On this day today:
1949 - Bobby Farrell, the energetic frontman of the disco group Boney M., was born in San Nicolaas, Aruba, in the Netherlands Antilles. Known for his wild stage presence and captivating dance moves, Farrell became the face of the group's international hits like "Rivers of Babylon," "Daddy Cool," and "Ma Baker." While Farrell didn't sing the male vocals on Boney M.'s records—those were provided by producer Frank Farian—his flamboyant performances made him an unforgettable part of the group's massive success during the disco era.
1951 - Kevin Cronin, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for REO Speedwagon, was born in Evanston, Illinois. Cronin is best known for his powerful voice and songwriting on the band's biggest hits, including "Keep On Loving You" and "Can't Fight This Feeling," which helped define REO Speedwagon's success in the '80s.
1956 - Elvis Presley released "Love Me Tender," the iconic ballad that doubled as the title track for his first film. With its gentle, heartfelt lyrics and Presley's signature croon, the song quickly climbed the charts, becoming his fifth #1 hit in the U.S.
1973 - Cher's provocative hit "Half-Breed" topped the charts, staying at #1 for two weeks. The song, with its bold lyrics about identity and discrimination, saw Cher fully embracing her status as a fearless pop icon. Dressed in a Native American-inspired headdress for her performances, she delivered a striking visual alongside the powerful storytelling, solidifying her reputation for pushing boundaries in both music and fashion.
1974 - R&B trio Labelle, best known for their chart-topping hit "Lady Marmalade," made history by becoming the first Black vocal group to perform at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. This groundbreaking performance was part of their promotional efforts for their album "Nightbirds," which included the iconic song that showcased their powerful voices and dynamic stage presence.
1979 - Robert John's poignant ballad "Sad Eyes" reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a significant moment in his musical career. The song, known for its emotive lyrics and smooth melody, resonated deeply with audiences and became a staple on radio playlists.
1980 - Bee Gees, a trio consisting of Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, found themselves embroiled in a high-profile legal battle against their former manager, Robert Stigwood. The Bee Gees filed a lawsuit seeking $136 million, alleging unpaid royalties and fraud related to contracts they had signed with Stigwood back in 1968. The group contended that these contracts were predatory and unfair, particularly emphasizing that they signed them at a young age and lacked the necessary understanding of their implications.
1982 - Madonna made her first splash in the music world with the release of her debut single "Everybody" on Sire Records. Dropped in 1982, the track didn't initially showcase her iconic image, as her face was absent from the cover art. However, the infectious dance beat and catchy hooks laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful careers in pop music history. The single ignited the club scene, and soon, Madonna was on her way to stardom.
2004 - Howard Stern made a historic announcement on his radio show: he would be leaving terrestrial radio to join Sirius Satellite Radio. This move marked a significant turning point in his career and the landscape of broadcasting. The transition to satellite radio allowed Stern unprecedented creative freedom, as he no longer had to adhere to the stringent regulations imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that govern traditional radio.
2007 - In a survey conducted by O2, Queen's iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" video was crowned the UK's best music video. The groundbreaking six-minute visual, shot in just three hours for a modest £3,500, captured 30% of the votes from 1,051 polled music fans. Released in 1975, the video revolutionized music promos and remains a fan favorite nearly five decades later.
