On this day today:
1951 - R&B singer Luther Vandross is born in New York City.
1959 - Thirteen-year-old Dolly Parton burst onto the music scene with her first single, the rockabilly-style 'Puppy Love.'
1967 - Mike Portnoy, American musician who is primarily known as the drummer, backing vocalist, and co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater is born.
1968 - Deep Purple's inaugural stage performance at the Vestpoppen in Kastrup, Denmark marked the genesis of a legendary rock journey.
1968 - Apple Music, the Beatles' pioneering label, launched their iconic "This Man Has Talent" campaign in Britain's New Musical Express, inviting aspiring artists to submit demo tapes for consideration. Despite the flood of submissions that amassed in Apple's offices, the majority remained unheard.
1968 - The Rolling Stones immortalized their rock legacy by recording the timeless hit "Jumpin' Jack Flash."
1985 - The Commodores achieved a remarkable milestone with their hit "Nightshift," marking their first and only post-Lionel Richie success by reaching #3 on the US charts. This soulful track served as a touching tribute to two music legends, Jackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye.
1992 - The "Concert For Life" held by the remaining members of Queen at Wembley Stadium in London stands as a poignant tribute to their beloved frontman, Freddie Mercury, who tragically succumbed to AIDS-related complications. In a powerful display of solidarity and support for AIDS awareness, iconic musicians such as David Bowie, Elton John, Guns N' Roses, and George Michael joined forces to honor Mercury's legacy and raise funds for the cause.
1993 - Shania Twain's self-titled debut album marked a significant entry into the world of country music. With its blend of catchy tunes and Twain's distinctive vocals, the album showcased her talent and set the stage for her future success. However, it was her subsequent three releases, all produced by her husband Mutt Lange, that propelled her to pop superstardom. Albums like "The Woman in Me," "Come On Over," and "Up!" showcased Twain's evolution into a crossover sensation, blending elements of country and pop to create chart-topping hits and solidifying her status as a global icon in the music industry.
1993 - Entrepreneur Lou Pearlman's ambitious endeavor to replicate the success of New Kids on the Block led him to embark on a quest to create his own boy band sensation. After scouring through countless auditions, he handpicked five talented yet unknown performers to form what would become the Backstreet Boys.
1993 - Aerosmith reached new heights of success with the release of their 11th studio album, "Get A Grip." This iconic album quickly became their best-selling record to date, amassing sales of over 20 million copies worldwide. Boasting chart-topping hits like "Livin' On The Edge" and "Crazy," "Get A Grip" solidified Aerosmith's status as rock legends. Notably, the album also featured guest appearances by music luminaries Don Henley and Lenny Kravitz, adding even more depth and star power to an already stellar lineup.
1999 - Billy Joel's announcement of retirement from touring and recording pop music at his Meadowlands concert in New Jersey sent shockwaves through the music industry. His desire to shift focus towards classical music hinted at a significant departure from his iconic pop career. However, Joel's retirement turned out to be short-lived, as he made a triumphant return to the stage in December, surprising fans and reigniting excitement for his music.
2002 - Ashanti soared to the top of the charts with her single "Foolish," claiming the coveted #1 spot on the Hot 100. Simultaneously, her self-titled debut album achieved the same feat, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Not content with just one hit, Ashanti also dominated the charts with her collaboration with Ja Rule on "Always On Time," which peaked at #2.
2002 - The legal dispute over the ownership rights to Nirvana's recordings took a dramatic turn when former band members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic sought intervention from a Seattle Court. In a bold move, they challenged Courtney Love's credibility by questioning her mental stability, describing her as "irrational, mercurial, self-centered, unmanageable, inconsistent, and unpredictable."
2010 - The stage adaptation of Green Day's iconic rock opera, "American Idiot," made its official Broadway debut one year after its initial premiere at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
2018 - It was a tragic loss when Swedish DJ and music producer Avicii, born Tim Bergling, passed away at the young age of 28. Avicii's groundbreaking contributions to electronic dance music reshaped the genre, earning him worldwide acclaim and a devoted fanbase. His infectious melodies and uplifting beats resonated with millions, making him one of the most influential artists of his generation.
