On this day today:
1940 - John Winston Lennon was born in Liverpool, England. Named after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Lennon would go on to become one of the most influential figures in music history as a member of The Beatles. His middle name, however, would evolve in later years—Lennon added "Ono" to his name in honor of his wife, Yoko Ono, following their marriage in 1969. As a groundbreaking songwriter, activist, and cultural icon, Lennon’s legacy continues to resonate through his music, both with The Beatles and in his solo work, as well as his messages of peace and love.
1961 - Ray Charles scored his second #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with the iconic song "Hit The Road Jack." Written by Percy Mayfield, the track became one of Charles' signature songs, showcasing his powerful vocals and blending of R&B, soul, and blues. The song's catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics struck a chord with listeners, cementing its place as a classic. "Hit The Road Jack" not only topped the charts but also earned Charles a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Recording, further solidifying his status as a music legend.
1969 - Polly Jean Harvey, better known as PJ Harvey, was born in Bridport, Dorset, England. A multi-talented singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Harvey has become one of the most influential and critically acclaimed figures in alternative rock. Known for her raw, evocative lyrics and genre-blurring sound, Harvey has released numerous groundbreaking albums, including To Bring You My Love and Let England Shake, earning her Mercury Prize wins and widespread recognition.
1985 - Norwegian band a-ha began filming the music video for their hit single "The Sun Always Shines on T.V." Directed by Steve Barron, known for his innovative visual work, the video was shot at Saint Alban the Martyr Church and Udney Hall Gardens in Teddington, Middlesex, England. Following the massive success of "Take On Me," this video continued to cement a-ha’s place in the '80s music scene, with its moody, gothic atmosphere and dramatic imagery. The video’s haunting visuals complemented the song’s emotional intensity, helping the single become a major hit and further showcasing a-ha’s artistic vision.
1993 - Take That scored their second UK No.1 single with "Relight My Fire," a cover of Dan Hartman’s 1979 disco hit, which originally topped the US dance charts for six weeks. Take That’s version featured a powerful guest performance from Scottish singer Lulu, giving her a No.1 hit nearly 30 years after her first chart-topping success with "Shout" in 1964. The energetic collaboration brought new life to the classic song, blending pop and dance elements that resonated with audiences, solidifying Take That’s status as one of the leading pop groups of the '90s.
1993 - Nirvana made a powerful statement by debuting at No. 1 on the US album chart with their third and final studio album, In Utero. This critically acclaimed album was known for its raw sound and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of the grunge movement. Interestingly, frontman Kurt Cobain had initially intended to name the album I Hate Myself and I Want to Die, a reflection of his tumultuous emotions and experiences. In Utero showcased a more unpolished and aggressive side of the band, moving away from the mainstream sound of their breakthrough album Nevermind.
1999 - Music icons Eurythmics, George Michael, David Bowie, Robbie Williams, and Bono came together for NetAid, a global event aimed at raising funds and awareness for poverty around the world. Concerts were held simultaneously in London, New York, and Geneva, and broadcast live on the internet, marking a new era in the use of technology for charity.
2007 - Josh Groban released his Christmas album Noël, which quickly became a massive commercial success. Featuring Groban's rich vocals on holiday classics like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night," the album resonated with listeners and topped the charts during the holiday season. Noël not only became the best-selling album of 2007 in the United States but also one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time.
2017 - Foo Fighters reached No.1 on the US album chart with their ninth studio album, Concrete and Gold. This marked their second album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, further solidifying the band's status as rock heavyweights. Frontman Dave Grohl had ended a six-month, self-imposed hiatus from music to record the album, following an injury he sustained during the Sonic Highways World Tour. Concrete and Gold blended the band’s signature hard rock sound with new sonic textures, showcasing Foo Fighters' versatility and Grohl's resilience as a leader in the rock world.
2023 - Coldplay and their former manager, Dave Holmes, found themselves embroiled in a legal battle, with both parties filing competing claims in London’s High Court. Holmes, who managed the band from 2005 to 2022, sued for £10 million in unpaid commissions, alleging he was owed a significant share from their massive earnings. In response, Coldplay filed a counterclaim, seeking £14 million in damages, accusing Holmes of allowing tour costs to spiral out of control. The court case also revealed staggering financial details, with the band receiving a £35 million advance for their 10th album and £30 million for their 11th and 12th albums. The dispute has drawn attention to the complex financial dealings behind one of the world’s most successful bands.
