On this day today:
1929 - Shock rocker Screamin' Jay Hawkins, born Jalacy Hawkins in Cleveland, Ohio, became known for his theatrical and flamboyant stage presence. His most famous song, "I Put a Spell on You," released in 1956, became a classic with its haunting melody and Hawkins' powerful vocals.
1941 - Producer Frank Farian, born in Kirn, Germany, became a prominent figure in the music industry for his innovative yet controversial production techniques. In the '70s, he created the dance act Boney M., where his own vocals were mimed by lead performer Bobby Farrell. This approach to creating pop sensations continued into the '80s with Milli Vanilli. The duo achieved massive success until it was revealed that they hadn't sung on their albums, leading to a scandal that culminated in them returning their Grammy Award. Despite the controversies, Farian's influence on the music scene remains significant.
1966 - The Beach Boys release "Wouldn't It Be Nice" with "God Only Knows" on the flip side. Both songs are part of their acclaimed album Pet Sounds. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" captures the youthful yearning for the freedom and joy of adulthood, while "God Only Knows" is widely praised for its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, solidifying the band's reputation for musical innovation and emotional depth.
1978 - Def Leppard make their live debut, performing to an audience of 150 at the Westfield School in Sheffield, England. This early gig marks the beginning of their journey to becoming one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s, known for their melodic hooks and polished production.
1980 - "Closer," the second and final album by Joy Division, is released just two months following the tragic suicide of founding member and lead singer Ian Curtis. Despite the somber circumstances surrounding its release, the album is widely celebrated for its profound and haunting exploration of themes such as despair and alienation, solidifying Joy Division's legacy in the post-punk genre.
1991 - The inaugural Lollapalooza music festival takes place across various locations in North America. The lineup features an eclectic mix of bands and artists, including Jane's Addiction, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Nine Inch Nails, Living Colour, Ice-T, Butthole Surfers, Rollins Band, Violent Femmes, and Fishbone. This diverse roster sets the stage for Lollapalooza's reputation as a premier festival celebrating alternative music and culture.
1998 - 'N Sync get a big boost in America when their "In Concert" special airs on the Disney Channel. They got the gig when their boy band rivals Backstreet Boys backed out, which helped propel them to stardom and set the stage for their massive success in the late '90s and early 2000s.
2001 - Weezer releases "Hash Pipe," the first single from their third studio album, Weezer (The Green Album). The song marks a return to their rock roots, featuring heavy guitar riffs and quirky lyrics, which helped the band regain popularity after a five-year hiatus.
2014 - Shakira becomes the first person to reach 100 million likes on Facebook. This milestone highlights her global popularity and significant influence on social media.
2018 - Billy Joel plays his 100th concert at Madison Square Garden, becoming the first musician to reach this milestone at the iconic venue. In honor of this achievement, New York State declares it "Billy Joel Day," celebrating his long-standing connection to the city and his enduring influence in the music industry.
2019 - Ed Sheeran set a new streaming record with his album No. 6 Collaborations Project, which garnered 69 million streams in its first month on Spotify, the highest ever for an artist. This achievement added to Sheeran's impressive record-breaking streak: his previous album, Divide, set a record with 56 million streams on its release day, and his single "Shape Of You" amassed over 10 million streams on its first day.
2020 - Five months after his murder, rapper Pop Smoke reaches #1 in the US with his debut album, Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon. 50 Cent, who was a mentor to Pop Smoke, played a significant role in completing the album.
2023 - In 2022, UK Music reported that music tourism contributed £6.6 billion to the UK economy. This influx was driven by over 1.1 million international visitors coming to the UK specifically to attend concerts, marking a significant peak. Additionally, around 13 million domestic tourists traveled within the UK for live music events, including performances by Ed Sheeran and Elton John. The total impact of music tourism is estimated to support approximately 56,000 jobs.
