On July 17th, 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California.

In 1959, jazz singer Billie Holiday died in a New York hospital while under arrest for narcotics possession. She was 44.

In 1961, The Supremes released their first record, “Buttered Popcorn.”

Also in 1961, John Chancellor replaced Dave Garroway on the “Today” show, but admitted he hated the job and wanted out after the first day.

In 1965, “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” by James Brown was released. It sold more than two million copies.

In 1967, Jimi Hendrix performed as the opening act for The Monkees in New York.

In 1968, the animated Beatles film “Yellow Submarine” premiered at the London Pavilion.

In 1982, “Valley Girl” by Frank Zappa and his 14-year-old daughter, Moon Unit, entered the pop chart.

In 1986, 50 people were hurt in gang violence outside a Run-DMC show in Long Beach, California.

In 1991, the revamped Lynyrd Skynyrd opened its world tour in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Also in 1991, James Brown was honored by his native state of Georgia for his comeback following a two-year prison term.

In 1996, bassist Chas Chandler of The Animals died in a British hospital at age 57. He had been undergoing tests related to an aortic aneurysm.

Also in 1996, Smashing Pumpkins fired drummer Jimmy Chamberlin. The announcement came less than a week after Chamberlin was arrested on a drug charge and backup keyboardist Jonathan Melvoin was found dead of a heroin overdose.