On this day today:
1824 - Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is premiered in Vienna, Austria.
1833 - Composer Johannes Brahms is born in Hamburg, Germany.
1840 - The composer Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky is born in Votkinsk, Russia.
1946 - Jerry Nolan (drummer for New York Dolls, Heartbreakers) is born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York.
1946 - Bill Kreutzmann, drummer for the Grateful Dead, is born in Palo Alto, California.
1956 - Anne Dudley (of The Art of Noise) is born in Beckenham, Kent, England.
1961 - Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell is born in Pontypridd, Wales.
1966 - "Monday Monday" by The Mamas & the Papas goes to #1 on the Hot 100.
1967 - Jimi Hendrix takes the stage at the Saville Theatre in London, delivering an electrifying performance that leaves a lasting impact on all in attendance. Among the notable guests in the audience are Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, Ringo Starr of The Beatles, and members of The Moody Blues and The Beach Boys, among others.
1968 - Eagle-Eye Cherry, born in Skane, Sweden. As the son of acclaimed jazz trumpeter Don Cherry and the half-brother of the renowned singer-songwriter Neneh Cherry, music runs deep in his veins. Cherry's breakthrough hit, "Save Tonight," catapults him to international fame, showcasing his soulful vocals and catchy melodies.
1968 - In a serendipitous moment aboard a flight from the US to the UK, keyboard player Reginald Dwight finds himself contemplating a stage name for his burgeoning solo career. Seeking inspiration, he turns to his fellow bandmates from Bluesology, the band he's just completed a tour with. Spotting the band's horn player, Elton Dean, and lead singer, Long John Baldry, in the cabin, Reginald Dwight proposes the idea of appropriating elements of their names to craft a new identity for himself. With their blessing, the stage name "Elton John" is born, a fusion of Elton Dean and Long John Baldry. This pivotal moment marks the genesis of one of the most iconic and enduring personas in the history of music. Under the moniker Elton John, Reginald Dwight embarks on a remarkable solo career that would see him become one of the best-selling artists of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music with his distinctive voice, flamboyant style, and timeless hits.
1969 - The Who release "Pinball Wizard."
1977 - "Hotel California," a song running 6:08 and brimming with metaphor and intricate guitar work, ascends to the top of the Hot 100 chart. The track, crafted by the iconic rock band Eagles, captivates listeners with its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and masterful instrumentation.
1982 - Men at Work's debut album, "Business as Usual," achieves widespread acclaim and commercial triumph both in their native Australia and in the United States. Initially a chart-topper in Australia, the album's release in America heralds a new chapter in the band's career.
1983 - Stevie Wonder makes his only appearance on Saturday Night Live, where he's the host and musical guest.
1984 - Roger Waters releases his first solo album, The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking.
1988 - Terence Trent D'Arby achieves a remarkable milestone in his career with the chart-topping success of his hit single "Wishing Well" in America. With its infectious melody and soulful vocals, the song captures the hearts of listeners across the country, propelled in part by constant airplay on MTV.
1991 - EMF launch their debut album, Shubert Dip. It features one of the year's biggest hits, "Unbelievable."
1992 - John Frusciante quits the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the middle of their Japanese tour.
1992 - At a prestigious auction held by Christie's in London, England, a piece of music history finds a new home as a leather jacket worn by John Lennon during the years 1960-1963 is sold for an impressive £24,200.
1998 - Steve Perry officially leaves Journey.
2000 - Britney Spears went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Oops!... I Did It Again'.
2002 - Tom Waits releases the albums Blood Money and Alice on the same day.
2005 - Gwen Stefani hits #1 in America with "Hollaback Girl."
2006 - Snow Patrol went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Eyes Open' the bands fourth album.
2016 - Axl Rose, the iconic frontman of Guns N' Roses, steps into the spotlight as the lead singer for AC/DC. The unexpected collaboration comes after AC/DC's longtime vocalist, Brian Johnson, is advised to cease touring due to the risk of permanent hearing loss.
2016 - In a poignant and bittersweet tribute to the legendary musician, Prince, following his unexpected passing, he achieves a remarkable feat on the Billboard albums chart. The chart is dominated by the iconic artist as his albums soar to the top two spots. "The Very Best of Prince" claims the coveted #1 position, offering fans a comprehensive collection of his greatest hits and timeless classics. Simultaneously, "Purple Rain," the seminal soundtrack album to the acclaimed film of the same name, secures the #2 spot, further cementing Prince's enduring legacy in music history.
