Today in Entertainment History

(AP) Today in Entertainment History.

On August 25th, 1970, Elton John made his U.S. debut at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles. The performance kicked off a brief tour and led to a recording contract with MCA.

In 1973, Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks suffered a broken leg in a car crash in Macon, Georgia.

In 1976, Boston released their self-titled album.

In 1980, the long-running Broadway musical "42nd Street" opened. After the performance, it was announced that director Gower Champion had died earlier in the day.

In 1984, author Truman Capote died in Los Angeles. An autopsy revealed he overdosed on valium, codeine and barbiturates.

In 1986, Paul Simon's "Graceland" album was released.

In 1987, the film "Dirty Dancing" made its world premiere in Los Angeles.

In 1994, a New York Supreme Court justice formally dissolved the marriage between Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley.

In 1999, keyboardist Rob Fisher of Naked Eyes died after a long illness. He was 39.

In 2001, singer Aaliyah (ah-LEE'-yah) and eight others died in a plane crash shortly after takeoff in the Bahamas. Aaliyah was 22.