On this day today:
1939 - Grace Slick, the powerhouse vocalist of Jefferson Airplane, was born in Highland Park, Illinois. Known for her commanding presence and unmistakable voice, Slick became a central figure in the countercultural movement of the '60s. With hits like Somebody to Love and White Rabbit, she helped shape the psychedelic sound that defined the era.
1960 - Joey Belladonna, born Joseph Bellardini in Oswego, New York, brought his powerful vocals to Anthrax, solidifying the band as a key player in the thrash metal scene. With Belladonna at the helm, Anthrax rose to fame as one of the "Big Four" of thrash, alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer. His melodic yet fierce vocal style helped define classic albums like Among the Living, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and making him an enduring figure in heavy metal history.
1965 - Gavin Rossdale, born in London, England, went on to lead Bush, one of the biggest bands of the '90s grunge era. With hits like "Glycerine" and "Comedown," Rossdale's distinctive voice and introspective lyrics helped Bush stand out, especially in the U.S., where they became staples of the alternative rock scene.
1971 - Pink Floyd released their groundbreaking sixth album, Meddle, in the United States, marking a pivotal moment in the band's evolution. With tracks like the atmospheric "One of These Days" and the epic "Echoes," Meddle signaled the beginning of their exploration into complex, conceptual soundscapes that would later define their most iconic work. The album set the stage for The Dark Side of the Moon and remains a fan favorite for its experimental edge and ambitious compositions.
1982 - The Jam shocked fans by announcing their breakup, ending a successful run as one of the UK’s leading punk and mod revival bands. Known for their sharp style and politically charged songs like "Going Underground" and "Town Called Malice," the trio had been hugely influential. Soon after, frontman Paul Weller teamed up with keyboardist Mick Talbot to form The Style Council, taking his sound in a soul- and jazz-inspired direction that kept his passion for social commentary alive in a fresh new format.
1984 - In a groundbreaking milestone, the RIAA awarded Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller album the prestigious "Double Diamond" certification, recognizing over 20 million sales in America—just two years after its release.
1987 - George Michael embarked on a remarkable solo journey with the release of his debut album Faith. Bursting with chart-topping hits like "I Want Your Sex," "Father Figure," and the iconic title track, the album quickly captured the hearts of fans worldwide. It soared to #1 in both the UK and US, showcasing Michael's incredible vocal prowess and songwriting talent. Faith not only achieved commercial success but also garnered critical acclaim, winning the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
1992 - George Michael took a bold stand for artistic freedom, filing a lawsuit against his label, Sony, in a bid to break free from what he called a "professional slavery" contract. Michael's case highlighted the industry's restrictive practices, as he sought control over his masters and freedom from the 8-album deal. Ultimately, he lost the case and had to cover court costs for both parties. However, the fight wasn’t in vain—Virgin and DreamWorks SKG bought out his contract in 1995, allowing Michael to relaunch his career on his own terms. He returned stronger than ever with Older in 1996, marking a triumphant new chapter.
1999 - In a monumental moment for rock legends Santana, their album Supernatural ascended to #1 on the Billboard charts, marking the band's first chart-topping album in 28 years. This remarkable comeback was propelled by the infectious single "Smooth," featuring Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty, which dominated the airwaves and revitalized interest in Santana's signature sound.
2001 - Lenny Kravitz dropped his sixth studio album, Lenny, marking another high point in his career with the hit single "Dig In." Known for its vibrant rock energy and signature Kravitz flair, "Dig In" earned him his fourth consecutive Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. The album Lenny showcases Kravitz’s trademark mix of rock, funk, and soul, solidifying his place as one of the most versatile artists in rock.
2007 - The Eagles made a powerful comeback with Long Road Out of Eden, their first album since 1979, outselling Britney Spears' highly anticipated fifth album, Blackout. While Spears' album brought her back into the spotlight with edgy pop hits like "Gimme More," it was the Eagles who dominated sales. Supported by a fanbase that preferred CDs over downloads, Long Road Out of Eden moved a massive 7 million copies in the U.S., while Blackout sold around 1 million.
2010 - In a delightful surprise for fans, Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, made a rare public appearance at the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, hosted by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Performing his iconic hit "Peace Train," Islam captivated the audience with his timeless message of harmony. However, midway through his performance, the comedic chaos began as Colbert interrupted to introduce Ozzy Osbourne, who launched into his own classic, "Crazy Train." The unexpected musical exchange between Stevens and Osbourne resulted in a whimsical and hilarious mash-up.
2021 - A powerhouse lineup entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with legends across multiple genres being honored. Carole King and Tina Turner solidified their legacy, both marking second inductions—King for her solo work and Turner for her iconic solo career after Ike & Tina Turner. Hip-hop trailblazers Jay-Z and LL Cool J represented rap’s expanding influence on the Hall, while Todd Rundgren, the Go-Go’s, and Foo Fighters highlighted diverse rock influences.
