On this day today:
1943 - Jim Morrison was born James Douglas Morrison in Melbourne, Florida. As the enigmatic lead singer of The Doors, Morrison became a cultural icon, known for his poetic lyrics, magnetic stage presence, and rebellious spirit. Songs like "Light My Fire", "Riders on the Storm", and "The End" defined an era, blending rock with existentialism and psychedelia. Morrison's influence extends far beyond music, embodying the ethos of the 1960s counterculture and securing his legacy as one of rock's most legendary frontmen.
1947 - Gregg Allman was born in Nashville, Tennessee. As a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, Gregg became a pioneer of Southern rock, blending blues, jazz, and rock into a groundbreaking sound. Known for his soulful vocals and mastery of the Hammond organ, Allman was behind classics like "Midnight Rider" and "Melissa". His influence shaped a genre, and his legacy as one of music's most iconic performers continues to resonate today.
1966 - Sinéad O'Connor was born in Glenageary, County Dublin, Ireland. Known for her distinctive voice and fearless artistry, she became a global sensation with her haunting rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U", penned by Prince.
1973 - Roxy Music achieved a major milestone with the release of their fourth studio album, Stranded, which became their first UK No.1 album. The album spent one week at the top of the UK charts, solidifying the band's place in rock history. Known for their experimental blend of glam rock, art rock, and progressive styles, Roxy Music's Stranded featured the distinctive vocals of Bryan Ferry and a more polished sound compared to their earlier works. The album's cover, designed by Anthony Price, featured Marilyn Cole, Playboy's Playmate of the Year and the magazine's first full-frontal nude centerfold, which sparked attention and controversy. Stranded marked a turning point for the band, showcasing the evolution of their sound and a deeper, more sophisticated aesthetic. The success of this album paved the way for Roxy Music's continued influence in the art rock scene.
1973 - Corey Taylor, lead singer of Slipknot and Stone Sour, was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Known for his powerful vocals and intense stage presence, Taylor became a driving force in modern metal with Slipknot's groundbreaking sound, earning multiple Grammy nominations and legions of fans worldwide. Beyond Slipknot, his versatility shines through in Stone Sour's more melodic rock and his solo work, showcasing his dynamic talent as a vocalist and songwriter.
1976 - The Eagles released their fifth studio album, Hotel California, marking a pivotal moment in the band's history. It was their first album with guitarist Joe Walsh, who had replaced founding member Bernie Leadon. The album quickly became a massive success, topping the US charts for eight weeks (non-consecutively), and at the 20th Grammy Awards, Hotel California won the prestigious Record of the Year award. With its timeless title track, the album cemented itself as one of the defining albums of the 1970s.
1976 - А new version of the classic musical drama A Star Is Born debuted in movie theaters, starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. This updated adaptation of the 1937 film, which told the story of a young singer's rise to fame as her partner's career fades, featured Streisand's powerful performance both as an actress and a singer. The film's standout track, "Evergreen", a ballad sung by Streisand, went on to become a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The film and its soundtrack marked a major milestone in Streisand's career, cementing her status as both a pop culture icon and a multi-talented artist.
1979 - Styx reached the top of the charts in America with their ballad "Babe", marking their first and only #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by keyboardist Dennis DeYoung as a heartfelt gift for his wife, Suzanne, the song became an unexpected smash, blending tender lyrics with the band's signature rock sensibilities.
1980 - John Lennon spent his final hours mixing Yoko Ono's song "Walking On Thin Ice" at the Record Plant studio in New York City. The track, which features Lennon on guitar, was meant to be part of the couple's next musical chapter. Tragically, later that evening, Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment building, the Dakota, bringing an abrupt and devastating end to his legendary career. "Walking On Thin Ice" was later released and became a poignant reminder of Lennon's artistry and his partnership with Ono.
1982 - Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty in Trinidad. Known for her dazzling versatility, intricate flows, and vibrant persona, Minaj rose to prominence after signing with Lil Wayne's Young Money label. Her trailblazing career has cemented her as the most successful female rapper in history, with over 100 Billboard chart placements, including collaborations with artists like Rihanna, Usher, and Post Malone. From her debut album Pink Friday to her groundbreaking features, Minaj redefined hip-hop and pop, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
1984 - Hall & Oates scored their sixth and final #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Out Of Touch". The track, a vibrant blend of rock and soul, showcased the duo's knack for crafting irresistibly catchy hooks. Featured on their Big Bam Boom album, the song marked the peak of their chart dominance in the '80s, solidifying their status as one of the most successful duos in music history.
1984 - Frankie Goes To Hollywood achieved a major milestone when their single "The Power Of Love" hit No.1 on the UK singles chart. This marked the group's third No.1 of the year, making it their final UK No.1. With this achievement, Frankie Goes To Hollywood joined the ranks of Gerry and The Pacemakers as the first group since them to have their first three singles go to No.1 in the UK, further cementing their place in pop history.
2003 - Ozzy Osbourne faced a personal setback when he crashed his quad bike, breaking several bones, including his collarbone, and fracturing vertebrae. Despite the severity of the crash, his injuries were not life-threatening. On the same day, Ozzy's duet with his daughter Kelly Osbourne, "Changes," was released and went on to hit #1 on the UK charts, offering a bittersweet moment of success amid the accident.
2007 - Josh Groban's Christmas album Noël skyrocketed to #1 on the US charts, becoming the top-selling album of the year. The surge in sales was fueled by Groban's appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where Oprah declared it one of her "favorite things," propelling the album to mass recognition and making it a holiday season staple.
2013 - Metallica made history by performing in Antarctica as part of a unique promotion sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero. The concert, titled Freeze 'Em All, was held at a research base on the icy continent, making it the first time a band performed on all seven continents.
2019 - Juice WRLD, the 21-year-old rapper known for his hit single "Lucid Dreams," tragically passed away after suffering a seizure onboard a private jet. The rapper, whose music blended elements of hip-hop, emo, and alternative rock, was a rising star in the music world, with his emotional and introspective lyrics resonating with a wide audience.
2022 - Celine Dion revealed to the world that she has been diagnosed with Stiff-Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle spasms and can severely limit mobility. The iconic singer announced the news in a heartfelt video message, explaining that the condition had impacted her daily life and forced her to cancel the remainder of her Courage World Tour. Fans around the world expressed support and love for the beloved diva, while Dion promised to focus on her health and recovery.
2023 - Taylor Swift's Eras Tour achieved a groundbreaking milestone, grossing an astounding $1.04 billion (£829 million) across its first 60 shows, as reported by Pollstar. This record-breaking tour not only cemented Swift's place as the highest-grossing artist of the year but also contributed to a major surge in global concert sales. Overall, the top 100 global tours of 2023 generated over $9 billion (£7.17 billion) in gross sales, reflecting a 46% increase from the previous year, which had already set a record. Alongside Swift, Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen rounded out the top three highest-grossing artists, showcasing the continued dominance of major live acts in the music industry.
