On this day today:
1936 - Buddy Holly was born. Despite his tragically brief life—cut short at just 22 years old—Holly left an indelible mark on the music world. His innovative approach to rock and roll, characterized by his distinctive sound and songwriting, profoundly influenced many of the era's biggest stars, including The Beatles.
1949 - Disco icon Gloria Gaynor, born Gloria Fowles in Newark, New Jersey, would go on to become a defining voice of the disco era. Best known for her timeless anthem "I Will Survive," Gaynor's powerful vocals and empowering lyrics became a rallying cry for resilience and strength.
1951 - Chrissie Hynde, the trailblazing frontwoman of The Pretenders, was born in Akron, Ohio. Known for her distinctive voice and rebellious attitude, Hynde brought a fierce energy to the rock scene. Forming The Pretenders in the late '70s, she quickly became a pioneering figure, blending punk's raw edge with melodic rock in hits like "Brass in Pocket" and "Back on the Chain Gang."
1984 - INXS made history by playing the first of two groundbreaking concerts in Guam, a small Pacific island that seldom sees major international acts. The Australian rock band, known for their electrifying performances and hits like "Need You Tonight" and "New Sensation," brought their signature energy to a place not typically on the radar for global tours.
1985 - "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" soared to the top of the US charts, becoming a #1 hit in 1985. Performed by John Parr, the song was written as the theme for the movie St. Elmo's Fire but was also inspired by Canadian athlete Rick Hansen's "Man in Motion" world tour, a journey to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries.
1987 - Michael Jackson released "Bad," the title track from his highly anticipated album, marking his first major release since the groundbreaking Thriller. Originally intended to be a duet with Prince, the collaboration never materialized as the Purple One declined the offer.
1987 - In the UK, Pink Floyd released A Momentary Lapse of Reason, marking their first album without founding member Roger Waters. The 1987 album signaled a new chapter for the band, featuring a more polished and expansive sound that diverged from the conceptual complexity of their earlier work.
1988 - INXS, the breakout sensation from Australia, dominated the MTV Video Music Awards, taking home five trophies, including the prestigious Video of the Year for their hit "Need You Tonight/Mediate."
1994 - Weezer released their breakthrough single, "Buddy Holly," on what would have been the rock and roll icon's 58th birthday. The song, named in homage to Buddy Holly, quickly became a defining track of the '90s, showcasing Weezer's distinctive blend of power pop and alternative rock.
1994 - At just 15 years old, Brandy burst onto the music scene with her self-titled debut album, which quickly propelled her to stardom. Released in 1994, the album featured smooth R&B hits like "I Wanna Be Down" and "Baby," showcasing her mature vocals and youthful charm.
1996 - Rap star Tupac Shakur was tragically shot five times in a drive-by shooting following a boxing match in Las Vegas. Despite receiving medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries six days later at the age of 25. Tupac's death was a devastating loss to the music world, cutting short the life of one of hip-hop's most influential and controversial figures.
1999 - Pop singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams was born in Los Angeles, California, to renowned filmmaker JJ Abrams and producer Katie McGrath. Despite her Hollywood lineage, Abrams carved her own path in music, gaining attention for her introspective lyrics and emotive vocals.
2000 - During the MTV Video Music Awards, Rage Against The Machine's bassist, Tim Commerford, made headlines by climbing up the backdrop on stage, causing a stir and disrupting the proceedings. His unexpected stunt occurred while Limp Bizkit were accepting the Best Rock Video award for "Break Stuff." Commerford's bold move left the crew and Limp Bizkit bewildered, making a dramatic statement in the midst of the awards show.
2003 - Black Eyed Peas kicked off a six-week run at No. 1 on the UK singles chart with their socially conscious hit "Where Is The Love?" Released in 2003, the song became a powerful anthem, addressing issues like terrorism, racism, and inequality. Its thought-provoking lyrics and infectious beat resonated with listeners, helping the track to dominate the charts and solidify Black Eyed Peas' place in pop music.
2008 - MTV redeemed itself after the previous year’s widely criticized performance by a lethargic Britney Spears at the Video Music Awards by honoring her with three awards for "Piece Of Me." The track, a defiant anthem addressing the media’s intense scrutiny of her personal life, earned Spears recognition in categories including Video of the Year.
2010 - The xx clinched the 2010 Mercury Prize with their self-titled debut album, a recognition that highlighted their unique sound and minimalist aesthetic. The album, characterized by its hauntingly intimate tracks and understated production, resonated deeply with both critics and audiences.
2010 - Queen’s iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody" was voted the greatest ‘lighter in the air’ song of all time by lighter company Zippo. The song’s dramatic, operatic style and memorable guitar solos make it a perfect choice for fans waving their lighters in the air. Led Zeppelin’s classic "Stairway to Heaven" secured the No. 2 spot, with its epic build-up and powerful climax making it another favorite for such moments. Meat Loaf’s "I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)" rounded out the top three, showcasing its grand, theatrical appeal.
2016 - The Chainsmokers, featuring American singer Halsey, topped the US singles chart with their hit "Closer." The song became a massive success, blending The Chainsmokers' electronic-pop sound with Halsey's emotive vocals.
