On this day today:
1936 - Glen Campbell is born in Billstown, Arkansas. He released 64 albums in a career that spanned five decades, selling over 45 million records worldwide, including twelve gold albums, four platinum albums, and one double-platinum album.
1950 - Born in Beckenham, Kent, England, Peter Frampton emerges as a musical force to be reckoned with. After co-founding Humble Pie, he embarks on a successful solo career that catapults him to stardom. In 1976, Frampton releases his iconic album "Frampton Comes Alive!", which goes on to become one of the most celebrated live albums in music history.
1969 - The signing of The Carpenters with A&M Records marks a pivotal moment in their career. Under the guidance of the renowned record label, Karen and Richard Carpenter's timeless melodies and unparalleled harmonies find a wider audience, propelling them to international fame.
1972 - Deep Purple secures their second UK number one album with the iconic "Machine Head." This seminal record, featuring timeless classics like "Smoke on the Water" and "Highway Star," is hailed as a cornerstone of the heavy metal genre's early evolution.
1974 - The filming of "Tommy" by The Who kicks off with Tina Turner's electrifying performance as the Acid Queen. However, the pressure of orchestrating the intricate soundtrack pushes Pete Townshend to the brink of a nervous breakdown once again.
1978 - Steve Martin's iconic performance of "King Tut" on Saturday Night Live catapults goofy Egyptian dancing into popular culture. The song humorously depicts the ancient pharaoh as Martin's "favorite honky" and becomes a surprising hit, selling over 500,000 copies.
1978 - The Blues Brothers, portrayed by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, make their unforgettable debut on Saturday Night Live, captivating audiences with their unique blend of music and comedy.
1978 - Bob Marley's triumphant return to Jamaica at the One Love Peace Concert marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history. After surviving an assassination attempt two years prior, Marley takes the stage, embodying unity and hope. His music transcends politics as he brings together Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley and rival Edward Seaga, who had been embroiled in power struggles fueled by local warlords.
1978 - Gerry Rafferty releases "Baker Street."
1980 - The release of The Cure's second studio album, "Seventeen Seconds," marks a significant milestone in the band's career. Featuring their hauntingly atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics, the album captivates audiences worldwide. "Seventeen Seconds" introduces "A Forest," The Cure's first Top 40 hit on the UK Singles chart.
1989 - Madonna's "Like A Prayer" album, despite—or perhaps because of—the controversy surrounding its music video featuring her dancing in front of burning crosses, skyrockets to the number one spot in the US charts. This achievement marks Madonna's third consecutive number one album, a testament to her enduring popularity and ability to push boundaries in the music industry. Despite the controversy, the album resonates with audiences, staying at the top spot for six consecutive weeks, solidifying Madonna's status as a cultural icon and music trailblazer.
1990 - Machine Gun Kelly, born Colson Baker in Houston, Texas, emerges onto the music scene with his distinctive blend of rap and rock influences.
2001 - Destiny's Child achieves another milestone with their chart-topping hit "Survivor," reaching number one on the UK singles chart. As their second number one single, the group becomes the first US female band to achieve this feat in the UK. The triumphant anthem earns Destiny's Child a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Group.
2007 - Beyonce & Shakira's collaboration 'Beautiful Liar' makes waves on the UK singles chart, claiming the coveted number one spot. The dynamic duo's electrifying performance earns them the Most Earth-Shattering Collaboration award at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards.
