January 3
LaVern Baker departs the state enroute to Australia. In her wake
she leaves a $125,000 life insurance policy naming Georgia Gibbs
as the sole beneficiary. In a letter to Gibbs, Baker writes that
the policy is to provide for Gibbs should she be deprived by
Baker' untimely death " of the opportunity of
copying my songs and arrangements in the future." The letter
closes with "Tra La La and Tweedle Dee, LaVern Baker".
January 4
In New York City, Clyde McPhatter headlines the revue at the
Apollo Theater. Also appearing are Mickey and Sylvia. Clarence
"Frogman" Henry, Jesse Belvin, and the Heatbeats. Emcee
for the show is Doug "Jocko" Henderson, deejay on New
York's WOV radio station.
January 5
Brenda
Lee makes her second appearance on NBC-TVs "The Perry Como
Show."
January 6
Elvis Presley makes final appearance on "The Ed Sullivan
Show" He is only photographed from the waist up.
Solomon Burke makes a television appearance on "The Steve Allen Show" on NBC-TV. Burke was introduced by boxer-turned-performer Joe Lewis who wrote the song Burke sang, "You Can Run, But You Can't Hide".
In New Orleans, Shirley and Lee take the occasion of their return to their hometown for tonight's engagement at the Labor Union Hall to announce their agent, Gale Booking agency, is seeking punitive damages from imposters posing as Shirley and Lee from Florida to Texas.
Early January
RCA Victor eliminates its subsidiary, Grove Records,
combining the operation under Vik, another in-house label.
As the new year opens, record companies are busy signing older artists. Imperial inks longtime blues shouter Roy Brown, and Ember signs Rudy Green who has been on the scene since the mid-1940s.
January 8
Bill Haley and His Comets begin their first overseas tour in
Newcastle, Australia
January 11
Opening at the Apollo for a week's run are Ocie Smith, the
Valentines, and Dinah Washington with the Cannonball Adderly
band.
Little Richard headlines the revue at Washington DC"s Howard Theater. Also appearing are the Cadillacs, the Cookies, and Charlie and Ray.
Mid-January
The Five Satins are in the middle of a tour that has
taken them to the West Coast. While driving across Utah en route
to shows in Denver, all three of their cars are involved in
accidents at various locations forcing the Denver promoter to
send a charted airplane to fetch the group from Ogden, Utah.
January 17
The Lotus Club in Washington, DC presents the Diamonds for the
next five days.
January 18
Clyde McPhatter, Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Jesse
Belvin. the Hearbeats, and Screamin' Jay Hawkins entertain at the
Howard Theater in Washington DC.
January 19
Following the lead of Elvis Presley, who a year earlier had
appeared on Jackie Gleason's "Stage Show" on CBS-TV,
Johnny Cash makes a rare TV appearance on "The Jackie
Gleason Show" broadcast over the CBS network
January 20
The Clovers, Larry Birdsong and Roy Milton and his orchestra play
the Sunday dance at the Labor Union Hall in New Orleans.
"The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV welcomes Sonny James to sing "Young Lovers".
January 24
Alis Lesley, billed as the "Female Elvis", packs the
house at Washington, DC's Lotus Club through the weekend.
January 25
Little Richard and his ten piece band play for a week at the
Apollo Theater in New York. Sharing the bill are Charlie and Ray,
the Schoolboys, and Andre Williams.
January 28
The Graystone Ballroom in Detroit hosts the "Big Show of
1957", featuring Dinah Washington, The Platters, Little
Willie John, Ray Charles, and Sill Austin"s combo.
January 29
The Platters, just back from a tour of the Far East, start a
two-week engagement at the Town and Country Club in Brooklyn.
January 31
Bill Haley and His Comets, wasting little time after their
Australian tour, leave the States for Great Britain.
Late January
George Goldner of Gee/Rama/Tico Records launches a new
label, Roulette Records. Roulette issues as its two premier
releases, "Party Doll" by Buddy Knox and "I'm
Stickin With You" by Jimmie Bowen. Previously, both songs
had been available on one single by the Rhythm Orchids, issued by
the Texas based Triple D Records.
Fats Domino's name is being bandied around Hollywood as a possible star in the upcoming film biography of Fats Waller.
February 1
The Apollo Theater offers up a fine show featuring the Buddy
Johnson orchestra with sister Ella Johnson. Also on the bill are
the Spaniels, the Cleftones, and Chuck Berry.
In Detroit this week, the Flame Show Bar welcomes Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. Also in town, the Club Vogue plays host to Little Willie John, and the Four Tops are at the Old Frolic Club.
Jazz is the offering this week at Washington, DC Howard Theater, as the bill is filled by Lionel Hampton, Sarah Vaughan, and Nat King Cole.
February 2
Fats Domino appears on "The Perry Como Show" and sings
"Blue Berry Hill" and "Blue Monday".
Carl Perkins guests on the "Ozark Jubilee" a weekly live show broadcasted from Springfield, Missouri. Brenda Lee is a regular act on the "Jubilee".
The Police Athletic League, in conjunction with "Negro History Week", hosts a rock 'n' roll revue at the Savoy Ballroom in New York. The show feature the Channels, the Bop Chords, the Hearts, the Chips, the Fi Tones, and Johnnie and Joe/
February 3
Jimmy Reed entertains tonight at the Blue Eagle Ballroom in New
Orleans.
February 4
The Royal Jokers, the Velvets, and the Capris perform between the
movies at the Linwood Theater in Detroit.
February 5
Fats Domino embarks on a short series of one-nighters with a show
in Raleigh, North Carolina. On succeeding nights, he is booked to
play Forestville, North Carolina; Newport News and Blacksburg,
Virginia; Wilmington, Delaware; Lynn and Springfield,
Massachusetts; closing in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
February 6
Bill Haley and His Comets become the first American rock 'n' roll
act to tour the United Kingdom as they begin their fourteen-day
tour of the British Isles with shows at London's. Dominion
Theater.
February 7
Tommy Leonetti is booked for a week at the Lotus Club in
Washington, DC.
Early February
ABC-Paramount Records purchase and reissues the Kent
Company master of Lloyd Price's "Just Because".
February 14
Alis Lesley returns to the Lotus Club in Washington DC with her
Elvis impersonation. Sharing the bill is Jackie Lee.
February 15
With a total of thirty-one performers traveling on two converted
buses, the "Greatest Show of 1957" package kicks off on
a cross country tour with a pair of sold-our shows in Pittsburgh,
There will be seventy-two one night stands over the next ninety
two day.
Jackie Wilson performs for the week at Lee's Club Sensation in Detroit.
At the Apollo this week, the Tarriers headline a calypso revue.
Mid-February
It is reported that Jesse Belvin has been signed for a
role in an upcoming film bio of the jazz great Billie Holiday.
Fats Domino turns thumbs down on an European tour scheduled for late May. It seems he likes to stay closer to New Orleans. Nonetheless, plans are still being made for an overseas trip for The Fat Man, possibly as early as the fall of 1957.
February 16
In New Orleans, the Dew Drop Cafe presents Billy Wright for the
first of two weekend stands.
" The Perry Como Show" on NBC-TV showcases the talents of Mickey and Sylvia singing "Love is Strange".
February 17
Shirley and Lee return to New Orleans to perform at the Union
Labor Hall's Sunday night dance.
February 18
Dinah Washington opens for the week at the Casino Royal in
Washington, DC.
February 22
Working the long holiday weekend celebrating Washington's
birthday, Alan Freed produces another stage show. The show takes
place at the Brooklyn Paramount, Alternating with screenings of
"Don't Knock the Rock" Freed's latest rock 'n'roll
flick, are live performances.
In an unprecedented move, the Apollo Theater books "Dr. Jive's Rhythm and Blues Revue" for two solid weeks. Headliners are Mickey and Sylvia. Also on stage are the Teeenchords, Little Joe and the Thrillers, Big Maybelle, Solomon Burke, and the Drifters.
In Chicago, the Regal Theater hosts a rock 'n' roll show featuring Joe Turner, Gene and Eunice, the Spaniels, the El Dorados, Jimmy Reed, and Screamin'' Jay Hawkins. It was also advertised that Bobby Charles would appear.
February 23
Jerry Lee Lewis makes a guest appearance on the "Big D
Jamboree" broadcast from the Dallas Sportatorium.
February 24
Brenda Lee makes her first national television appearance on
"The Steve Allen Show" on NBC-TV.
February 26
Fats Domino and "The Greatest Show of 1957" continues
across the western half on the United States and Canada, leaving
behind a string of sold-out concerts. Tonight's show is in
Denver, following nightly performances in Salt Lake, Butte,
Calgary, Edmonton, Spokane, Tacoma, and Portland.
February 28
Jimmy Reed kicks off a seventeen-day outing through Texas and
Oklahoma with a show in Waco.
Late February
Bill Haley and His Comets just back from their tour of the
British Isles, depart for the tour of Australia, returning to
America on March 18.
Atlantic Records signs the Bobbettes, a female quartet who's ages
range from ten to twelve.
On the tour circuit, Lloyd Price is currently in the middle of a
two-week stand in Miami.
March 1
Etta James begins a lengthy tour in Columbia, Georgia. She will
travel through Florida and Texas then up to Colorado. Usually
appearing with her vocal group, the Peaches, this is her first
solo outing.
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers are booked for a week-long engagement in Panama for the annual carnival. It is reported that the group will be paid $7,500 for the week's worth of work. A single performance in Colon draws an overflow crowd of 13,000.
As Mickey and Sylvia start their second week at the Apollo Theater; a change in the line-up of supporting acts takes place. Added to the roster are the G-Clefs and the Channels.
March 2
In
Chicago, the Central Park Theater hosts a "midnight rhythm
and blues show" featuring Otis Rush, the Magnificents,
Sunnyland Slim, Andre Williams, Jimmy Rogers, and the Calverts.
March 3
In Chicago, the Catholic Diocese bans rock 'n' roll records from
all school functions because of the music's "tribal
rhythms" and its encouragement to act in a hedonistic
manner. Within days sales of rock and roll records in Chicago go
through the roof.
Early March
The Platters leave the United States for a twelve-week tour of
England.
Fats Domino is on tour in Texas and Oklahoma with his "Big Show", featuring Ann Cole.
Also on the tour circuit is a package billed as "The Big Three," headlined by Little Junior Parker, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Chuck Edwards. All three artist record for Duke Records of Houston.
In New Orleans, the Hawkettes and Bobby
Mitchell are currently at the San Jacinto Club.
March 8
Lloyd Price and Amos Milburn share the spotlight at the Apollo
Theater in New York this week. Also on the bill are the Clovers.
The Cardinals, Big Maybelle, the Solitaires, the Harptones, Ocie Smith and Nappy Brown entertain this week at the Howard Theater in Washington D.C..
March 10
On CBS-TV's "Ed Sullivan Show". Charlie Gracie makes an
appearance to plug "Butterfly".
March 13
Bo Diddley headlines a revue at the Uptown Theater in
Philadelphia. Also in the spotlight are Faye Adams and the
Turbans.
March 14
Gene Vincent, Sonny James, Sanford Clark, George Hamilton IV, and
Carl Perkins perform together in Cleveland.
March 15
A three-day show kicks off in Detroit's Michigan Theater with
headliners Al Hibbler, Buddy Knox, and Jimmy Bowen with the
Rhythm Orchids, Ruth Brown, Cathy Carr, Napppy Brown, Annie
Laurie, the Dell-Vikings, Otis Williams and His Charms, George
Hamilton IV, and Sil Austin.
Also in Detroit tonight, Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five start a wild week at the Flame Show Bar.
In New York, the Apollo Theater offers up the Cadillacs, Joe Tex and Linda Hopkins as this week's entertainment.
Roy Brown, the Spiders, Arthur Neville, Bobby Mitchell, and Dave Bartholomew's orchestra rock the the Granada Theater in New Orleans.
March 17
Fifteen-year old Aretha Franklin, billed as "America's
youngest gospel singer," performs with her father, Reverend
C.L Franklin, in a gospel marathon at New Orleans' Municipal
Auditorium.
Also in New Orleans, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown entertains at the Blue Eagle Ball room, located at the corner of Saratoga and Felicity.
March 19
In Memphis, Elvis Presley purchase an eighteen-room, $100,000
home at 3764 South Bellvue Boulevard. The house known locally as
Graceland, will become his permanent residence for the next
twenty years.
March 22
Bo
Diddley headlines the revue at the Apollo theater this week.
Talent also includes Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Andre Williams and
Larry Birdsong.
In Philadelphia, the Uptown Theater offers Mickey and Sylvia, Bullmoose Jackson and the Jive Bombers this week.
Lloyd Price shares the spotlight with the clovers, Amos Milburn and Edna McGriff at the Howard Theater in Washington, DC.
March 23
Janis Martin and Sanford Clark make an guest appearance at the
Red Foley's "Ozark Jubilee", broadcast on ABC-TV from
10:00 to 11:00 P.M.
March 24
Bill Riley and His Little Green Men make an appearance at the
Blue Moon Club in Tulsa.
Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis headline a country show in Kansas City.
March 25
Charlie Gracie opens for a week at the Casino Royal in
Washington.
March 26
In the United Kingdom. the Platters begin a a two-week engagement
at the Empire Theater in Glasgow, Scotland.
March 28
Fats Domino fails to appear at the Memphis Auditorium due to
illness. The rest of the troupe, including Chuck Berry and LaVern
Baker, carry on without him.
Elvis Presley starts a record-breaking nine-day tour of the Midwest and Northeast with a concert in Chicago's International Amphitheater.
March 30
Brenda Lee makes an appearance on the CBS-TV's "Ozark
Jamboree".
Jerry Lee Lewis repeats as a guest of the "Big D Jamboree" broadcast from 8:30-10:30 from the Sportatorium in Dallas
March 31
Sun Record's stablemates Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl
Perkins start a southern tour with a show in Little Rock. Other
dates include Monroe Louisiana, April 1; Sheffield, Alabama (2);
Jackson, Mississippi (3); Memphis (4); and Odessa, Texas (5).
Late March
Newly formed Roulette Records, is in the midst of a
phenomenal string of hits, suffers a minor setback when it is
sued by Monte Carlo Records which contends that Roulette's use of
the roulette wheel logo infringes on Monte Carlo's label style.
April 1
Frankie Lymon and His Teenagers opens a three-month British tour
with the first concert of a two-week stand at the London
Palladium. At age thirteen Lymon became the youngest performer to
headline a show at Palladium.
Elvis Presley continue to build up mounting revenue on his tour on his tour as he plays Buffalo tonight. Remaining shows include Toronto (2); Ottawa (30); and Philadelphia (5-6). Total revenues from this brief jaunt are more than $300,000.
April 6
Alan Freed as a national spokesman for the Arthritis Foundation
hosts a 19 hour telethon over WABD-TV that features rock and roll
talent.
In Pittsburgh, following a teen dance at the White Oak Youth Center, five hundred people engage in a riotous free-for-all. Eighteen people are arrested
Carl Perkins makes a guest appearance on the "Louisiana Hayride" in Shreveport.
In Dallas, Johnny Cash is the headliner at the "Big D Jamboree".
April 7
Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Bill Riley and His
Little Green Men resume their tour of the Southwest with a show
in Abilene, Texas. Tomorrow, the troupe is in Little Rock at the
Robinson Auditorium, followed by a show in Winfield, Louisiana
(9).
On "The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV, Buddy Knox and Jimmy Bowen, along with the Rhythm Orchids, make an appearance singing "Party Doll" and "I'm Sticking With You". Also on the show, Ferlin Husky sings "Gone".
Early April
Billy Ward requests and receives a release from a
contract requiring him to bring his Dominoes to Zardi's Jazzland
nightclub in Hollywood. According to Ward, the place "rocks
too much"". Ward added that the style of music that the
Dominoes have been singing the past year has changed. "we
aren't a rock a rock and roll group anymore", Ward stated.
April 10
Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, and Lavern Baker play the Syria Mosque
in Pittsburgh. While on this tour, the same troupe plays the
Boston Gardens (13).
Ricky Nelson premiers "I'm Walking" on the weekly ABC-TV show "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet:" in an adventure called "Ricky the Drummer". Ricky co-stars on the show with his parents and his brother David,
April 12
Dot Records, a leading independent record company founded by
Randy Wood in the back room of his record store in Gallatin,
Tennessee, is formally sold o ABC-Paramount.
Tommy Ridgely's band plays the Dew Drop Lounge in New Orleans for the next three days.
April 13
Sanford
Clark guests on the "big D Jamboree" In Dallas.
The Diamonds appear on NBC-TV's "The Perry Como Show",
April 14
Johnny Cash performs on a Hank Snow revue in Syracuse, New York.
April 15
Little Richard and his band "rip it up" at the Madison
Ballroom in Detroit. Tickets are priced at 75 cents,
Ruth Brown opens a week-long engagement at Washington DC Casino Royal.
Mid-April
Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran rock the rafters at the Mastbaum
Theater in Philadelphia for a week.
April 17
The Orioles are included on the bill with veteran showman Cab
Calloway as he starts a two-month engagement at the Royal Nevada
Hotel in Las Vegas.
April 18
In the midst of savoring what will be the peak of his record
career, Buddy Knox is notified that he has been called to six
months active duty as Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserves.
April 19
In New York, the Apollo Theater offers a revue featuring Louis
Jordan and Little Willie John.
At the Brooklyn Paramount, Alan Freed produces another all-star lineup for Easter Week featuring more than a dozen rock 'n' roll acts packed into a sixty-minute show.
Also in New York City, Lowe's State Theater hosts the week-long "Jocko's Rocketship", a rival rock 'n' roll festival featuring Mickey and Sylvia, the Clovers, the Diamonds, the Heartbeats, the Paragons, Lewis Lymon and the Teenchords, the Jive Bombers, Jo Ann Campbell and Ella Johnson.
Big Maybelle, Ann Laurie, and Blubber Johnson's combo are booked into the Dew Drop Hotel and Cafe for the three-day weekend.
Della Reuse starts a two-week gig at the Club Rendezvous in Detroit.
Billed as a "For Lovers Only": rhythm revue, the Dells, Jimmy Reed, Screamin; Jay Hawkins, the Nutmegs, Margie Day, and Andre Wiliams perform at Washington DC Howard Theater for the week.
April 20
Sun Records' stablemates Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny
Cash set off on a tour of western Canada and the northern United
States,
On NBC-TV, Pat Boone plays "The Perry Como Show" a visit.
April 21
Howlin' Wolf brings his exciting brand of blues to the Blue Eagle
Ballroom in New Orleans.
Lloyd Price and his R&B orchestra play the Graystone Ballroom in Detroit. Also, sharing the spotlight are Sil Austin, the Diablos, the Don Juans, and the Five Dollars.
April 22
Little Junior Parker and Bobby "Blue" Bland split the
headlining chores as they open the week at the Melody Ballroom in
Detroit.
April 26
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers open for two weeks at the Empire
Theater in Glasgow, Scotland.
Bill Haley and His Comets are booked for two days in East Liberty, Pennsylvania.
At the Broadway Capitol Theater in Detroit, Faye Adams headlines a show that features the Coasters, Jack Scott, Johnnie and Joe, Amos Miburn, Johnny Janis, and Red Prysock's combo. The show runs through April 28.
Louis Jordan and Little Willie John entertain patrons at the Howard thither in Washington DC this week.
April 28
Bill Haley and His Comets make a guest appearance on "The Ed
Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV.
In New Orleans, the Blue Eagle offers the the talented Larry Birdsong for tonight's patrons.
April 29
The Platters begin a two-weeks at the Palladium in London.
Late April
Gene Autry, famous motion picture cowboy star, launches
Challenge Records. Among the first artists signed to the label
are Jerry Wallace, formerly with Mercury, and Dave Burgess
formerly with Tops.
Academy Award Winning producer Dino DeLaurentis announced that he has hired Alan Freed to star in a big-budget documentary about rock 'n' roll phenomenon.
May 1
The tour featuring Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Wanda Jackson,
and Johnny Cash continues across Canada with a performance in
Winnipeg.
May 3
The Royal Peacock Cafe in Atlanta books Eddie
"Cleanhead" Vinson, Gene and Eunice, and the Cootie
Williams combo for the next four days. The entertainers are
performing through out the South, including stops in Tampa, St.
Petersberg, and Mobile/
May 4
Alan Freed hosts "Rock
'n Roll Revue", his first nationally televised
show.7:30-8:00 on ABC. The show is devoted to exposing new, as
well as established, rock 'n' roll and "pop" acts.
Featured on each show is Freed's Rock and Roll Orchestra led by
Sam "The Man" Taylor.
May 5
Freddy Bell and the Bell Boys arrive in England. They are booked
for twenty-eight shows in thirty-one days.
Tonight Lloyd Price makes his first appearance in five years in his hometown of new Orleans with a show at the Labor Union Hall.
May 6
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers start a week-long-run at the
Globe Theater in Stockton, England.
Early May
The Dell-Vikings sign with Mercury Records. Originally, they had
recorded for Pittsburgh Fee-Bee Records, with the masters having
been leased by Dot Records for national distribution. In a
possible attempt to avoid future lawsuits, Mercury alters the
group's name to read the Del Vikings.
It is reported in the music press that sales of 45 r.p.m. records to juke box operators account for 50-60% of all 45 r.p.m. record sales. (both singles and extended plays). Consequently, a juke box hit is virtually guaranteed a top ten slot on the record sales charts.
May 9
Billy Haley and His Comets
Make an national appearance on "Ray Bolger's Washington
Square Show" on NBC at 9:00 p.m.
May 10
At the Club Rendezvous in Detroit, Otis Williams and His Charms
open for a week.
The Apollo Theater in New York welcomes the Pearls, the Cellos, Little Jimmy Scott, the Cleftones, Lewis Lymon and the Teenchords, and Clarence "Frogman" Henry.
May 11
Bill Haley and his Comets start a three-week string of
one-nighters with a show in Mahoney, Pennsylvania.
Alan Fred's second "Rock "N' Roll Revue" airs tonight. The ABC-TV show features Ivory Joe Hunter, LaVern Baker, and Charlie Gracie.
May 12
Junior Parker and the Buddy Ace orchestra entertain in New
Orleans' Blue Eagle tonight.
May 13
Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Wanda Jackson join a Sonny James
tour running through May 22.
Frankie Lymon and His Teenagers begin a series of one-night stands in and around London.
The Casino Royal in Washington, DC, presents Ivory Joe Hunter for a week.
Mid-May
Featured acts at the Denver convention of Music Operator's of
America includes Mickey and Sylvia and Ivory Joe Hunter.
May 16
Tommy Sands begins a two-week engagement at the Roxy Theater in
New York City.
May 17
Clyde McPatter fronts the Buddy Johnson band for a week at new
York's Apollo Theater. Also on the bill are Ella Johnson, the
Solitaires, and the G-Clefs.
The Coasters, Shirley and Lee, the Cleftones, Bobby Marchen. and Huey Smith star at the Howard Theater in Washington DC for a week.
In a show heavy on the blues. the Graystone Ballroom in Detroit welcomes Nappy Brown, Big John Greer, Little Willie John, Jimmy Reed, Sil Austin, Big Maybelle, Little Esther, and Ann Laurie.
Also in Detroit, the Queen of the Blues, Billie Holiday, begins a week-long engagement at the Flame Show Bar. Also on the bill as a supporting act is Jackie Wilson.
May 18
The "Grand Ole Opry" in Nashville features Johnny Cash.
The next night, Cash plays Valdosta, Georgia.
Fats Domino plays a benefit for St. David's Catholic School at the Rosenwald Gymnasium in New Orleans. The show, running from 10 PM to 2 AM would appear to be a little too late in the evening for most students,
May 19
The Dublin Theater Royal welcomes visiting America act Frankie
Lymon and the Teenagers for a week-long stay.
B.B. King brings his show to the Blue Eagle Ballroom in New Orleans.
Tommy Sands sings "Tennage Crush" and "Goin' Steady" on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV.
May 20
Joe Turner goes into the Casino Royal in Washington DC for a
week.
May 21
Meridian, Mississippi, presents its annual "Jimmie Rogers
Day" celebration. During the two-day event. Johnny Cash
makes an appearance tonight. Carl Perkins and Ronnie Self appear
as part of the entertainment tomorrow.
Bill Doggett and his combo open an eight-week tour with a show in Newport News, Virginia.
Gene Vincent appears on the "Ozark Jubilee" broadcast from Springfield, Missouri.
May 23
Sonny James, Johnny Cash, Gene Vincent, Jerry Lee Lewis and Wanda
Jackson play a two-day benefit for the Police Department in
Beaumont, Texas. Shows this day are at 2:30, 7:00 and 9:00. On
the 24th, shows are at 7::00 and 9:00. Tickets are $.50 and
$1.00.
May 24
The Howard Theater in Washington DC presents Lavern Baker,the
Heartbeats, Johnnie and Joe, and Red Prysock's band for the week.
May 25
Fats Domino makes an appearance on "The Perry Como
Show" on NBC-TV.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Wanda Jackson share headliner duties in the "Big D Jamboree" in Dallas.
Gene Vincent joins Sonny James, Ferlin Husky, Bobby Helms, and Bobby Lord for a show at the Topeka Municipal Hall.
May 26
Chuck Willis "strolls" into the Labor Union Hall in New
Orleans.
May 27
A 10% tax on reels of blank tape is proposed in the United States
House Ways and Means Committee. The tax would seek to curb the
rise in home tape-recording of records.
The Drifters open a week-long run at the Casino Royal in Washington DC.
May 29
The Royal Jokers start a week at the Club Rondevoo in Detroit.
May 30
Johnny Cash opens a tour of western states with a show in Clovis,
New Mexico. The next night he plays Dan Diego.
Gene Vincent, Sonny James, Ferlin Husky, and Bobby Lord appear for "Decoration Day" activities in Kansas City.
May 31
Joe Turner, The Moonglows, Bo Didddley, and Choker Campbell's
band entertain the crowd at Washington DC's Howard Theater this
week.
June 1
Fats Domino start a
week-long tour through the Rocky Mountain States with a show in
Amarillo.
Johnny Cash continues his tour of California with a show in Los Angeles.
NBC-TV broadcasts a special "Five Stars for Springtime". Ricky Nelson is one of the stars highlighted.
June 2
Bill Haley and His Comets
complete their three-week tour with a show in Angola, Indiana.
June 3
The Eddie Vinson, Gene and
Eunice, Cootie Williams troupe winds up their southern tour with
a at the Palm Club in Hallendale, Florida.
Dinah Washington opens a week-long engagement at Pep's in Philadelphia.
June 6
Frankie Lymon and the
Teenagers start another week's engagement on their tour of the
British Isles. This week, they play Coventry, England.
June 7
LaVern Baker headlines the
rhythm and blues revue at New York's Apollo Theater for a week.
Also in the spotlight are the Heartbeats, Johnnie and Joe, Johnny
Mathis, the Coasters, and Red Prysock's band.
Chuck Berry plays Schenectady, New York, with Jo Ann Campbell and Louis Lymon and the Teenchords.
Ruth Brown, the five Keys, the Pearls, and Johnny Heartsman headline the Howard Theater revue in Washington DC this week.
B.B. King romps through the first night of a week-long stay at the Flame Show Bar in Detroit.
Early June
Johnny Moore, lead vocalist of the Drifters, is drafted
into the Army. His place in the group is taken over by Bobby
Hendricks, former lead vocalist of the Flyers.
June 8
Louis Jordan guests on
Jackie Gleason's CBS-TV show seen on the East Coast from 8:00 to
9:00 p.m..
June 9
Fats Domino arrives on the
West Coast for a series of one-nighters, He is scheduled to stay
on the West Coast through mid-July.
Johnny Cash makes a special appearance in St. Louis to open Ryon's Park.
In New Orleans, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown with Tommy Ridgely's orchestra plays the grand opening of the San Souci Ballroom at 2832 LaSalle, next door to the Dew Drop Hotel and Club. Both are owned by Frank Painia.
Also in New Orleans, Huey Smith and the Clowns with Professor Longhair entertain at the Labor Union Hall.
June 10
The Platters play a sold out
show in California's Oakland Auditorium.
Connie Francis co-stars behind the Kirby Stone Four this week at Washington' Casino Royal.
June 11
On tour in Canada, Gene
Vincent and the Blue Caps play the Trianon Ballroom in Regina,
Saskatchewan. Other performers include Sonny James, Bobby Lord,
and Bobby Helms, In two shows, the trope brings in 1,445 fans for
a net of$2,900.
. Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown starts the first of two weekend stays at the lounge of the Dew Drop Hotel.
June 12
Chuck Berry and LaVern Baker
share the bill for the week at Wildwood-by-the-Sea, New Jersey
The Tomato Festival in Warren, Arkansas, plays host to Jerry Lee Lewis, Onie Wheeler, and Johnny Cash.
Bandleader Jimmy Dorsey dies after a two-month illness. He was 53.
June 14
The "Fantabulous Rock
and Roll Show of 1957" take to the road for five weeks. The
headliner is Ruth Brown. Also on the bill are the Coasters, Bo
Diddley, the Five Satins, the Drifters, the Schoolboys, and
Smiley Lewis,
Jackie Wilson is back at the Flame Show Bar in Detroit. He will appear for two weeks as a supporting act.
At the Apollo Theater in New York for a week is Faye Adams, the Jive Bombers, and the Heartbreakers.
June 15
Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins
return to the "Big D Jamboree" in Dallas. The following
week, Perkins and Roy Orbison are reported to be playing dates in
the New Mexico area.
The Platters top a long list of entertainers at a Los Angeles benefit for teens at the Moroccan Theater. Others on the show are Roy Brown, the Velvetones, and the Planets.
Mid-June
It is announced that Otis Blackwell, composer of such
rock 'n' roll hits as "All Shook Up", and "Don't
Be Cruel" has signed as musical director for a new motion
picture, "The Hit Record". Production is slated to
begin Hollywood. on July 22. Talent signed at this time includes
Fats Domino, Little Richard, Carl Perkins, Charlie Gracie, Buddy
Knox, Jimmy Bowen, Jodie Sands, and Lewis Lymon and the
Teenchords.
June 16
Tonight is one of the busiest
for rock 'n' roll fans in New Orleans in recent memory. Huey
Smith and the Clowns tear it up at the new San Souci Ballroom in
New Orleans while Howlin' Wolf wails at the moon at the
blue Eagle Ballroom and Shirley and Lee rock the crowd at the
Labor Union Hall.
June 17
Bill Haley and His Comets
take their act to the heart of calypso country, Kingston,
Jamaica, as they start a short tour.
In California, Fats Domino starts a tour that will lead from Bakersfield (tonight) to San Francisco.
Steve Gibson and His Red Caps open a week-long run at Washington DC's Casino Royal.
June 19
Tommy Leonetti opens a
weekend engagement at Pittsburgh's Club Copa. He remains there
until June 23.
June 20
The House of Representatives
passes a bill levying a 10% tax on tape and wire recorders,
players and recorder players. Previously, phonograph records had
already been subjected to this tax.
June 21
Chicago's Opera House hosts a
two-day rock 'n' roll show that brings in $16,000. Headling it is
Tab Hunter, who is making his stage singing debut.
June 22
Jerry Lee Lewis appears on
the "Big D Jamboree" in Dallas.
June 27
Bill Haley and his Comets
appear in Baltimore at the Coliseum.
June 28
"Dr. Jives's Rhythm and
Blues Revue" opens at the Apollo Theater in New York for the
week. Headliners are newcomers Donnie Elbert, Ann Cole, the
Bobbettes, and the Velours, as well as the Sensations, Charlie
and Ray, the Jesters, the Heartbeats, and the Charts.
Faye Adams is welcomed by the week's patrons at Detroit's Flame Show Bar.
June 29
Bill Haley and His Comets
play an outdoor show in Bridgeport, Connecticut, sharing the bill
with jazz great Lionel Hampton.
June 30
"The Ed Sullivan Show"
welcomes the Everly Brothers, Also on tonight's bill is the
Charlie McDeveitt Skiffle Company performing "Freight
Train".
Late June
The summer season on the shores of Wildwood, New Jersey, brings a
few rock 'n' rollers into the clubs. Featured performers include
Charlie Gracie, Sarah Vaughn, and George Hamilton IV at the Sea
Isle Casino and Gloria Mann at the Shelter Haven Hotel.
July 1
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
open at the Paramount Theater in New York City as headliners of
yet another Alan Freed production. Appearing tonight and tomorrow
only is Jackie Dee. The nine day-run grosses $120,000.
Della Reese starts a week-long stand at the Oklahoma State Fair.
July 3
The female rockabilly sensation,
Jackie Dee, headlines at the revue at the Uptown Theater in
Philadelphia. Dee is a sixteen-year old country singer from
Batavia, Illinois. Her real name is Sherry Lee Myers, and she
goes on to fame and fortune as Jackie DeShannon.
July 4
For the Independence Day weekend,
the Apex Bar in Detroit offers John Lee Hooker through July 7.
July 5
Bill Haley and His Comets play a
one-nigher at the Convention Hall in Wildwood, New Jersey.
T-Bone Walker, known among his peers as "Mister Guitar" opens for a week at the Flame Show Bar in Detroit.
Roy Brown, Faye Adams, the Ravens, the Channels. and the Cellos take over the Howard Theater in Washington DC this weekend.
July 7
For the next two weeks, the
Diamonds are touring the Midwest, starting tonight in Milwaukee
and ending in Chicago on July 23.
Early July
Following the success of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Little
Richard enters the perfume market with an aroma labeled
"Princess Cheri".
The Playmates continuing their reputation as one of the great lounge acts of the era, start their summer engagement in Atlantic City's Bamboo Club.
July 8
For the next three nights at the
Washington's Carter Baron Amphitheater, Brenda Lee, Sonny James,
and George Hamilton IV co-star behind Red Foley in an "Ozark
Jamboree" package.
July 9
Loving You, Elvis
Presley's second movie, premieres at the Strand Theatre in
Memphis. The movie opens nationally June 30.
July 10
"The Fantabulous Rock 'N'
Roll Show for '57" arrives in New Orleans for a show at the
Municipal Auditorium. Performers include Ruth Brown, Smiley
Lewis, the Coasters, the Schoolboys, Bo Diddley, the Five Satins,
the Drifters, Robert Parker, Johnny Hartman and Dave
Bartholomew's orchestra.
July 12
After two trial runs in May, Alan
Freed begins a 13 week, national television show devoted to rock
and roll. The show will be broadcast from 10-10:30 every Friday
on ABC-TV network.
In Detroit, John Lee Hooker moves into the Basin Street for a week. Across town, the Royal Jokers start their week at Lee's Club Sensation.
July 13
Charlie Feathers headlines the
"Big D Jamboree" in Dallas. Also adding a little
rockabilly flavor to tonight's stage show and broadcast are
"Groovy" John Poovey and Gene Rambo.
July 14
Marvin Rainwater makes a rare
television appearance, singing "Gonna Find Me A
Bluebird" on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV.
July 15
NBC-TV's "Studio One"
airs an original farce by Romeo Muller about rock 'n' roll titled
"The Hit".
Mid-July
The Platters, in the middle of a tour of Latin America,
headline a gala musical show at the Opera Theater in Buenos
Aires. Originally only scheduled for a twelve-week tour, the
group has been extended an additional six weeks.
Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps are booked through the end of July along the East Coast.
July 19
The Flame Show Bar in Detroit
opens its doors wide for the Bill Doggett combo this week.
Chuck Willis, Ann Cole, Charlie
and Ray, the Cookies, the Velours and Ocie Smith hold forth at
Washington DC's Howard Theater this week.
July 21
"The Fantabulous Rock 'N'
Roll Show of'57" winds up a month-long tour of Texas to the
Midwest with a show in St. Louis. It is reported that the gate
for each show averaged from $5,000 to $12,000 per night.
Big Maybelle, Wynonie Harris, and
Noble "Thin Man" Watts share the spotlight at the Labor
Union Hall in New Orleans.
July 23
Fats Domino plays the Dallas
Sportatorium. As 6,000 fans leave the building, there are knife
attacks and gunfire in what is thought to be a racially motivated
riot.
July 25
Bobby Darin begins a five-day
stand at the Lotus Club in Washington DC.
July 26
Milwaukee is the jumping off point
for a caravan of stars headlined by the Coasters, the Five
Satins, the Cellos, Gene and Eunice, Lulu Reed and Sonny
Thompson's orchestra.
Fats Domino guests on Alan Freed's weekly ABC-TV show
July 28
Jerry Lee Lewis sings "A
Whole lot of Shakin' Going On" at his national television
debut on NBC-TV's "The Steve Allen Show"
Nappy Brown, Annie Laurie and Big John Greer entertain patrons at the New Orlean's Labor Union Hall.
Late July
The music industry is jumping with rumors of Little Richard's
religious leanings. In an attempt to downplay this story, a
spokesman for the promoter, Gale Agency, reports that there are
more than enough bookings to keep Richard on the road for months
to come.
Fats Domino recently took in $100,000 during a thirty-day tour of the East Coast. Back on the West Coast, Hollywood insiders still consider him to be the front-runner for the lead in the film biography of fats Waller.
Agents for Brenda Lee announce that she is
leaving her longtime association with Springfield's "Ozark
Jubilee". In the future she will be based out of Nashville.
Imperial records signs Ricky
Nelson to an exclusive long term contract.
August 2
Buddy Holly and the Crickets begin
their first bookings on the East Coast R&B theater circuit
with a week at the Howard Theater in Washington DC. The revue is
headlined by Clyde McPhatter.
Bill Haley and His Comets, along with the Moonglows, open for two days at Artillery Ball Park in Kingston, Pennsylvania.
In New York, "Alan Freed's Big Best Party" welcomes Jerry Lee Lewis to the airwaves.
August 4
The Everly Brothers guest on
"The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV
Roy Hamilton and the Clovers share top billing at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans. Also appearing are Annie Laurie, the Spaniels, Donnie Elbert, Huey Smith and the Clowns, Johnnie and Joe, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Bobby Marchenm and Buddy and Ella Johnson.
August 5
The ABC-TV network premiers an
afternoon dance party show, "American Bandstand"'
hosted by Dick Clark. Musical guest on the show almost always
lip-sync to their hit records. On this opening show, performers
were Billy Williams and the Chordettes.
Charlie Gracie embarks on a tour of England with a rave-up at London's Hippodrome. The demand for the American rocker so overwhelms the promoter that the tour is extended two weeks.
Jerry Lee Lewis And Carl Perkins rock the crowd 'til 2 a.m. in Knoxville's Chilhowee Park.
August 6
The Lane Brothers, Chet
Atkins, and the Rhythm Rockers join other RCA Victor artists for
a concert in Milwaukee's Temple of Music.
August 7
The Musical guest on today's
"American Bandstand" is Dale Hawkins singing
"Susie-Q".
Early August
Imperial Records signs Ricky Nelson to an exclusive,
long-term recording contract. Ricky's second record has just been
released by Verve Records and but his parents never formally
signed with the label.
The Platters manager, Buck Ram. visits Hollywood in an attempt to drum up support for a movie deal, tentatively titled "The Flying Platters".
"The singing Cowboy" Gene Autry shares the spotlight at the Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, with Bill Haley and His Comets and the Moonglows.
Art Rupe of Specialty Records announces the hiring of a new A&R man, Sonny Bono.
August 8
Paul Anka makes an appearance on
"American Bandstand".
August 9
Fats Domino starts a week-long
stand at the Club Bolero in the New Jersey resort,
Wildwood-by-the Sea. His fee for the week is reported to be
$10,000.
Clyde McPhatter, the Cadillacs, Otis Rush and Buddy Holly and the Crickets open for a week at the Royal Theater in Baltimore.
On "American Bandstand" the guests include Lee Andrews and the hearts singing "Long Lonely Nights".
August 11
Jerry Lee Lewis has a second guest
shot on "The Steve Allen Show". This is the only time
that the Allen show ever beat out "The Ed Sullivan
Show" for supremacy of the Sunday night television ratings.
August 12
Gene Vincent makes a rare
television appearance on this afternoon's"American
Bandstand". He performs" Be-Bop-A-lula".
Mid-August
Chuck Berry and Lloyd Price share top billing as they begin a
tour of the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast.
ABC-Paramount Records announces the signing of a trio of eighteen-old women, the Poni-tails.
It is reported that Alan Freed and all-star troupe leave for a three-week tour of England, but there is no confirmation.
August 16
At the Apollo Theater, Buddy Holly
and the Crickets play New York City for the first time. Also
opening this week's booking are Clyde McPhatter, Otis Rush and
the Cadillacs.
Mickey and Sylvia begin a week-long engagement at New Orleans's Safari Club.
The Schubert Theater in Detroit offers a smorgasbord of talent during a week-long run. Featured are Fats Domino, the Billy Williams Quartet, Paul Anka, Ann Cole, the Velours, Jo Ann Campbell, Lee Andrews and the Hearts, the Delroys, the Schoolboys, and the Bobbettes.
Also playing Detroit for a week, Otis Williams and His Charms are at the Flame Show Bar.
August 18
The Blue Eagle Ballroom in New
Orleans presents Little Junior Parker for the dance crowd
tonight.
August 19
Jerry Lee Lewis appears and plays
live on "American Bandstand". He was one of the few
performers who only performed "live".
August 22
Jerry Lee Lewis embarks on a
summer tour of the South with a show in Nashville. The following
night, he performs in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
August 23
Buddy Holly and the Crickets guest
on Alan Freed's ABC-TV show.
At the Apollo Theater,
"Dr. Jive and his Top Ten Rhythm and Blues Revue" holds
this week's spot. Featured acts include the Shells, the G-Clefs,
Jo Ann Campbell, the Dells, the Paragons, Johnnie and Joe, the
Cleftones, and the Cadillacs.
August 26
Buddy Holly and the Crickets
appear on "American Bandstand".
August 30
Bill Haley and His Comets are
booked for a four-day stand at the Michigan State Fair.
This week's show at the Apollo Theater in New York, headlines Fats Domino and his seven-man band. Also offered are Bo Diddley, the Harptones, Lee Andrews and the Hearts, Little Joe and the Thrillers, and Big Maybelle.
Carl Perkins begins a two-day layover in the Los Angeles area.
Della Reese opens a two-week run at Detroit' Fiesta Club.
Buddy and Ella Johnson headlines this week's revue at the Howard Theater in Washington DC, Also on hand are the Charts, the Dubs, and Huey Smith and the Clowns.
Elvis Presley's five-day tour of the Pacific Northwest begins with a bang as tonight's concert at Spokane's Memorial Stadium grosses $44,000.
August 31
In Dallas, the "Big D
Jamboree" presents three up-and coming rockers, Gene Rambo,
Joe Poovey and Johnny Caroll.
Late August
Following an engagement at Lakewood Park in Mahoney,
Pennsylvania, Bill Haley and his Comets open an extended
engagement at the Casino Cafe in Sea Isle, New Jersey.
Also on the West Coast, Faye Adams begins a six-week trek.
Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Bullmoose Jackson, and Lewis Lymon and the Teenchords are touring the British West Indies for two weeks.
Liberty Records sends its new recording artist, Eddie Cochran, out to visit disc jockeys in Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and St. Louis.
Dot Records announces the signing of Pat Boone's brother, Nick Boone. So as to not confuse the record buying public, a name change is ordered, and the new artist becomes Nick Todd.
Noble "Thin man" watts and the Orioles start a tour of the South.
Jackie Wilson, recent lead tenor with Billy Ward and His Dominoes, gives his solo career a boost with an engagement at New York's Baby Grand Club.
Universal International Pictures announces the
signing of Fats Domino, the Del Vikings, and the Diamonds. All
are set to start filming cameos for the new rock 'n' roll picture
"The Big Beat".
Liberty Records sends its new recording artist Eddie Cochran out
to Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago and St. Louis
Universal Pictures announces the signing s of Fats Domino, the
Dell Vikings and the Diamonds to do cameos for the rock and roll
picture "The Big Beat".
September 1
Carl Perkins performs in San
Diego, part of his current West Coast tour.
Elvis Presley's tour of the Pacific Northwest continues with a performance in Tacoma's Lincoln Bowl Stadium.
In Washington, Jodie sands, opens a two-day stand entertaining on the nightly S.S. Mount Vernon cruise on the Potomac River.
September 2
The Bobbettes perform
"Mr. Lee" on "American Bandstand".
September 3
The Mello-Kings appear on
"American Bandstand"
September 4
Charlie Gracie opens at the
Hippodrome in London, England.
September 6
Commencing his solo career,
Frankie Lymon joins the package tour put together by Super
Attractions. Opening at the Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh, the
"Biggest Show of Stars for'57" hits the road nightly.
A gospel and spiritual revue fills the bill at the Apollo Theater this week.
A special
two-week run at the Flame Show Bar in Detroit features Della
Reese, T-Bone Walker, and the Four Tops. Also in town, John Lee
Hooker returns to the Apex bar this weekend.
September 7
Gene Vincent and the Blue
Caps appear on the "Big D Jamboree" in Dallas
Early September
Bill Haley and His Comets play the Casa Loma Ballroom in St.
Louis They are starting a tour through the West Coast states,
ending in Washington on October 16.
The Jive Bombers are set for a four-week run at the French Quarter in Union City, New Jersey.
It is reported in the music press that Rosco Gordon is scheduled for an upcoming tour of South America in the immediate future.
Johnny Cash is hospitalized in Memphis with a throat aliment that ultimately requires minor surgery. He is told by his doctors to refrain from touring for at least a month.
September 8
Louis Jordan and his Tympany
Five and B.B. king and his combo share the spotlight for a show
at the Municipal Auditorium in new Orleans.
September 10
Jimmie Rogers returns to
"The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV to plug
"Honeycomb".
September 12
On "American
Bandstand", the Tune Weavers sing "Happy, Happy
Birthday Baby".
September 13
Continuing to travel north.
the "Biggest Show of Stars for'57" tour plays Hershey,
Pennsylvania, tonight and the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto
tomorrow.
The Everly Brothers sing "Wake Up Little Susie" on "American Bandstand.
At the Apollo Theater, the week's revue features Dinah Washington, the Charts, and Ocie Smith.
Mickey and Sylvia, Otis Williams and His Charms, Sonny Til and the Orioles, and Jackie Wilson hit the boards at Washington DC's Howard Theater.
September 14
Eddie Fountaine guests on
"Stage Show" on CBS-TV.
September 15
"The Ed Sullivan
Show" is visited by Billy Ward and His Dominoes who sing
"Stardust" and their latest release, "Deep
Purple".
Mid-September
Based on their faith in the Westrex SteroDisk system,
RCA Victor announces that stereophonic records will become a
commercial reality in 1958.
Capitol Records signs the entire Johnny Otis Revue to recording contracts.
The Coasters, the Five Satins, and the Cellos play the Mammouth Gardens in Denver.
Mercury/Starday Records signs song writer J.P.
"Jape" Richardson, a disc jockey at KTRM, Beaumont,
Texas. Richardson has recorded a couple of sides for D Records
and has had several songs recorded by other artists on Starday
and Hickory Records.
The Nelsons are in litigation with Verve
Records over Ricky's recording contract. Verve who had issued his
first two releases sues for breech of contract when Ricky signs
with Imperial Records. The Nelsons countersue asking for $42,000
in unpaid royalties. Then Verve countersues for one million
dollars in damages.
Ruth Brown and her husband, Earl Swan, tenor sax session musician with Atlantic Records, announce the birth of their first child. Brown's maternity leave will last only two weeks, as she has bookings scheduled through mid-October.'
September 16
"American
Bandstand" hosts Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps and the
Diamonds appear on ABC-TV
September18
"The Biggest Show of
Stars for'57" is set for a run through the Deep South and to
avoid segregation laws, several acts including Paul Anka, Jimmy
Bowen and Buddy Knox with the Rhythm Orchids and Buddy Holly and
the Crickets, depart, while Jimmie and Joe, the Spaniels, and the
Bobbettes are added.
On "American Bandstand" Frankie Avalon, a local Philadelphia teenager best known for his trumpet playing, makes a non-performing appearance.
CBS-TV premiers "The Big Record", a weekly variety program hosted by Patti Page. Tonight's guest are Sal Mineo and Billy Ward and His Dominoes.
September 20
Arther Neville and the
Hawkettes play a "back to school" dance for teenagers
at the Labor Union Hall in New Orleans.
Joe Bennett and the Sparkeltones begin an "indefinite" engagement at the Royal Nevada Theater in Las Vegas. They continue at the hotel through October.
The Howard Theater in Washington DC offers a New Orleans flavored revue this week. Featured are Larry Williams, Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Huey Smith and the Clowns, Bobby Marchen, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the Lovers and the Mello-Kings.
September 21
The two musicians who have
been with Elvis Presley throughout his professional career,
Scotty Moore and Bill Black, quit the act over a dispute over
wages
. In New York, Johnny Mathis and the Flamingos share this week's billing at the Apollo Theater.
September 26
The Rays lip-sync
"Silhouettes" on "American Bandstand" today.
Lavern Baker headlines the :Biggest Show of Stars for '57" show at New Orleans's Municipal Auditorium.
September 27
Jerry Lee Lewis headlines
the Apollo Theater. During his nine minutes on stage he played
four songs.
Elvis Presely plays the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show and Fair in his birthplace of Tupelo, Mississippi. The show is a benefit to raise money to build the Elvis Presley Youth Recreation Center that is to be built near the house in which he was born.
Roy Hamilton is welcomed to the Flame Show Bar in Detroit.
September 28
The "Biggest Show of
Stars for '57" tour heads west with a show at the Municipal
Auditorium in Tulsa.
September 29
Carl Perkins plays a concert
in Kansas City.
September 30
Bill Haley and His Comets
begin a major tour of Europe that will cover France, Germany,
Switzerland, Italy. Belgium, and Greece.
The Clabon Theater in New Orleans offers a rock 'n' roll show this week featuring Professor Longhair, Bobby Mitchell, Big Boy Myles, and the "original" Clovers.
Late September
"Mister Rock and Roll" is released to
theaters. Featuring Alan Freed, the nonstop parade of performers
includes Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, LaVern Baker, Clyde
McPahatter, the Moonglows, Little Richard, Brook Benton, Teddy
Randazzo, and Ferlin Huskey.
October 1
Swinging back through Texas,
"The Biggest Show of Stars '57" continues with a
performance at the Dallas Auditorium.
Little Richard's tour of new South Wales and Australia begins with a show in Woolongomg, NSW. Along with Richard are Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, and Alis Lesley, a female Elvis Presley impersonator.
October 4
Jackie Wilson sings Reet
Petite on "American Bandstand".
The Del Vikings headline a show at the Apollo Theater this week. Also sharing the spotlight are the Tunedrops, Varetta Dillard, the Mello-Kings, Slim Gailard, and Earl Bostic's combo.
October 5
Joe Poovey and Gene Rambo
bring their style of Texas rockabilly to the "Big D
Jamboree" in Dallas tonight.
October 6
Jimmy Reed plays the Sunday
Ball at the Blue Eagle in New Orleans.
The Everly Brothers appear on
CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show".
October 10
Buddy Holly and the Crickets
rejoin "The Biggest Show of Stars for '57" for the
final six-week push.
On "American Bandstand", Thurston Harris sings "Little Bitty Pretty One".
October 11
In a rare move for "American
Bandstand" the De Viking perform all three of their hits,
"Come Go With Me", "Whispering Bells", and
"Cool Shake".
Jerry Lee Lewis begins a week-long stand at the Casino Royal in Washington.
Also In Washington, Earl Bostic, Dale Hawkins, Little Joe and the Thrillers, Lee Andrews and the Hearts, and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson entertain this week at the Howard Theater.
Roy Hamilton headlines
this week's show at the Apollo Theater. Performing with Hamilton
are the Tune Wearers, the Lovers, Billy Barnes, and Ann Cole.
October 13
In Sydney, Australia Little
Richard announces he is quitting Rock and Roll. He plans to be
baptized in to the Seventh Day Adventist Church
Mid-October
Johnny Nash is awarded an every-other-week spot on the Arthur
Godfrey's morning radio show.
October 16
Recovered from his throat
recent throat surgery, Johnny Cash takes to the road with a show
in Valdosta, Georgia.
October 17
Jailhouse Rock,
Elvis Presely's third motion picture premiers at the Loew's State
Theater in Memphis. As a high school student Presley had been an
usher there. The movie opens at theaters on Nov 8
October 18
Little Richard fulfills his
recording contract with Specialty Records by recording a half
dozen songs in a three hour session at Master Recorders. It will
be six years before he records again.
The Coasters headline a traveling revue opening tonight in Oklahoma City. Also on the bill are Lowell Fulson, Lillian Offitt, the Cadillacs, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, and the Ernie Freeman combo.
Jerry Lee Lewis is top-billed on a show in Miami that features Johnny Cash and other country performers.
Billy Ward and His Dominoes appear at the Apollo Theater this week. Also spending time in the spotlight are Little Joe and the Thrillers, the Chantels, Charlie and Ray, the Five Satins, and Bobby Darin.
Also appearing in Washington, the Sheperd Sisters open for a week at the Casino Royal.
October 19
Billy Williams opens a
two-day engagement at Philadelphia's Erie Social Club.
October 20
A star-studded revue produced
by Alan Freed takes England by storm.
October 21
On "American
Bandstand" the Five Satins sing "To the Aisle".
The show's other performing guest is the Rover Boys,
October 23
Chuck Willis makes a
one-night stand at the Mammouth Gardens in Denver.
October 25
Bill Haley and his Comets
begin a month-long tour of South America. They play one-week
stands in Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Rio De Janeiro.
At the Washington Howard Theater, the headliners this week are the Five Satins, the Five Keys, and the Moonglows.
October 26
Gene Vincent appears on
"The Dick Clark Show" on ABC-TV.
Elvis Presley starts a brief four-day, three-city tour of California with two shows at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium.
Joe Bennett and the Sparkletones are guest on CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show".
October 28
The Shepherd Sisters open for
a week at Philadelphia's Copa Club.
During his two-day appearance (28-29) at the Pan Pacific Ballroom in Los Angeles, Elvis Presley is ordered by local police to "clean up" his act.
One of the biggest shows to hit New Orleans this year features Joe Turner, Ray Charles, Mickey and Sylvia, Roy Brown, Larry Williams, Bo Diddley, Nappy Brown, the Velours, and Annie Laurie.
Bill Doggett combo plays a one night stand at the Graystone Ballroom in Detroit.
October 31
In Regina "The Biggest Show of
Stars of'57" add the Diamonds to its roster.
Jimmie Rogers guests on the CBS-TV show "The Shower of Stars".
Late October
The Platters wind up their eight-week tour of Latin
America and fly to Paris where they open at the Olympia Theater.
November 1
"The Biggest Show of
Stars of'57" winds down in its final month of dates, playing
the Arena Auditorium in Denver tonight.
The Apollo Theater in New York welcomes Little Willie John, the Heartbeats, Donnie Elbert, the Dubs, the Channels, Linda Hopkins, And Arnett Cobb trio for the week.
November
Little Richard was scheduled
to rip it up at the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans from 8:00
p.m. to midnight. Unfortunately for his fans, his conversion to
religion took precedence.
Paul Anka and Jimmie Rogers appear on the "Ed Su;;ivan Show" on CBS-TV.
The "Fall Fantabulous Rock and Roll Show" tour, originally scheduled to wind up its original jaunt this evening is now booked to continue for two more weeks, visiting cities in Texas, Arizona, and New York.
Also on television Saturday night, Jerry Lee Lewis makes his third appearance on NBC-TV's "The Steve Allen Show".
"The Platters return to the United States from their lengthy tour of Latin America and Paris.
November 4
Jerry Lee Lewis sings his
latest release "Great Balls of Fire" on "American
Bandstand".
In the evening, Paul Anka appears on CBS-TV's "The Big Record Show".
November 5
On ABC-TV this afternoon, Joe
Bennett and the Sparkletones appear on "American
Bandstand".
Early November
With Little Richard off to seminary, leadership of his band, the
Upsetters, has been taken over by vocalist Dee Clark
November 8
Chicago's Regal Theater
hosts Screamin' Jay Hawkins, the Dells and Big Maybelle for this
week.
Little Willie John, Linda Hopkins, The Channels and Bobby Day and the Satellites begin a week-long run at Washington DC Howard Theater.
After three years in show business, Chuck Berry makes his television debut lip-syncing his recording of "Rock and Roll Music" on "American Bandstand".
B.B. King opens a week-long stand at the Flame Show Bar in Detroit.
November 9
Elvis Presley performs for
15,000 fans at the Honolulu Stadium. The next night, he plays for
the troops at the Southfield Barracks in Pearl Harbor.
November 12
"Jamboree", the
latest motion picture with a rock 'n' roll theme opens
nationwide.
November 15
The Five Satins begin a tour
of Hawaii with a show in Honolulu.
Washington's Howard Theater presents the Coasters, Ernie Freeman's combo and the Hollywood Flames for a week
Bill Haley and His Comets make a rare television appearance on "The Big Record" on CBS-TV.
Jackie Wilson, the Five Keys, and Ruth Brown fill out the week's revue at the Apollo Theater in New York.
Mid-November
Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps are scaling down their tours,
appearing at teen dances across the country. The act sells out
the house at the Prom Ball room, Minneapolis; the Armory in
Moorhead, North Dakota; the Riverside Ballroom in Green Bay; the
Crystal Ballroom in Fargo, North Dakota; and the Castle Rock
Ballroom in Trenton, New Jersey.
November 17
Gene Vincent and the Blue
Caps sing "Lotta Lovin'" and "Dance to the
Bop" on CBS-TV's "The Ed Sullivan Show"
November 19
Carl Perkins embarks on a
two-week tour of the West Coast.
November 17
The Mammoth Gardens in
Denver hosts Bill Doggett's combo for the evening.
November 22
Plugging their recently
released "Hey, Schoolgirl", Tom and Jerry perform on
"American Bandstand".
The Flame Show Bar in Detroit welcomes the Billy Williams Quartet as this week's entertainment.'
Ruth Brown, the Del Vikings with Kripp Johnson, and Jackie Wilson entertain this week's patrons at the Howard Theater in Washington DC.
November 23
The "Big D
Jamboree" in Dallas welcomes "Groovey' Joe Poovey and
Gene Rambo to the roster tonight.
November 26
Carl Perkins with Johnny
Cash and the Tennessee Two play Eureka, California. They travel
through Oregon entertaining in Medford (27), Klamath Falls (28),
Coquille (29), and Portland (30).
November 27
Bill Haley and His Comets
sing "(You Hit the Wrong Note) Billy Goat on "American
Bandstand".
Ricky Nelson currently on a brief Southern California tour, plays Long Beach. He is set for San Diego on the 29th.
Ray Charles and Billie Holiday play a benefit show at New York City's Carnegie Hall.
November 28
The Diamonds open a
week-long gig at the Lotus Club in Washington DC.
November 29
Remaining in New York, Ray
Charles headlines this week's show at the Apollo Theater, which
also features Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
Roy Hamilton headlines a week-long stand at the Howard Theater in Washington DC. Also appearing on the bill are the Tune Weavers, the Spaniels and Wynona Carr.
At Philadelphia Uptown Theater, Frankie Lymon headlines this week's revue which also features the Rays, Thurston Harris, Bill Myles and Lee Andrews and the Hearts
In Honolulu, a capacity crowd welcomes, the Five Satins, Don and Dewey, and Sonny Knight to the Civic Auditorium.
Jackie Wilson headlines this week's revue at the Flame Show Bar in Detroit. During the past year, he appeared frequently at the flame as a supporting act.
November 30
Wanda Jackson rocks the
"Big D Jamboree" in Dallas tonight.
Late November
Della Reese is currently playing an extended engagement at
Blinstrub's Club in Boston.
Gale Garnett, vocalist on "Art Ford's Greenwich Village Party" a local television show in New York, is signed to record an album for Megee Records.
December 1
Buddy Holly and the Crickets
make their television debut on "The Ed Sullivan
Show"singing "That will Be the Day" and
"Peggy Sue"
The Carl Perkins -Johnny Cash tour continues with as show in Richmond, Oregon, Other dates include Boise (2); Salt Lake City (3); and Grand Junction, Colorado (4)
.December 2
Danny and the Juniors guest
on "American Bandstand" singing "At the Hop".
On the same program Jimmy Dee sings "Henrietta".
December 5
The Diamonds introduce a new
dance called The Stroll on "American Bandstand" Kids
form two lines while a couple strolls down the middle.
December 6
The Chicago Civic Opera
House hosts a rock 'n' roll show featuring Jerry Lee Lewis, Sam
Cooke, the Rays, the Del Vikings, Nick Todd, Bonnie Guitar and
the Four Lads.
In New York, this week's
revue at the Apollo Theater features Clyde McPhatter with the
Spaniels and the Bobbettes.
December 7
The Everly Brothers appear
on NBC-TV's "The Perry Como Show".
In Los Angeles, Gene Vincent guests on "Hometown Jubilee" on KTLA-TV, Channel Five.
The "Big D Jamboree" in Dallas welcomes Johnny Carroll, Gene Rambo, and Joe Poovey tonight.
Bill Haley and His Comets play a gig in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
Inaugurating the first of many trips abroad, Paul Anka plays the Trocadero Theater in London.
Early December
Ronnie Self who is contacted to appear on "The Phillip
Morris Country Music Show", a goodwill unit giving free
shows throughout the South and Midwest, takes a brief break of
absence to tour the Midwest plugging his Columbia release,
"Ain't I a Dog".
December 8
The Platters appear CBS-TV's
"The Ed Sullivan Show",
Sal Mineo performs on NBC-TVs "The Steve Allen Show".
December 9
Mickey and Sylvia open for a
week at Sciolla's club in Philadelphia. Also in town are the
Applejacks, playing a week-long engagement at the 19th Hole
Tavern.
December 11
The Four Esquires make a
guest appearance on "the Big Record" on CBS-TV.
December 12
Jerry Lee Lewis 22,
marries 13 year old second cousin Myra Gale Brown in Hernando,
Mississippi while still married to to another woman.
With pending release of "Dede Dinah", Frankie Avalon is asked back to "American Bandstand".
Sam Cooke headlines a show at the Casino Royal in Washington this week.
December 13
Brenda Lee is making the
rounds of radio and television stations in Chicago before
appearing tomorrow in Columbus, Indiana for employees of Hamilton
Manufacturing Company.
December 14
Gene Vincent and the Blue
Caps play in Dallas on the "Big D Jamboree".
Mid-December
A story currently circulating through the music industry points
to the speed which an independent label's "hot" record
can be picked up and released by a major company.
December 16
Gene Vincent and Bobby Helms
appear on "American Bandstand".
December 17
Bobby Darin, still hoping
for his first hit, stops by "American Bandstand" to be
interviewed by Dick Clark.
December 19
Elvis Presley receives his
draft notice to report for two years of service in the US Army on
Jan 20, 1958.
December 0
The Cadillacs headline the
revue at the Apollo Theater in New York through Christmas Eve.
December 21
Freddy Bell and the Bell
Boys start an extended engagement at the Cafe De Paris in Miami
Beach.
December 22
Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers
perform on "The Ed Sullivan Show".
December 23
ABC-TV's "American
Bandstand" welcomes the four Esquires.
December 25
Alan Freed's annual
Christmas-week show at the Brooklyn Paramount opens for a ten-day
run, grossing $193,000 to break the house record, which has stood
since Frank Sinatra's heydays in the 1940s.
Also tonight, Paul Anka and Danny and the Juniors make an appearance on CBS-TV's "The Big Record".
The Four Esquires guest on "The Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS-TV.
In Detroit, the Graystone Ballroom's holiday show features the cCovers, Pee Wee Crayton, and "local boy made good" Jackie Wilson.
Chuck Berry entertains in the hometown revelers at the Dugout Club in St. Louis.
Chuck Willis , Charlie and Ray, the Heartbeats, Ocie Snith, and the Velours entertain the holiday crowd at the Washington Howard Theater through January 2.
December 28
Carl Perkins and Sanford
Clark blow the lid off the State Theater in Niagara Falls as the
only rockers on the otherwise country show.
December 30
Jimmie Rodgers starts a
six-day run at the Frontier Room in Vancouver, Washington.
Late December
RCA Victor announces a retail price hike for 45 r.p.m.
singles from 89 to 98 cents. Over the next two weeks RCA is
followed by Mercury and Imperial, than eventually by all record
companies.
The 98 cent price for a single 45 r.p.m. record will hold steady for the next twenty-five years which must be some sort of "record" itself.B