History Highlight:

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley's single, "Heartbreak Hotel" was released by RCA Records, who had just purchased Presley's contract from Sun Records for $35,000. The song sold 300,000 copies in its first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first Gold record.

Also, Today In:

1961 - Frank Sinatra played a benefit show at Carnegie Hall in New York City for Martin Luther King.

1971 - David Bowie arrived in the U.S. for the first time, but was not allowed to play anywhere due to work permit restrictions. However, he did manage to turn some heads when he wore a dress to a promotional event.

1973 - Stevie Wonder had his first #1 hit in a decade with "Superstition" from the Talking Book album.

1988 - James Brown was charged with possession of marijuana and unlawful use of a firearm when police were called to his South Carolina home.

1994 - Oasis made their live debut in London at King's Cross Water Rats.

Birthdays:

Elmore James, blues guitarist and singer, known as the King of the Slide Guitar, was born today in 1918.