The hit record “This Diamond Ring” is attributed to Gary Lewis & the Playboys,
though it is widely believed none of the Playboys played their instruments on   
the recording and Lewis’ vocals were heavily supported by overdubs made 
by The Ron Kicklin Singers. a group of Los Angeles studio singers who
were backed by session musicians. Leon Russell was one of those
musicians who played keyboards and assisted with production.
   
 

Singer-songwriter Lou Christie (Luigi Alfredo Giovanni Sacco) is best known 
for his 1966 #1 hit “Lightnin’ Strikes” and his 3 octave vocal range.

Even though she was reluctant to record it, "Rock and Roll Waltz" by Kay Starr
become the first number one record by a female in the Rock era. The single 
went on to sell over a million copies. Kay would later say that she was never
asked to perform the record on TV and seldom sang it during a live show.

Kay Starr turned 89 in July

Brian Wilson in the recording booth

The song Good Vibrations was recorded by Wilson in sections at different studios
in order to capture the sound he heard in his head.The instrumental recording of
the first version of Good Vibrations was recorded on February 17, 1966. After 26
takes, a rough mono mix completed the session. Rough vocals were recorded the following day. By February 25, Wilson had placed the recording on hold in order
to devote attention to the Pet Sounds album. The track was revisited on May 24,
1966, and worked on until June 18, at which time he put it aside again until
August 24. The various sections of the song were edited together.

Brian Wilson became 69 on the 20th of June

“Duke of Earl" was the first of six hits for Gene Chandler. It held down the
number-one spot for three weeks and was on the Billboard Hot 100 for a
total of 15 weeks.

Gene Chandler turned 74 in July