On this day today:
1940 - Italian composer and producer Giorgio Moroder is born. Dubbed the "Father of Disco", Moroder is credited with pioneering euro disco and electronic dance music. His work with synthesizers had a large influence on several music genres such as hi-NRG, Italo disco, synth-pop, new wave, house and techno music. When in Munich in the 1970s, Moroder started his own record label called Oasis Records, which several years later became a subdivision of Casablanca Records. He produced singles for Donna Summer during the mid-to-late 1970s disco era, including "Love to Love You Baby", "I Feel Love", "Last Dance", "MacArthur Park", "Hot Stuff", "Bad Girls", "Dim All the Lights", "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)", and "On the Radio". During this period, he also released many albums, including the synthesizer-driven From Here to Eternity (1977) and E=MC2 (1979). He began to compose film soundtracks and scores, including Midnight Express, American Gigolo, Superman III, Scarface, The NeverEnding Story, and the 1984 restoration of Metropolis. Moroder's work on the film Midnight Express (1978), which contained the international hit "Chase", won him the Academy Award for Best Original Score and the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.
1943 - Rock singer Gary Wright is born in Cresskill, New Jersey.
1960 - Roger Taylor (drummer for Duran Duran) is born in Nechells, Birmingham, England. Roger Taylor became the rhythmic force behind Duran Duran's rise to fame. After their iconic Live Aid performance in 1985, he took a break, only to rejoin a decade later, infusing the band once again with his unmistakable beat.
1966 - Dusty Springfield's iconic single "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" soared to the top of the UK singles chart, marking a significant milestone as the singer's only No.1 hit in her home country. However, the path to perfection wasn't without its challenges. During the recording process, Springfield's dedication to achieving excellence was evident as she tirelessly pursued the ideal vocal performance. In a testament to her commitment to her craft, it's said that she recorded a staggering forty-seven takes before she was satisfied with the result.
1969 - Walter Carlos's groundbreaking album "Switched-On Bach" achieves a remarkable feat, climbing to the impressive #10 position on the Billboard Albums chart. This pioneering work not only showcases Carlos's innovative talent but also marks a significant milestone in music history as the first successful album to remix classical compositions using the newly-invented Moog synthesizer.
1977 - Studio 54, the epitome of disco glamour and excess, throws open its doors at 254 West 54th Street in New York City, instantly becoming the hottest spot in town. Over the next three years, the club becomes synonymous with celebrity culture, attracting an A-list roster of guests that includes icons like Cher, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Brooke Shields, and Liza Minnelli.
1978 - Martin Scorsese's masterful documentary, "The Last Waltz," immortalizes The Band's legendary farewell concert with a star-studded lineup that includes musical luminaries such as Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, The Staple Singers, and Dr. John.
1980 - Blondie's electrifying single "Call Me" soared to the top of the UK singles chart, marking the group's fourth No.1 hit in the UK. The track's success was further propelled by its inclusion in the Richard Gere film "American Gigolo," where it became an integral part of the movie's iconic soundtrack.
1986 - Following the departure of David Lee Roth, Van Halen embarks on a new chapter with Sammy Hagar at the helm. The release of their album "5150" marks a significant milestone in the band's history as it climbs to the coveted #1 spot on the charts in the United States, holding the position for three consecutive weeks.
1990 - Nirvana appeared at the Pyramid Club in New York City. The bands label Sub Pop filmed the show and the performance of 'In Bloom' was later used as a promo clip.
1994 - Live's third album, "Throwing Copper," initially flies under the radar upon its release. However, its gradual ascent begins as radio stations and MTV start to embrace standout tracks like "Lightning Crashes" and "I Alone," gradually building momentum. Despite its slow start, "Throwing Copper" eventually emerges as a commercial juggernaut, defying expectations by reaching the coveted #1 spot on the American charts a year after its release. The album's undeniable appeal resonates with audiences far and wide, propelling it to sell over 8 million copies—a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
2011 - NBC's groundbreaking singing competition, "The Voice," makes its debut, introducing a fresh format where renowned coaches such as Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, and Blake Shelton scout and mentor aspiring vocalists. Among the standout talents of the inaugural season is Javier Colon, championed by Levine, who ultimately clinches victory with his soulful performances. "The Voice" swiftly captures the hearts of audiences, becoming a cultural phenomenon and setting a new standard in televised music competitions. With subsequent seasons, the show attracts an array of famous names as coaches, including the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Pharrell Williams, and Usher, each adding their unique flair to the show's dynamic.
2013 - In a touching display of loyalty to their hometown of Columbus, Ohio, the band Twenty One Pilots makes a lasting commitment to their fans during a performance at the Lifestyles Community Pavilion. Midway through the show, amidst the pulsating energy of the crowd, frontman Tyler Joseph announces a symbolic gesture: the band members, with unwavering determination, etch "X" tattoos onto their skin.
2013 - Deep Purple release Now What?!, their first album produced by Bob Ezrin.
