Zing Boom Tar-Rar-Rel

June 15, 1996: Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald dies at age 78. She defined what it is to be a female jazz singer, using her voice like an instrument, over a career that spanned almost 60 years.

June 15, 1992: Bruce Springsteen opens his first-ever tour without the E Street Band in support of the albums Human Touch and Lucky Town.

June 15, 1988: A photographer snaps a picture of Springsteen and backup singer Patti Scialfa sharing an intimate moment backstage, thus confirming rumors of their involvement. Always an original, the Boss--he married the trophy wife first (model/actresss Julianne Philliips) and then married the regular girl and had a family.

June 15, 1968: Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery dies at age 45. Created a unique style by playing without a pick. Key albums: The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery (1960) and Smokin' at the Half Note (with the Wynton Kelly Trio, originally released in 1966, newly released earlier this year with extra material).

June 15, 1965: Bob Dylan records "Like a Rolling Stone," his first electric record. Organist Al Kooper is praised for his unusual style on the record, but admits it's because he could barely play and was just trying to keep up.

Number One Songs on This Date:
1990: "Hold On"/Wilson Phillips. Given their pedigree, they were never not going to be successful. Their biggest failing may have been that they didn't realize it.

1978: "You're the One That I Want"/John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Dumb but irresistable, even with Travolta's yodeling.

1974: "Billy Don't Be a Hero"/Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. Dumb but irresistable, even with that cheesy martial flute.

1961: "Running Scared"/Roy Orbison. In which he seems to be building to a high note he can't possibly reach, only to nail it in spectacular fashion. His most mindblowing, chill-inducing vocal performance, ever.

1939: "Beer Barrel Polka"/Will Glahe. The unofficial state song of Wisconsin.