On this day today:
1939 - Ian Hunter, the lead singer of Mott the Hoople, is born Ian Hunter Patterson in Shropshire, England, to a Scottish father.
1942 - Curtis Mayfield, born in Chicago, Illinois. He became a pivotal figure in music both with his group The Impressions and as a solo artist. With The Impressions, he crafted '60s classics like "People Get Ready" and "Keep On Pushing." In the '70s, his solo career soared with iconic tracks such as "Superfly" and "Move On Up."
1950 - Suzi Quatro is born in Detroit.
1954 - Dan Hill, the singer-songwriter behind the heartfelt 1977 ballad "Sometimes When We Touch," is born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
1955 - Buddy Holly has the chance to open for Elvis Presley during a matinee concert in Lubbock, Texas. This early exposure helps set the stage for Holly's future success in the rock 'n' roll scene.
1962 - David Cole (of C and C Music Factory) is born in Johnson City, Tennessee.
1967 - In a particularly psychedelic episode of American Bandstand, Jefferson Airplane delivers electrifying performances of "Somebody To Love" and "White Rabbit," captivating the audience with their signature sound and trippy vibes.
1967 - Aretha Franklin's "Respect" hits #1 in America.
1967 - The Doors strategically release a condensed version of their epic track "Light My Fire" for radio play, cutting it down to a concise 2:52 from its original album length of 6:50. This decision pays off as the song climbs to the top of the charts, earning the band their first #1 hit and solidifying its status as one of their most iconic and enduring tracks.
1968 - Samantha Marie Sprackling, better known as Saffron, the lead singer of Republica, is born in Lagos, Nigeria.
1969 - Elton John releases his debut album, Empty Sky, in the UK, where it initially sells 4,000 copies. The album doesn't make its way to America until 1975.
1970 - Stevie Wonder releases the single "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," featuring a funky descending bass line played by Motown Funk Brother Bob Babbitt.
1970 - In a remarkable move demonstrating dedication to their craft, The Kinks' frontman Ray Davies makes a transatlantic journey from London to New York to re-record a line in their single "Lola." The BBC's refusal to air the original version due to its reference to "Coca-Cola" prompts this effort, highlighting the band's commitment to overcoming obstacles for their music to reach audiences.
1972 - Jethro Tull's concept album Thick As A Brick reaches #1 in America. The album is noted for its elaborate packaging, which includes a mock newspaper called the St. Cleve Chronicle and Linwell Advertiser.
1974 - Kelly Jones, the charismatic frontman of Stereophonics, enters the world in Cwmaman, Wales, laying the groundwork for a career marked by distinctive vocals and emotive songwriting.
1985 - Bryan Ferry releases his sixth solo album, Boys and Girls.
1989 - Queen's 13th album, The Miracle, hits #1 in the UK.
1989 - The Fine Young Cannibals' album "The Raw & The Cooked" achieves a significant milestone, embarking on a seven-week reign atop the US albums chart, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in the music industry.
1995 - Bryan Adams' soulful ballad "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?" makes an indelible mark on the music scene, soaring to the coveted #1 spot on the US singles chart for an impressive five-week stint. Its inclusion in the Johnny Depp film "Don Juan DeMarco" adds to its allure and resonance with audiences worldwide.
2001 - Shaggy's irresistible hit "Angel" ascends to the top of the UK singles chart, maintaining its reign for an impressive four-week stretch. Simultaneously, his album "Hot Shot" achieves a similar feat, claiming the #1 spot on the UK albums chart, cementing Shaggy's status as a chart-topping sensation.
2001 - Staind's Break The Cycle starts a three-week run at #1 on the US albums chart.
2005 - Shakira unveils the Spanish-language installment of her ambitious double-album venture, "Oral Fixation," marking a significant milestone in her musical journey. This release, complemented by its English counterpart later in the year, showcases Shakira's evolution from a beloved Colombian pop sensation to a global icon, following the success of her breakthrough English-language album, "Laundry Service."
2006 - Red Hot Chili Peppers' Stadium Arcadium hits #1 on both the UK and US albums charts.
2019 - Forbes crowns Jay-Z as the first billionaire in the world of rap, a remarkable feat that solidifies his status as a mogul in the music industry. A significant portion of his wealth, approximately $310 million, stems from his savvy investment in Armand de Brignac champagne, further cementing his reputation as a shrewd businessman.
2023 - Lauryn Hill astounds fans with an unexpected Fugees reunion during her concert in Philadelphia, where she is joined on stage by Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel for a memorable performance. The surprise collaboration delights audiences, reigniting fond memories of the iconic hip-hop group's heyday.
