On this day today:
1943 - Roger Waters, born George Roger Waters in Great Bookham, Surrey, England, became a cornerstone of Pink Floyd, co-founding the band and eventually steering it in a bold creative direction. As the visionary behind The Wall—their 1979 magnum opus—Waters took the reins artistically, but his dominance caused friction with his bandmates. By 1985, the tensions had escalated, and Waters departed the group, assuming that Pink Floyd would dissolve in his absence. To his surprise, they continued on, with guitarist David Gilmour leading the charge, sparking a bitter feud between Waters and his former bandmates that would last for years.
1968 - Eric Clapton famously lent his guitar skills to The Beatles' track "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," recording the iconic solo that added a new dimension to George Harrison’s deeply introspective song. Though not a formal member of The Beatles, Clapton's collaboration marked a rare guest appearance on one of their tracks.
1969 - CeCe Peniston, born Cecilia Veronica Peniston in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, burst onto the dance-pop scene with her 1991 smash hit "Finally." The track became an instant anthem, blending infectious beats with Peniston's powerhouse vocals, and quickly catapulted her into international stardom. "Finally" not only dominated dance floors worldwide but also helped define the '90s dance-pop era, cementing Peniston’s place in music history as one of the genre's most memorable voices.
1969 - Macy Gray, born Natalie Renée McIntyre in Canton, Ohio, made waves in the music world with her distinct raspy voice and soulful style. Rising to fame with her hit single "I Try" in 1999, Gray quickly became a standout in the R&B and neo-soul genres.
1971 - Dolores O'Riordan, the iconic lead singer of The Cranberries, was born in County Limerick, Ireland. Her hauntingly ethereal voice and emotive songwriting became the defining elements of the band's signature sound, blending alternative rock with Celtic influences. O'Riordan's powerful vocals and deeply personal lyrics, showcased in hits like "Linger" and "Zombie," resonated with fans worldwide, catapulting The Cranberries to international fame in the '90s.
1974 - Nina Persson, the captivating lead singer of The Cardigans, was born in Jönköping, Sweden. With her cool, silky vocals, Persson became the voice behind the band's global hits like "Lovefool" and "My Favourite Game," blending pop sensibilities with indie rock charm.
1985 - When Desperately Seeking Susan hit UK theaters, it showcased the magnetic performances of Madonna and Rosanna Arquette. Initially, the filmmakers had envisioned Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn for the roles of Roberta and Susan. However, director Susan Seidelman chose to cast the then-unknown Arquette and Madonna, a decision that proved transformative for both actresses. Madonna's role as Susan provided a breakthrough moment in her acting career, while Arquette's performance also marked a significant step forward in her career.
1986 - Bananarama’s cover of "Venus" catapulted the English pop trio to international fame, soaring to #1 on the US charts. Originally a hit for the Dutch group Shocking Blue in the late '60s, Bananarama’s energetic and infectious rendition breathed new life into the classic.
1988 - New Kids On The Block unleashed their breakout album, Hangin' Tough, which marked a pivotal moment in their rise to fame. Released in 1988, the album featured a string of catchy hits, including the title track "Hangin' Tough," that catapulted the boy band to international stardom.
1989 - As grunge music begins to make its mark on mainstream pop with its dark, distorted guitars and introspective themes, Lenny Kravitz emerges with a refreshing counterpoint. His debut album, Let Love Rule, delivers a vibrant, funk-infused message that stands in stark contrast to the grunge scene's prevailing negativity. With its uplifting themes and groovy rhythms, Kravitz’s music offers a hopeful, energetic perspective, inviting listeners to embrace love and positivity in the face of a changing musical landscape.
1997 - At Princess Diana's funeral, Elton John delivered a poignant and deeply emotional performance of a revised version of "Candle In The Wind." Originally a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Elton John's new rendition was adapted to honor Princess Diana's memory.
2001 - At the MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears made a jaw-dropping entrance to debut her new single, "I'm A Slave 4 U." In a performance that became instantly iconic, she took the stage draped in a live python, adding a dramatic and edgy flair to her act.
2005 - The Rolling Stones released A Bigger Bang, their studio album that sold a respectable but modest one million copies in America—a figure that was relatively subdued compared to their previous successes. However, the album's release was overshadowed by the monumental success of the accompanying tour. The Stones' tour shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing tour ever with an astonishing $558 million in revenue.
2011 - PJ Harvey made history by becoming the first artist to win the Mercury Prize twice, with her album Let England Shake clinching the prestigious award. The 2011 win followed her earlier triumph with Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea in 2001.
