On this day today:
1936 - Roy Orbison is born in Vernon, Texas.
1949 - British rocker John Miles is born in Jarrow, County Durham, England.
1956 - A seismic shift rocked the entertainment world as Elvis Presley took to the stage in Las Vegas for the first time. Settling into a two-week residency at the New Frontier hotel, Presley mesmerized audiences with his electrifying performances, marking the beginning of a legendary Vegas legacy.
1960 - Def Leppard guitarist Steve Clark is born Stephen Maynard Clark in Sheffield, England.
1964 - In the spring of 1964, amidst the fervor of Beatlemania, The Beatles brought their infectious energy to the silver screen with "A Hard Day's Night." One of the film's most iconic scenes was shot on April 23rd on a south London athletic field, where the band performed "Can't Buy Me Love" against the backdrop of a bustling helipad.
1965 - Life magazine made history with a 22-page cover story on Frank Sinatra, the longest feature on an entertainer in the publication's history.
1971 - The Rolling Stones made history with the release of their landmark album "Sticky Fingers," which showcased some of their most iconic tracks, including "Brown Sugar," "Wild Horses," and "Can't You Hear Me Knocking?" This album marked a pivotal moment in the band's career as it was the first to be released on their own label, Rolling Stones Records.
1976 - The Ramones unleashed their self-titled debut album upon the world, igniting a punk rock revolution that would reverberate through the music industry for decades to come. Filled with frantic, 2-minute bursts of sonic aggression like "Blitzkrieg Bop" and "Beat On The Brat," The Ramones' debut album was a breath of fresh air in an era dominated by bloated rock anthems and disco grooves.
1977 - Thelma Houston's disco anthem "Don't Leave Me This Way" soared to the top of the charts in America, claiming the coveted #1 spot. Originally recorded by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes in 1975, Houston's rendition captivated audiences with its infectious beat and impassioned vocals, solidifying its place as a timeless classic of the disco era.
1983 - Dexys Midnight Runners achieved a remarkable milestone when their infectious hit "Come On Eileen" climbed to the top of the charts in the United States, capturing the #1 spot. Despite being their only American hit, the English group left an indelible mark on music history with this iconic track.
1983 - David Bowie started a three week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with the Nile Rodgers produced 'Let's Dance', featuring the title track which made No. 1 on the US and UK singles chart and 'China Girl.'
1987 - In a legal battle that rocked the music industry, Carole King took her former label head and mentor, Lou Adler, to court, seeking $400,000 in royalties and the publishing rights to some of her older recordings from the late 1960s.
1988 - Whitney Houston's soaring ballad "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" reached the pinnacle of success by claiming the #1 spot on the Hot 100 chart for the first of two weeks.
1988 - Roy Orbison's 52nd birthday became a poignant moment in music history as he celebrated amidst a resurgence of interest in his legendary career. Attending a Bruce Springsteen concert in Los Angeles, Orbison found himself at the center of a heartwarming tribute orchestrated by "The Boss" himself. Springsteen invited Orbison onstage, where the crowd serenaded him with a heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday," honoring the iconic singer-songwriter in a moment of shared joy and appreciation.
1988 - Iron Maiden went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son', their second No.1 LP.
1994 - Pink Floyd's album The Division Bell goes to #1 in the US, where it stays for four weeks.
1995 - The discovery of a tape containing 16 of The Beatles' earliest recordings in 1959 sent shockwaves through the music world. Uncovered in an attic by Peter Hodgson from Liverpool, the tape offered a rare glimpse into the formative years of the legendary band. Among the treasures found on the tape was "Hello Little Girl," a Lennon-McCartney composition that had never been officially recorded by The Beatles. This revelation sparked excitement among fans and historians, shedding new light on the band's early songwriting efforts.
2005 - YouTube's launch revolutionized the way people consume and share video content online. Its user-friendly interface and vast library of videos quickly made it a household name. Despite Google's attempt to compete with its own platform, Google Video, YouTube's dominance continued to grow.
2016 - Beyonce shattered expectations and captivated audiences with the release of her groundbreaking sixth studio album, "Lemonade." Accompanied by a visually stunning 65-minute film of the same title, the album marked a defining moment in Beyonce's career, showcasing her unparalleled talent and creative vision.
2017 - Bananarama made headlines with the exciting announcement of their reunion and upcoming UK tour, marking a significant moment for fans of the iconic pop trio. The news stirred excitement and nostalgia among music enthusiasts, as the original trio—Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey—prepared to take the stage together for the first time since Fahey's departure in 1988.
