On this day today:
1959 - Ray Charles made a pivotal career move, leaving Atlantic Records for a more lucrative contract with ABC-Paramount Records. This new deal granted Charles not only a higher royalty rate but also unprecedented control over his master recordings—a rare opportunity for artists at the time. His time with ABC-Paramount led to some of his most iconic work, including the genre-defining Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.
1962 - Anthony Kiedis, frontman of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Known for his dynamic stage presence and signature blend of singing, rapping, and poetic lyrics, Kiedis helped shape the Chili Peppers’ genre-defying sound that combines rock, punk, and funk influences. Under his leadership, the band achieved iconic status with albums like Blood Sugar Sex Magik and Californication, creating a lasting legacy in alternative rock.
1964 - Singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins, best known for her 1992 hit "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover," was born in New York City. With her soulful voice and eclectic style, Hawkins carved out a distinctive niche in pop music, blending rock, pop, and jazz elements. Her debut album, Tongues and Tails, featuring the iconic hit, earned her a Grammy nomination and established her as a unique voice in the early '90s music scene.
1968 - George Harrison took a significant step in his musical journey by releasing Wonderwall Music, marking the first solo album from any member of The Beatles. Released as the soundtrack to the film Wonderwall, this album showcased Harrison's unique sound, blending Indian music influences with Western rock elements.
1975 - The Carpenters faced a heartbreaking setback when they had to cancel their planned European tour due to lead singer Karen Carpenter's ongoing battle with anorexia. Known for her warm contralto voice and the duo’s string of soft rock hits, Karen’s health struggles would become one of the most poignant chapters in music history, eventually bringing attention to eating disorders and their impact.
1976 - Talking Heads officially signed with Sire Records, cementing their transition from New York's CBGB scene to the recording studio. Despite Sire’s interest a year prior, the band—driven by David Byrne’s creative vision—opted to hold off until they were fully prepared to capture their unique sound. This calculated delay allowed Talking Heads to debut in 1977 with an album that would help define New Wave, launching them toward cult status and critical acclaim.
1994 - Nirvana's MTV Unplugged in New York album, capturing their iconic live performance from a year prior, finally hit the shelves and resonated worldwide. The album quickly topped charts across the globe, including in the US, UK, and Australia, as fans embraced its raw, haunting renditions of Nirvana classics and cover songs. With Kurt Cobain’s evocative vocals and the band’s stripped-down sound, the release immortalized a defining moment for grunge and alternative rock, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the band.
1994 - Mariah Carey released her holiday album Merry Christmas, instantly gifting the world one of the most beloved seasonal records ever. By the end of the year, the album had sold over 3 million copies in the US alone, with “All I Want for Christmas Is You” becoming a holiday classic. Carey's powerful vocals and timeless hits helped the album become a staple of the season, solidifying her as the "Queen of Christmas."
1997 - Scandinavian dance-pop sensation Aqua kicked off a monumental four-week run at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart with their infectious hit "Barbie Girl." Released in 1997, the catchy track became a massive global phenomenon, selling over 8 million copies worldwide.
1999 - Celine Dion was honored with induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame at the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' Gold Ribbon Awards gala in Montreal. She joined fellow Canadian music icons Bryan Adams and Anne Murray in receiving this prestigious accolade, recognizing her impact on Canadian and global music culture.
2000 - All Saints topped a poll to find the sexiest female act, as determined by 12,000 UK television viewers. The pop group, known for hits like "Never Ever," captured the public's attention and secured the top spot, leaving fellow girl group The Spice Girls in second place and Atomic Kitten in third. The poll showcased not only the popularity of these contemporary acts but also highlighted the enduring appeal of classic groups, as the 1950s duo The Beverley Sisters made a surprise appearance in 11th place, outperforming the likes of TLC.
2005 - Black Sabbath was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame, with Queen's Brian May handling the honors. The legendary metal pioneers marked the occasion with a performance of their classic hit, "Paranoid." But true to form, Ozzy Osbourne upped the rock-and-roll energy in his own way—mooning the crowd to stir up some spirit, thinking the audience needed to feel the Sabbath intensity a bit more.
2012 - Metal Hammer magazine stirred up the rock and heavy metal community by publishing its list of the "Top Ten Rock and Heavy Metal Moustaches…Ever." The humorous ranking featured iconic facial hair from legendary musicians, with Freddie Mercury of Queen taking the top spot for his unforgettable handlebar moustache. The list also celebrated notable 'staches from the likes of Frank Zappa, all members of Black Sabbath (minus Ozzy Osbourne), James Hetfield of Metallica, and Lemmy from Motörhead.
2015 - Taylor Swift found herself at the center of a legal storm when she was sued for $42 million (£27 million) over allegations of lyric theft concerning her 2014 smash hit "Shake It Off." R&B singer Jesse Braham claimed that Swift's catchy chorus borrowed from his 2013 track "Haters Gonna Hate." The lawsuit drew significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing debates in the music industry surrounding copyright and originality. Despite the controversy, "Shake It Off" became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and further solidifying Swift's status as a pop icon.
