1976 Mal Evans, a former Beatles assistant road manager and friend, was killed by police at his home in Los Angeles. Officers responded to a call from Evans girlfriend in which she said he had a gun and was acting confused. The police shot Evans in the head when he apparently pointed, what turned out to be an air rifle, at responding officers. Mal Evans was 40 years old.
1997, Sonny Bono was killed in a skiing accident when he hit a tree at Heavenly Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe. The former member of the Sonny & Cher duo, former Mayor of Palm Springs, and member of the US House of Representatives was 62 years old.
Birthdays
1923, Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records and discovered recording talents Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash. Sun Records was also the first record label of Elvis Presley. Phillips died on July 30, 2003 at 80 years old.
1940, Athol Guy, singer, The Seekers.
1941, Grady Thomas, member of the bands Parliament and Funkadelic. In 1997, Thomas was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of these bands.
1949, George Brown, drummer, Kool & The Gang.
1950, Chris Stein, co-founder & guitarist, Blondie.