On this day today:
1930 - Richard Harris, the Irish actor known for his iconic roles on screen and stage, also made an unexpected splash in the music world with the dramatic, sprawling hit "MacArthur Park." Born in Limerick, Ireland, Harris brought his unique gravitas to the song, which became a surprise success and remains a cult favorite, blending his artistic flair with a dose of late-'60s eccentricity.
1935 - Julie Andrews, born Julia Elizabeth Wells in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, emerged as a timeless icon of music and film. With her enchanting voice and magnetic presence, she captivated audiences in classics like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, showcasing her extraordinary talent as both a singer and actress.
1945 - Soul legend Donny Hathaway was born in Chicago, Illinois, but his musical roots were nurtured in St. Louis, where he was raised by his grandmother. Known for his rich, emotive voice and timeless collaborations like "Where Is the Love" with Roberta Flack, Hathaway’s influence on soul, R&B, and beyond remains profound.
1947 - Mariska Veres, the powerhouse vocalist for Dutch rock band Shocking Blue, was born in The Hague, Netherlands. Best known for her haunting vocals on the global hit "Venus," Veres brought a unique blend of mystique and strength to the late '60s and early '70s rock scene.
1959 - Youssou N'Dour, the legendary Senegalese singer, songwriter, and activist, was born in Dakar, Senegal. Known for his powerful voice and dynamic fusion of traditional African rhythms with modern pop and jazz elements, N'Dour is a pioneer of the mbalax genre.
1969 - The Beatles dropped Abbey Road in the US, marking one of their most iconic releases. The album, which features legendary tracks like "Come Together" and the epic medley on side two, became a cornerstone of their legacy.
1970 - Janis Joplin laid down her final tracks with raw emotion, recording an a capella version of "Mercedes Benz" just days before her tragic death. This minimalist, soulful plea for materialism—delivered with Joplin's signature rasp—became one of the standout moments on Pearl, her posthumous album.
1977 - Topping the Hot 100 is Meco's "Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band," a disco-fueled reimagining of the galaxy's most iconic score. This wild, 15-minute mashup of John Williams' original Star Wars soundtrack, driven by infectious disco rhythms, became an unlikely sensation. Featuring everything from funky beats to an R2-D2 bleeping solo, Meco took the sci-fi classic and turned it into a dancefloor hit, proving just how powerful pop culture crossovers can be—especially when combined with a little intergalactic groove.
1983 - Bonnie Tyler's dramatic power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart," penned by the legendary Jim Steinman, soared to #1 in the US, making Tyler the first Welsh artist to claim the top spot. With its haunting lyrics and soaring vocals, the song became an instant classic and is still considered one of the greatest ballads of the '80s. Tyler's raspy voice, combined with Steinman’s larger-than-life production, made this an unforgettable anthem of heartbreak and passion.
1988 - Bon Jovi hit a major milestone with their first UK No.1 album, New Jersey, solidifying their status as rock icons. This fourth release followed the massive success of Slippery When Wet and boasted an impressive five top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the hard rock album with the most top ten hits to date. Among these chart-toppers, "Bad Medicine" and "I'll Be There for You" both soared to No.1, showcasing the band's knack for crafting infectious anthems that resonate with fans worldwide.
2000 - Australian rock legends Midnight Oil took the stage at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Summer Olympics with a powerful performance of their politically charged hit "Beds Are Burning." The track, a call for Indigenous land rights, resonated on a global scale, making a bold statement on one of the world’s biggest stages. Dressed in all-black outfits emblazoned with the word "Sorry," the band delivered a moment that was as much about activism as it was about music, cementing their status as one of Australia's most iconic and socially conscious bands.
2007 - The Spice Girls' highly anticipated London reunion concert became an instant sensation, selling out in just 38 seconds after tickets went on sale. Fans eagerly flocked to secure their spots, with over one million people in the UK registering for the event at the O2 Arena on December 15, 2007. Tickets were priced between £55 and £75, reflecting the immense demand for the iconic girl group's return. The concert was part of a world tour that kicked off in Vancouver on December 2, with three additional London dates quickly added to accommodate the overwhelming response from fans.
2007 - When Radiohead announced the release of their groundbreaking album In Rainbows, their official website crashed under the sheer weight of eager fans rushing to place orders. In a bold move, the band offered the digital download at a price determined by the buyer, allowing fans to pay what they felt was fair. For those looking for a physical keepsake, a £40 "discbox" was available, featuring two CDs, two vinyl records, stunning artwork, and booklets.
