1936 : Buddy Holly is born. He would live just 22 years, but influence many of the biggest stars of the ’60s, including The Beatles. Don McLean’s American Pie is about his death.

1984 : With most of her family (including her parents) on the road with The Jacksons Victory tour, 18-year-old Janet Jackson elopes with James DeBarge from the group DeBarge. The marriage would end eight months later.

1996 : Tupac is shot 5 times in a drive-by following a boxing match in Las Vegas. He would die 6 days later.

2008 : MTV makes up for trotting out a lethargic Britney Spears to open their previous year’s Video Music Awards by giving her three awards for Piece Of Me. Kanye West also debuts Love Lockdown on the show