On this day today:
1917 - Jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald is born in Newport News, Virginia. She was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella".
1923 - Blues guitarist Albert King is born on a cotton plantation in Indianola, Mississippi. Growing up amidst the rich musical culture of the Mississippi Delta, King honed his craft on the guitar, eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in blues music.
1945 - Bjorn Ulvaeus (of ABBA) is born in Gothenburg, Sweden.
1964 - Andy Bell, the talented synthpop singer best known as one half of the iconic duo Erasure, was indeed born in Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England. Alongside his musical partner Vince Clarke, Bell has crafted numerous hits over the years, including classics like "A Little Respect," "Chains of Love," and "Sometimes." His distinctive voice and energetic stage presence have made him a beloved figure in the synthpop genre, and Erasure's enduring popularity continues to captivate audiences around the world.
1970 - James Brown's recording of "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" in Nashville marked a significant moment in funk music history. This track, released in 1970, became one of Brown's signature songs and a landmark in the development of funk music.
1975 - The original New York Dolls, pioneers of the glam rock and punk rock movements, faced tumultuous times indeed. Jerry Nolan and Johnny Thunders' departure during a tour in Florida marked a significant blow to the band. Despite attempting to carry on with replacements for a period into 1976, the strain was evidently too much, leading to the band's disbandment that year.
1975 - "Alice Cooper: The Nightmare" indeed served as a precursor to the elaborate music videos that would later become synonymous with Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Airing on ABC in 1975, this horror/music special combined Alice Cooper's macabre stage presence and theatricality with a narrative storyline featuring the legendary Vincent Price.
1987 - U2's fifth studio album, "The Joshua Tree," indeed marked a significant milestone in the band's career, propelling them to rock star status in the United States. Released in March 1987, the album reached the coveted #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying U2's presence in the American music scene.
1992 - Kris Kross's "Jump" indeed soared to the top of the charts in the US, claiming the #1 spot for eight consecutive weeks. The rap duo, consisting of Chris Kelly and Chris Smith, captivated audiences with their infectious energy and catchy hooks. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, "Jump" became a cultural phenomenon, propelling Kris Kross to stardom.
1994 - A jury indeed ruled that Michael Bolton's 1991 hit "Love Is a Wonderful Thing" plagiarized The Isley Brothers' 1966 song of the same name. The jury found significant similarities between Bolton's version and the Isley Brothers' original composition, leading to a verdict of copyright infringement.
1994 - The Eagles' appearance on MTV Unplugged in 1994 marked a significant moment for both the band and the iconic television series. The two identical shows at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, were part of the promotion for their highly anticipated reunion tour and album, "Hell Freezes Over."
1994 - Maggie Rogers is born in Easton, Maryland.
1997 - U2's "PopMart" world tour did indeed kick off at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on April 25, 1997, in front of approximately 35,000 fans. The tour was a massive undertaking, featuring elaborate stage setups and extravagant visuals, including what was at the time the largest video screen ever used in a concert tour.
The "PopMart" tour spanned 80 cities around the world, showcasing U2's innovative approach to live performances and their ability to captivate audiences on a global scale. Despite facing some criticism and logistical challenges, the tour was ultimately a commercial success and solidified U2's reputation as one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time.
2000 - Eric Clapton's reunion with his former Derek & the Dominos bandmate Bobby Whitlock for their first performance together in 29 years was indeed a memorable moment in music history. This reunion took place on the London-based BBC TV series "Later... with Jools Holland."
2000 - Papa Roach's album "Infest," released in 2000, indeed stands as a significant milestone in the nu-metal genre. The album featured the band's distinctive blend of rap, metal, and punk influences, and it catapulted them to mainstream success. The tracks "Last Resort" and "Broken Home" became anthems for a generation, resonating with listeners with their raw emotion and powerful lyrics.
2023 - Harry Belafonte dies from heart failure at 96. He brought calypso music to the fore in the 1950s, most famously with "The Banana Boat Song (Day-O)."
