On this day today:
1948 - Glenn Frey was born in Detroit, Michigan. Later moving to Los Angeles, he connected with Don Henley, Bernie Leadon, and Randy Meisner to form the Eagles in 1971. Frey's songwriting and vocals became a cornerstone of the band, contributing to iconic tracks like "Take It Easy" and "Tequila Sunrise." Together, they crafted a legendary sound that fused rock, country, and harmonies, defining the '70s rock landscape and eventually earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1971 - Cher achieved her first #1 as a solo artist with the powerful track "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" in 1971. The song, with its unique storytelling and bold themes, marked a major breakthrough, showcasing her versatility and distinct style. "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" solidified Cher's solo career and has since remained an iconic song in her catalog, reflecting her fearless approach to music and paving the way for more chart-toppers in the decades to come.
1976 - Blue Öyster Cult score their biggest hit as "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" peaks at #12 on the US charts. The song, often misinterpreted as being about suicide, is actually a meditation on the inevitability of death and the comforting thought of reuniting with loved ones in the afterlife. Released in 1976 on their album Agents of Fortune, the haunting ballad became an iconic classic rock anthem, and its enduring popularity has seen it featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the decades.
1982 - The first single from Michael Jackson's Thriller album, the Paul McCartney duet "The Girl Is Mine," enters the Hot 100 at #45. With the exception of a two-week stretch between "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" and "Thriller," at least one song from the album is on the chart every week until May 19, 1984.
1982 - Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes soared to the top of the charts in America with their duet "Up Where We Belong," the theme song for the romantic drama An Officer and a Gentleman. The song's emotional depth and powerful performances made it a quintessential '80s love anthem, leading to a #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Written by Jack Nitzsche, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Will Jennings, the song went on to win an Academy Award and Grammy Award for its cinematic, heart-stirring appeal.
1982 - Soft Cell's iconic cover of "Tainted Love" achieved a remarkable feat by logging its 43rd consecutive week in the UK Top 100, setting the record for the longest unbroken chart run. The track, a synth-driven reinterpretation of Gloria Jones' original 1964 version, became one of the most defining songs of the early 80s.
1990 - Madonna pushed the envelope with the release of "Justify My Love," sparking a major controversy as MTV banned its steamy video for being too provocative. The black-and-white clip, featuring sensual imagery and themes of desire, was deemed too explicit for TV. The scandal only fueled public intrigue, and the track shot up the charts, becoming Madonna’s ninth #1 hit in the US. In response to the ban, Madonna turned the controversy to her advantage, releasing the video as a VHS single, making it one of the first music videos to be commercially available in this format—and a massive seller.
1993 - Meat Loaf reached the pinnacle of the American charts with "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" from his 1993 album Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell. Known for its theatrical drama and Jim Steinman's signature rock-opera style, the album version of the song clocks in at over 12 minutes. For radio and single release, however, it was trimmed down to a more accessible 5:13, helping it become a massive hit. The song's cryptic lyrics and epic style captivated audiences, earning Meat Loaf his first and only #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, revitalizing his career.
1993 - At Neil Young's annual Bridge School Benefit Concert, Melissa Etheridge delivered a show-stopping performance, channeling Janis Joplin with a raw and powerful rendition of "Piece Of My Heart." The benefit, known for its all-acoustic sets, also featured an eclectic lineup of artists, including Warren Zevon, Bonnie Raitt, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen, and the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel. The night was packed with memorable collaborations and unforgettable moments, all in support of Young's vision to benefit the Bridge School for children with severe speech and physical impairments.
1995 - Queen released Made In Heaven, their poignant fifteenth studio album, crafted from previously recorded sessions by Freddie Mercury before his passing in 1991. With Mercury’s vocals guiding the album, bandmates Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon came together to complete his final musical wishes. The album debuted at #1 in the UK, resonating deeply with fans who saw it as a powerful farewell and tribute to Mercury's legacy. Songs like "Heaven for Everyone" and "Too Much Love Will Kill You" showcase Queen’s classic sound, making Made In Heaven a fitting postscript to the band's iconic career.
2003 - At the 10th annual MTV Europe Music Awards, Justin Timberlake took home a trifecta of top honors, winning Best Male Artist, Best Pop Act, and Best Album for his debut solo project, Justified. The awards marked a significant milestone in Timberlake's solo career, establishing him as a global pop sensation following his *NSYNC days. Justified, with hits like "Cry Me a River" and "Rock Your Body," showcased Timberlake's versatility and R&B influences, helping to redefine his image and solidify his standing in the music industry.
2005 - Madonna achieved a major milestone with her hit single "Hung Up", which scored her 36th Top Ten hit, tying her with Elvis Presley for the most Top Ten singles in chart history. The song, which also became her 47th Top 40 hit, made her the female artist with the most Top 40 singles. Released in 2005 as the lead single from her Confessions on a Dance Floor album, "Hung Up" was a global success and heavily sampled ABBA's iconic riff from *"Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)." With its catchy beat and infectious hook, it further solidified Madonna’s position as the Queen of Pop.
2005 - Robbie Williams was named the top-selling artist of the 21st century in the UK, with an impressive 6.3 million albums sold. The announcement, made by the Official UK Charts, revealed that Coldplay came in a close second with 6.2 million albums sold, and Dido rounded out the top three with 5.7 million. The figures were based on albums sold in the UK from January 1, 2000, to October 11, 2005, and excluded greatest hits, live albums, and downloads. Robbie Williams' success was driven by his solo albums, with hits like "Angels" and "Rock DJ," cementing his status as a British pop icon.
2008 - Rick Astley took the internet by storm once again, winning Best Act Ever at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Thanks to a wave of online voting, fans propelled the "Never Gonna Give You Up" singer to victory, reigniting his career with the viral "Rickrolling" phenomenon. The show’s producer humorously noted, "We've been well and truly Rickrolled." It was a surprising moment that captured the internet’s playful spirit, as Astley graciously embraced his meme-fueled resurgence, proving that some hits—and their stars—never really go away.
