On this day today:
1947 - Soul music icon Minnie Riperton was born in the culturally rich Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Known for her incredible vocal range, especially her five-octave soprano and iconic "whistle register," Riperton left an indelible mark on music with hits like "Lovin' You." Her soulful sound and ethereal voice continue to inspire artists across genres, securing her legacy as one of soul's most beloved talents.
1949 - Born in Burbank, California, Bonnie Raitt would rise to become one of the most revered voices in rock and blues. She gained critical acclaim in the '70s with her powerful voice and exceptional slide guitar skills. Despite a quieter period in the '80s, Raitt's career surged back with her 1989 album Nick of Time, which went to #1 in America and earned her four Grammy Awards. This triumphant comeback solidified her as a formidable force in music, influencing countless artists and bringing blues-rock to the mainstream.
1971 - Led Zeppelin released their fourth album on November 8, 1971. Often referred to simply as Led Zeppelin IV or Four Symbols due to the absence of a formal title, this album is one of the band's most iconic and successful releases. Featuring a mix of hard rock, folk, and blues, the album includes some of their most enduring tracks, such as "Stairway to Heaven," "Black Dog," and "Rock and Roll." The album's mysterious cover, which features four symbols representing each band member, added to its mystique. Led Zeppelin IV went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 37 million copies sold worldwide. Its influence on rock music is immeasurable, cementing Led Zeppelin's place as one of the greatest rock bands in history.
1971 - Paul McCartney officially introduced his new band, Wings, with a celebration at London’s Empire Ballroom. Formed after the Beatles’ breakup, Wings showcased McCartney’s return to band dynamics, featuring his wife Linda McCartney, guitarist Denny Laine, and drummer Denny Seiwell in its initial lineup. The event was a statement of McCartney's fresh artistic direction and marked the start of Wings' journey, which would soon include hits like "Band on the Run" and "Live and Let Die," propelling the group to international success and affirming McCartney’s solo-era legacy.
1975 - Elton John achieved a remarkable feat in 1975 when Rock of the Westies hit #1 on the US charts, making it his third album to top the charts that year. This followed the success of Elton John’s Greatest Hits and Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. With Rock of the Westies, John showcased a grittier, rock-oriented sound, highlighted by singles like "Island Girl."
1986 - Berlin started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with "Take My Breath Away." The song, featured in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, became one of the most iconic ballads of the 1980s. Written by Giorgio Moroder and Tom Whitlock, the track won an Academy Award for Best Original Song, and its soaring melody and romantic lyrics captured the essence of the film’s intense emotional moments.
1989 - SZA, born Solána Rowe in St. Louis, Missouri, grew up far from the glitz of the music industry. She initially pursued marine biology and took on various jobs before discovering her calling in music. Her thoughtful, genre-blending sound and deeply personal lyrics quickly made her a prominent figure in R&B, leading to her breakthrough album Ctrl and subsequent acclaim. SZA's journey from aspiring marine biologist to acclaimed singer-songwriter is a testament to her versatility and unique voice in modern music.
1995 - In one of the biggest music publishing deals of its time, Michael Jackson’s ATV Music Publishing merged with Sony Music Publishing, giving Sony a substantial stake in The Beatles' song catalog. Jackson had originally acquired the catalog in 1985 for $47.5 million, but by the time of the merger, its value skyrocketed, with the deal estimated around $600 million. This partnership allowed Sony control over a vast selection of Beatles songs, a significant asset in the music industry.
1998 - Robbie Williams scored his second UK No.1 album with I've Been Expecting You, which featured his UK No.1 hit "Millennium." The album became the UK's best-selling album of the year, with sales surpassing 2.5 million copies. The success of the album solidified Robbie's position as one of the top pop stars in the UK, following his departure from Take That and his continued success as a solo artist.
2002 - 8 Mile, a semi-autobiographical film depicting Eminem's journey as a struggling rapper in Detroit, debuted in theaters to both critical and commercial acclaim. The gritty portrayal of hip-hop culture and Eminem’s intense performance resonated with audiences, turning the movie into a cultural phenomenon. The film's centerpiece, "Lose Yourself," became an anthem of resilience and ambition, winning Eminem an Oscar for Best Original Song—a historic first for a rap song.
2008 - AC/DC's Black Ice, their 15th studio album, stormed the charts upon release, hitting #1 in the US and an impressive 29 other countries, including Australia, Canada, and the UK. This marked a massive commercial success for the band, who had maintained their signature hard-rock style for decades.
2016 - Adele secured her position as the richest British celebrity under 30, with an impressive fortune that more than doubled to an estimated £92 million, dethroning One Direction after their three-year run at the top. At just 28, Adele’s financial ascent was remarkable, especially given that she’d only ranked fourth the previous year on Heat magazine's list of the 30 richest British stars under 30. Her lucrative album sales, high-grossing tours, and chart-topping hits had clearly paid off, showcasing her undeniable appeal and cementing her status as a superstar with serious financial power.
2021 - Missy Elliott was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a tribute to her groundbreaking impact on hip-hop and pop culture. In her acceptance speech, she gave a heartfelt shoutout to her fellow female MCs who paved the way, including icons like Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, Monie Love, Sha-Rock, Angie Stone, Roxanne Shanté, and Yo-Yo.
