On this day today:
1937 - Freddy Fender, born Baldemar Huerta in San Benito, Texas, rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated figure in the world of music. In 1974, he captured the hearts of millions with his chart-topping hit "Before The Next Teardrop Falls." Fender's unique blend of country and Tejano sounds, coupled with his heartfelt vocals, made this song an enduring classic and cemented his legacy as a musical trailblazer.
1941 - Linda Martell, born Thelma Bynem in Leesville, South Carolina, made history as the first Black woman to place songs on the Country charts and perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Though she released just one album, her groundbreaking achievements paved the way for future generations of artists. Her influence is far-reaching, inspiring even contemporary icons like Beyoncé, who honored Martell by featuring her on the 2024 album "Cowboy Carter."
1944 - Michelle Phillips of The Mamas & The Papas is born Holly Michelle Gilliam in Long Beach, California.
1961 - El DeBarge, born Eldra Patrick DeBarge in Detroit, Michigan, rose to fame as the lead singer of his family's group, DeBarge. Known for his smooth tenor voice and charismatic stage presence, El played a pivotal role in shaping the group's signature sound. DeBarge became a household name in the 1980s with hits like "Rhythm of the Night" and "All This Love," leaving an indelible mark on the R&B landscape.
1966 - Janis Joplin's arrival in San Francisco marked a pivotal moment in rock history. Joining Big Brother & the Holding Company as their new lead singer, Joplin brought her electrifying voice and raw emotional power to the forefront of the music scene.
1969 - In a remarkable instance of art meeting public dissent, hundreds of residents in Glenrowan, Australia, signed a petition to protest the casting of Mick Jagger as the iconic Australian folk hero Ned Kelly in the film of the same name. Despite the local outcry, Jagger took on the role, bringing his rock star charisma to the silver screen.
1975 - The Rolling Stones made history as the first rock band to receive royalties for the sales of their records in Russia. This groundbreaking achievement not only marked a significant milestone in the music industry but also symbolized a cultural shift, as Western rock music began to permeate the Russian market.
1976 - In a historic night for punk and new wave music, Blondie, Mink DeVille, Talking Heads, Laughing Dogs, and Tuff Darts took the stage at the legendary CBGB club in New York City. This electrifying performance was immortalized in the album "Live At CBGB'S New York."
1983 - The Police's "Every Breath You Take" starts a four-week run at #1 in the UK.
1984 - Bruce Springsteen releases the album Born In The U.S.A.
1986 - After an extensive legal battle spanning several years, the producers of the Beatles tribute show Beatlemania! were compelled to pay Apple Corps, the company founded by the Beatles, $10 million in royalties.
1992 - In a unique and intimate performance, Iron Maiden played a gig at the Oval pub in Norwich under the pseudonym "The Nodding Donkeys." This special show, attended by 400 fans, was a heartfelt thank you to the pub's landlord, Chris Hiles.
1992 - When the United States Postal Service made the decision to feature Elvis Presley on a commemorative stamp, they initiated a unique voting process to determine which image of the iconic singer would be chosen. The options presented were a young Elvis and an older Elvis. In a resounding display of public sentiment, the image of young Elvis emerged as the clear favorite, winning by a significant margin.
1994 - The soundtrack from the film The Crow hits #1 on the US Albums chart.
1994 - Wet Wet Wet's timeless ballad "Love Is All Around" began an impressive 15-week reign at the top of the UK singles chart. This song captivated listeners with its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody, becoming an enduring classic.
1996 - After 10 years together, Crowded House announce they are splitting up.
1996 -Metallica release Load, their first album in five years.
1999 - Kid Rock's prophecy became reality as his album "Devil Without a Cause" achieved platinum status.
2000 - Bon Jovi's Crush hits #1 on the UK albums chart.
2002 - At just 17 years old, Avril Lavigne made a seismic impact on the music industry with the release of her debut album, "Let Go." This groundbreaking record soared to the top of the charts in Lavigne's native Canada and achieved remarkable success worldwide. In the United States alone, "Let Go" sold over 7 million copies, catapulting Lavigne to international stardom.
2005 - System Of A Down's fourth album, Mezmerize, goes to #1 in America.
2017 - In a powerful display of resilience and solidarity, Ariana Grande organized the "One Love Manchester" benefit concert to honor the victims of the tragic terrorist bombing at her concert at the Manchester Arena on May 22, which claimed the lives of 22 people.
2019 - Jay Z's ascent to becoming the first hip-hop billionaire marked a monumental achievement in both the music industry and the world of business. Through his entrepreneurial vision and strategic investments, the rapper built a vast business empire encompassing various sectors, including fashion, sports management, and technology. His stakes in companies like Uber and his ownership of the streaming service Tidal played significant roles in bolstering his net worth. According to Forbes, Jay Z's wealth was conservatively estimated to total $1 billion (£789 million), solidifying his status as not just a cultural icon but also a formidable force in the realm of finance and entrepreneurship.
