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Today in Music History: Back on the Chain Gang

June 16, 2014

Pretenders Chain Gang
Pretenders "Back on the Chain Gang"
Album Cover Art

History Highlight:

Today in 1982, Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, 25, died of a heroin overdose in London. Chrissie Hynde dedicated "Back On The Chain Gang" to him.

Also, Today In:

1967 - The Monterey Pop Festival began in Monterey, California. Within three days 50,000 saw the first major appearances of Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Janis Joplin. Additional performers included The Byrds, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane and Buffalo Springfield.

1993 - The U.S. Postal Service released a set of seven stamps featuring rock and blues legends such as Bill Haley, Buddy Holly, Otis Redding, Dinah Washington and Elvis Presley.

1980 - The Blues Brothers film starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd premiered in Chicago. The film also featured Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Ray Charles in the role of a streetwise storeowner.

Birthdays: