January 17

Births

1922: Betty White (Actress)

1927: Eartha Kitt (Jazz Singer & Catwoman)

1948: Mick Taylor (Guitar for The Rolling Stones)

1955: Steve Earle (Singer / Songwriter)

1959: Susanna Hoffs (Singer & Guitar for The Bangles & Solo)

1964: Andy Rourke (Bass for The Smiths)

1966: Shabba Ranks (Rexton Gordon) (Reggae Singer)

1971: Kid Rock (Robert James Ritchie) (Singer)

1971: Jon Wysocki (Drummer for Staind)

1978: Ricky Wilson (Vocals for Kaiser Chiefs)

1981: Ray J (William Ray Norwood) (R&B Singer & Brandy’s Brother)

1982: Alex Varkatzas (Vocals for Atreyu)

Events

1967: London's Daily Mail newspaper carries an article about potholes in Blackburn, Lancashire. It was this article that inspired the line John Lennon wrote in "A Day In The Life."

1971: Marvin Gaye performs the national anthem at Superbowl V in Miami, FL.

1972: Highway 51 South in Memphis, TN is renamed "Elvis Presley Blvd."

1974: Singer Dino Martin (not to be confused with his more famous father, Dean) is arrested on suspicion of possession and sale of firearms. He was arraigned and released the next day on $5,000 bail.

1979: Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton announce their intention to record what would be known as the Trio album together. It would be eight years before the recording was made, however.

1981: Mötley Crüe formed when bass guitarist Nikki Sixx left the band London and began rehearsing with drummer Tommy Lee and vocalist, guitarist Greg Leon, (who later left). Sixx and Lee then added guitarist Bob "Mick Mars" Deal. Vince Neil accepted an offer to join (after turning them down) in April of this year.

1986: Olivia Newton-John gives birth to her daughter Chloe.

1990: The Fifth Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City. Inductees include Hank Ballard, Bobby Darin, The Four Seasons, The Four Tops, The Kinks, The Platters, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Who.

1993: President William Jefferson Clinton's Inauguration ceremonies feature a free outdoor concert at which Aretha Franklin, Michael Bolton, Tony Bennett, Bob Dylan, and Diana Ross (among others) perform.

1994: Donny Osmond of the Osmonds and Danny Bonaduce of the Partridge Family appear in a three-round charity boxing match. The fight was created after Osmond taunted Bonaduce at the gym they both frequented. Bonaduce won the split decision.

1996: The Eleventh Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies are held in New York City. Inductees include David Bowie, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jefferson Airplane, Little Willie John, Pink Floyd, The Shirelles, and The Velvet Underground.