On this day today:
1899 - Duke Ellington is born in Washington, D.C.
1933 - Willie Nelson is born in Abbott, Texas.
1938 - Klaus Voormann, the talented bassist for Manfred Mann and renowned artist and designer, was born in Hamburg, Germany, on April 27, 1938. Voormann's most famous contribution to music history came in the form of his iconic design for The Beatles' album cover for "Revolver."
1961 - Luciano Pavarotti's opera debut in the role of Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Bohème" in the Italian town of Reggio Emilia marks a pivotal moment in the history of opera.
1968 - The Broadway premiere of "Hair" at the Biltmore Theatre was a groundbreaking moment in musical theater history. With its bold themes, energetic music, and vibrant cast, "Hair" captured the spirit of the counterculture movement and became an instant sensation. At the heart of the show was the hippie anthem "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In," which resonated deeply with audiences and became emblematic of the era's hopes for peace, love, and social change. The song's infectious optimism and catchy melody made it a cultural phenomenon, solidifying "Hair" as a touchstone of the 1960s.
1973 - Mike Hogan (bassist for The Cranberries) is born in Limerick, Ireland, to a family that already includes brother and future bandmate, Noel.
1977 - The Jam released their first single 'In The City', which peaked at No. 40 in the UK charts.
1979 - Matt Tong (drummer for Bloc Party) is born in Bournemouth, England.
1980 - Black Sabbath launch their first tour with Ronnie James Dio as lead vocalist, replacing Ozzy Osbourne.
1982 - Adam Ant and Marco Pirroni are named Songwriters of the Year at the Ivor Novello Awards. Winning the Ivor Novello Award for best selling single further solidified the song's status as a cultural phenomenon.
1985 - "Mr. Bad Guy," Freddie Mercury's solo album, may not have achieved the commercial success in the US that many anticipated, but its impact on his fans and the music world at large cannot be understated. While the album may not have topped the charts in the US, its release provided fans with a glimpse into Mercury's multifaceted talent and showcased his versatility as a solo artist. From the infectious rhythms of "I Was Born to Love You" to the soulful balladry of "Love Me Like There's No Tomorrow," the album offered a diverse range of musical styles and emotional depth.
1996 - Phil Spector calls off a planned project to produce Celine Dion when they can't agree to terms.
2007 - Rage Against The Machine reunite to close the Coachella Festival, their first show in seven years.
2011 - Prince William's marriage to Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey was a momentous occasion that captured the world's attention. The lavish ceremony, steeped in tradition and attended by dignitaries and celebrities alike, was a celebration of love and unity. At the reception, singer Ellie Goulding had the honor of performing for the newlyweds, providing a memorable soundtrack for their first dance as husband and wife. Goulding's rendition of Elton John's "Your Song" added a touch of elegance and romance to the festivities.
2016 - Jimmy Fallon and Paul Rudd do a shot-for-shot remake of the Styx video for "Too Much Time On My Hands."
2016 - Fifteen of Prince's albums made it into the UK chart as fans rushed to buy his music following his sudden death.
2022 - Dolly Parton's cameo appearance as an angel in the final episode of the TV series "Grace And Frankie" brought a delightful reunion with her former co-stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, with whom she famously shared the screen in the 1980 movie "9 to 5."
2023 - Metallica's album "72 Seasons" debuting at #2 behind Morgan Wallen's "One Thing At A Time" represents a significant milestone for the band. It marks the first time since "…And Justice for All" in 1988 that a Metallica album hasn't debuted at #1 on the charts.
2023 - Willie Nelson's 90th birthday concert at the Hollywood Bowl sounds like an unforgettable celebration of a legendary artist's life and career. With a lineup of guest performers including Norah Jones, The Chicks, and Snoop Dogg, the stage was set for a night of music that spanned genres and generations.
