On this day today:
1946 - John Lawton, renowned for his tenure as the lead vocalist for the rock band Uriah Heep from 1976 to 1979, is born in Halifax, England. His powerful voice and dynamic stage presence helped define the band's sound during a pivotal period, contributing to albums such as "Firefly," "Innocent Victim," and "Fallen Angel."
1959 - Guitarist Richie Sambora is born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Known for his significant role as the lead guitarist of Bon Jovi, Sambora's powerful riffs and harmonious backing vocals were instrumental in shaping the band's iconic sound. He co-wrote many of Bon Jovi's biggest hits, including "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive."
1959 - Suzanne Vega, known for her iconic songs "Tom's Diner" and "Luka," is born in Santa Monica, California. Vega's distinct voice and introspective songwriting have earned her a prominent place in the folk and alternative music scenes.
1975 - Fleetwood Mac released their tenth studio album, often referred to as the "White Album" or simply "Fleetwood Mac," in 1975. This album marked a significant lineup change for the band, as it was their first to feature Lindsey Buckingham as guitarist and Stevie Nicks as vocalist. The addition of Buckingham and Nicks brought a fresh sound and songwriting dynamic to the band, contributing to the album's critical and commercial success. It included iconic tracks like "Rhiannon," "Say You Love Me," and "Landslide," and it became a cornerstone of Fleetwood Mac's catalog, setting the stage for their later massive success with albums like "Rumours."
1979 - After six years in space, the space station Skylab crashes to Earth. Leading up to this event, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) took out ads in trade magazines to dedicate their new single, "Don't Bring Me Down," to Skylab.
1987 - "Heart" began a three-week stint at No. 1 on the US singles chart with their song "Alone." It remains Heart's most successful single in the United Kingdom, where it reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
1994 - The Rolling Stones release their album Voodoo Lounge, featuring standout tracks such as "Love Is Strong" and "You Got Me Rocking." This album marks a significant point in their career as their first studio album without long-time bassist Bill Wyman.
1995 - George Michael signs a groundbreaking two-album deal divided between Virgin in the UK and Dreamworks SKG in America. This deal includes a significant $40 million payout to Sony Records to release Michael from his existing contract. After the release of his 1990 album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, Michael had a high-profile legal battle with Sony, seeking to be freed from what he considered an oppressive contract. Although he lost the lawsuit, this new arrangement allowed him to move forward creatively with the backing of two major labels, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
1999 - Ricky Martin began a three-week run at No. 1 on the UK singles chart with "Livin' La Vida Loca." The song also topped the US charts for five weeks.
2000 - After being dismissed 'out of the blue' last year, Richard Ashcroft's former manager, Jazz Summers, issued a writ citing breach of contract. The lawsuit sought an undisclosed sum, reportedly 'in excess of £50,000'.
2009 - "Boom Boom Pow," after enjoying a 12-week run at #1, is dethroned by another Black Eyed Peas hit, "I Gotta Feelin'." This achievement marks a rare instance where an artist replaces themselves at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, highlighting the Black Eyed Peas' dominant presence in the music scene at the time.
2013 - Pearl Jam released their tenth studio album, 'Lightning Bolt,' which quickly ascended to the No.1 spot on the US album chart. The album showcased the band's evolution while retaining their signature sound, with tracks like "Mind Your Manners" and "Sirens" receiving critical acclaim.
