On this day today:
1945 - Steve Martin, born in Waco, Texas, is best known as a comedian and actor, famous for his roles in films like The Jerk and Father of the Bride. Beyond his work in comedy and acting, Martin is also a highly respected banjo player. He frequently performs with the bluegrass band Steep Canyon Rangers and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work in music, blending his comedic talents with his passion for the banjo.
1960 - Classical crossover soprano Sarah Brightman is born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England. Brightman is renowned for her powerful, ethereal voice and her pioneering role in the classical crossover genre. She gained international fame for her role as Christine Daaé in the original production of The Phantom of the Opera, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Over her career, Brightman has sold millions of records worldwide, blending classical music with pop and other genres, and remains one of the most successful and influential sopranos in contemporary music.
1965 - Sonny and Cher's iconic duet "I Got You Babe" reaches the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100, beginning its three-week run at #1.
1976 - Nick Lowe releases his debut solo single, "So It Goes," in 1976. The song, known for its sharp lyrics and catchy melody, was one of the first singles on the newly established Stiff Records label, which became a key player in the British punk and new wave scenes.
1978 - The Police released "Can't Stand Losing You" as their third single, following the success of "Roxanne." When it was released the following year, it reached No. 2 on the UK chart. Written by Sting, the song deals with themes of suicide, and its single cover art—featuring Stewart Copeland in a mock hanging—stirred minor controversy. Despite the provocative imagery, the track continued the band's rise in popularity.
1985 - Three years after collaborating on their duet "The Girl Is Mine," Paul McCartney suggests to Michael Jackson that investing in music publishing is a wise financial move. Taking this advice to heart, Jackson later makes a successful bid of $47.5 million for ATV Music Publishing, which includes the rights to over 250 Beatles songs written by Lennon and McCartney. While this acquisition proves to be a shrewd investment for Jackson, it strains his friendship with McCartney, leading to a significant rift between the two music legends.
1993 - Freddie Mercury achieved his first solo UK No.1 single with "Living On My Own." Originally a minor hit in 1985 from his solo album Mr. Bad Guy, the song found widespread success when it was remixed by Belgian producers No More Brothers and re-released.
1994 - Bob Dylan, who famously declined to perform at the original 1969 Woodstock festival, takes the stage on the final day of Woodstock '94. During his set on the main North Stage, Dylan delivers a powerful performance with a selection of his iconic songs, including "It Ain't Me Babe," "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue," "Masters Of War," "Just Like A Woman," and "Highway 61 Revisited." His appearance is a highlight of the festival, bringing a sense of history and continuity to the event.
2000 - At just 19 years old, Craig David releases his debut album, Born To Do It. The album immediately shoots to #1 on the UK Albums chart, setting a record as the fastest-selling debut by a British male solo artist. With tracks like "Fill Me In" and "7 Days," the album quickly establishes Craig David as a major force in the music scene.
2005 - James Blunt made history by simultaneously topping both the UK singles chart with "You're Beautiful" and the album chart with Back to Bedlam for a fifth consecutive week. This impressive achievement matched a record last set by Celine Dion in 1995, when her single "Think Twice" and album Colour Of My Love held the top spots on both charts for five weeks.
2007 - After making a name for himself as a songwriter in Nashville, penning hits like Billy Currington's "Good Directions" and Travis Tritt's "My Honky Tonk History," Luke Bryan steps into the spotlight with the release of his debut album, I'll Stay Me, at the age of 31. The album marks the beginning of Bryan's rise as a country music star, featuring songs that showcase his blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds.
