AM Prep-Entertainment History: THU MARCH 6

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! ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

On March sixth, 1966, the British prime minister received a petition from Beatles fans, asking that the Cavern Club in Liverpool be reopened. The club, where the Beatles performed more than 300 dates, was closed because of financial problems.

In 1970, serial killer Charles Manson's album "Lie" was released.

In 1972, U.S. immigration officials canceled John Lennon's visa extension, five days after it was granted.

In 1978, Billy Joel was awarded a rare platinum single for "Just The Way You Are." In 1981, Walter Cronkite gave his final broadcast as anchor for the "CBS Evening News." In 1992, the last episode of "The Cosby Show" was taped in New York. New York Mayor David Dinkins and the group Boyz II Men were on hand.

In 1996, musicians Johnny and Edgar Winter sued DC Comics over a horror comic with two characters called Johnny and Edgar Autumn.

The case went all the way to the California Supreme Court. The Winters lost.

In 1999, country singer George Jones nearly killed himself in a car accident near his home in Nashville. He later pleaded guilty to drunk driving.

In 2000, all the original members of Earth, Wind and Fire played together for the first time in 20 years as they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Maurice White had announced the previous week he had Parkinson's disease. Eric Clapton also became the first person inducted into the Rock Hall three times.

Today's Birthdays: TV personality Ed McMahon is 85. Country singer Doug Dillard is 71. Actor Ben Murphy is 66. Singer Mary Wilson of The Supremes is 64. Drummer Hugh Grundy of The Zombies is 63. Singer-guitarist David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is 62.

Actor-director Rob Reiner is 61. Singer Kiki Dee is 61. Actor Tom Arnold is 49. Actor D.L. Hughley ("The Hughleys") is 44. Country songwriter Skip Ewing is 44. Actress Yvette Wilson ("The Parkers") is 44. Actress Connie Britton ("24," "Spin City") is 40. Actress Moira Kelly ("One Tree Hill") is 40. Actress Amy Pietz ("Caroline in the City") is 39. Pedal steel player Shan Farmer of Ricochet is 34. Rapper Beanie Sigel is 34. Rapper Bubba Sparxxx is 31.

(Above for release Thursday, March sixth) Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-25-08 1036CST | save this article / add to your favorites list