On this day today:
1945 - Ken Hensley, the talented multi-instrumentalist and songwriter best known for his work with the rock band Uriah Heep, was born in Hertfordshire, England. Hensley played a significant role in shaping the band's sound during the 1970s, contributing to some of their most iconic tracks with his skills on keyboards, guitar, and as a songwriter. His work with Uriah Heep, including hits like "Easy Livin'" and "Lady in Black," has left a lasting legacy in the world of rock music.
1948 - Jean-Michel Jarre, a pioneering composer and musician, was born in Lyon, France. He is widely recognized as a forerunner of electronic and ambient music, with his innovative use of synthesizers and electronic instruments. Jarre gained international fame with his groundbreaking albums like Oxygène and Équinoxe, which helped to popularize electronic music on a global scale. His large-scale outdoor concerts, featuring elaborate light shows and visuals, have also set records and influenced the development of live electronic performances.
1967 - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison first met Maharishi Mahesh Yogi during his lecture at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane in London. This encounter sparked their interest in Transcendental Meditation, leading them to travel to Rishikesh, India, to study under the Maharishi's guidance. Their time in India deeply influenced their music, with the experience inspiring several songs on The White Album. This period marked a significant shift in The Beatles' spiritual and creative journey, blending their musical innovation with Eastern philosophy.
1972 - Roxy Music made a striking debut on British television when they performed "Virginia Plain" on Top of the Pops. The band's appearance, especially the flamboyant style of their frontman Bryan Ferry, left a lasting impression on viewers. With Ferry's distinctive vocals and the band's eclectic, glam-rock aesthetic, this performance helped Roxy Music quickly gain attention and establish themselves as one of the most innovative and stylish acts of the early 1970s.
1981 - The Rolling Stones release Tattoo You, their 16th studio album. Featuring tracks like "Start Me Up" and "Waiting on a Friend," the album is notable for its mix of new recordings and previously unreleased material from earlier sessions.
1989 - The Who marked the 20th anniversary of their iconic rock opera Tommy with a star-studded charity concert at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles. This special performance featured an impressive lineup of guest artists: Elton John took on the role of the Pinball Wizard, Patti LaBelle embodied the Acid Queen, Steve Winwood played the Hawker, Phil Collins portrayed Uncle Ernie, and Billy Idol appeared as Cousin Kevin.
1995 - Microsoft launches the Windows 95 operating system, featuring a distinctive start-up sound composed by Brian Eno. Known for his pioneering work in ambient music, Eno's influence extends from his 1978 album Ambient 1: Music for Airports, designed to create a calming atmosphere for travelers.
1996 - The song “Missing” by the British duo Everything But The Girl sets a new record for the longest chart run in Billboard history, surpassing the previous record held by The Four Seasons' “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night).” The track remains on the Billboard charts for an unprecedented 55 weeks, solidifying its place as one of the longest-charting hits of all time.
2008 - Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page deliver a memorable performance of Led Zeppelin's classic "Whole Lotta Love" during the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The event takes place at the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, and marks a spectacular end to the games with this high-profile collaboration.
2010 - Katy Perry's second major-label album, Teenage Dream, is released. The album features a string of chart-topping hits, including "California Gurls," "Firework," and the title track "Teenage Dream."
2013 - Lorde's "Royals" reaches #1 on the Alternative chart, becoming the first solo female artist to top this chart since Tracy Bonham in 1996.
2019 - Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" takes over the #1 spot on the Hot 100, ending a record-breaking 19-week run for Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road." Eilish's hit marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her unique style and solidifying her presence in the mainstream music scene.
2021 - Spencer Elden, who appeared as a baby on the cover of Nirvana's Nevermind, files a lawsuit against the band and others involved in the iconic photo shoot. He alleges that the image, which features him reaching for a dollar bill while underwater, has caused him significant and lasting emotional distress over the years.
