. Country singles chart.

1978 - Vocalist and pianist Alan Gordon, with an orchestra (lineup unlisted) using arrangements by Jack Nitzsche, records the titles "Caught In Another Way With Love" and "Cheater's Honeymoon" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records initially schedules both titles to be released on the album "Alan Gordon - Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11845) which was not released then issues all the titles on the album "Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11913) as by Alan Gordon.

1985 - Power Station's Capitol Records single "Some Like It Hot", with "The Heat Is On" on the flipside, enters the top 40 of Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1997 - Trace Adkin's Capitol Records Nashville single "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing" with "634-5789" on the flipside, is #1 on the U.S. Country singles chart.

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1955 - The Best Music/Song Oscar went to Jule Styne (music) and Sammy Cahn (lyrics) for the title track to the motion picture "Three Coins in the Fountain" which was sung by Capitol Records artist Frank Sinatra and released as a single by Capitol Records.

1958 - Trumpet player Louis Smith, with Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Sonny Clark on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Art Taylor on drums, records the titles "Tunesmith (Bakin')", mono and stereo takes of "There'll Never Be Another You", "Au Privave", "Smithville", "Embraceable You", "Later", and "Wetu" at recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Hackensack, New Jersey. Blue Note Records will issue the mono take of "There'll Never Be Another You", "Smithville", "Embraceable You", "Later", and "Wetu" on Smith's album "Smithville" (BLP1594), "Smithville" in two parts as a single (Blue Note 45-1715), and all the titles and takes on the CD release of the album "Smithville" (3-58289-2).

1969 - Classics IV featuring Dennis Yost's Imperial Records single "Traces", with "Mary Mary Row Your Boat" on the flipside, is #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1974 - Mike Oldfield's Virgin Records single "Tubular Bells", with a shorter version on the flipside, enters the top 40 of Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. Virgin Records catalog is currently owned by EMI Music Group, Capitol Music Group's parent company.

1975 - Future Capitol Records artist Minnie Ripperton's Epic Records single "Lovin' You", with "Edge Of A Dream" on the flip side, is #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart. Capitol Records currently distributes Ripperton's complete catalog and the track has appeared on various Capitol Records compilation albums.

1979 - Norah Jones, singer, songwriter, pianist, daughter of sitarist Ravi Shankar, and Blue Note Records artist, is born in New York City, New York.

2004 - Timi Yuro (born Rosemary Timotea Yuro), singer and Liberty Records artist, dies in Las Vegas of throat cancer at age 63

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

40 Years Ago Today In 1986 - James Cagney, actor, dancer, singer and president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1942-1944, dies at his Dutchess County farm in Stanfordville, New York of a heart attack at age 86. He is later interred in the Cemetery of the Gate of Heaven in Hawthorne, New York.

MARCH 29, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1918 - Pearl Bailey, a singer, Broadway, motion picture (co-starred with Capitol Records artist Nat "King" Cole in "St. Louis Blues") and television actress, and Capitol Records artist (in Capitol Records' first original Broadway cast album "St. Louis Woman") and a Roulette Records artist, is born Pearl Mae Bailey in Newport News, Virginia.

1959 - Perry Farrell, a singer, songwriter, and a member of the Warner Brothers and Capitol Records group Jane's Addiction is born Perry Bernstein in New York City, New York.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1947 - Vocalist Jack Smith and The Clark Sisters (vocalists Mary Clark Branson, Peggy Clark Schwartz, Ann Clark Terry, and Jean Clark Frile), with Earl Sheldon and his Orchestra (lineup also unlisted), record the titles "Oh, My Achin' Heart", "Cu-Tu Gu-Ru (Jack, Jack, Jack)", and a rejected take of "Old Devil Moon" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue the first two titles together as a single (Capitol 403).

1948 - Capitol Records releases Nat "King" Cole's single "Nature Boy" (Capitol 15054) with "Lost April" on the flipside. Also, Stan Kenton and His Orchestra and The King Cole Trio finish a week-long stay at Radio City Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

1948 - The vocal group The Sportsmen (Bill Days, Max Smith, Martin Sperzel, and Gurney Bell) records the titles "Happy Birthday, Congratulations" and "Happy Anniversary, 4th Of July" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on unidentified promotional record(s).

1957 - Vocalist Tommy Sands, with an unlisted tenor saxophone player, Bob Bain on lead guitar, Buck Owens on rhythm guitar, and an unlisted bass player, drummer, and vocal chorus) records the titles "Too Young To Go Steady", "I Don't Know Why", "Gonna Get A Girl", and "I Don't Care Who Knows It" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Sands' album "Steady Date With Tommy Sands" (T 848).

1957 - Ray Bauduc & Nappy Lamare & Their Riverboat Dandies (Martin Peppie on trumpet, Rolly Furnas on trombone, Gene Bolen on clarinet, Don Owens on piano, Nappy Lamare on guitar and banjo, Ray Leatherwood on bass, and Ray Bauduc on drums) record the titles "Riverboat Shuffle", "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans", "South Rampart Street Parade" and "Walking With The King" with vocals by Nappy Lamare and Rolly Furnas. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the group's self-titled album "Ray Bauduc & Nappy Lamare & Their Riverboat Dandies" (T 877).

1958 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Looking Back" is #6 on The Billboard magazine's "R&B Territorial Best Sellers - New Orleans" chart, his single "Angel Smile" is #65 on the magazine's "Top 100 Sides" chart and his Capitol Records album "Love Is The Thing" is #19 on the magazine's "Best Selling Pop LPs" chart.

1958 - Vocalist Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps (Clifton Simmons on piano, Johnny Meeks on guitar, Grady Owen on rhythm guitar, Bobby Lee Jones on bass, Juvenal "Juvey" Gomez on drums, Eddie Cochran on bass vocals, and Paul Peek and Tommy Facenda on handclapping and chorus vocals) record the titles "The Wayward Wind" and "Now Is The Hour" in The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Capitol Records will issue "The Wayward Wind" on the album "A Gene Vincent Record Date" (EAP-1-1509 on 7" EP and T 1059 on 12" LP) and "Now Is The Hour" on the album "Sounds Like Gene Vincent" (T 1207).

1963 - Guitarist Glen Campbell, with unlisted others conducted by Jimmie Haskell using his own arrangements, records the titles "Easy Surf", "Surfing Baja", "Earl's Shorebreak", "Rhodes Surf (Surfing Song Of Greece)", "Infinity", and "Murphy's Grey Wet Suit" in Los Angeles, California with producer Nick Venet. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the album "John Severson Presents Sunset Surf" (T/ST 1915) and "Murphy's Grey Wet Suit" on the multi-artist compilation album "Surfing's Greatest Hits" (T/ST 1995).

1964 - The Beatles' Capitol Records single "Can't Buy Me Love", with "You Can't Do That" on the flipside, is #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1967 - The Beatles record the title "With A Little Help From My Friends" at Abbey Road Studios in London, England. Capitol Records will issue the title on the band's album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (MAS/SMAS 2653).

1967 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Elva Miller records the titles "This Ole House", "May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose", "Oh, Lonesome Me", and "Shutters & Boards" at the first session and "A Little Bitty Tear", "There Goes My Everything", "I've Got A Tiger By The Tail", and "Memphis, Tennessee" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Miller's album "The Country Soul Of Mrs. Miller" (T 2734).

1968 - Hardwater (lineup unlisted) records the titles "To Nowhere" and "Plate Of My Fare" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on the group's self-titled album "Hardwater" (ST 2954) and will also issue "Plate Of My Fare" as a single (Capitol 2373) with "Good Ole Friends" (recorded March 26, 1968) on the flipside.

1968 - David Rose conducts his own arrangements to His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) as they record the titles "Along About Now", "Somewhere My Love", and "Out Of Sight" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records which has yet to issue any of the titles.

1968 - The Beach Boys (lineup unlisted) record the title "Be Here In The Mornin'" in Los Angeles, California. After overdubs are recorded for the title on March 31, 1968, Capitol Records will issue the final mix of the title on the group's album "Friends" (ST 2895).

1974 - Grand Funk Railroad's Capitol Records album "Shinin' On" is certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.

1978 - Vocalist and pianist Alan Gordon, with an orchestra (lineup unlisted) using arrangements by Jack Nitzsche, records the titles "Understanding Your Man", "Running Away Like A Child", and "Soul Sneekers". Capitol Records will issue "Understand Your Man" and "Running Away Like A Child" together as a single (Capitol 4630) and initially schedules all the titles to be released on the album "Alan Gordon - Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11845) which was not released then issues all the titles on the album "Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11913) as by Alan Gordon.

1983 - Capitol Records registers the masters it received from EMO for Iron Maiden's titles "Theme From 'Where Eagles Dare'", "Revelations", "Flight Of Icarus", "Die With Your Boots On", "The Trooper", "Still Life", "Quest For Fire", "Sun And Steel", "To Tame A Land", "I've Got The Fire", and "Crossed-Eyed Mary", which were recorded in Nassau, Bahamas. Capitol Will issue "Flight Of Icarus" and "I've Got The Fire" together as a single (Capitol 5248), all the titles except "Sun And Steel", "I've Got The Fire" and "Crossed-Eyed Mary" on the group's album "Piece Of Mind" (ST-12274), and will issue all the titles except "Crossed-Eyed Mary" on the CD release of the album (CD 7-46363-2).

1990 - Bonnie Raitt's Capitol Records album "Nick Of Time" is #1 on Billboard's Top 200 Album chart.

1993 - Liberty Records (which will later be renamed Capitol Records Nashville) releases Lacy J. Dalton's compilation album "The Best of Lacy J. Dalton".

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1943 - Eric Idle, screenwriter, playwright, songwriter, television and motion picture actor, and member of the Virgin Records America group Monty Python's Flying Circus, is born in South Shields, Tyne & Wear, England.

75 Years Ago Today In 1951 - The Academy Award for Best Music/Song is given to Ray Evans and Jay Livingston for "Mona Lisa", which is from the Paramount Pictures motion picture "Captain Carey, U.S.A." and was later recorded by Capitol Records artist Nat "King" Cole.

1968 - The Horace Silver Quintet (Horace Silver on piano, Charles Tolliver on trumpet, Bennie Maupin on tenor saxophone, John Williams on bass, and Billy Cobham, Jr. on drums, records the titles "Kindred Spirits", "Jungle Juice", and, with just Silver, Williams, and Cobham, "Next Time I Fall In Love" at recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Blue Note Records will issue all the titles on the quintet's album "Serenade To A Soul Sister" (BLP4277/BST84277 on 12" vinyl and 7-84277-2 on CD).

1983 - EMI America purchases the masters for Kajagoogoo's titles "White Feathers", "Lies And Promises", "Magician Man", "Kajagoogoo", "Ooh To Be Ah", "Hang On Now", "This Car Is Fast", "Ergonomics", and "Frayo" and will issue all the titles on the group's album "White Feathers" (ST-17094) and "Kajagoogoo" and an edited version of "Hang On Now" together as a single (EMI-America 8171).

1999 - Joe Williams, singer and Roulette Records artist with Count Basie and His Orchestra, dies in Las Vegas, Nevada at age 80 after he walks out of the hospital where he is being treated for a respiratory ailment, walks nearly three miles on foot, and collapses on the street a few blocks from his home.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1932 - Jack Benny appears on what he later said was his radio debut when he was a guest on Ed Sullivan's interview show on WABC at 8:45 PM. According to this article, Jack actually debuted on radio on September 4, 1931, on "RKO Theater On The Air " at 10:30 PM over WEAF, the flagship station of the Red Network of NBC.

MARCH 28, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!

1890 - Paul Whiteman, (aka "The King of Jazz") violinist, bandleader (whose members included future Capitol Records co-founder Johnny Mercer as a vocalist and future Capitol Records artists Bing Crosby [also as a vocalist] and Jack Teagarden on trombone), who commissioned George Gershwin's "Rhapsody In Blue" and premiered it in 1924 with Gershwin on piano, motion picture actor, radio show host, music director for the ABC Radio Network, and Capitol Records artist whose first single for the label, "I Found A New Baby" with "The General Jumped At Dawn" on the flipside, was also Capitol Records' first released single, is born in Denver, Colorado.

1930 - William Hughes, a trombonist in the Count Basie band, who worked in sessions with Capitol Records artists Frank Sinatra and Nat "King" Cole, as well as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Tony Bennett, Billy Eckstein, Sammy Davis, Jr., Lena Horne, Rosemary Clooney is born in Dallas, Texas.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

80 Years Ago Today In 1946 - Jo Stafford, with Nat "King" Cole on piano, records the titles "Ridin' On The Gravy Train", "I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time" (which will be released as the flipside of Cole's Capitol Records single "This Is Always"), "Baby, Won't You Please Come Home?", and "Cindy" (which she co-wrote with Johnny Mercer and her future husband Paul Weston and will be released as a single by Capitol Records with "I've Never Forgotten", also with Cole on piano, on the flipside).

1947 - The Benny Goodman Sextet (Benny Goodman on clarinet, Ernie Felice on accordion, Tommy Todd on piano, Dave Barbour on guitar, Harry Babasin on bass, and Tom Romersa on drums) records the titles "The Bannister Slide", "Eight, Nine and Ten" (with vocals by Peggy Lee), and "I Never Knew" (without guitar and accordion) at Radio Recorders in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the second title on Peggy Lee's CD "Rare Gems And Hidden Treasures" (5-27564-2) and the last title on the CD "The Best Of Benny Goodman" (8-21145-2). Mosaic Records will issue all three titles in Goodman's box set "The Complete Capitol Small Group Recordings of Benny Goodman" (MQ6-148).

1948 - It's a cold and clear Easter Sunday and Capitol Records artist Nat "King" Cole marries future Capitol Records artist Maria Ellington at The Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York with Adam Clayton Powell officiating at the service. The reception was then held at The Belmont Plaza with some 350 guests. After the reception, a party was given for the couple at the Ebony club on Broadway, after which the couple left on their honeymoon. The wedding is covered by Life magazine in a photo essay called "Life Goes To A Harlem Wedding" starting on page 146 of the April 19, 1948 issue.
Here's a photo of the couple cutting their wedding cake at the reception.

The couple will become the parents of future Capitol Records artist Natalie Cole.

1950 - Dean Martin records the titles "Choo'n Gum" and "I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine" which will be released together as a single by Capitol Records.

1953 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Pretend" is #3 on The Billboard magazine's Most Played By Jockeys chart, #4 on the magazine's Best Selling Singles chart, and #5 on its Most Played In Juke Boxes chart. It's also #10 on Cash Box magazine's Best Selling Singles chart.

1953 - Les Baxter and His Orchestra's Capitol Records single "April In Portugal" enters the top 40 of the U.S. Pop singles charts.

1958 - Nat "King" Cole's Capitol Records single "Looking Back" is #20 on WMCA's Wax To Watch chart in New York City, New York.

1958 - A bandleader, clarinet, and alto saxophone player Les Brown and His Band Of Renown (Dick Collins, Wes Hensel, Conrad Gozzo, Jerry Kadowitz, and Mickey McMahan on trumpets, Dick Kenney and Roy Main on trombones, Jim Hill and Stumpy Brown on bass trombones, Matt Utal and Ralph Lapolla on flutes and also on clarinets and alto saxophones, Billy Usselton on tenor saxophone, Butch Stone also on clarinet as well as on baritone saxophone, Abe Aaron on soprano, tenor, baritone, and bass clarinets, Don Trenner on piano, Tony Rizzi on guitar, Don Bagley on bass, Lloyd Morales on drums, David Grupp on percussion and bells) record the titles "Some Enchanted Evening" and "Younger Than Springtime" using arrangements by Les Brown, "Bloody Mary" using an arrangement by Wes Hensel, and "This Nearly Was Mine" using an arrangement by Frank Comstock in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the album "Dance To The Music Of 'South Pacific'" (EAP-1/2/3-1060 on three-disc 7" EP and T/ST 1060 on 12" LP).

1958 - The Jack Marshall Sextette (Harry Klee on flute, bass flute, and recorder, Milt Raskin on piano and cymbals, Edgar Lustgarten on cello, Jack Marshall on guitar and lute, Red Mitchell on bass, and Shelly Manne on drums), using Marshall's arrangements, records the titles "I've Told Every Little Star", "Like Someone In Love", and "I Didn't Know What Time It Is" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "I've Told Every Little Star" and "Like Someone In Love" on the sextette's album "18th Century Jazz" (T 1108) and has yet to issue the take of "I Didn't Know What Time It Is" recorded at this session but will issue a take recorded on June 9, 1958 also on the album "18th Century Jazz".

1958 - Vocalist Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps (Clifton Simmons on piano, Johnny Meeks on guitar, Grady Owen on rhythm guitar, Bobby Lee Jones on bass, Juvenal "Juvey" Gomez on drums, and Paul Peek and Tommy Facenda on handclapping and vocal chorus) record the titles "Look What You Gone And Done To Me", "Hey Good Lookin'", "Summertime", and "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)" at an extended session held at The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on the album "A Gene Vincent Record Date" (EAP-2/3-1059 on three-disc 7" EP set and T 1059 on 12" LP).

1958 - Carmen Dragon conducts The Capitol Symphony Orchestra (lineup unlisted) as they record Ippolitov-Ivanov's "Procession Of The Sardar (From 'Caucasian Sketches')" and Mussorgsky's "Persian Dance (from 'Khavantchina')" on Stage 7 at the Goldwyn Studios at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Formosa in West Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue "Procession Of The Sardar (From 'Caucasian Sketches')" on the compilation album "Pomp And Circumstance" as by The Capitol Symphony Orchestra and The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra" (P/SP-8620) and "Persian Dance (from 'Khavantchina')" on the album "Carmen Dragon Conducting The Capitol Symphony Orchestra ‎–Footlights And Fanfares" (P/SP-8599).

1958 - Pianist Joe Bushkin, with an orchestra (lineup unlisted) using arrangements by Kenyon Hopkins, records the titles "Night And Day", "Love For Sale", "So In Love", and "Where Have You Been" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Where Have You Been" on Bushkin's album "I Get A Kick Out Of Porter" (T/ST 1030) and have yet to issue the takes of any of the other titles recorded at this session but will issue takes of "Love For Sale" and "So In Love" recorded on April 8, 1958, and a take of "Night And Day" recorded on April 11, 1958, also on the album "I Get A Kick Out Of Porter".

1962 - Vocalist Peggy Lee, with Benny Carter conducting the orchestra (Conrad Gozzo, Ray Triscari, Al Porcino, and Shorty Sherock on trumpets, Tommy Shepard, Milt Bernhart, Ken Shroyer, and George Roberts on trombones, Justin Gordon on reeds, Lou Levy on piano, Al Hendrickson on guitar, Max Bennett on bass, Mel Lewis on drums, Emil Richards on vibraphones and percussion, and Francisco "Chino" Pozo on percussion) using arrangements by Carter and Billy Byers, records the titles "Ain't That Love", "See See Rider", "Loads Of Love", and "I Believe In You" at The Capitol Tower Studios In Hollywood, California. Capitol Records will issue the first, second, and last titles on Lee's album "Sugar 'N' Spice" (T 1772) and "Loads Of Love" as a single (Capitol F4750) with "The Sweetest Sounds" (recorded April 4, 1962) on the flipside.

1962 - Billy May and His Orchestra (Uan Rasey, Conrad Gozzo, John Best, and Emanuel "Mannie" Klein on trumpets, Ed Kusby, Tommy Pederson, Murray McEachern, and William Schaefer on trombones, Harry Klee, Arthur "Skeets" Herfurt, Plas Johnson, Fred Falensby, and Chuck Gentry on saxophones, Jimmy Rowleson on piano, Al Hendrickson on guitar, Max Bennett on bass, Irving Cottler and Frank Flynn on drums) record the titles "Loads Of Love", "No Strings", "Love Makes The World Go Round", "The Sweetest Sounds", and "Be My Host" at The Capitol Tower Studios in Hollywood, California between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on May's album "The Sweetest Swingin' Sounds Of "No Strings" (T 1709).

1962 - Cindy Malone (on vocals), with Jimmie Haskell directing an uncredited orchestra, records the titles "The Fool I Used To Be" and "Things That Mean The Most To Me" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the first title as a single (Capitol 5115) with "Watch What You Do With My Baby" on the flipside. No issuing information is listed for the second title.

1962 - Nathan Milstein (on violin), with an uncredited chamber orchestra conducted by Robert Irving, records Rimsky-Korsakov's "Fantasia On Russian Themes, Opus 33" (arranged by Kreisler) aka "Russian Fantasy" in New York City, New York. Angel Records, a subsidiary of Capitol Records, will issue the title on Milstein's album "Music Of Old Russia" (S-36002).

1963 - Various unlisted artists, record the titles "Waimea Bay", "Goofy-Foot Glen" using an arrangement by Jimmie Haskell, "Locked In", "End Of The World", "Quigg Rides Again" and "Come September" using arrangements by Jimmie Haskell, and "Travelin'" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue all the titles, except "Travelin'" which remains unissued, on the album "John Severson Presents Sunset Surf" (T/ST 1915).

1963 - Pianist Cy Coleman, with Billy May conducting his own arrangement to the orchestra (Conrad Gozzo, Uan Rasey, and Bud Brisbois on trumpets, Francis "Joe" Howard, Milt Bernhart, Ed Kusby, and George Roberts on trombones, Justin Gordon, Ted Nash, and Wilbur Schwartz on woodwinds, Ben Tucker on bass, and Bob Thomas, Irving Cottler, and Larry Bunker on drums), records the titles "The Best Is Yet To Come", "The Riviera", and "Brassman's Holiday" in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California between 8:30 PM and 1:30 AM on March 29, 1963 for Capitol Records which has yet to issue any of the takes recorded at this session but will issue new takes of all the titles that are recorded on April 1, 1963 on the album "The Piano Witchcraft Of Cy Coleman" (T/ST 1952).

1964 - The Beatles' Capitol Records single "Can't Buy Me Love" enters the top 40 of Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart.

1967 - The Beach Boys canceled a planned session in Los Angeles, California. If anyone knows the reason(s), please leave a comment.

1968 - Hardwater (lineup unlisted) records the titles "Sanctuary" and "City Sidewalks" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles on the group's self-titled album "Hardwater" and "City Sidewalks" as a single (Capitol 2230) with "Not So Hard" (recorded March 30, 1968) on the flipside.

1968 - The Beach Boys (lineup unlisted) record the title "Wake The World" in Los Angeles, California. After overdubs are recorded on March 30, 1968, Capitol Records will issue the final mix of the title as a single (Capitol 2239) with "Do It Again" (recorded June 6, 1968) on the flipside and on the group's album "Friends" (ST 2895).

1972 - The Stewardesses (lineup unlisted) record the titles "Fly Me" and "Lovin' Ain't Easy" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue both titles together as a single (Capitol 3326).

1972 - Capitol Records registers the masters it purchased for Buddy Alan's titles "I'm In Love" and "The Happiness Song" which were recorded earlier that year at Buck Owens Studios in Bakersfield, California and produced by Buck Owens Enterprises. Capitol will issue the two titles together as a single (Capitol 3346).

1973 - Brush Arbor (lineup unlisted) records the titles "We Need Rain" and "Now That It's Over" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records which has yet to issue either title.

1973 - Capitol Records registers the masters it purchased for Buck Owens Enterprises for Buddy Alan's titles "Caribbean" and "Please, Friend, Take Me Home" which were recorded in the Buck Owens Studios in Bakersfield, California and will issue both titles together as a single (Capitol 3598).

1974 - The Capitol Records group The Raspberries break up.

1978 - The Pousette-Dart Band (lineup unlisted) records the title "Where Are You Going" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title on the group's album "Pousette-Dart 3" (SW-11781).

1978 - Vocalist Alan Gordon, with an orchestra (lineup unlisted) using arrangements by Jack Nitzche, records the titles "Libertina" and "If Life Could Be" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records initially schedules "Libertina" to be released on the album "Alan Gordon - Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11845), which was not released, then issues the title on the album "Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11913) as by Alley & The Soul Sneekers.

1983 -Vocalist, pianist, synthesizer, bass, and tenor saxophone player Ronnie Laws, with Debra Laws on backing vocals, Leon Johnson on drum programming, Steve Turner on drums, Roland Bautista on guitar, and Larry Dunn also on synthesizer, records the title "Third Hour" in (listed as possibly) Lion Share Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title on the Laws' album "Mr. Nice Guy" (ST-12261).

2000 - Capitol Nashville releases John Berry's compilation album "Greatest Hits".

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1915 - Jay Livingston, pianist, Academy Award-winning composer (with partner Ray B. Evans) of such songs as "Buttons and Bows", "Mona Lisa", "Silver Bells", "Silver Bells", "Tammy" and the theme song for the television show "Bonanza" and many others), motion picture actor, one-time brother-in-law of Capitol Records artist Betty Hutton, and brother of former Capitol Records Vice-President, President, and Chairman Of The Board Alan Livingston, is born in McDonald, Pennsylvania. If anyone knows Jay's middle name, please leave a comment.

1920 - Actors Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Mary Pickford, two of the four founders of United Artists Pictures (the others being Charlie Chaplin and director D.W. Griffith), get married. United Artists would later start a record label, United Artists Records, whose catalog is currently owned by Universal Music Group, Capitol Music Groups' parent company.

1942 - Neil Kinnock, politician and vice president of the U.K. Gene Vincent Fan Club, is born in Tredegar, South Wales.

1948 - John Evan, the keyboard player with the Chrysalis Records group Jethro Tull, is born John Spencer Evans, in Blackpool, Lancashire, England.

1958 - W. C. Handy (born William Christopher Handy), composer, guitarist, cornet player, a founder of Black Swan Records (the first black-owned record company), whose life was the basis of the motion picture "St. Louis Blues" which stars Capitol Records artist Nat "King" Cole as Handy, dies of acute bronchial pneumonia at age 84 before the movie is released later the same year, and is later buried in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Bronx, New York.

1962 - Jimmy Smith (with unlisted musicians) records the title "Walk On The Wild Side" for Verve Records. Blue Note Records will license the title and release it on Smith's album "The Definitive Jimmy Smith" (5-40038-2).

1962 - Ged Grimes, a percussionist, bassist, keyboard player, and vocalist with the Virgin Records America group Meet Danny Wilson, is born Gerard Grimes. If anyone knows for sure where, please leave a comment.

1964 - Jan & Dean's Liberty Records single "Dead Man's Curve", with "The New Girl In School" on the flipside, enters the top 40 Billboard's Hot 100 Singles chart where it will peak at #7. Liberty Records catalog is currently owned by Universal Music Group, the parent company of Capitol Music Group.

60 Years Ago Today In 1966 - Gary Lewis and The Playboys record the title "Green Grass" which will be released as a single by Liberty Records with "I Can Read Between The Lines" on the flipside.

1969 - Frank Loesser, a composer, dies in New York City, New York at age 58.

1977 - Vera Lynn (on vocals with unlisted musicians on guitar, steel guitar, bass, drums, and strings) and the vocal group The Jordanaires record the titles "My Mother's Eyes", "Make The World Go Away", and "You Don't Know Me" at The Owen Bradley Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. After creating an edited version of "My Mother's Eyes" EMI will release it and the last two titles in England on Lynn's album "Vera Lynn In Nashville" (EMC 3203).

MARCH 27, 2026

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1963 - Dave Koz, saxophonist, radio and television show host, restauranteur, and Capitol (1990-2007), EMI, Rendezvous, and Concord Records artist, is born David Stephen Koz in Encino, California.

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1942 - George G. "Buddy" DeSylva, John Mercer, and Glenn E. Wallichs appear before Los Angeles County and California state Notary Public Leta Niccum to acknowledge that they have executed articles of incorporation for Liberty Records, Inc. which will be filed with the state of California on April 9, 1942. The three will apply for a Certificate of Amendment on May 27, 1942, before Ms. Niccum again, to change the name of the corporation to Capitol Records, Inc., which will be filed with the state of California on June 1, 1942.

1947 - Vocalist and guitarist Tex Williams and His Western Caravan (listed as probably Cactus Soldi and Harry Simms on fiddles, Ossie Godson on piano, Pedro De Paul on accordion, Jimmy Bryant on electric guitar, Smokey Rogers on guitar and banjo, Spike Featherstone on harmonica, Deuce Spriggens on bass, and Muddy Berry on drums), with unlisted harmony vocalists, record the titles "Miss Molly", "The Johnston Polka", "Big Hat Polka", and "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue "Miss Molly" on the multi-artist compilation album "Cowboy Hit Parade" (AD-55), "The Johnston Polka" as a single (Capitol 57-40159) with "Castle Of My Dreams" (recorded January 31, 1949) on the flipside, "Big Hat Polka" as a single (Capitol 15271) with "Life Gits Tee-Jus, Don't It?" (recorded October 25, 1948), and "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) as a single (Capitol Americana 40001) with "Roundup Polka" (recorded October 28, 1946) on the flipside. Unfortunately, "The Johnston Polka" is not currently available on YouTube.

1948 - It's Saturday in New York City, New York, and bandleader Tony Pastor is the guest on this episode of "King Cole Trio Time" on NBC Radio. Announcer Freddie Robbins presents the trio an award from The Pittsburgh Courier newspaper whose recent poll has named the trio "the best trio in the land". No known transcription of this show exists.

1950 - Johnny Mercer, with The Skylarks and Ben Pollack & His Pick-A-Rib Boys, records the titles "At The Jazz Band Ball" and "She's Shimmyin' On The Beach Again" which will be released together as a single by Capitol Records.

1953 - Steel guitarist Dennis "Boots" Woodall and The Wranglers (unlisted fiddle, piano, guitar, and bass players) with Tennessee Smith and The Smith Brothers (Audrey L. Smith and John O. Smith) on vocals, record the titles "I Might Have Been (But I Ain't Gonna Be)", "You're Waiting In My Place", "Only Three Days", and "Bet'cha I'm In Love" in (listed as possibly) Atlanta, Georgia. Capitol Records will issue "I Might Have Been (But I Ain't Gonna Be)" and "Only Three Days" together as a single (Capitol 2559) and "You're Waiting In My Place" and "Bet'cha I'm In Love" together as a single (Capitol 2670).

1958 - Vocalist Darla Darret records vocal overdubs in Los Angeles, California onto Sonny James' title "Are You Mine" (recorded January 17, 1958). Capitol Records will issue the final mix of the title as a single (Capitol F3962) with "Let's Play Love" (also recorded January 17, 1958) on the flipside and on James' album "This Is Sonny James!" (T 1178).

1958 - Vocalist Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps (Clifton Simmons on piano, Johnny Meeks on guitar, Grady Owen on rhythm guitar, Bobby Lee Jones on bass, Juvenal "Juvey" Gomez on drums, and Paul Peek and Tommy Facenda on handclapping and chorus vocals), records the titles "Little Lover", "Rocky Road Blues", and, with the addition of Eddie Cochran on bass vocals, "Somebody Help Me" and "Five Feet Of Lovin'" at an extended session in The Capitol Tower Studios at 1750 North Vine Street in Hollywood, California between 10 AM and 1:30 PM. Capitol Records will issue "Little Lover" as a single (Capitol 4051) with "Git It" (recorded March 25, 1958) on the flipside, "Rocky Road Blues" as a single (Capitol 4010) with "Yes, I Love You Baby" (recorded December 10, 1957) on the flipside, and "Somebody Help Me" and "Five Feet Of Lovin'" on Vincent's album "A Gene Vincent Record Date" (EAP-1-1059 on 7" EP and T 1059 on 12" LP).

1958 - The George Shearing Quintet (George Shearing on piano, Emil Richards on vibraphone, Jean "Toots" Thielemans on guitar, Al McKibbon on bass, and Percy Brice on drums), during multiple shows held at the Crescendo Club in Los Angeles, California recorded by Gene Norman, perform the titles "Poor Little Girl", "Joy Spring", "Some Other Spring", "Confirmation", "Bernie's Tune", "Afro-Cuban", with the addition of Armando Peraza on congas the titles "Drume Negrita" and "Mambo Inn (Mambo Calle)", the titles "Cuckoo In The Clock", "To A Wild Rose", "Lonely Moments", "Blame It On My Youth", "As I Love You", "Jos Spring", "Poor Little Extra Girl", ""Bernies Tune", "Some Other Spring", "Mambo Again", "Negrete (Drume Negrita)", "In An 18th Century Drawing Room", "There Will Never Be Another You", "The Nearness Of You" with just Shearing, McKibbon, and Brice, "I Only Have Eyes For You", "Joy Spring", "Jordu", an untitled title, and "Mambo". Capitol Records will register the masters on April 1, 1960 and will issue the the first takes of "Joy Spring" and "Some Other Spring", "Confirmation", the first takes of "Bernie's Tune" and "Drume Negrita", "Mambo Inn (Mambo Calle)", "As I Love You", the second take of "Joy Spring", and "The Nearness Of You" on the album Shearing's album "On The Sunny Side Of The Strip" (T/ST 1416) and has yet to issue any of the other titles and takes. 

1958 - At three sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California, Otto Cesana and His Orchestra (lineup unlisted) record the titles "Hi", "Entre Nous", "Confession", and "A Summer Affair" at the first session, the titles "Strolling Along", "Deception", "Nostalgia", and "Always you" at the second session, and the titles "Heavenly", "Matador", "Illusion", and "Omar, The Tent Maker" at the third session. Capitol Records will issue all the titles on Cesana and his orchestra's album "Brief Interlude" (T 1032).

1963 - Randy Boone, with unlisted others, records the titles "Freight Train" and "Rollin' Stone" in Los Angeles, California for Capitol Records which has yet to issue either title.

1963 - Marlina Mars, with unlisted others, records the titles "I Could Have Danced All Night", "Fifty-Six And Forty-Dour", "Mixed Up And Confused", and "Just For The Book" in New York City, New York. Capitol Records will issue "Just For The Book" as a single (Capitol 4997) with "I Thought I Knew Me" (recorded November 16, 1962) on the flipside.

60 Years Ago Today In 1966 - Buck Owens' Capitol Records single "Waitin' In Your Welfare Line", with "In The Palm Of Your Hand" on the flipside, is still #1 on the U.S. Country singles charts.

1968 - During two sessions held this day in Los Angeles, California, Hardwater (lineup unlisted) records the title "My Time" at the first session and the title "Take A Long Look" at the second session. Capitol Records will issue both titles together as a medley on the group's self-titled album "Hardwater" (ST 2954).

55 Years Ago Today In 1971 - Glen Campbell's Capitol Records single "Dream Baby", with "Here And Now" on the flipside (Capitol 3062), enters the U.S. Country singles charts. Many thanks to Richard Price for the correction!

1978 - Crimson Tide (lineup unlisted) records the title "Set Myself Free" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records will issue the title on the group's self-titled album "Crimson Tide" (SW-11806).

1978 - Vocalist Alan Gordon, with an orchestra (lineup unlisted) using arrangements by Jack Nitzsche, records the titles "Let The Music Begin" and "Love Breakdown" in Los Angeles, California. Capitol Records scheduled both titles to be issued on an album (SW-11845) that was not released, issued "Let The Music Begin" and an edited version of "Love Breakdown" on the album "Alley & The Soul Sneekers" (SW-11913) as by Alley & The Soul Sneekers, and a different, edited, version of "Love Breakdown" as a single (Capitol 4678) with "Running Away Like A Child" (recorded on March 29, 1978) on the flipside.

1978 - Lee Dresser, with unlisted others, records the titles "Hey, What Do You Say" and "Hollywood Heartache" in (listed as possibly) Nashville, Tennessee. Capitol Records will purchase the masters but has yet to issue either title.

1989 - Buck Owens and Ringo Starr record the title "Act Naturally" at Abbey Road Studios, London, England. The title will be released as a single by Capitol Records in August 1989 with Owens' title, "Key's In The Mailbox", on the flipside.

2005 - Paul Hester, the drummer with the group Split Enz and the Capitol Records group Crowded House, is found dead after apparently commiting suicide in a park in Melbourne, Australia at age 46.

2007 - 8:00 PM until at least Midnight - Guitar night at Spazio's with John Pisano featured a "Tribute to Al Viola" by the guitar community with Chuck Berghofer on bass, Tim Pleasant on drums and John Pisano, with at least 20 other guitarists, including veteran Capitol Records session guitarist Bob Bain, in attendance and many who were able to perform. The Sherman Oaks, California restaurant was packed with an audience consisting of Al's family and his many friends and fans. A video remembrance of Al featuring clips of him in the Page Cavanaugh Trio, with a trio lead by Bobby Troup, and later performances was shown and after, a group photo was taken. Then all the guitarists signed the back of a custom guitar now dubbed "The Guitar Night Guitar".

ON THIS DAY NOT QUITE IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1924 - Sarah Vaughan, a pianist, singer, and Roulette Records artist (1959-1963) is born Sarah Lois Vaughan in Newark, New Jersey. Roulette's catalog is currently owned by Capitol Music Group's parent company EMI Music Group and is being reissued by Blue Note Records and Mosaic Records.

65 Years Ago Today In 1961 - Clark Datchler, the vocalist with the Virgin Records America group Johnny Hates Jazz, is born in London, England. I converted their first album's art for U.S. release as well as the art for their single "Shattered Dreams" and various trade ads.

1963 - Guitarist Kenny Burrell, with Milt Hinton on bass and Osie Johnson on drums, records the titles "The Good Life" with the addition of Hank Jones on organ, "Stairway To The Stars" with the addition of Sheldon Powell on baritone saxophone and Hank Jones on piano, "Loie" with the addition of Sheldon Powell on flute and Hank Jones on piano at recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Blue Note Records will issue "The Good Life" and "Loie" together as a single (Blue Note 45-1884) and, in Japan, all the titles on Jones' compilation CD "Freedom" (GXF-3057).

1968 - Pianist Chick Corea, with Miroslav Vitous on bass and Roy Hayes on drums, records the titles "I Don't Know", "Pannonica", "Samba Yantra", and "Windows" at A & R Studios in New York City, New York. Blue Note Records will issue all the titles on the two-disc album "Circling In" (BN-LA472-H2 on 12" vinyl and 7-90055-2 on CD).

1970 - Mariah Carey, a singer and one-time Virgin Records America artist, is born in New York City, New York.

ON THIS DAY NOT IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1952 - Sun Records begins operations.

1958 - CBS Laboratories introduces "Stereophonic Recordings" which are playable either on ordinary monaural phonographs or on "special" stereo equipment.