(Following Advance for Use Wednesday, March 26)

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

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MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP - MORNING PREP

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! ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY !

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On March 26th, 1957, Ricky Nelson recorded his first songs.

In 1961, Elvis Presley set a British chart first with three consecutive number-one releases: "It's Now or Never," ''Are You Lonesome Tonight?" and "Wooden Heart."

In 1965, guitarist Jeff Beck was announced as Eric Clapton's replacement in The Yardbirds.

In 1970, Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary pleaded guilty to "taking immoral liberties" with a 14-year-old girl in Washington. He had just recently won a Grammy for Best Recording for Children with the album "Peter Paul and Mommy."

In 1972, Mott the Hoople decided to disband after four albums, until David Bowie presented them a song called "All the Young Dudes." Mott the Hoople recorded it, while Bowie produced it, and the song hit the Top 40.

In 1974, David Essex's single "Rock On" turned gold. Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells," which was used in the movie "The Exorcist," also turned gold.

In 1977, Stiff Records released "Less Than Zero" backed with "Radio Sweetheart," the first single by Elvis Costello.

In 1980, drummer Jon-Jon Poulos of The Buckinghams died of a drug overdose. He was 32.

Also in 1980, Pink Floyd's "The Wall" broke the record for the longest-charting pop album, previously held by Carole King's "Tapestry."

In 1986, Guns N' Roses was signed to Geffen Records.

In 1995, rapper Eazy-E died of AIDS in Los Angeles at age 31.

In 1998, actor Leonardo DiCaprio filed a lawsuit against "Playgirl" magazine to prevent it from publishing nude pictures of him. The suit was later settled and the pictures ran in the magazine's October issue.

In 2004, singer Jan Berry of Jan and Dean died after having a seizure in Los Angeles. He was 62.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Leonard Nimoy is 83. Actor Alan Arkin is 80. Actor James Caan is 74. Singer Diana Ross is 70. Actor Johnny Crawford ("The Rifleman") is 68. Singer Steven Tyler of Aerosmith is 66. Singer-actress Vicki Lawrence is 65. Actor Ernest Thomas ("Everybody Hates Chris," ''What's Happening") is 65. Actor Martin Short is 64. Country singer Ronnie McDowell is 64. Drummer Monte Yoho of The Outlaws is 62. Country singer Dean Dillon is 59. Country singer Charly McClain is 58. Talk show host Leeza Gibbons is 57. Actress Jennifer Grey is 54. Actor Michael Imperioli ("Life on Mars," ''The Sopranos") is 48. Guitarist James Iha (EE'-hah) (Smashing Pumpkins) is 46. Country singer Kenny Chesney is 46. Actress Leslie Mann ("Knocked Up," ''This Is 40,") is 42. Actor T.R. Knight ("Grey's Anatomy") is 41. Rapper Juvenile is 39. Actress Amy Smart ("Road Trip," ''Felicity") is 39. Actress Keira Knightley ("Pride and Prejudice," ''Pirates of the Caribbean") is 29. Rapper J-Kwon is 28.

(Above for release Wednesday, March 26th)