Time to take a look back into this day in rock history: August 31
1968
Mick Jagger is inspired by a March anti-war rally at the US embassy in London to write “Street Fighting Man”. Mounted police attempt to rein in 25,000 protestors. Many US stations refuse to play it because of the lyrics, but it still becomes one of the Rolling Stones most popular tunes.
1974
After 96 episodes, ABC’s The Partridge Family airs for the final time in prime time. Loosely based on Canton’s Cowsills it was originally supposed to star the family act but there was some discussion whether to include their mother. Instead, they went with actors including Susan Dey, Danny Bonaduce, Shirley Jones and, of course, David Cassidy.
1976
“Subconscious plagiarism”. That’s the ruling in the lawsuit against George Harrison over similarities with “My Sweet Lord”. Earnings are awarded to the estate of songwriter Ronnie Mack and the Chiffons, who recorded the original, does a version of “My Sweet Lord”.
1984
Due to high ticket demand, Prince’s Purple Rain opens for late night showings in the UK.
2007
New York says goodbye to Hilly Kristal, the man behind the Bowery punk club CBGB. Kristal was 75 and suffered from lung cancer. The letters CBGB OMFUG on the marquee stood for “country, bluegrass, blues and other music for uplifting gourmandisers.” Talking Heads and many others played here.The CBGB awning was later auctioned by Sotheby’s. (Photo from Sotheby’s website)
2018
The “Queen of Soul” and the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin, is laid to rest at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple, with Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson and others performing in tribute.
