188 Classic Rock

15th June 1996, US jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald died in Beverly Hills, California, aged 79. Already blinded by the effects of diabetes, Fitzgerald had both her legs amputated in 1993. Winner of 13 Grammy Awards, the 1956 'Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole...

15th June 1941, Born on this day, Harry Nilsson, US singer, songwriter, (1972 UK & US No.1 single with his version of The Badfinger song 'Without You', 1969 US No.6 single 'Everybody's Talkin' from the film Midnight Cowboy'). The Monkees, Three Dog Night...

June 15th 1969, During a short 5 date UK tour Led Zeppelin appeared at The Free Trade Hall, Manchester, England supported by Blodwyn Pig and The Liverpool Scene. The flyer for the tour stated: 'Come & take off, levitate with the Led Zeppelin album'.

June 15th 1943, Born on this day, Johnny Halliday, 'the French Elvis', major star in Europe. Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton and Foreigner's Mick Jones have played on his records.

June 15th 1933, Born on this day Waylon Jennings. Jennings worked as a DJ, played bass with Buddy Holly, Jennings unintentionally missing flying with Holly, The Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens on the flight on which they died. In 1976 he released the album...

June 15th 1946, Born on this day, Demis Roussos, singer, (1976 UK No.1 EP, featuring 'Forever And Ever'). In the 1970s he was a member of Aphrodite's Child, a progressive rock group that also included Vangelis. Roussos died on 25 January 2015.

June 15th 1946, Born on this day, Noddy Holder, guitar, vocals, Slade, (1971 UK No.1 single 'Coz I Luv You', plus five other UK No.1 singles and 18 UK Top 40 hits. Now a TV actor, (The Grimleys), radio and TV presenter.

14th June 1995, Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher died after a chest infection set in following a liver transplant. Had been a member of Taste before going solo, sold over 30m albums worldwide. Voted Melody Maker's Top Musician of the Year in 1972, auditioned...

June 14th 1964, The Manish Boys, (featuring David Bowie) auditioned for the UK television talent show Opportunity Knocks.

June 14th 1986, Bob Geldof was named in HRH The Queen's Birthday Honours List, receiving an honorary Knighthood in recognition of his humanitarian activities.