On this day today:
1951 - Joe Lynn Turner, born in Hackensack, New Jersey, is a prominent American rock vocalist celebrated for his dynamic performances and distinctive voice. His career gained significant traction with the band Rainbowю. He later collaborated with Swedish guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, further solidifying his reputation in the hard rock and metal scenes. Turner also contributed his talents to Deep Purple, showcasing his versatility across different rock genres.
1955 - Butch Vig is born in Viroqua, Wisconsin. A prominent figure in the music industry, Vig is best known for producing Nirvana's seminal 1991 album "Nevermind," which played a significant role in the rise of grunge music. In 1993, he co-founded the alternative rock band Garbage, contributing to their success as a drummer and producer.
1978 - Boston release their second album, Don't Look Back, which, like their debut album, was primarily recorded in the basement studio of the band's leader, Tom Scholz. Despite the pressure to match the success of their first album, Don't Look Back achieves commercial success and solidifies Boston's reputation for polished, guitar-driven rock music.
1980 - Olivia Newton-John's "Magic," from the Xanadu soundtrack, hits #1 in America. The song, which features Newton-John's signature smooth vocals and a catchy melody, becomes one of the standout tracks from the soundtrack and contributes to the film's enduring cult status.
1998 - The Beatles are named "Favourite Recording Artist Of All Time" in a poll conducted by the UK music magazine Mojo. They top the list, surpassing other musical legends such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Queen, and Elton John, who follow in that order.
2010 - Arcade Fire release The Suburbs, their third studio album. The album receives near-universal acclaim from both fans and critics, who praise its exploration of suburban life and its blend of various musical styles. Critics especially appreciate how The Suburbs realizes the artistic potential hinted at in the band's first two albums, Funeral and Neon Bible. The album goes on to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
2014 - "Weird Al" Yankovic's album Mandatory Fun hits #1 on the Billboard 200, marking his first chart-topping album. The success of the album is fueled by viral music videos and a unique release strategy, cementing Yankovic's status as the master of musical parody.
2019 - Ed Sheeran shattered U2's tour record when his Divide tour became the highest-grossing and most-attended tour of all time. By the end of the tour, Sheeran had spent 893 days on the road, surpassing U2's 760 days on tour. Additionally, Sheeran broke U2's attendance record of 7.3 million with a concert in France in May of this year.
2023 - As the US leg of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour wrapped up, the singer showed her gratitude to the crew members with an impressive gesture, giving each of the tour’s truck drivers a generous bonus of $100,000. Swift went the extra mile by personally writing handwritten notes to each driver to express her appreciation for their hard work. In total, she distributed over $55 million in bonuses, ensuring that everyone involved in the tour—from dancers and riggers to sound technicians and catering staff—felt valued and rewarded for their contributions.
