This Day in Music

2000 - Yusuf Islam, born Stephen Georgiou and formerly known by his stage name Cat Stevens denies that he has in the past supported militant Islamic group Hamas. Islam was denied entry into Israel because he allegedly gave money to Hamas during his last visit to the country in 1998.

1999 - Limp Bizkit frontman and Interscope senior executive Fred Durst is arrested in St. Paul, Minn. after allegedly kicking a local security guard in the head during the band's show at Roy Wilkins Auditorium.

1998 - In Toronto, Mayor Mel Lastman lashes out at the Spice Girls for backing out of a promise to perform at a free outdoor event in front of Toronto's City Hall. They choose instead to appear on MuchMusic, a Canadian music channel.

1998 - Singer/songwriter Jimmy Driftwood dies in Fayetteville, Ark., of a heart attack. He is 91. Driftwood, who was born James Corbett Morris, was best known for writing the Grammy-winning songs "The Battle Of New Orleans," "Wilderness Road," and "Tennessee Stud."

1996 - Composer Gottfried von Einem dies at the age of 78.

1992 - Police arrest Guns N' Roses lead singer Axl Rose at New York's Kennedy Airport on charges related to a 1991 incident at a concert in St. Louis. The singer is said to have started a melee by diving into a crowd during the Guns N' Roses concert.

1979 - Minnie Riperton dies of cancer at the age of 30. She is a member of Stevie Wonder's backup group, Wonderlove, in 1973. Her biggest solo hit is the million-selling No. 1 song "Lovin' You" in 1975.

1978 - The O'Jays celebrate their 20th anniversary.

1969 - Blind Faith makes its live debut in the United States at Madison Square Garden in New York.

1962 - The Rolling Stones make their performing debut at the Marquee Club in London.

1954 - Elvis Presley signs his first recording contract (Sun Records) and quits his job as a truck driver.