On this day today:
1944 - Legendary keyboardist Keith Emerson of Emerson, Lake & Palmer was born in Todmorden, Yorkshire, England, during World War II as his family sought refuge there. Growing up in Worthing, Sussex, Emerson initially trained in classical piano, showcasing an early aptitude for music. However, he soon branched out, blending rock and jazz influences that would define his unique sound and innovative keyboard techniques. As a founding member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, he pushed boundaries with his theatrical performances and groundbreaking synthesizer work, becoming one of prog rock's most iconic figures.
1961 - Born Kathryn Dawn Lang in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, k.d. lang emerged as a powerhouse vocalist and influential figure in both country and pop music. Known for her emotive singing style and gender-bending fashion, lang’s career took off in the late 1980s, blending her unique sound with themes of love, loss, and identity. She gained international acclaim with hits like "Constant Craving" and won multiple Grammy Awards, showcasing her exceptional talent and artistry.
1968 - Cream reached a significant milestone on their farewell tour when they were awarded a Platinum album for Wheels of Fire during their Madison Square Garden concert. Known for their explosive live performances, the iconic British rock trio—Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker—solidified their place in rock history with Wheels of Fire, the world’s first double album to achieve Platinum status.
1974 - Hip-hop star Nelly, born Cornell Haynes, Jr. in Austin, Texas, came into the world and eventually made St. Louis his home—a city that would play a huge role in his rise. Nelly brought mainstream attention to the Midwest rap scene with his catchy, southern-tinged flow, becoming the first major rapper to put St. Louis on the hip-hop map. Hits like Country Grammar and Hot in Herre turned him into a household name and helped pave the way for future artists from the region.
1979 - Quadrophenia, the iconic film adaptation of The Who's 1973 rock opera, made its US debut, bringing the gritty mod culture of 1960s Britain to American audiences. Directed by Franc Roddam, the film dives into the themes of teenage angst and identity through the character of Jimmy, a mod struggling with rebellion and self-discovery. Sting makes a memorable appearance as "Ace Face," a stylish mod with an attitude, in what would become one of his first major acting roles.
1985 - The Miami Vice soundtrack album soared to the top of the Billboard albums chart, marking a pivotal moment in music and television history. Featuring the iconic #1 hit theme song, composed by Jan Hammer, the album not only captured the essence of the groundbreaking series but also set a new standard for TV soundtracks. Its blend of rock, jazz, and synth-pop resonated with audiences, paving the way for future television shows to recognize the power of music in shaping their narratives and enhancing viewer experiences.
1985 - Stevie Wonder's "Part-Time Lover" ascended to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone in the legendary artist's career. This chart-topping hit came 22 years after Wonder first reached the pinnacle of the charts in 1963, showcasing his enduring appeal and musical evolution. With its infectious groove and relatable lyrics about secret love affairs, "Part-Time Lover" captivated audiences and solidified Wonder's status as a pioneering force in R&B and pop music.
1987 - George Harrison released Cloud Nine, marking a major comeback for the former Beatle with a polished yet playful sound. The album featured the infectious single "Got My Mind Set On You," which soared to #1 on the charts, becoming his last big solo hit. Co-produced with Jeff Lynne of ELO, Cloud Nine highlighted Harrison’s enduring talent and sense of humor, rekindling his popularity and serving as his final studio album before his passing in 2001.
1993 - Kate Bush unveiled The Red Shoes, her seventh studio album, introducing fans to an eclectic mix of rock, pop, and artful storytelling. Inspired by both the classic fairy tale and Michael Powell’s 1948 film of the same name, Bush explored themes of love, loss, and artistic struggle, infusing each track with her signature haunting vocals and cinematic flair. The album, featuring guest appearances from artists like Prince and Eric Clapton, stood out as one of her most ambitious projects, with hits like "Rubberband Girl" and "Moments of Pleasure" resonating with listeners worldwide.
2001 - At the Billboard Music Video Awards, Gorillaz and Fatboy Slim swept the night, each taking home three awards. Gorillaz’s breakout hit “Clint Eastwood” captivated audiences with its inventive animation and unique blend of hip-hop and alternative sounds, while Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon Of Choice” mesmerized viewers with Christopher Walken’s unforgettable dance moves in a surreal hotel setting.
2006 - At the seventh annual Latin Grammy Awards held at Madison Square Garden, Shakira dominated the night, capturing four prestigious awards. The Colombian pop sensation took home both Song and Record of the Year honors for her hit "La Tortura," a collaboration with Spanish artist Alejandro Sanz. In addition to these accolades, she won the Female Pop Vocal Album award and Album of the Year for her critically acclaimed Spanish-language release, Fijacion Oral, Vol. 1.
2012 - In a nod to his groundbreaking work in ambient music, Brian Eno has unveiled his latest album, LUX, with a unique preview experience at Tokyo International Airport. This innovative promotion is particularly fitting for Eno, as his influential 1978 album Ambient 1: Music for Airports was originally crafted to provide a calming soundtrack for travelers in busy airport environments.
2018 - The highly anticipated Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody hit theaters, capturing the hearts of fans and critics alike. Starring Rami Malek as the legendary frontman Freddie Mercury, the film chronicles the rise of the iconic band and the personal struggles of its charismatic lead. The movie not only struck a chord with audiences but also made a significant mark during awards season, winning four Academy Awards, including a coveted Best Actor Oscar for Malek’s transformative performance.
2023 - In a groundbreaking moment for music and technology, The Beatles made headlines with the release of their new song, "Now And Then," utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to isolate John Lennon's vocals from a long-lost demo. This innovative approach not only revived a piece of music history but also marked a significant milestone in the band's legacy, as "Now And Then" soared to #1 in the UK, making it their 18th chart-topping hit there. The song's nostalgic themes resonate with longtime fans while showcasing the potential of AI in music production, blending classic artistry with modern technology.
