The song “Twist and Shout” was the trio’s first record to
reach a Top 20 position in the Billboard Hot 100 singles
chart. The recording peaked at No. 17 on the pop top
40 charts, and No. 2 on the R&B charts.

Peter Criss (George Peter John Criscuola)

Criss established the "Catman" character for his Kiss persona.
He turned 71 on December 20.

(FOXNews) – Peter Criss is saying goodbye to the stage. The co-founder
of the rock group Kiss, formed in New York City in January 1973, and co-
author of its hit single "Beth” is retiring with a final show.

On Saturday, June 17, Criss will play what he said is his last U.S. concert
at New York City’s The Cutting Room. The audience can expect a mix of
Kiss classics, his own solo material, and covers he always wanted to
perform live but was told by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, "We don’t
do that; it’s not Kiss." Criss said,"I want to leave the stage happy."

ED DANAHUE

On this day in 1858, in a speech in Springfield, IL, Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved. He
declared, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

On this day in 1963, 26-year-old Valentina Tereshkova went into
orbit aboard the Vostok 6 spacecraft for three days. She was the
first female space traveler.

Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova turned
80 in March.

It was on this day in 1961, Rudolf Nureyev defected from the
Soviet Union while in Paris, traveling with the Leningrad Kirov
Ballet.