Today In Music History: February 17th

1955 - Little Richard sent his first audition tape to Specialty Records.

1960 - The Everly Brothers signed with Warner Bros. Records in a 10-year contract worth $1 million.

1964 - The first Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass concert was held, in Los Angeles, CA.

1966 - Brian Wilson began recording the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations."

1969 - Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan had a recording session in Nashville, TN. "Girl from the North Country" was the only duet released from the session.

1970 - Joni Mitchell announced her retirement from live performances. She returned to the stage within a year.

1970 - Maurice Gibb (Bee Gee's) opened in the London stage musical "Sing a Rude Song."

1971 - James Taylor made his prime-time television debut on ABC's the "Johnny Cash Show."

1972 - Pink Floyd began a 4-night stand in London. During the stand they premiered "The Dark Side of the Moon" a full year before it was released.

1975 - John Lennon released "Rock n' Roll." It was his last record before he left the music business for 5 years.

1976 - The Eagles released their "Greatest Hits."

1976 - Bette Midler was awarded the "Woman of the Year" award from Harvard's University's Hasty Pudding Theatrical Society.

1979 - The Clash opened its first U.S. tour in New York City.

1988 - A 12-year old fan of Motley Crue set his legs on fire while trying to imitate a stunt in the band's "Live Wire" video. The boy suffered burns over ten percent of his body.

1989 - David Coverdale (Whitesnake) and Tawny Kitaen were married.
Whitesnake Store

1990 - Aerosmith appeared on "Saturday Night Live". The performed the Wayne's World theme song while appearing in the skit as themselves.