On this day today:
1940 - Johnny Nash, the American singer-songwriter best known for his hit "I Can See Clearly Now," was born in Houston, Texas, on August 19, 1940. He began his career in the 1950s, initially gaining fame as a pop and R&B singer before becoming one of the first non-Jamaican artists to record reggae music.
1945 - Ian Gillan, the lead singer of Deep Purple, was born on August 19, 1945, in Chiswick, London, England. Known for his powerful and wide-ranging voice, Gillan became a defining figure in rock music, particularly during his time with Deep Purple. His vocals on classic tracks like "Smoke on the Water" and "Child in Time" are iconic, and he has also enjoyed a successful solo career.
1967 - The Beatles' anthem "All You Need Is Love" reached the top spot on the US charts, holding the #1 position for one week. Released during the height of the Summer of Love in 1967, the song became a symbol of the era's idealism and was one of the first global television broadcasts, performed by the band during the "Our World" program.
1977 - A year after the breakup of her group Labelle, Patti LaBelle launched her solo career with the release of her self-titled debut album. This 1977 album introduced one of her signature songs, "You Are My Friend," a heartfelt ballad that became a staple in her live performances and a fan favorite.
1980 - Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks" makes history as the first rap single to be certified Gold by the RIAA. The song is a landmark in hip-hop, helping to bring the genre into the mainstream. With its catchy beat and clever wordplay, "The Breaks" not only achieves commercial success but also solidifies Kurtis Blow's place as a pioneering figure in the rap music industry.
1981 - Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant first crossed paths at an electronics store in London, where their shared enthusiasm for synthesizers sparked a conversation that would lead to the formation of Pet Shop Boys. The duo's innovative use of electronic music and insightful lyrics quickly set them apart in the music scene. Just five years after their initial meeting, Pet Shop Boys released their breakthrough single, "West End Girls," which became a massive hit.
1988 - Elvis Presley's "Hound Dog" was recognized as the most-played song in the inaugural list of the top 100 jukebox hits. Released in 1956, this iconic track became a defining moment in Elvis's career and a staple of rock and roll.
2006 - Drake made his professional debut with a 30-minute set at Toronto's Kool Haus, opening for Ice Cube. This performance marked his entry into the music industry, earning him a modest $100 for his efforts.
2013 - The term "bro-country" is coined by music critic Jody Rosen in a New York magazine article to describe the song "Cruise" by Florida Georgia Line. This phrase captures the genre's blend of country music with themes and stylistic elements typically associated with pop and hip-hop, often focusing on party, drinking, and rural life.
2013 - Lady Gaga addressed her fans, asking them to refrain from sending online threats to those who criticize her. She made it clear that she doesn't support "hateful or abusive language" being used against others and stressed that such behavior is not a healthy way to deal with emotions. This request followed a situation where some of her fans had sent death threats to dance producer Deadmau5 after he criticized her video collaboration with artist Marina Abramovic.
2014 - Kate Bush made a heartfelt request to her fans, asking them to refrain from taking photographs or recording footage with mobile devices during her highly anticipated 22-date run of performances in London, England. This plea was driven by her desire to create a more immersive and intimate experience, allowing the audience to fully engage with the live performance without distractions.
