On May 31st, 1958, Sheb Wooley’s “Purple People Eater” hit the top of the pop charts and stayed there for six weeks.

In 1961, Chuck Berry opened Berry Park, an outdoor amusement park in Wentzville, Missouri.

In 1976, The Who got into the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the loudest rock band ever, when their concert in England measured 120 decibels. That record has since been broken.

In 1977, Emerson, Lake and Palmer began a tour of the U.S. accompanied by a 70-piece orchestra.

In 1978, The Trammps’ “Disco Inferno” album went gold.

In 1989, the first International Rock Awards Ceremony was held in New York City. The Traveling Wilburys’ “Volume One” was named album of the year, Guns N’ Roses won artist of the year, and newcomer of the year went to Living Colour.

In 1990, “Seinfeld” made its debut as “The Seinfeld Chronicles” on NBC.

In 1995, Ted Nugent placed his handprint and signature in cement in the Hollywood Rock Walk.

In 1996, singer Elsbeary Hobbs, who sang bass with The Drifters, died of throat and lung cancer in New York. He was 59.

In 1998, singer Geri Halliwell, better known as Ginger Spice, quit the Spice Girls.

In 2000, singer Johnnie Taylor died of an apparent heart attack at a hospital in Dallas. He was 62. He’s probably best known for songs like “Who’s Making Love” and “Disco Lady.” That same day, Latin bandleader Tito Puente (PWEN’-tay) died in New York from complications from open heart surgery. He was 77.

In 2006, Katie Couric appeared for the last time on NBC’s “Today” show after 15 years on the program. She left to anchor the “CBS Evening News.”