April 20 in Music History: Dolly releases her debut single, Rolling Stones record “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”

1959 – Goldband Records releases “Puppy Love,” the debut single by 13-year-old Dolly Parton (which had been recorded two years earlier when she was just 11). The song doesn’t chart, but later becomes a hit for Donny Osmond.

1966 – The Beatles work on the new John Lennon song “And Your Bird Can Sing” and George Harrison’s “Taxman” during a 12 hour session at Abbey Road studios in London.

1968 – Deep Purple makes their live debut at a gig in Tastrup, Denmark. Formerly known as Roundabout, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore suggested the band change its name to his grandmother’s favorite song (which was a hit for Peter De Rose) after she had repeatedly asked if they would be performing it.

1968 – The Rolling Stones record “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”

1968 – Apple Music, the Beatles’ new label, runs their famous “This Man Has Talent” ads in Britain’s New Musical Express, seeking demo tapes from unknown artists. Even though artists such as Badfinger, James Taylor, and Mary Hopkin sign up, most of the demos are never heard and pile up in Apple’s offices. The majority of the label’s signings are acquired through more conventional means.

1973 – Roger Daltrey (The Who) releases his first solo album, Daltrey.

1974 – MFSB featuring The Three Degrees’ “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” hits #1.

1976 – George Harrison, who is good friends with Eric Idle, joins Monty Python on stage at the comedy troupe’s show at New York’s City Center. Dressed as a Canadian Mountie, Harrison joins the chorus for “The Lumberjack Song.” No mention is made of Harrison’s appearance, and few in the audience recognize him. The next night, Nilsson shows up to perform the same feat, but with disastrous results – he falls into the audience and breaks his arm.

1992 – In London, a memorial concert is held for Freddie Mercury. Elton John, Guns N’ Roses, Roger Daltrey, Liza Minnelli, David Bowie, George Michael, Def Leppard, and Spinal Tap perform.

1992 – Pavement’s debut album Slanted and Enchanted is released.

2010 – The stage adaptation of Green Day’s American Idiot rock opera officially opens on Broadway, a year after its debut at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre.

Information for this post was gathered from This Day in Music, The Music History Calendar, On This Day, and Wikipedia.