On this day today:
1944 - Harold Eugene Clark, better known as Gene Clark, was born in Tipton, Missouri. A founding member of The Byrds, Clark was a key figure in shaping the folk-rock movement of the 1960s, contributing as a tambourine player, guitarist, and vocalist.
1946 - Martin Barre, the legendary guitarist of Jethro Tull, was born in Kings Heath, Birmingham, England. Renowned for his distinctive playing style and intricate riffs, Barre became an integral part of the band's sound after joining in 1969. His iconic guitar work on tracks like “Aqualung” and “Locomotive Breath” helped define Jethro Tull’s blend of progressive rock and folk influences. Barre’s technical mastery and melodic creativity earned him recognition as one of the greatest rock guitarists of all time.
1960 - TV personality, drag queen, and music icon RuPaul Andre Charles was born in San Diego, California. Known for his larger-than-life persona and groundbreaking career, RuPaul would go on to change the entertainment landscape, becoming a pioneering force in drag culture. In 1992, RuPaul released the hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work),” which became an anthem of confidence and self-expression. As the host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, he brought drag into mainstream culture, earning Emmy Awards and worldwide recognition.
1966 - Jeff Buckley, born Scott "Scottie" Moorhead in Los Angeles, California, entered the world. Buckley would go on to become one of the most hauntingly beautiful and influential voices in modern music. Known for his ethereal voice and emotionally charged performances, he captured the hearts of listeners with his 1994 album Grace, which remains a beloved classic. Though his career was tragically cut short at just 30 years old, Buckley's legacy endures through his work, especially his iconic cover of “Hallelujah”, which continues to inspire generations of artists and fans.
1974 - ABBA performed their first-ever gig outside Sweden at the Kalkonerteater in Copenhagen, Denmark. The concert marked the start of their first European tour, as the group began to establish themselves as an international sensation.
1978 - During a concert at the San Diego Sports Arena, Bob Dylan had an unexpected encounter that would later be seen as pivotal in his career. An audience member threw a silver Christian cross onto the stage, which Dylan picked up and slipped into his pocket. By the following year, Dylan had embraced Christianity, entering his famous "Christian period" and releasing the gospel-influenced album Slow Train Coming.
1980 - John Lennon released Double Fantasy, his first album in five years, created with his wife, Yoko Ono. Featuring heartfelt tracks like “(Just Like) Starting Over” and “Woman,” the album marked a hopeful return to music after Lennon’s hiatus to focus on family life. Tragically, just weeks later, Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York apartment on December 8, 1980. His untimely death shocked the world, and Double Fantasy quickly soared to #1 on charts across the globe, becoming both a commercial success and a poignant farewell.
1984 - Wham!’s infectious pop anthem “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, just ten weeks after debuting at #80. The upbeat track, with its irresistible energy and playful hooks, marked the duo's first #1 hit in the United States.
1986 - John Farnham’s album Whispering Jack soared to #1 in Australia, driven by the massive success of its lead single, “You’re The Voice.” The empowering anthem, with its soaring vocals and message of unity, became a defining moment in Farnham’s career and Australian music history. Whispering Jack dominated the charts, spending an incredible 25 non-consecutive weeks at #1—a record-breaking feat. It remains one of the best-selling albums in Australian history, showcasing Farnham’s unmatched vocal talent and enduring appeal.
1988 - Guns N' Roses graced the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, with the headline "Hard-Rock Heroes." The band, riding high on the success of their debut album Appetite for Destruction, had become one of the most exciting and rebellious acts in rock music.
1992 - Kenny G released Breathless, a smooth jazz masterpiece that went on to become the best-selling mostly instrumental album in history. Blending Kenny’s signature saxophone melodies with soulful arrangements, the record struck a chord with listeners worldwide. With over 12 million copies sold in the U.S., Breathless featured timeless tracks like “Forever in Love” and “The Moment,” along with a few vocal numbers that added a fresh touch to his sound.
1997 - An all-star version of Lou Reed’s iconic 1972 song “Perfect Day” was released as a single in the UK to raise funds for the BBC's Children In Need charity. Featuring Reed himself alongside Elton John, David Bowie, Tammy Wynette, Joan Armatrading, and many other legendary artists, the track quickly became a sensation. Debuting at #1 on the UK singles chart, the charity single raised over £2 million for the cause, demonstrating the power of music to unite stars and fans alike for a worthy cause.
1998 - The Offspring released their fourth studio album, Americana, a defining moment for 90s punk rock. Packed with infectious energy and biting social commentary, the album features hits like “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright.”
2003 - Tori Amos released Tales of a Librarian, her first-ever compilation album. Described as a “sonic autobiography,” the collection features reimagined versions of her greatest hits alongside two new tracks, “Angels” and “Snow Cherries from France.”
2020 - Shazam, the popular music identification app, announced the most-Shazamed songs in history, revealing a list of chart-topping global hits that had fans reaching for their phones to find out more. At the top of the list was “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I, a breakout hit that took the world by storm in 2019. Following close behind were “Prayer In C” by Lilly Wood & The Prick, “Let Her Go” by Passenger, “Wake Me Up” by Avicii, and “Lean On” by Major Lazer.
