- MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP -

! TODAY IN ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

On August 26th, 1946, Norma Jean Baker was signed to a contract with 20th Century Fox, who changed her name to Marilyn Monroe.

In 1968, The Beatles released "Hey Jude" as a single.

In 1970, Jimi Hendrix played what proved to be his last concert, at the Isle of Wight Pop Festival off the English coast. Three weeks later, Hendrix died in London.

In 1978, fans caused massive traffic tie-ups on roads leading to the Canada Jam rock festival. Headliners like The Commodores, Dave Mason and Triumph had to be brought in by helicopter.

In 1980, bassist Tom Petersson left Cheap Trick to form his own band. He rejoined Cheap Trick in 1988.

Also in 1980, jazz tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest died in Michigan. He composed the classic "Night Train." In 1983, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" starring David Bowie, opened in the U-S.

In 1987, Sonny Bono announced he was running for mayor of Palm Springs, California.

In 1991, Roseanne and Tom Arnold filed a lawsuit against the "National Enquirer" because of a story that said they trashed a mansion they rented. The homeowner had sued, claiming they caused 200-thousand dollars in damage.

Also in 1991, Randy Newman won an Emmy award for writing music for the T-V show "Cop Rock." In 1996, "Airwolf" star Jan-Michael Vincent was in a traffic accident in southern California that left him temporarily paralyzed.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Vic Dana is 64. Singer Valerie Simpson of Ashford and Simpson is 60. Singer Bob Cowsill of the Cowsills is 57. Bandleader Branford Marsalis is 46. Country guitarist Jimmy Olander of Diamond Rio is 45. Actor Chris Burke ("Life Goes On") is 41. Singer Shirley Manson (Garbage) is 40. Guitarist Dan Vickery of Counting Crows is 40. Drummer Adrian Young of No Doubt is 37.

Actress Melissa McCarthy ("Gilmore Girls") is 36. Actor Macaulay Culkin is 26. Actress Keke Palmer ("Akeelah and the Bee") is 13.

(Above for release Saturday, August 26th) Copyright 2006, The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 08-14-06 0906CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list