On this day today:
1947 - Laurie Anderson is born in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
1952 - Nicko McBrain, the renowned drummer of Iron Maiden, was born Michael Henry McBrain outside of London, England. His dynamic drumming style and charismatic stage presence have made him an integral part of Iron Maiden's iconic sound and live performances.
1956 - Richard Butler, the lead singer of The Psychedelic Furs, was born in Kingston upon Thames, London, England. As the frontman of the band, Butler's distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence contributed significantly to The Psychedelic Furs' success and enduring legacy in the alternative rock scene. With hits like "Love My Way" and "Pretty in Pink," the band left an indelible mark on music in the 1980s and beyond.
1958 - The first-ever greatest hits compilation, Johnny Mathis' Johnny's Greatest Hits goes #1 in America.
1969 - Donovan and Joan Baez's joint performance at a rally for nuclear disarmament in London epitomized the intersection of music and activism during the 1960s.
1970 - Claus Norreen (guitarist for Aqua) is born in Charlottenlund, Denmark.
1971 - James Taylor releases "You've Got a Friend."
1975 - Syd Barrett's unexpected appearance at Abbey Road studios during the recording of Pink Floyd's album Wish You Were Here added a poignant layer to the band's deeply personal project. Barrett, the band's enigmatic founder who had been forced to leave due to struggles with mental health exacerbated by drug use, was the inspiration behind much of the album's content. His quiet presence in the studio, unnoticed by those around him, underscored the bittersweet nature of his influence on the band and their music. Barrett's fleeting visit served as a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between art, fame, and personal struggles.
1979 - Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy is born in Wilmette, Illinois.
1983 - U2's iconic performance at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado is remembered as a legendary moment in the band's history. Despite the rain, the concert was intimate and energetic, with U2 delivering a passionate performance that captivated the audience. This memorable show was later released as a concert film titled Under a Blood Red Sky, showcasing U2's electrifying stage presence and the magic of their live performances.
1995 - Troye Sivan, the talented singer, songwriter, actor, and YouTuber, was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
2001- At the age of twenty, Alicia Keys made a stunning debut in the music industry with her first album, Songs in A Minor. This groundbreaking album showcased Keys' remarkable talent as a singer, songwriter, and pianist, earning her widespread acclaim and launching her into stardom. The album's breakout hit, "Fallin'," became an instant classic, capturing audiences with its soulful vocals and raw emotion.
2003 - Metallica caused a stir in the music world with the release of their album St. Anger. Departing from their traditional sound, the album featured a raw and aggressive style characterized by the absence of guitar solos and a distinctive drum tone that was notably harsh.
2004 - Usher becomes the first artist since The Bee Gees in 1978 to place three song in the US Top 10: "Burn" - #1 "Yeah!" - #4 "Confessions, Pt. 2" - #9.
2007 - At the age of 19, Rihanna made a significant mark on the music industry with the release of her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad. Collaborating with top producers such as Stargate and Timbaland, Rihanna crafted an album that showcased her evolving sound and artistic growth. Good Girl Gone Bad marked a departure from her earlier work, embracing a more mature and edgy aesthetic that resonated with audiences worldwide.
2012 - Tom Cruise took on the role of rocker Stacee Jaxx in the film adaptation of the Broadway hit Rock of Ages. The movie pays homage to '80s rock and glam metal, featuring iconic songs from bands like Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Pat Benatar, and Journey.
2013 - Rob Halford's announcement that Judas Priest would be re-forming after their retirement two years earlier sent shockwaves through the metal community.
2015 - Shania Twain kicked off her highly anticipated Rock This Country Tour with a spectacular show in Seattle. Billed as her farewell tour, this event marked Twain's return to the stage after her successful 2003-2004 Up! tour.
2017 - Kesha's attempt to hug Jerry Seinfeld at a red carpet event made headlines when the comedian politely declined, revealing that he's not one to engage in hugs with strangers. The awkward encounter was caught on video and quickly went viral.
2019 - Miley Cyrus took on a compelling role in the "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" episode of Black Mirror, portraying an exploited pop star named Ashley O.
