On this day today:
1882 - Composer Igor Stravinsky is born in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
1943 - Born Barry Alan Pincus in Brooklyn, New York, Barry Manilow would become one of the world's best-selling artists, known for his soft-rock ballads. Despite initially having no aspirations of becoming an entertainer, Manilow's heartfelt songs and distinctive voice propelled him to international stardom.
1945 - Eric McCredie, bassist for the pop group Middle of the Road, is born in Partick, Glasgow, Scotland. Known for their catchy hits in the early 1970s, Middle of the Road achieved international success, with McCredie's bass lines contributing to their distinctive sound.
1954 - The UK music newspaper Record Mirror makes its debut. This publication quickly becomes a vital source for music charts, industry news, and reviews, playing a significant role in documenting the evolving music scene in Britain.
1966 - Paul McCartney purchases a farm in Kintyre, Scotland, which later inspires his 1977 megahit ballad "Mull of Kintyre." The song, a heartfelt tribute to the region, becomes one of McCartney's most beloved hits, capturing the serene beauty of the Scottish landscape.
1967 - Barbra Streisand performs in front of an estimated 135,000 fans at a monumental concert in New York's Central Park. This iconic event is later broadcast as a television special on CBS and immortalized with the release of the soundtrack album A Happening In Central Park.
1972 - The Rolling Stones' album Exile On Main Street reaches #1 in America, marking a significant achievement for the band. Known for its raw sound and eclectic mix of rock, blues, and soul, the double album is later celebrated as one of the greatest rock records of all time.
1973 - Dolly Parton recorded "I Will Always Love You" at RCA's Studio "B" in Nashville, originally writing it for her longtime partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner. The song was penned during their professional separation, conveying Parton's heartfelt emotions and gratitude towards Wagoner. Although it became a global sensation when Whitney Houston covered it, Parton's original rendition remains a poignant testament to her songwriting prowess and emotional depth.
1977 - Judas Priest makes their American debut at the Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas, opening for REO Speedwagon. This performance marks the beginning of their rise in the U.S., eventually leading them to become one of the most influential heavy metal bands in the world.
1978 - Andy Gibb's "Shadow Dancing," a track he co-wrote with his brothers from the Bee Gees, reaches the top of the charts in America. This hit solidifies Andy's status as a prominent solo artist, while showcasing the collaborative magic of the Gibb family.
1979 - Anita Ward reached the number one spot on the UK singles chart with her hit song "Ring My Bell." This track remains her sole chart-topping success, cementing her status as a one-hit wonder despite her roots in gospel music and subsequent career endeavors. Anita Ward's catchy disco tune continues to be remembered and enjoyed by audiences worldwide, showcasing the enduring appeal of her music.
1981 - At Earls Court in London, Pink Floyd performs the final show of their 31-date tour for The Wall. This innovative stage production features a massive wall being built and demolished as the band plays the entire album. This concert marks Roger Waters' last performance with Pink Floyd before the band disbands in 1983. Despite the split, Pink Floyd eventually continues without Waters a few years later.
1987 - Kendrick Lamar is born in Compton, California. At the age of 8, he witnesses the filming of the iconic "California Love" music video by Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre in his neighborhood. This moment inspires him to pursue a career as a rapper, eventually leading him to become one of the most influential artists of his generation.
1995 - Rod Stewart sets a new attendance record at Wembley Stadium in London with 83,000 fans attending his concert. This milestone remains unbroken until 2009, when U2 surpasses it by drawing 88,000 fans during their 360 tour.
1997 - Blink-182, the pop-punk trio from San Diego, release their major-label debut album titled "Dude Ranch."
1997 - When Ozzy Osbourne's voice failed before the Ozzfest date in Columbus, Ohio, he was unable to appear, leaving fans disappointed and angry as they were not informed until later. This unexpected turn of events led to chaos at the venue, with fans expressing their frustration by causing significant damage. Despite Ozzy's absence, the show continued, but the incident highlighted the intense dedication and expectations of his fanbase.
2006 - Shakira achieves her first #1 hit on the Hot 100 with the single "Hips Don't Lie," featuring Wyclef Jean. The song not only tops the chart but also breaks records for the most-played pop song in a single week on American radio, receiving an impressive 9,637 airplays. It solidifies Shakira's status as a global pop sensation and showcases her distinctive blend of Latin rhythms and infectious melodies.
2008 - The Offspring release "Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace," marking their return after a hiatus of nearly five years.
2008 - Katy Perry's major-label debut album, "One of the Boys," is released, featuring the hit single "I Kissed a Girl." Interestingly, before this mainstream breakthrough, Perry released a gospel album in 2001 under her birth name, Katy Hudson.
2014 - Sam Smith releases his debut album, "In the Lonely Hour," in the US, marking a significant milestone in their career. The album includes hit singles like "Stay With Me" and "I'm Not the Only One," showcasing Smith's soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting.
2022 - Kate Bush's song "Running Up That Hill" originally released in 1985, experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things. This led to the track reaching the number one spot on the UK singles chart, marking a notable achievement for Bush, whose music continues to resonate across different generations and media platforms.
