ON JANUARY 30^TH…

In 1956…At the RCA studios in New York, Elvis Presley made his own recording of Carl Perkins‘ “Blue Suede Shoes.”

In 1956…At Memphis’ Sun Studios, Jerry Lee Lewis lent his piano-pumping prowess to Billy Lee Riley‘s recording of “Red Hot.”

In 1967…In Kent, England, The Beatles shot a promotional clip for “Strawberry Fields Forever,” while the Jimi Hendrix Experience was filmed at London’s Saville Theatre to promote their next single.

In 1969…The Beatles performed their final concert on the roof of the Apple Building on London’s Saville Road. Police stopped the set after 42 minutes when an accountant at the nearby Royal Bank of Scotland complained about the noise.

In 1971…Janis Joplin’s version of Kris Kristofferson’s song “Me and Bobby McGee” was released – four months after her death from a heroin overdose. It was her only number-one hit.

In 1972…More than a dozen Roman Catholic civil rights marchers were shot by British soldiers in Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The event became known as “Bloody Sunday” and is the inspiration for U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”

In 1974…Bob Dylan made his first New York concert performance in eight years at Madison Square Garden.

ON JANUARY 30^TH…

In 1982…Blues guitarist Lightnin’ Hopkins died of cancer in Houston at the age of 79. The Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac and the Cowboy Junkies have covered his songs.

In 1990…France awarded Bob Dylan with the title Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters.

In 1998…Elton John received a knighthood in British Prime Minister Tony Blair‘s first New Year’s Eve Honours List.

In 2000…The New York Mets announced that Garth Brooks would attend their spring training.

In 2002…The musical Taboo opened at London’s Leicester Square. It was based on the life of Boy George.

In 2005…Elvis Presley’s “It’s Now or Never” knocked Ciara’s “Goodies” off the top of the U-K singles chart.

In 2005…A day before Michael Jackson’s trial on molestation charges was due to start, the King of Pop addressed his fans via an online video message. He described grand jury testimony leaked to TV as “disgusting and false” and asked for a fair trial.