On this day today:
1943 - Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, was born Michael Philip Jagger in Dartford, Kent, England.
1949 - Roger Taylor, the drummer for Queen, was born in Dersingham, Norfolk, England. As a key member of the iconic rock band, Taylor's dynamic drumming and distinctive backing vocals contributed significantly to Queen's unique sound and global success.
1950 - Singer and keyboardist Duncan Mackay, known for his work with the band 10cc, was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England.
1968 - The release of The Rolling Stones' album Beggar's Banquet was initially postponed by their label, Decca, due to concerns over the controversial cover art, which depicted a graffiti-covered toilet. Eventually, the album was released with an alternative cover featuring a simple, elegant image of an invitation, allowing the music to reach audiences while sidestepping the original cover's contentious nature.
1975 - The Eagles achieved their first #1 album with One of These Nights. This was their fourth studio album, and it stayed at the top of the US charts for five weeks. The album included hit singles such as "Lyin' Eyes," "Take It to the Limit," and the title track, "One of These Nights," solidifying the band's status as one of the leading acts in rock music during the 1970s.
1977 - While touring the US with Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant received the devastating news that his 5-year-old son, Karac, had died from a stomach virus. The tragic loss led to the abrupt cancellation of the tour, and Led Zeppelin never returned to perform in the United States again.
1986 - Peter Gabriel achieved a major milestone by hitting #1 on the US charts with his hit single "Sledgehammer," effectively displacing his former band Genesis, whose song "Invisible Touch" was at the top spot.
1987 - As the Cold War was winding down, American musician Billy Joel performed a groundbreaking concert in Leningrad, now known as St. Petersburg. This performance was a significant cultural event, reflecting the thawing relations between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1994 - Motown Records released Boyz II Men's song "I'll Make Love To You" despite the group's reservations, as they felt it was too similar to their earlier hit "End of the Road." The record company’s decision proved to be successful, as the song became the biggest hit in America in 1994, topping the charts and solidifying Boyz II Men's status as a leading force in R&B music.
2002 - Beyoncé made her film debut by playing Foxxy Cleopatra, the love interest of Mike Myers' character, in Austin Powers in Goldmember.
2003 - Limp Bizkit performed at the Hawthorne Racetrack in Chicago as part of Metallica's Summer Sanitarium tour, which also featured Deftones, Linkin Park, and Mudvayne.
2003 - Vegas mainstay Tom Jones was inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame, alongside Harrah's executive Phil Satre. This recognition celebrated Jones's enduring contributions to the entertainment scene in Las Vegas, where he has been a prominent performer, as well as Satre's influential role in the gaming industry.
2006 - The final edition of Top of the Pops was recorded at BBC Television Centre in London, marking the end of an era for the iconic music show. The episode featured an audience of just under 200 people and was co-hosted by Sir Jimmy Savile, who had been the very first presenter when the show launched. The special broadcast included classic performances from some of the biggest names in music, including the Spice Girls, Wham, Madonna, Beyoncé Knowles, and Robbie Williams. It also highlighted The Rolling Stones, who had made history as the first band to appear on the show when it first aired on New Year's Day in 1964.
2009 - AC/DC singer Brian Johnson made a notable appearance as the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" on the BBC television program Top Gear. Johnson achieved a lap time of 1:45.9, which tied him with Simon Cowell for the second-fastest time on the show. Host Jeremy Clarkson introduced him by saying, "a man who has sold more albums than The Beatles and I bet almost none of [the audience] have ever heard of him," highlighting both Johnson's impressive musical success and the contrast with his relatively low public profile in the UK.
2012 - Searching for Sugar Man, an Academy Award-winning documentary, was released in the UK. The film explores the remarkable story of Sixto "Sugar Man" Rodriguez, a Detroit rocker whose music, though largely unknown in the United States, had a profound impact in South Africa.
2021 - Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison passed away at the age of 46. Jordison was renowned for his aggressive and technical drumming style, which played a crucial role in defining Slipknot's intense sound and stage presence.
2023 - Irish singer and activist Sinéad O'Connor passed away at the age of 56. Renowned for her powerful voice and outspoken activism, O'Connor made a significant impact on music and social issues.
