On this day today:
1957 - INXS lead guitarist Tim Farriss was born in Perth, Western Australia. As a key member of the band, Farriss contributed to the distinct sound that made INXS one of the most successful Australian rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s. His guitar work helped shape hits like "Need You Tonight" and "New Sensation," which became international chart-toppers.
1958 - Madonna Louise Ciccone is born in Bay City, Michigan. Renaming herself simply Madonna, she rises to become one of the most influential figures in music history, earning the title of the best-selling female recording artist of all time.
1969 - Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performed together for the first time at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, marking a historic moment in rock history. The supergroup, known for their intricate harmonies and politically charged lyrics, played two shows that night, showcasing the synergy between the four members.
1969 - Eric Clapton's supergroup Blind Faith releases their self-titled debut album, which features a blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences.
1977 - Elvis Presley, widely known as "The King of Rock and Roll," tragically passes away at his Graceland home in Memphis. The cause of death is ruled as a heart attack, brought on by an overdose of prescription drugs. His untimely death at the age of 42 shocks the world, marking the end of an era and leaving an indelible impact on music history.
1980 - Vanessa Carlton, best known for her hit song "A Thousand Miles," was born in Milford, Pennsylvania. Carlton gained widespread recognition with her debut single, which became a major hit in the early 2000s and remains one of the most iconic pop songs of that era.
1986 - Run-DMC made history when their album Raising Hell became the first rap album to top the R&B chart, dethroning Billy Ocean's Love Zone. Released in 1986, Raising Hell was a groundbreaking record that not only elevated the group's career but also played a crucial role in bringing hip-hop into the mainstream. The album featured iconic tracks like "Walk This Way" (a collaboration with Aerosmith) and "My Adidas," which helped to solidify Run-DMC's place as pioneers of the genre.
1986 - During a rain-soaked Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington, England, Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen receives a thunderous ovation as he takes the stage with the band. This moment is particularly poignant, as it marks one of Allen's significant performances since losing his left arm in a car accident in 1984. Allen's determination to continue playing, using a specially designed drum kit, has made him an inspiring figure in the rock world.
1997 - The seventh annual Lollapalooza tour concluded at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, California, featuring headliners Korn, Snoop Dogg, and Tool.
2002 - Twenty-five years after Elvis Presley's death, a special album titled Elvis: 30 #1 Hits is released, featuring a collection of his chart-topping songs. As a bonus, the album includes a remix of "A Little Less Conversation," which gained massive popularity and topped the UK charts in June of that year.
2014 - To announce Syro, his first album in 13 years, Aphex Twin's Richard James orchestrates a unique and cryptic marketing campaign. A blimp adorned with his iconic logo on one side and the year on the other floats over London, catching the attention of fans and onlookers. Simultaneously, the same distinctive logo is mysteriously spray-painted on sidewalks in New York City, fueling anticipation and curiosity.
2018 - Aretha Franklin, the iconic "Queen of Soul," passes away at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer. Her death marks the end of a monumental career that spanned over six decades, during which she became a symbol of strength, resilience, and unparalleled talent. Known for timeless hits like "Respect," "Natural Woman," and "Think," Franklin's powerful voice and indomitable spirit left an indelible mark on music and culture.
