AM Prep-Entertainment History: THU JULY 17th

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! ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

On July 17th, 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California.

In 1959, jazz singer Billie Holiday died in a New York hospital while under arrest for narcotics possession. She was 44.

In 1961, The Supremes released their first record, "Buttered Popcorn." Also in 1961, John Chancellor replaced Dave Garroway on the "Today" show, but admitted he hated the job and wanted out after the first day.

In 1965, "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" by James Brown was released. It sold more than two million copies.

In 1967, Jimi Hendrix performed as the opening act for The Monkees in New York.

In 1968, the animated Beatles Film "Yellow Submarine" premiered at the London Pavilion.

In 1982, "Valley Girl" by Frank Zappa and his 14-year-old daughter, Moon Unit, entered the pop chart.

In 1986, 50 people were hurt in gang violence outside a Run-DMC show in Long Beach, California.

In 1991, the revamped Lynyrd Skynyrd opened its world tour in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Also in 1991, James Brown was honored by his native state of Georgia for his comeback following a two-year prison term.

In 1996, bassist Chas Chandler of The Animals died in a British hospital at age 57. He had been undergoing tests related to an aortic aneurysm.

Also in 1996, Smashing Pumpkins fired drummer Jimmy Chamberlin.

The announcement came less than a week after Chamberlin was arrested on a drug charge and backup keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin (MEL'-voyn) was found dead of a heroin overdose.

Today's Birthdays: TV personality Art Linkletter is 96. Comedian Phyllis Diller is 91. Actor Donald Sutherland is 73. Actress-singer Diahann Carroll is 73. Guitarist Spencer Davis of the Spencer Davis Group is 66. Bassist Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath is 59. Actress Lucie Arnaz is 57. Actor David Hasselhoff is 56. Bassist Fran Smith Junior of The Hooters is 56. Singer Phoebe Snow is 56. Singer Regina Belle is 45. Bassist Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr., Sebadoh, Folk Implosion) is 42. Singer Guru of Gang Starr is 42. Christian singer Susan Ashton is 41. Actor Andre Royo ("The Wire") is 40. Actress Bitty Schram ("Monk") is 40. R-and-B singer JC of PM Dawn is 37.

Rapper Sole' is 35. Country singer Luke Bryan is 32.

(Above for release Thursday, July 17th) Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-07-08 0900CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list