On this day today:
1967 - The first Monterey International Pop Festival kicks off at the County Fairgrounds in Monterey, California, marking a pivotal moment in rock music history. Held from June 16 to 18, 1967, the festival features iconic performances by artists such as The Who, Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and The Animals, among others. It becomes known as the precursor to larger rock festivals and is often seen as the beginning of the "Summer of Love," a cultural and musical phenomenon that defined the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
1970 - The organizers of the Woodstock music festival, despite its legendary status and massive cultural impact, initially reported a loss of over $1.2 million. However, they eventually recouped their losses and made a significant profit through the sale of movie and soundtrack rights, turning the iconic event into a lasting financial success.
1971 - Tupac Shakur, originally named Lesane Parish Crooks, is born in New York City. He would go on to become one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, known for his powerful lyrics and activism.
1972 - Roxy Music release their self-titled debut album, a groundbreaking record that challenges listeners with Bryan Ferry's enigmatic lyrics and Brian Eno's innovative synth soundscapes. Initially polarizing, it is later celebrated as a revolutionary work that helped shape the future of music.
1972 - David Bowie introduces the world to his iconic alter ego with the release of his groundbreaking album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This transformative LP not only catapults Bowie to stardom but also redefines the glam rock genre, selling over 7 million copies and earning a place among the greatest albums of all time.
1978 - The movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Grease," starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, opens in US theaters, quickly becoming the smash hit of the year. The film captivates audiences with its infectious music, lively dance numbers, and charismatic performances, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. Travolta and Newton-John's on-screen chemistry, coupled with memorable songs like "Summer Nights" and "Greased Lightnin'," propel "Grease" to become one of the highest-grossing musical films of all time, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.
1979 - Donna Summer's album Bad Girls hits #1 in the US.
1980 - The movie "The Blues Brothers," adapted from the classic SNL skit by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, premieres in Chicago. A celebration of '60s R&B and soul music, the film serves as a love letter to the genre while also catapulting its musical co-stars back into the spotlight. Icons such as James Brown, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin feature prominently, contributing to a soundtrack that not only resonates with audiences but also revitalizes the careers of these legendary artists.
1989 - Cliff Richard celebrates his 30th anniversary in the music industry with a monumental performance at Wembley Stadium in London. The show also features appearances by Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Searchers, making it a memorable night for fans of classic rock and pop.
1990 - The Swedish pop duo Roxette achieve their third number-one hit with "It Must Have Been Love," a poignant breakup ballad featured on the Pretty Woman soundtrack. The song's success solidifies their status in the pop music scene and becomes an iconic track associated with the classic film.
1997 - In the UK, The Verve release "Bitter Sweet Symphony," a song that lives up to its title in more ways than one. Despite becoming a massive hit, it becomes embroiled in legal controversy when it's revealed that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones are credited for the orchestral sample used in the song. This leads to Jagger and Richards receiving royalties from "Bitter Sweet Symphony," highlighting the complexities of copyright law and music sampling in the industry.
1999 - Phil Collins gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2002 - A remixed version of Elvis Presley's 1968 single "A Little Less Conversation" achieves the top spot on the UK charts, marking a strategic move by his estate to surpass The Beatles for the most #1 hits in the UK.
2004 - The three surviving original members of the New York Dolls reunite on stage for the first time since 1975, delivering a nostalgic performance at the London Royal Festival Hall. This landmark event marks a significant moment in the history of the influential glam punk band, rekindling the spirit of their early years for longtime fans and new audiences alike.
2007 - Muse makes history by becoming the first band to sell out the rebuilt Wembley Stadium in London. About 90,000 fans flock to see the band's electrifying performance, solidifying Muse's reputation as one of the most dynamic live acts in rock music.
2010 - For the first time ever, the "Big Four" of thrash metal—Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax—share the same stage, delivering an unforgettable performance.
2018 - The Carters, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, release their debut single "Apes--t," accompanied by a lavish music video filmed at the iconic Louvre in Paris.
2023 - Kylie Minogue had a huge hit with her dance anthem "Padam Padam," her biggest solo hit in more than a decade! This makes Kylie one of only four women to reach the UK's top 10 in five separate decades, along with the amazing Cher, Lulu, and the legendary Diana Ross.
