This Day in Beatle History

June 6

1966 (Jun 6) - Paul's Old English Sheepdog Martha is Born

Paul’s Old English sheep dog Martha is born. She is the ‘Martha’ referenced in ‘Martha My Dear.’

1971 (Jun 6) - John & Yoko Jam With Frank Zappa

John & Yoko jammed live on stage with Frank Zappa at The Filmore East in New York. Some of these recordings were released in 1972, on John Lennon’s third post-Beatles album, Some Time in New York City.

1971 (Jun 6) - The Final 'Ed Sullivan Show'

The Ed Sullivan Show airs its final show, going out with guests Jerry Vale and Gladys Knight & The Pips after 23 years on the air.

1986 (Jun 6) - Dick Rowe, 'The Man Who Turned Down The Beatles' Dies

A&R man Dick Rowe died of diabetes. Rowe became famous for not signing The Beatles to Decca records and made the classic quote ‘Nobody cares about guitar group’s anymore.’ He did however sign The Rolling Stones to Decca.

2006 (Jun 6) - Billy Preston Dies of Kidney Failure

Billy Preston died of kidney failure. The Grammy-winning keyboard player collaborated with some of the greatest names in the music industry, including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Nat King Cole, Little Richard, Ray Charles, George Harrison, Elton John, Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan.

2008 (Feb 20) - Beatles' Autographed Rolling Stones Album Auctioned

A 1976 Rolling Stones album bought for £2 at a car boot sale sold for £4,000 at an auction. The ‘Black and Blue’ LP was signed by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Paul and Linda McCartney and George Harrison as well as members of the Rolling Stones. The seller obtained the album after haggling the cost down from £3.