January 3, 1967 – Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys declares himself a conscientious objector and refuses to be sworn in after receiving an induction notice from the US Army, leading to his indictment and criminal prosecution for draft evasion. Finally, in September 1971, the judge agreed to a plan that allowed Wilson to perform community service by providing musical performances at hospitals and prisons.
Classic Rock Birthdays
January 3, 1946 – John Paul Jones (born John Richard Baldwin), bass, keyboards (Led Zeppelin)
January 3, 1945 – Stephen Stills, guitar, vocals (Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
January 3, 1926 – Sir George Martin, producer, arranger, composer, engineer (The “fifth Beatle”) (d. 2016)
10 Non-Beatles Hits Produced by George Martin
Rock Remembrances
January 3, 2021 – Gerry Marsden, leader of the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, dies from a blood infection in his heart. He was 78. Signed by the Beatles‘ manager, Brian Epstein, the band had their first three singles go to #1 in the UK. Marsden later had a thriving TV career.
January 3, 2014 – Phil Everly, one half of the Everly Brothers, dies of complications from lung disease in Burbank, CA. He was 74. In their heyday between 1957 and 1962, the Everly Brothers had 19 Top 40 hits, including “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have to Do Is Dream.” They were an influence on acts such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, The Hollies and Simon & Garfunkel. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
January 3, 2012 – Bob Weston, guitarist and songwriter with Fleetwood Mac, dies of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage in London. He was 64. Weston replaced guitarist Danny Kirwan in 1972 and would play in the band until 1974. His undoing was his affair with Mick Fleetwood’s wife, Jenny.
