1963 — Weeks before her death in a plane crash, Patsy Cline finish's a three-day studio session in Nashville in which she makes her final recordings, including a rendition of the 1925 pop ballad "Always" and a cover of the prophetically titled country song "Sweet Dreams."
1964 — The Beatles are met by an estimated 25,000 screaming fans when they arrive at Kennedy Airport in New York for their first U.S. tour.
1989 — A bill is introduced into the Georgia legislature to make the state's official rock song "Tutti-Frutti," waxed in 1955 by Macon native Little Richard. The proposal fails. (A decade earlier, "Georgia On My Mind" becomes the official state song, which native son Ray Charles performs before the lawmakers when they enact it.)
February 8, 1956 — Buddy Holly signs with Decca Records, his first recording contract, two weeks after his first studio session with the label in Nashville. The document omits the "e" in his surname, so he drops it from his stage name as well. 1990 — Struggling with depression, Del Shannon ("Runaway," "Hats Off To Larry," "Keep Searchin'") dies of a self-inflicted gunshot in his Santa Clarita, California, home at age 55. February 10, 1942 — RCA Victor presents the first gold record to Glen Miller for "Chattanooga Choo Choo" as a promotional gimmick for the sale of one million discs. The idea catches on with other labels and the Recording Industry Association of America makes it official in 1958, certifying gold records for singles and albums that earn over $1 million.
1950 — Ray Charles has his first chart hit under his own name when "Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand" enters the R&B hit list, rising to #5. He previously recorded with the Maxin Trio.
1958 — The Apollo label issues the debut record by the Chesters ("The Fires Burn No More"). They later become Little Anthony & The Imperials.
— The Shirelles' maiden single, "I Met Him On A Sunday," is released on the Tiara label and rises to #49 pop after Decca reissues it, the first of the group's 26 hits over the next nine years.
1967 — After seven years at Columbia Records, Aretha Franklin releases her first single on Atlantic, "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)." It becomes a chart topper (#1 R&B, #9 pop) and her first gold record, clearing her path to the throne as the Queen of Soul.Welcome To Sunrise Radio
Reference (Eight Days A Week Ron Smith)
This is where our journey begins. Get to know our business and what we do, and how we're committed to quality and great service. Join us as we grow and succeed together. We're glad you're here to be a part of our story.