This Day in Rock & Roll History for January 11

Clarence Clemons, saxophone player with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, is born. (1942)

The Whiskey-A-Go-Go opens its doors on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, the first rock club in the city. In the next decade and beyond, the Whiskey will be a popular meeting place for the record industry and a good place to be seen if you want to get into the industry. The Doors, among others, got their start there. (1963)

British Invasion band Herman's Hermits receive a gold record for the album "The Best of Herman's Hermits." (1966)

The Daily Mirror of London reports Jimi Hendrix has moved into the London townhouse where George Frederick Handel is believed to have composed "Water Music" and the "Messiah." Hendrix assures the newspaper that he will also compose in the Handel house and "not let the tradition down." (1968)

Jethro Tull's debut album, "This Was" is released. (1969)

Paul Simon becomes the first international star to perform in South Africa following the end of the UN cultural boycott. He began a concert tour in Johannesburg. (1992)

At the American Music Awards, Billy Joel is given the Special Award of Merit for his "inspired songwriting skills" and "exciting showmanship." Also at the show, Blondie (with four of the original members: Debbie Harry, Chris Stein, Jimmy Destri, and Clem Burke) perform on stage with rapper Coolio singing the band's "No Exit." (1999)

Gary Glitter is released from prison in Britain after serving half of a four month sentence on child pornography charges. (2000)

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