Today in Music History

August 1

• 1958
  Birthday Coolio born in Los Angeles

  Rapper Coolio, later known for the global hit "Gangsta's Paradise," was born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. in Los Angeles, California.

• 1964
  #1 Hit The Beatles top US chart with 'A Hard Day's Night'

  The Beatles began a two-week run at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with "A Hard Day's Night."

• 1971
  Milestone The Concert for Bangladesh opens

  George Harrison and Ravi Shankar staged the Concert for Bangladesh at Madison Square Garden, a landmark benefit rock event.

• 1973
  Birthday Tempestt Bledsoe born

  Actress and singer Tempestt Bledsoe, who later recorded music and TV themes, was born in Chicago, Illinois.

• 1981
  #1 Hit Rick Springfield hits No. 1 with 'Jessie's Girl'

  Rick Springfield started a two-week run at number one in the US with his signature hit "Jessie's Girl."

• 1987
  #1 Hit Heart reach No. 1 with 'Alone'

  Heart began a three-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100 with the power ballad "Alone."

• 1987
  In Memoriam Polly Bergen dies

  Singer and actress Polly Bergen died on August 1, remembered for her pop recordings and television performances.

• 1995
  Release Alice in Chains release self-titled album

  Alice in Chains released their self-titled third album, later a US number one and a key grunge-era release.

• 1995
  Release Foo Fighters debut album released

  Foo Fighters issued their self-titled debut album, the first release from Dave Grohl's post-Nirvana band.

• 2001
  In Memoriam Aaliyah's funeral held in New York

  Aaliyah's funeral took place at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Manhattan after her death the previous week.