On this day today:
1901 - Jazz legend Louis Armstrong, renowned for his singing and trumpet playing, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. His innovative style and charismatic performances left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and popular music.
1947 - Electronic music pioneer Klaus Schulze, who was once the drummer for Tangerine Dream, was born in Berlin, Germany. Known for his influential solo work, Schulze played a crucial role in shaping the electronic and ambient music scenes with his innovative use of synthesizers and sequencers.
1964 - The Kinks released "You Really Got Me" in the UK, marking a significant moment in rock history. Featuring a distinctive distorted guitar riff achieved by slashing an amplifier with a razor blade, the song became the band's first major hit. It dominated the UK charts for two weeks in September, solidifying The Kinks' place in the rock and roll pantheon.
1967 - Pink Floyd released their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, featuring songs primarily written by Syd Barrett. This album, known for its innovative and experimental sound, marked the beginning of Pink Floyd's influential presence in the world of rock music.
1972 - The film Super Fly premieres, accompanied by a groundbreaking soundtrack from Curtis Mayfield. This album not only becomes a landmark in soul music but also provides a powerful commentary on the drug culture depicted in the movie. Mayfield's vivid lyrics and innovative soundscapes capture the gritty realities of urban life, elevating the soundtrack to legendary status and cementing its influence in the music world.
1984 - Prince's album "Purple Rain," which doubles as the soundtrack to his film debut, ascends to the #1 spot on the US charts. It remains there for an extraordinary 22 weeks, cementing both the album and the artist's place in music history.
1990 - Mariah Carey achieves her first #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with her debut single, "Vision Of Love." This marks the beginning of a record-setting run in the '90s, during which she accumulates 14 chart-topping hits, solidifying her status as one of the decade's most influential artists.
2000 - "Coyote Ugly," a film about an aspiring singer-songwriter played by Piper Perabo who takes a job at a lively and raucous bar, opens in theaters. The soundtrack, anchored by LeAnn Rimes with four new songs including the theme "Can't Fight The Moonlight," becomes one of the best-selling soundtracks of the 2000s. Rimes also makes a cameo appearance in the film, adding to its musical appeal.
2000 - At just 19 years old, Craig David achieved his second UK No.1 single with "7 Days." This milestone made him the youngest male artist to have two No.1 hits since Donny Osmond in 1973.
2017 - "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee becomes the most-watched video on YouTube, surpassing Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth's "See You Again" with nearly 3 billion views in just seven months. The song's infectious rhythm and catchy lyrics capture global audiences, making it a viral sensation. This record holds until 2020, when it is overtaken by "Baby Shark."
2021 - Forbes names Rihanna the wealthiest female musician, with a staggering fortune of $1.7 billion. This amount is nearly double that of Madonna, who holds the second spot on the list. Despite her musical success, the majority of Rihanna's wealth comes from her lucrative Fenty Beauty line, which has significantly boosted her earnings and cemented her status as a financial powerhouse in the industry.
