AM Prep-Entertainment History: SAT JULY 12th

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! ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

On July 12th, 1962, the Rolling Stones played their first gig at a club in London. The line-up of the band included Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Keith Richards. Drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman joined later.

In 1969, Blind Faith made its US debut at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Also in 1969, "The Ballad of John and Yoko" was banned by many radio stations because they found the line "Christ, you know it ain't easy" to be offensive.

In 1970, Johnny Cash sent autographed records and photos to South Dakota judge S.K. Hicks, who claimed to be the inspiration for Johnny Cash's single "A Boy Named Sue." In 1975, K.C. and the Sunshine Band made their pop chart debut with "Get Down Tonight." In 1979, singer Minnie Riperton died of cancer. She was best know for her 1975 hit "Lovin' You." Also in 1979, a Chicago disc jockey held a "disco demolition" between a baseball doubleheader at Comiskey Park. The second game was called off because so much damage had been done to the field.

In 1983, musician Chris Wood, who had played the saxophone and flute for Traffic, died in London of liver failure.

In 1992, Guns N' Roses singer Axl Rose was arrested at New York's JFK International Airport on a warrant from St. Louis prosecutors. Rose was wanted on charges stemming from a riot during a 1991 Guns N' Roses concert. He was released on $100,000 bond.

Also in 1992, a memorial to Buddy Holly was unveiled in Dallas.

In 1996, drummer Jimmy Chamberlin of Smashing Pumpkins was charged with heroin possession. Police say he was with Jonathan Melvoin (MEL'-voyn), a backup keyboard player for the band who died of a drug overdose in a hotel room in New York.

Today's Birthdays: Pianist Van Cliburn is 74. Actor-comedian Bill Cosby is 71. Singer Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac is 65.

Actress Denise Nicholas ("In the Heat of the Night") is 64. Actor Jay Thomas is 60. Singer Walter Egan is 60. Fitness guru Richard Simmons is 60. Actress Cheryl Ladd is 57. Gospel singer Sandi Patty is 52. Actress Mel Harris ("thirtysomething") is 52. Guitarist Dan Murphy of Soul Asylum is 46. Singer Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms is 43. Actress Lisa Nicole Carson ("Ally McBeal") is 39.

Country singer Shannon Lawson is 35. Rapper Magoo is 35. Actress Anna Friel ("Pushing Daisies") is 32. Singer Tracie Spencer is 32. Actor Steve Howey ("Reba") is 31. Actor Topher Grace ("That '70s Show") is 30. Actress Michelle Rodriguez ("Lost") is 30.

Actor Erik Per Sullivan ("Malcolm in the Middle") is 17.

(Above for release Saturday, July 12th) Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-30-08 0808CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list