Entertainment History
On March 28, 1958, W.C. Handy, the composer known as "the father of the
blues," died of natural causes in New York at the age of 84. He's
perhaps best known for his "Memphis Blues" and "St. Louis Blues. Also
in 1958, Eddie Cochran recorded "Summertime Blues. In 1964, Madame
Tussaud's (too-SOHZ') in London announced that The Beatles would become
the first pop stars to be cast in wax. In 1974, bluesman Arthur "Big
Boy" Crudup (KROOD'-uhp) died of a stroke at the age of 69. Crudup
wrote the Elvis Presley hit "That's All Right (Mama). In 1976, Genesis
opened its first North American tour in Buffalo, New York, with drummer
Phil Collins as lead vocalist. Genesis had auditioned more than 400
singers to replace Peter Gabriel. In 1990, comedian Richard Pryor was
discharged from an Australian hospital after being treated for a mild
heart attack. Also in 1990, singer Eddy Arnold underwent heart bypass
surgery in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1995, Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett
announced they were separating after 21 months of marriage. In 1996,
Phil Collins announced he was leaving Genesis. In 1998, "The Capeman,"
Paul Simon's 11-million-dollar musical starring Marc Anthony, closed on
Broadway after 69 regular performances. Today's Birthdays: Harmonica
player Charlie McCoy ("Hee Haw") is 76. Actress Conchata Ferrell ("Two
and a Half Men") is 74. Actress Dianne Wiest (weest) is 71. Country
singer Reba McEntire is 62. Rapper Salt of Salt-N-Pepa is 51. Country
singer Rodney Atkins is 48. Actor Vince Vaughn is 47. Rapper Mr. Cheeks
of Lost Boyz is 46. Actor Ken L. ("The Parkers") is 44.
Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson is 44. Guitarist Dave Keuning of The
Killers is 41. Actress Julia Stiles is 36. Singer Lady Gaga is 31.
