On this day today:
1959 - Morten Harket, lead singer of the synthpop group a-ha, was born in Kongsberg, Norway. Harket gained international fame with a-ha's hit "Take On Me," which became iconic for both its distinctive sound and groundbreaking animated music video.
1969 - Genesis took the stage for the first time at a cottage owned by Peter Gabriel's former Sunday School teacher. This early performance marked the humble beginnings of a band that would go on to become one of the most successful and influential progressive rock acts, with Peter Gabriel and later Phil Collins as frontmen.
1973 - Rapper Nas was born Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the Queensbridge housing projects and went on to become one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, known for his lyrical prowess and iconic debut album Illmatic.
1974 - Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale started a two-week run at No. 1 on the US album chart, marking his second US No. 1 album. This album, released in 1974, features classic tracks like "They Won't Go When I Go" and "Boogie On Reggae Woman," further solidifying Wonder's status as a leading artist in the soul and R&B genres.
1979 - The film version of Quadrophenia, The Who's 1973 rock opera about the mod subculture in London, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. The movie, directed by Franc Roddam, explores themes of identity, rebellion, and youthful angst, capturing the essence of the mod movement in the 1960s. It's a cult classic, featuring memorable performances and an iconic soundtrack by The Who.
1979 - Los Angeles celebrated "Kenny Rogers Day" as the legendary country singer received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6666 Hollywood Blvd. Rogers, known for hits like "The Gambler" and "Lucille," was honored for his contributions to music, both as a solo artist and as part of his earlier group, Kenny Rogers and The First Edition. His star cemented his status as a cross-genre icon, beloved in both country and pop music.
1983 - Amy Winehouse was born in Southgate, London, England. Known for her deep, soulful voice and unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B, Winehouse gained international fame with her 2006 album Back to Black, which included hits like "Rehab" and "You Know I'm No Good." The album earned her critical acclaim, multiple Grammy Awards, and a lasting legacy in music.
1984 - At the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards on September 14, 1984, Madonna made a memorable impression with her performance of "Like a Virgin." She wore a white wedding gown and accessorized with her iconic "Boy Toy" belt, creating a provocative and unforgettable moment in pop culture.
1984 - David Bowie won Video of the Year for "China Girl" at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards. His innovative video for the song, featuring both provocative imagery and a strong visual style, was a standout at the event, showcasing Bowie's influential role in shaping music video art.
1988 - Muni Long, born Priscilla Renea Hamilton in Gifford, Florida, is a talented singer-songwriter who gained initial success writing hits for prominent artists, including Fifth Harmony's "Worth It" and Rihanna's "California King Bed." After years of working behind the scenes, she rebranded herself as Muni Long and made a significant breakthrough as a solo artist with her 2022 hit "Hrs And Hrs," a smooth R&B track that showcased her vocal talents and earned widespread acclaim.
1991 - Paula Abdul scored her sixth and final US #1 hit with "The Promise of a New Day." The song, from her second album Spellbound, continued her streak of chart-topping hits that began with her debut album Forever Your Girl.
1993 - Sixteen years after the release of his groundbreaking album Bat Out of Hell, Meat Loaf released its long-anticipated sequel, Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell, on September 14, 1993. Once again, Jim Steinman wrote all the songs, continuing their iconic partnership. The lead single, "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)," became a massive hit, reaching #1 in multiple countries, including the US and the UK.
2004 - The seven-member Canadian band Arcade Fire released their debut album, Funeral. The album, known for its rich, orchestral sound and emotionally charged lyrics, received widespread critical acclaim and helped establish the band as a major force in indie rock.
2007 - Across the Universe, a film inspired by the music of The Beatles, opened in theaters. Directed by Julie Taymor, the movie features a mix of classic Beatles songs and tells a story set against the backdrop of the 1960s counterculture. It stars Evan Rachel Wood and Jim Sturgess and is known for its visually striking and imaginative interpretation of the band's music.
2008 - Kings Of Leon kicked off a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their hit "Sex On Fire," from their fourth studio album Only by the Night. The track became one of the band's most successful singles, contributing significantly to the album's acclaim.
2018 - Carrie Underwood released her sixth studio album, Cry Pretty. The album debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 chart, making it her fourth consecutive album to do so. The title track, "Cry Pretty," was a significant hit, showcasing Underwood's powerful vocals and emotional depth.
2018 - Verve Records hosted a special launch party at the Rainbow Room in New York City to celebrate Tony Bennett and Diana Krall’s album Love Is Here To Stay. During the event, after the duo's performance of "Fascinating Rhythm," Guinness World Records adjudicator Alex Angert presented Tony Bennett with the title for "the longest time between the release of an original recording and a re-recording of the same single." Bennett, who had originally recorded the song under the stage name Joe Bari over 68 years earlier, was recognized for his remarkable achievement in music.
