On this day today:
1941 - Paul Simon was born in Newark, New Jersey. His journey in music began early when he met his lifelong collaborator, Art Garfunkel, during a school production of Alice in Wonderland for their sixth-grade graduation. This fortuitous meeting would lead to the formation of the iconic folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, whose harmonies and poignant lyrics defined a generation. The duo achieved immense success with hits like "The Sound of Silence," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and "Mrs. Robinson." Simon's songwriting prowess and Garfunkel's ethereal vocals created a timeless sound that continues to resonate with audiences today, solidifying their legacy in music history.
1947 - Sammy Hagar was born in Salinas, California. Hagar first gained prominence as the frontman for the hard rock band Montrose before launching a successful solo career with hits like "There's Only One Way to Rock" and the rebellious anthem "I Can't Drive 55." In 1985, Hagar took on a major role as the lead singer of Van Halen, replacing David Lee Roth and helping the band reach new heights with albums like 5150 and OU812. Known for his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence, Hagar became an iconic figure in rock, blending his solo success with his era-defining tenure in Van Halen.
1973 - The Rolling Stones kicked off a four-week reign at No. 1 on the US album chart with Goats Head Soup, marking their fourth US No. 1 album. This iconic record showcased the band's evolving sound, blending rock with elements of reggae and funk, particularly evident in the hit single "Angie."
1978 - Queen released the double A-side single "Fat Bottomed Girls"/"Bicycle Race," showcasing their unique blend of rock and theatrical flair. The release featured a provocative cover photo that combined imagery from both songs, capturing the playful and audacious spirit of the tracks. "Fat Bottomed Girls" celebrated body positivity and became a classic rock anthem, while "Bicycle Race" showcased the band's whimsical side with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics.
1979 - Michael Jackson's hit single "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked Jackson's first chart-topping single as a solo artist since leaving The Jackson 5 and the lead single from his breakthrough album Off the Wall. The track, co-written and co-produced by Jackson, was a fresh blend of funk, disco, and pop, showcasing his signature falsetto and infectious energy.
1980 - Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas was born in Glen Cove, New York. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, Ashanti quickly became a dominant force in R&B and hip-hop with hits like "Foolish" and "Only U." She also made a name for herself through high-profile collaborations, including "Always On Time" with Ja Rule and "What's Luv?" with Fat Joe, both of which topped the charts.
1984 - Stevie Wonder's timeless ballad "I Just Called to Say I Love You" reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, R&B, and UK Singles charts. The song, written and performed by Wonder for the movie The Woman in Red, became one of his biggest hits, earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
1984 - U2 achieved a significant milestone with the release of their second UK No. 1 album, The Unforgettable Fire. Produced by the legendary duo Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois, the album marked a turning point in the band's sound, showcasing a more atmospheric and experimental approach. Featuring the iconic single "Pride (In the Name of Love)," which pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., the album not only resonated with fans but also highlighted U2's growing commitment to social and political issues.
1987 - Sting released his second solo album, ...Nothing Like the Sun. The album showcased Sting’s growing musical maturity, blending rock, jazz, and world music influences. It featured standout tracks like "Englishman in New York," "Fragile," and "We'll Be Together," and earned widespread critical acclaim.
1990 - George Michael achieved a significant milestone as he soared to No. 1 on the US singles chart with "Praying for Time." This marked his sixth solo No. 1 hit in the United States and would become his final solo single to reach the top of the chart.
1992 - Prince released his 14th studio album, famously known as the Love Symbol Album, featuring an unpronounceable symbol on the cover that would later become his name. The symbol, a fusion of the male and female gender signs, represented Prince's artistic freedom and defiance of conventional labels. The album included hits like "Sexy MF" and "7," and was a pivotal moment in his battle with his record label, Warner Bros. Frustrated with industry control, Prince adopted the symbol as his name in 1993, becoming "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince" and solidifying his reputation as a musical and cultural icon who continually pushed boundaries.
2002 - The Spanish sister trio Las Ketchup reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart with their quirky and infectious hit "The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)." The song, with its playful lyrics and catchy dance moves, became a global sensation, though it peaked at only No. 54 on the US charts. Despite its mixed reception across different markets, The Ketchup Song became one of the defining pop hits of the early 2000s, achieving viral status long before the era of social media.
2002 - UK rock band Muse made headlines when they initiated legal action against Celine Dion after she announced that her upcoming Las Vegas show would be titled "Muse." Lead singer Matt Bellamy expressed concern over the potential confusion, stating, "We don't want anyone to think we're Celine Dion's backing band."
2008 - Five months after marrying Jay-Z, Beyoncé dropped the empowering anthem "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)." The track, known for its bold message and iconic dance routine, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks and dominated airwaves with its infectious energy.
2011 - Maroon 5's infectious hit "Moves Like Jagger," featuring Christina Aguilera, secured its place in the top 10 of the UK singles chart. The song's catchy lyrics celebrated a man's ability to woo a woman with his dance moves, drawing a playful comparison to the iconic Mick Jagger. The accompanying music video creatively interspersed vintage footage of Jagger, showcasing his legendary dance style and charisma. "Moves Like Jagger" became a commercial success, earning a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 54th Grammy Awards.
2023 - Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour concert film premiered in theaters, shattering box office records to become the highest-grossing concert film of all time. Capturing the essence of Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour, which celebrated her expansive career across multiple albums, the film gave fans a cinematic experience of her dynamic performances, stunning visuals, and nostalgic journey through her musical eras.
