Rock and Metal History, a day like today April 6

1944 - Michelle Phillips (real name Holly Michelle Gilliam) of the Mamas and the Papas, was born in Long Beach, California.

1951 - Ralph Cooper was born, drummer for the Australian soft rock band Air Supply who scored the 1980 UK No.11 single 'All Out Of Love' and the 1981 US No.1 single 'The One That You Love'.

1963 -The Kingsmen recorded their version of the song "Louie Louie."

1968 - Pink Floyd announced founder Syd Barrett had officially left the group. Barrett was suffering from psychiatric disorders compounded by drug use.

1973 - David Bowie released 'Drive-In Saturday' which became a Top 3 UK hit.

1974 - The California Jam 1 festival took place in Ontario, California, featuring the Eagles, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Earth, Wind & Fire, ELP, Black Oak Arkansas and Seals & Croft. Over 200,000 fans attended.

1978 - Peter Frampton was a guest star on the final episode of Black Sheep Squadronon NBC-TV.

1990 - Tommy Lee (Motley Crue) suffered a mild concussion in New Haven,CT. when he fell after swinging from scaffolding above his elevated drum kit.

1999 - An all star tribute to singer, songwriter Johnny Cash took place in New York City with Sheryl Crow, Chris Isaak and U2 all performing for the TV special.

2003 - Linkin Park reached #1 on the US Album chart with Meteroa, the band's debut album.

2004 - Guitarist and singer Niki Sullivan, died suddenly of a heart attack, at his home in Independence, Missouri aged 66. Sullivan was one of the three original members of Buddy Holly's backing group, The Crickets.