On this day today:
1941 - Otis Redding, born Otis Ray Redding Jr. in Dawson, Georgia, was raised in the musical hub of Macon. Redding would go on to become one of the most influential soul singers of all time, known for his emotive voice and timeless hits like “(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay” and “Try a Little Tenderness.” His powerful blend of gospel, R&B, and soul set him apart as a driving force in shaping the sound of '60s soul music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre before his untimely death in 1967.
1952 - Dave Stewart, born in Sunderland, England, would go on to become one half of the iconic duo Eurythmics, forming the group with Annie Lennox in 1980. Known for their innovative blend of new wave, synth-pop, and rock, the Eurythmics achieved global fame with hits like "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" and "Here Comes the Rain Again." Stewart's skill as a producer and multi-instrumentalist, paired with Lennox's powerful vocals, made them one of the defining acts of the '80s, shaping the sound of the era with their avant-garde style and distinctive sound.
1971 - John Lennon released Imagine in the US on September 9, 1971, marking a pivotal moment in his solo career. The album's title track, "Imagine," quickly became an anthem for peace, with its poignant lyrics envisioning a world without war, borders, or conflict.
1975 - Paul McCartney and Wings embarked on their historic 13-month world tour in 1975, marking the band's most ambitious and successful live venture. The tour included a series of iconic performances across the US, which were recorded and later released as the live double album Wings Over America in 1976. The tour and album captured McCartney at the height of his post-Beatles career, with the live record showcasing his enduring musicianship and a mix of both Wings hits and Beatles classics.
1982 - Following the massive success of Moving Pictures, Rush released Signals in 1982, marking a bold step into more synthesizer-driven sounds. The album, their ninth studio effort, featured the standout track "Subdivisions," which quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of their live shows.
1989 - Take That formed in 1990 when Robbie Williams, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald were selected at auditions in Manchester, England, to join Gary Barlow, the group’s lead singer and primary songwriter.
1989 - New Kids on the Block scored their second US No. 1 single with "Hangin' Tough" in 1990, a track that also topped the UK charts.
1989 - Italian dance group Black Box began a six-week run at No. 1 on the UK singles chart with "Ride On Time" in 1989. The track, known for its infectious beat and catchy melody, famously sampled Loleatta Holloway's 1980 song "Love Sensation." Holloway's uncredited use of her vocals led to a legal dispute, which was resolved with a settlement that provided her with an undisclosed sum. Despite the controversy, "Ride On Time" became a defining hit of the late '80s dance scene.
1992 - Nirvana’s ongoing feud with Guns N' Roses hit a boiling point backstage at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards, where tensions between the two rock icons reached new heights. Axl Rose, known for his fiery temper, confronted Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, allegedly threatening Cobain in front of their infant daughter. The feud had been brewing for some time, fueled by contrasting musical philosophies and personal differences. Nirvana’s grunge ethos clashed with Guns N' Roses' hard rock excess, making this backstage altercation a defining moment in their rivalry, as well as a dramatic snapshot of the early '90s rock scene.
1992 - During their MTV Video Music Awards performance in 1992, Nirvana delivered a memorable rendition of "Lithium" that ended in a dramatic flourish. As the song concluded, bassist Krist Novoselic tossed his bass guitar high into the air, aiming for a dramatic finish. Unfortunately, he missed the catch, and the bass came crashing down onto his head, causing a humorous and unexpected moment. Despite the mishap, the performance remains iconic for its raw energy and the band’s fearless stage presence, capturing the essence of Nirvana’s grunge spirit.
2006 - "SexyBack," the lead single from Justin Timberlake's second solo album FutureSex/LoveSounds, topped the US charts for seven weeks. Released in 2006, the track marked a significant evolution in Timberlake’s sound, combining futuristic production with a sultry, confident vibe.
2007 - Britney Spears' MTV Video Music Awards performance in 2007, where she gave a lackluster lip-sync of her single "Gimme More," marked a tumultuous period in her life. The performance, characterized by a disoriented and unenergetic appearance, was met with mixed reviews and highlighted the personal struggles Spears was facing.
2008 - Manchester band Elbow won the Mercury Music Prize in the UK for their album The Seldom Seen Kid in 2008. The album, praised for its rich, orchestral sound and poignant lyrics, was a significant achievement for the band, highlighting their innovative approach to alternative rock and solidifying their place in the British music scene.
2014 - U2's Songs of Innocence was automatically added to approximately 500 million iTunes accounts as part of a high-profile promotion with Apple. This move, intended to give the album a massive reach, backfired for many users who were upset by the unsolicited addition to their libraries. The album's appearance without prior permission led to a significant backlash, with many users struggling to remove the unwanted album from their collections. Despite the controversy, around 26 million iTunes customers—about 5 percent—downloaded the free album within a month of its release, showcasing that while the delivery method was controversial, the music still resonated with a substantial audience.
2018 - Eminem's tenth studio album, Kamikaze, hit No. 1 on the UK chart and topped the charts in 15 other countries. Released in 2018, the album marked Eminem's tenth consecutive No. 1 album in the United States and quickly became the best-selling hip-hop album of the year.
2019 - Lana Del Rey topped the UK charts with her sixth studio album, Norman F**king Rockwell!, which debuted at No. 1. Released in 2019, the album was widely acclaimed for its lush production and introspective lyrics, solidifying Del Rey’s reputation as a distinctive voice in modern music.
