1971, The Concert For Bangla Desh, organized by George Harrison to aid victims of famine and war in Bangla Desh took place at New York’s Madison Sq Garden. Featuring Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Eric Clapton, Ravi Shankar and members from Badfinger. Harrison had to shell out his own money to maintain the fund after legal problems froze all proceeds. The triple album release (the second in a row by Harrison), hit number 1 in the UK and No.2 in the US and received the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
1971, Black Sabbath release their album Master of Reality, which goes to No. 8 on the charts.
1971, Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye leaves the band to form Badger.
1972, A year after Tony Kaye jumped ship, drummer Bill Bruford leaves Yes to join King Crimson.
1973, The Grateful Dead celebrate Jerry Garcia’s birthday with a concert at Jersey City, N.J.’s Roosevelt Stadium. A nude woman pops out of a giant cake onstage. Tasteful.
1971, ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour’ started on prime time American TV.
1974, At Atlanta’s Omni, Eric Clapton welcomes guests Keith Moon and Pete Townshend to play on “Layla.” Townshend repays the favor by breaking a plastic ukulele over Clapton’s head. It’s a joke.
1980, Def Leppard made their US live debut when they appeared at the New York City concert opening for AC/DC. It was also Def Leppard singer Joe Elliott’s 21st birthday.
1980, George Harrison forms Handmade Films, his own movie studio. Among its productions are Withnail & I and Shanghai Surprise.
1981, Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles is the first music video played on the brand new MTV (music television) Network.
Born on this day: Ramblin Jack Elliot (1931) – Jerry Garcia (1943) – Robert Cray (1953)
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