On this day today:
1936 - English pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck is born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, British India (present-day Chennai, India).
1946 - Lesley Gore is born Lesley Sue Goldstein in Brooklyn, New York.
1950 - Foreigner lead singer Lou Gramm is born Louis Andrew Grammatico in Rochester, New York.
1951 - John Glascock (bassist for Jethro Tull) is born in Islington, Greater London, England.
1951 - Jo Callis (keyboardist, guitarist for The Human League) is born John William Callis in Rotherham, England.
1960 - Ben E. King leaves The Drifters and signs a solo contract with Atco Records.
1972 - A pivotal moment in music history unfolds as Bruce Springsteen, the aspiring young musician from New Jersey, auditions for John Hammond at Columbia Records. Hammond, the legendary talent scout responsible for signing Bob Dylan, recognizes Springsteen's raw talent and potential, setting the stage for a fateful encounter. What was intended to be a brief 15-minute audition stretches into an epic two-hour session, as Springsteen's impassioned performance captivates Hammond and the room. Impressed by Springsteen's authenticity and songwriting prowess, Hammond wastes no time in arranging a follow-up—a 14-song demo recording session the very next day.
1977 - Eric Clapton records "Wonderful Tonight."
1978 - Kate Bush was on the UK charts with her debut album 'The Kick Inside'.
1980 - The music world was shaken by the tragic events surrounding Joy Division, one of the most influential bands of the post-punk era. At the University of Birmingham in England, Joy Division took to the stage for what would ultimately become their final performance. Little did they know that this concert would mark the end of an era and the beginning of a heartbreaking chapter in their history. Just two weeks later, on May 18, 1980, lead singer Ian Curtis tragically took his own life at the age of 23.
1985 - Pop singer-songwriter Lily Allen is born in Hammersmith, London, England.
1986 - Judas Priest kick off their Fuel For Life tour with a show in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
1987 - Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Died in Your Arms" hits #1 on the Hot 100.
1989 - The Cure defied expectations and shattered preconceptions with the release of "Disintegration," an album that would go on to become their best-selling record. Despite initial concerns that its dark and introspective tone would alienate audiences, "Disintegration" proved to be a masterpiece that resonated deeply with fans around the world. Featuring iconic tracks like "Lovesong" and "Lullaby," the album showcased The Cure's ability to blend haunting melodies with poignant lyrics, creating an immersive sonic experience that transcended genre boundaries. "Lovesong" in particular became one of the band's biggest pop hits, capturing the hearts of listeners with its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics.
1989 - English rock band the Stone Roses released their self titled debut album on Silvertone Records.
1995 - Pink Floyd's album The Wall goes Diamond, with sales of over 10 million in the US.
1997 - the silver screen welcomed the groovy and hilarious James Bond spoof "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery." Directed by Jay Roach and starring Mike Myers, the film became an instant cult classic, delighting audiences with its witty humor, flamboyant style, and memorable characters. One of the film's standout features is its infectious theme song, "Soul Bossa Nova," originally composed by Quincy Jones in 1962. The choice of this iconic tune adds a touch of retro charm to the movie, paying homage to the swinging '60s era that inspired both the Bond franchise and Austin Powers' flamboyant persona.
2004 - Guns N' Roses' timeless anthem "Sweet Child O' Mine" soared to the top of Total Guitar magazine's readers' poll, earning the prestigious title of the greatest guitar riff ever. This iconic riff, crafted by guitarist Slash, captivated audiences with its infectious melody and electrifying energy, solidifying its place in rock history. Surpassing Nirvana's grunge anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love," and Deep Purple's "Smoke On The Water," "Sweet Child O' Mine" emerged as the definitive choice for guitar enthusiasts around the world.
2005 - Cream reunite for the first of four shows in London's Royal Albert Hall, the site of their farewell concert 36 years earlier. The band hasn't played together since their 1993 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.
2006 - In the wake of their monumental success with "Lateralus," Tool returns with another groundbreaking album, "10,000 Days,". The anticipation surrounding its release is palpable, and fans eagerly devour the new material. In its first week alone, "10,000 Days" sells a staggering 564,000 copies, a testament to Tool's enduring popularity and the anticipation surrounding their latest offering. As the year unfolds, the album continues to captivate audiences, with sales soaring to 2.5 million copies by the end of 2007. With its intricate compositions, thought-provoking lyrics, and mesmerizing soundscapes, "10,000 Days" solidifies Tool's reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands in the alternative metal genre.
2020 - Dua Lipa was at No.1 on the UK chart with her second album Future Nostalgia. The album won a Brit Award for British Album of the Year and at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, Future Nostalgia was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Pop Vocal Album, whilst the single 'Don't Start Now' was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.
