On this day today:
1917 - Born in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, Bernard "Buddy" Rich carved his name into the annals of jazz history as an iconic drummer, songwriter, conductor, and bandleader. Renowned for his explosive technique and unparalleled virtuosity, Rich redefined drumming and left an indelible mark on the genre. His innovative approach and relentless passion continue to inspire drummers and musicians worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in music history.
1935 - Johnny Mathis was born John Royce Mathis on in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in San Francisco, California. He became one of the most popular and enduring vocalists of his era, known for his smooth, romantic ballads. Mathis found great success with hits like "Chances Are," "Misty," and "It's Not for Me to Say," and he is celebrated for his distinctive voice and lasting influence on pop and easy-listening music.
1947 - Marc Bolan, the iconic frontman for T. Rex, was born Mark Feld in Stoke Newington, London, England. Bolan became a pioneer of the glam rock movement in the 1970s, known for his flamboyant style and electric stage presence. T. Rex's hits like "Get It On (Bang a Gong)" and "Children of the Revolution" cemented his legacy as a rock legend. Tragically, Bolan's life was cut short when he died in a car accident in 1977 at the age of 29.
1954 - Patrice Rushen, born in Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed R&B singer, songwriter, and musician. She is best known for her 1982 hit single "Forget Me Nots," which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The song became a classic in the R&B and dance genres, with its catchy melody and memorable bassline.
1971 - Isaac Hayes released the iconic "Theme From Shaft." The song, from the soundtrack of the blaxploitation film Shaft, became a massive hit and is one of Hayes' most famous works. Its distinctive wah-wah guitar riff, combined with Hayes' deep vocals and orchestration, helped it become a defining track of the era.
1978 - Exile's "Kiss You All Over" reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for four weeks. The song, known for its soft rock style and sensual lyrics, became Exile's biggest hit and a defining track of the late 1970s.
1982 - Bruce Springsteen released Nebraska on September 30, 1982. The album is notable for its stark, acoustic sound, featuring raw and haunting tracks that Springsteen recorded on a 4-track tape machine in his home studio.
1984 - T-Pain, born Faheem Najm in Tallahassee, Florida, is a renowned singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for popularizing the use of Auto-Tune in contemporary music. He first gained widespread recognition with his debut album Rappa Ternt Sanga in 2005, featuring hits like "I'm Sprung" and "I'm N Luv (Wit a Stripper)."
1988 - John Lennon was awarded a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 24, 1988. The star, located at 1750 Vine Street, honors his contributions to music and his lasting impact as a member of The Beatles and as a solo artist.
1995 - Mariah Carey's "Fantasy" made history by debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became just the second single to achieve this milestone, following Michael Jackson's "You Are Not Alone." The song, known for its catchy hook and vibrant production, remained at the top for an impressive eight weeks, solidifying Carey's status as a pop icon and showcasing her vocal prowess. "Fantasy" is often remembered for its upbeat sound and memorable music video, which featured scenes from Coney Island.
2002 - Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty" music video premiered on MTV, marking a significant turning point in her career. The video featured provocative imagery and dance sequences, showcasing a more mature and edgy persona compared to her earlier, more innocent image as a Disney star. This bold transformation was part of her campaign to redefine herself artistically, as she aimed to shed the "wholesome pop star" label established by her self-titled debut album in 1999.
2007 - The Foo Fighters hit the top of the UK album chart with Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace, their sixth studio release and second UK No.1. This album showcased the band's signature sound while also exploring new musical territories, further cementing their status as rock titans. With hits like "The Pretender" and "Long Road to Ruin," it captures the Foo Fighters' raw energy and emotional depth, resonating with fans old and new.
2016 - Mary J. Blige debuted her Apple Music talk show, The 411. The show featured a blend of music, culture, and candid conversations, with Blige bringing her unique perspective to the hosting role. For the inaugural episode, she welcomed Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, marking a significant start to the series.
2021 - Tony Bennett, at the age of 95, made headlines with the release of his collaborative album Love for Sale with Lady Gaga. This album, featuring classic standards, not only showcased Bennett's enduring talent but also earned him the title of the oldest artist to release an album of new material, according to Guinness World Records.
