On this day today:
1937 - Ron Carter, the legendary jazz double bassist, is born in Ferndale, Michigan. Throughout his illustrious career spanning over six decades, Carter has left an indelible mark on the world of jazz, earning widespread acclaim for his virtuosic playing, innovative approach, and prolific contributions to the genre.
1941 - Motown songwriter Nick Ashford (Ashford & Simpson) is born in Fairfield, South Carolina.
1951 - Mick Mars (lead guitarist for Motley Crue) is born Robert Alan Deal in Terre Haute, Indiana.
1959 - The very first Grammy Awards are held in Los Angeles, with Record of the Year going to Domenico Modugno's "Nel Blu, Dipinto di Blu (Volare)" and Henry Mancini's The Music From Peter Gunn soundtrack winning Album of the Year.
1968 - A serendipitous encounter on the BBC-TV talent show Opportunity Knocks would change the course of Welsh singer Mary Hopkin's life forever. Discovered by the iconic British supermodel Twiggy, Hopkin's ethereal voice and captivating performance caught the attention of Twiggy's friend, none other than Paul McCartney.
1968 - Steppenwolf make their US television debut, performing "Born to Be Wild" on American Bandstand.
1970 - Gregg Alexander of The New Radicals is born Gregory Aiuto in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
1973 - Led Zeppelin opened their 1973 North American tour, which was billed as the 'biggest and most profitable rock & roll tour in the history of the United States'.
1974 - Grand Funk's cover of "The Loco-Motion" hits #1 in America.
1974 - ABBA were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Waterloo', the group's first of nine UK No.1 singles was the 1974 Eurovision song contest winner for Sweden.
1979 - Lance Bass of 'N Sync is born James Lance Bass in Laurel, Mississippi.
1991 - In a proud moment for both the band and the Lone Star State, Governor Ann Richards proclaims "ZZ Top Day" in Texas, celebrating the iconic rock band for their contributions to music and their embodiment of the distinctive Texan sound.
1991 - Cher scored her first solo UK No.1 single with 'The Shoop Shoop Song' from the film 'Mermaids'.
1993 - PJ Harvey, fronted by the enigmatic British alt-rocker Polly Jean Harvey, unveils their second and final album as a trio, "Rid Of Me." The album emerges as a bold and uncompromising work of art, showcasing Harvey's raw talent and unbridled creativity.
1996 - Alanis Morissette started a six-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with Jagged Little Pill.
1996 - George Michael scored his seventh UK No.1 single as a solo artist when 'Fastlove' started a three-week run at the top of the chart.
1999 - Jennifer Lopez issues her first single, "If You Had My Love." The song lands at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Lopez the first artist to top the chart with a debut single since Britney Spears did the same with "...Baby One More Time" four months earlier.
2008 - In a remarkable achievement, Madonna achieves a chart double in the UK with the release of her latest album "Hard Candy." Straight out of the gate, "Hard Candy" secures the coveted top spot on the UK albums chart, marking Madonna's impressive 10th number one album in her illustrious career. Simultaneously, Madonna maintains her stronghold on the singles chart with her hit song "4 Minutes," featuring Justin Timberlake, which reigns supreme for a third consecutive week.
2010 - Olivia Newton-John gets "Physical" in a duet with Jane Lynch on the Glee episode "Bad Reputation."
2024 - The top 14 songs on the Hot 100 are all from Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department, with "Fortnight" taking the top spot
2024 - In a dramatic shift on the Country chart, Beyoncé's reign with "Texas Hold 'Em" comes to an end after an impressive 10 weeks at the top spot. Stepping into the spotlight is "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey, a rising singer who gained prominence after Beyoncé featured him on her acclaimed Cowboy Carter album.
