On this day today:
1926 - Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane was born in Hamlet, North Carolina. Coltrane became one of the most influential figures in jazz, known for his pioneering work in bebop, hard bop, and free jazz, and for albums like A Love Supreme and Giant Steps.
1930 - Ray Charles was born Ray Charles Robinson in Albany, Georgia. Blinded by glaucoma at the age of 7, he developed a unique musical style that blended gospel, blues, and jazz, laying the groundwork for what would become known as soul music. His groundbreaking approach and powerful voice earned him numerous accolades, making him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
1943 - Julio Iglesias was born in Madrid, Spain. He became one of the best-selling Latin music artists in history, known for his romantic ballads and songs in multiple languages, selling over 100 million records worldwide.
1949 - Bruce Springsteen was born in Long Branch, New Jersey. He is renowned for his evocative songwriting and energetic performances, often drawing on his working-class roots and the American experience in his music. Springsteen's iconic albums, like Born to Run and Born in the U.S.A., have made him a pivotal figure in rock music.
1966 - The Rolling Stones launched a tour of Britain at Royal Albert Hall in London, with Ike & Tina Turner as the opening act. At the time, Ike & Tina Turner were gaining popularity in the UK, especially with their hit "River Deep - Mountain High," which resonated more with British audiences than in the US. This tour helped solidify Tina Turner's dynamic stage presence, contributing to her rise as an international star.
1967 - "The Letter" by The Box Tops hit #1 in America on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. The song, with its distinctive soulful sound and raspy vocals from 16-year-old lead singer Alex Chilton, became a defining hit of the late '60s. Clocking in at under two minutes, "The Letter" was one of the shortest songs to ever reach the top of the charts.
1967 - The Doors released "People Are Strange" as a single, featured on their album Strange Days. The song, with its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, reflects themes of alienation and existential angst. It became one of the band's signature tracks, showcasing Jim Morrison's distinctive vocal style and the band's psychedelic rock sound.
1970 - Ani DiFranco, born Angela Maria DiFranco in Buffalo, New York, is a singer-songwriter known for her feminist themes, political activism, and unique blend of folk, rock, and jazz influences.
1977 - Steely Dan released their sixth album, Aja. The album is celebrated for its sophisticated jazz-rock sound, intricate arrangements, and polished production. It features hits like "Peg," "Deacon Blues," and the title track "Aja," and has received widespread acclaim, often regarded as one of the band's best works and a classic of the genre.
1977 - David Bowie released "Heroes" as a single in 1977. Co-written with Brian Eno, the song features the iconic guitar work of Robert Fripp from King Crimson. It has since become one of Bowie's signature songs, celebrated for its anthemic quality and emotional depth, often associated with themes of hope and resilience.
1980 - Bob Marley's final concert took place at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh. He performed a 20-song set that included many of his greatest hits, showcasing his incredible talent and the powerful message of his music. This performance was part of his Uprising tour, and although he was battling cancer at the time, his energy and passion for music shone through.
1986 - Following a split with their record label and lineup changes, Boston released Third Stage. It marked the band's first album in eight years, following Don't Look Back in 1978. The album features hits like "Amanda," which became a number one single, and showcases Boston's signature sound with layered guitars and harmonies.
1997 - The Rolling Stones released Bridges to Babylon.
2003 - OutKast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was released. This ambitious double album features two distinct solo projects: Speakerboxxx by Big Boi and The Love Below by André 3000. The album showcases their unique styles, with Big Boi leaning towards more traditional Southern hip-hop and André 3000 exploring eclectic sounds and genres. The album produced several hits, including "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move," and went on to win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
2008 - Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses indeed made history by becoming the best-selling debut album in the U.S., certified at 18 million copies by the RIAA. This iconic album, released in 1987, featured hits like "Sweet Child o' Mine," "Welcome to the Jungle," and "Paradise City," solidifying the band's place in rock history.
