Music History

In Denver, political activity surrounding the 2008 Democratic National Convention began, and artists including Kanye West, Rage Against The Machine and John Legend came to the city to perform.

Mackenzie Phillips, daughter of John Phillips of The Mamas And The Papas and former star of the television series “One Day At A Time”, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport at the age of 48 on suspicion of drug possession. She later pleaded guilty to cocaine possession and was sentenced to an eighteen-month drug treatment and diversion program.

Organizers of the French music festival Rock En Seine threatened legal action after Amy Winehouse cancelled her appearance. The singer did not attend the three-day festival in Paris, and according to the organizers, they received notification of the cancellation only two hours before her scheduled performance.

American rapper DMX pleaded guilty to attempting to purchase cocaine and marijuana in Miami. The 37-year-old singer, whose real name was Earl Simmons, pleaded guilty in a Florida court and was sentenced to a term covering time already served. He remained in custody awaiting extradition to Arizona over further charges related to drugs and animal cruelty.

Jonas Brothers began a two-week run at No. 1 on the US chart with their third studio album “A Little Bit Longer”.

Singer, guitarist, songwriter and actor Jerry Reed died at the age of 71 from complications associated with emphysema. He became known for songs including “Guitar Man,” “Amos Moses,” “When You’re Hot, You’re Hot,” “A Thing Called Love” and “Alabama Wild Man.” His song “East Bound and Down” became closely associated with his role in the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit. He appeared in a total of 23 films and reached the Billboard Country chart 52 times.