On this day today:
1945 - Singer-songwriter Rita Coolidge is born in Lafayette, Tennessee.
1954 - Ray Parker Jr., the talented guitarist and songwriter behind the iconic Ghostbusters theme song, was born in Detroit, Michigan.
1956 - Johnny Cash releases "I Walk The Line," a pledge of fidelity to his first wife.
1966 - A significant chapter in music history draws to a close as The Beatles, the legendary British band, perform what would be their final concert in their native England. Organized by the influential music publication New Musical Express, the event marks the culmination of an era defined by Beatlemania and unprecedented global fame
1975 - The rock scene in the UK experiences a seismic event as Bachman-Turner Overdrive embarks on their inaugural UK tour, kicking off the journey at the historic Glasgow Apollo. Joining them on this electrifying musical expedition is none other than the iconic rock band Thin Lizzy, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of powerhouse performances.
1976 - Led Zeppelin's Presence album, with the rockers "Achilles Last Stand" and "Nobody's Fault but Mine," hits #1 in America.
1977 - The Police release their first single, "Fall Out," which is available only in the UK.
1979 - Elton John breaks new ground in the realm of international music as he becomes the first Western rock star to grace the stage in Israel. His historic concert in Jerusalem marks a significant milestone, symbolizing the power of music to transcend cultural and political boundaries. As part of a groundbreaking tour, Elton John's musical odyssey takes him even further into uncharted territory as he ventures into the Soviet Union, becoming one of the first Western rock stars to tour the region.
1991 - MTV Unplugged breaks new ground by featuring rap acts for the first time, showcasing the genre's versatility and depth. De La Soul, MC Lyte, A Tribe Called Quest, and LL Cool J take the stage, bringing their unique styles and lyrical prowess to the intimate setting of acoustic performances.
1993 - A momentous collaboration topped the UK singles chart with "The Five Live EP," featuring George Michael, Queen, and Lisa Stansfield. This extraordinary EP captured the electrifying energy of the Freddie Mercury tribute concert, held in April 1992 at Wembley Stadium, London.
1994 - New Kids On The Block, once a powerhouse in the music industry, undergo a significant transition as they conclude a tour of clubs and theaters in support of their "Face The Music" album. This departure from their previous stadium tours marks a shift in their career trajectory, reflecting changes in the music landscape and the band's own evolution.
1995 - Nancy Sinatra, 54, appears on the cover of Playboy magazine.
1998 - Brian Eno appears as Father Brian Eno in the "Going to America" episode of British sitcom Father Ted.
2000 - Destiny's Child release their third album, Survivor.
2005 - Matchbox Twenty singer Rob Thomas went to No.1 on the US album chart with his first solo album Something To Be.
2006 - Music history is made in Wroc?aw, Poland, as a staggering 1,581 guitarists come together to set a new world record certified by Guinness. With fingers poised on strings and hearts beating in unison, these axe-wielding enthusiasts unite to perform the Jimi Hendrix version of "Hey Joe" in a breathtaking display of musical camaraderie and collective passion.
2015 - Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars unleashed "Uptown Funk" upon the world, a smash hit that dominated the airwaves and became an instant classic. However, amidst its infectious groove and catchy lyrics, there was a nod to the past. Recognizing similarities between "Uptown Funk" and The Gap Band's 1979 track "Oops Up Side Your Head," Ronson and Mars opted to give credit where it was due. As a result, The Gap Band received a writing credit on "Uptown Funk," acknowledging the influence and inspiration drawn from their earlier hit.
