On this day today:
1951 - Howard Leese, guitarist for the rock band Heart, is born in Hollywood, California.
1968 - David Gray is born in Sale, Cheshire, England.
1969 - During a press conference in London, The Rolling Stones announce Mick Taylor as their new guitarist, stepping in for founding member Brian Jones. This pivotal moment ushers in a fresh chapter for the iconic band.
1970 - Uriah Heep releases their debut album, ...Very 'Eavy ...Very 'Umble, in the UK. Despite harsh criticism from Rolling Stone critic Melissa Mills, who claimed she would commit suicide if the band "makes it," the album resonated with fans. Defying negative reviews, Uriah Heep went on to have a long and successful career, becoming pioneers in the heavy metal genre.
1970 - Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo is born in New York City and raised on an ashram (spiritual hermitage) in Pomfret, Connecticut.
1980 - The film Roadie, featuring Meat Loaf in the titular role as a roadie, opens in theaters.
1988 - Paula Abdul's debut album, Forever Your Girl, is released. An accomplished cheerleader and choreographer, Abdul successfully transitions into a singing career with this album, which produces four #1 hits: "Straight Up," the title track, "Cold Hearted," and "Opposites Attract."
1989 - Jerry Lee Lewis is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1992 - Billy Ray Cyrus began a remarkable 17-week reign at No. 1 on the US album chart with 'Some Gave All'. This achievement solidified his place in country music history and highlighted the album's enduring popularity.
1995 - Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette releases her breakthrough album, Jagged Little Pill. This alt-rock classic propels her to international stardom with its raw, emotionally charged lyrics and powerful vocals.
2000 - B. B. King and Eric Clapton released their first collaborative album, "Riding with the King." This album marked a significant collaboration between two blues legends and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2001.
2003 - The Arctic Monkeys made their live debut at The Grapes pub in Sheffield, England, where they earned a modest £27 from ticket sales. This humble beginning marked the start of their journey to becoming one of the UK's most influential indie rock bands.
2015 - Rachel Platten is vaulted into the limelight when Taylor Swift brings her on stage to perform "Fight Song" during Swift's concert in Philadelphia. This high-profile moment significantly boosts Platten's visibility and popularity.
2024 - Thousands of Taylor Swift fans caused seismic activity during her three concerts in Edinburgh last weekend. Inspired by her hit song "Shake It Off," fans cheered and danced so vigorously that monitoring stations detected vibrations from 6km (3.73 miles) away. Swift's three-night residency at Murrayfield Stadium had a profound impact on Edinburgh's hospitality industry, with Swifties flooding cafes, bars, and tourist spots throughout the city center. The billion-dollar tour proved to be a massive draw, showcasing Swift's enduring popularity and influence.
