This Day in Rock & Roll History for January 9

Jimmy Page, guitarist with Led Zeppelin, is born. (1944)

Emile Ford and the Checkmates, a U.K. group of Bahamian immigrants, becomes the first homeland black act to top the British charts when "What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For?," hits Number One. Arrow 93 disc jockey Robin Banks' friend Ray Stock, played drums on the single. Banks said Stock was not allowed to sit down at a drum kit. He had to stand up and bash a snare drum. (1960)

The U.S. Jaycees present Elvis Presley with an award honoring him as one of the "ten outstanding young men of America." Upon receiving the award, Presley made a short speech. A recording of it was made available on the soundtrack to the documentary "This Is Elvis." (1971)

Mick Jagger is refused a Japanese visa on account of a 1969 drug bust, halting the Stones' plans to tour the Orient. Asked by a reporter about his personal drug use, Jagger replied, "I don't take drugs. I don't approve of drugs and I don't approve of people taking drugs, unless they're very careful." (1973)

British heavy metal band Deep Purple earns a gold record for it's eleventh album, Stormbringer. (1975)

A benefit concert called A Gift of Song -- the Music of UNICEF Concert is held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. NBC tapes for broadcast the following night. Those performing include Olivia Newton-John, Rita Coolidge, the Bee Gees, Rod Stewart, Donna Summer, John Denver, Kris Kristofferson, Abba and Earth, Wind & Fire. They help to raise about a half-million dollars for the world hunger organization. (1979)

Keyboard player Jerry Dammers and singer Terry Hall of the Specials are fined in London for inciting violence at a concert last fall. (1981)

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