From The Beach Boys to The Sex Pistols, it's all here!

July 18

1988 - The Beach Boys single 'Kokomo' was released. 

Written by John Phillips, Scott McKenzie, Mike Love and Terry Melcher, the song was recorded by The Beach Boys in 1988.The lyrics describe two lovers taking a trip to a relaxing island in the Florida Keys called Kokomo, which is said to only be seen by those of pure heart.

July 19

1989 - James Brown changed accommodations behind bars after $40000 in cash and cheques was discovered in his minimum security cell

The Godfather of Soul had been given a six year sentence the previous December after several run-ins with the law, including illegal gun possession, resisting arrest, assault and leading the authorities on a number of car chases. His new home was at a medium security cell at the Stevenson Correctional Institute.

July 20

1986 - The film based on the life of Sex Pistol Sid Vicious, 'Sid And Nancy' premiered in London.

When the Sex Pistols break up after their fateful US tour, Vicious attempts a solo career while in the grip of heroin addiction. One morning, Nancy is found stabbed to death and Sid is arrested for her murder.

July 21

1987, Guns N’ Roses released their debut album 'Appetite for Destruction'.

The album featured the singles 'Welcome to the Jungle', 'Sweet Child o' Mine', and 'Paradise City'. Today, it has worldwide sales in excess of 28 million, 18 million of which are in the US, making it the best-selling debut album of all time there.

July 22

1989 - Simply Red scored their first UK No.1 album with their third release 'A New Flame'.

The album was a huge success worldwide, becoming certified 7x Platinum by the BPI for sales of 2,100,000 copies in the UK alone. The album was also certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. 

July 23

1989 - Ringo Starr goes solo

Starr kicked off his first tour since the break-up of the Beatles with a show in Dallas. His backup band included guitarist Joe Walsh, organist Billy Preston and Bruce Springsteen's sax man Clarence Clemons.

July 24

1984 - The Rev. C.L. Franklin died, (father of soul singer Aretha Franklin).

Franklin who was an American Baptist minister as well as a Civil Rights activist had been in a coma since 1979 after being shot by burglars at his home in Detroit.

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