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! ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

On January 19th, 1974, a nine-mile traffic jam kept fans from attending performances by Bob Dylan and The Band in Miami. Many ticketholders didn't get in until the show was half over, prompting a few demonstrations.

In 1976, promoter Bill Sargent offered The Beatles at least $30 million to reunite for a concert in the US. Sargent estimated that the reunion show could gross up to $300 million. They refused.

In 1977, Aretha Franklin sang "God Bless America" at a special inaugural concert for President-elect Jimmy Carter, who took the oath of office the next day.

In 1980, Michael Jackson got his first gold record, for "Off the Wall." In 1989, Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle teamed up for a version of "Stand By Your Man" in honor of President-elect George Bush.

Other celebrities at the Inaugural Gala included Clint Eastwood, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.

In 1993, Fleetwood Mac reunited for the Inaugural Gala for President-elect Bill CLinton.

Also in 1993, singer Tom Waits was allowed to keep the $2.5 million that a judge awarded him after he sued Frito-Lay for using a sound-alike in a commercial. The Supreme Court refused to change the amount of the award.

In 1998, rockabilly pioneer Carl Perkins died in Jackson, Tennessee, of complications from a recent series of strokes. He was 65.

In 2006, singer Wilson Pickett died of a heart attack in Reston, Virginia. He was 64.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Jean Stapleton is 86. Actor Fritz Weaver is 83. Actress Tippi Hedren is 79. Movie director Richard Lester is 77. Singer Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers is 70.

Actor-singer Michael Crawford is 67. Actress Shelley Fabares (fab-RAY') is 65. Country singer Dolly Parton is 63. TV chef Paula Deen is 62. Singer Martha Davis of The Motels is 58. Singer Dewey Bunnell (buh-NEL') of America is 57. Actor Desi Arnaz Junior is 56.

Comedian Paul Rodriguez is 54. Actress Katey Sagal ("Married...With Children") is 52. Keyboardist Mickey Virtue of UB40 is 52. Actor Paul McCrane ("ER") is 48. Singer Whitfield Crane of Ugly Kid Joe is 41. Singer Trey Lorenz is 40.

Singer-guitarist John Wozniak of Marcy Playground is 38. Actress Drea (DRAY'-uh) de Matteo ("Joey," "The Sopranos") is 37.

Actress Jodie Sweetin ("Pants-off Dance off," "Full House") is 27.

(Above for release Monday, January 19th)


Copyright 2009, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 01-12-09 1157CST | save this article / add to your favorites list