On January 15, 1972, “American Pie,”, an epic poem in musical
form that has long been etched in popular consciousness, hit
#1 on the Billboard charts.

The story of Don McLean’s magnum opus begins almost 13
years before its release, on a date with significance well-known
to any American who was alive and conscious at the time.

Donald McLean III will be 80 years old in October.

NEW YORK (TNND) — According to a family statement,  Wayne
Osmond, who was one of the founding members of the family
act The Osmonds, died January 1 at the age of 73 after suffering 
a massive stroke.      
 

ED DANAHUE

Bo Diddley (Ellas Otha Bates)
(December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008)

Bo Diddley played a key role in the transition from
the blues to rock and roll. He influenced many artists,
including Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and the Beatles.      
 

His use of African rhythms and a signature beat, a
simple  five-accent hambone rhythm, is a cornerstone
of hip hop, rock, and pop music.     

.

   
Alton Glen "Glenn" Miller
(March 1, 1904 – December 15, 1944)

After departing from an airfield outside London on December
15, 1944, a single-engine aircraft carrying trombonist and
bandleader Glenn Miller went missing over the English
Channel.

Miller was traveling to France for a congratulatory performance
for American troops that had recently helped to liberate Paris.

The wreckage of Miller’s plane was never found. His official
military status remains Missing in Action.

A U.S. Army Air Forces Noorduyn UC-64A Norseman
from the 3rd Air Commando Group.

 
Published in 1939.

John Lennon, a former member of the Beatles, the rock group
that transformed popular music in the 1960s,was shot and
killed by an obsessed fan in New York City.

The 40-year-old artist was entering his Manhattan apartment 
building when Mark David Chapman shot him four times at
close range with a .38-caliber revolver.

Mark David Chapman (69).