On this day today:
1927 - Hank Ballard, born John Henry Kendricks, came into the world in Detroit, Michigan. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Ballard would go on to become a pivotal figure in R&B history. Best known for writing and originally recording “The Twist,” Ballard’s music bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and early rock and roll. While his version didn’t initially achieve massive success, Chubby Checker’s rendition became a cultural phenomenon, igniting a global dance craze and earning Ballard a lasting legacy as a musical innovator.
1950 - Graham Parker, the fiery lead singer and songwriter of Graham Parker & The Rumour, was born in London, England. Known for his sharp lyrics, soulful voice, and punk-infused energy, Parker became a leading figure in the pub rock and early new wave scenes of the 1970s. With albums like Howlin’ Wind and Squeezing Out Sparks, Parker and his band earned critical acclaim for their tight musicianship and Parker’s biting social commentary.
1960 - Kim Wilde, born Kim Smith, came into the world in Chiswick, Middlesex, England. With musical talent running in her veins—her mother, Joyce Baker, was a vocalist with the Vernon Girls, and her father, Marty Wilde (Reginald Smith), was a '50s rock 'n' roll star—Kim was destined for the spotlight. Wilde became one of the biggest pop icons of the 1980s, breaking through with her global hit “Kids in America.” Her blend of new wave energy and pop charm brought her international stardom, with hits like “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” cementing her as a chart-topping artist.
1962 - Kirk Hammett, the legendary lead guitarist of Metallica, was born in San Francisco, California. Known for his blistering solos and innovative style, Hammett became a driving force behind Metallica's iconic sound and their rise to global metal domination. Joining the band in 1983 just before the recording of Kill 'Em All, Hammett's virtuosic playing has been a cornerstone of Metallica’s success, shining on tracks like “Master of Puppets,” “Fade to Black,” and “One.”
1972 - Steely Dan made their first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 when their debut single, “Do It Again,” entered the chart at #98. The jazz-infused rock track, with its infectious groove and cryptic lyrics, introduced the world to the band's sophisticated sound. The song, featuring Donald Fagen’s distinct vocals and a signature electric sitar solo by Denny Dias, climbed to #6 on the chart, marking the beginning of Steely Dan's illustrious career. Known for their impeccable musicianship and enigmatic storytelling, they would go on to become one of the most influential bands of the 70s.
1978 - Billy Joel’s 52nd Street reached the top of the Billboard 200, becoming his first album to hit #1 in America. Packed with timeless tracks like “My Life,” “Big Shot,” and “Honesty,” the album showcased Joel’s knack for blending rock, jazz, and pop into an irresistible mix.
1985 - LL Cool J released his groundbreaking debut album, Radio, the first album ever issued on the now-legendary Def Jam Recordings. The album’s mix of bold, lyrical bravado and innovative beats helped define the sound of early hip hop and made LL Cool J a household name. With tracks like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock The Bells,” Radio went Platinum and catapulted LL Cool J into the spotlight, positioning him as the first solo rapper to rival the success of reigning rap kings Run-D.M.C.
1987 - Sony reached an agreement to buy CBS Records, including major labels like Columbia, Portrait, and Epic, for a staggering $2 billion. This monumental deal marked a significant shift in the music industry, as Sony, a global tech giant, expanded its presence in the world of entertainment. The acquisition not only gave Sony control over some of the most iconic labels in the industry, but it also positioned the company as a major player in the global music market.
1991 - U2 released their groundbreaking seventh album, Achtung Baby. Marking a bold shift from their 80s rock anthems, the band embraced a more experimental sound, blending alternative rock with industrial and electronic influences. Recorded in Berlin and Dublin, the album spawned iconic tracks like “Mysterious Ways” and the poignant “One,” the latter becoming one of U2’s most celebrated songs. Achtung Baby was a critical and commercial triumph, debuting at #1 in many countries and winning the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.
1993 - Nirvana recorded their legendary MTV Unplugged concert at Sony Music Studios in New York. The performance, which would become one of the band's most unforgettable moments, was shot in a single take, with no overdubs or retakes, preserving the raw emotion and imperfections of the band. In a departure from their grunge anthems, the setlist included stripped-down renditions of songs like "Come as You Are" and "All Apologies," alongside covers of songs by David Bowie, The Meat Puppets, and Lead Belly.
1997 - Metallica released their seventh studio album, ReLoad. A companion to 1996’s Load, the album continued the band’s exploration of hard rock and bluesy influences, diverging from their earlier thrash metal roots. Featuring hits like “Fuel,” “The Memory Remains” (with a haunting guest vocal from Marianne Faithfull), and “The Unforgiven II,” ReLoad showcased Metallica’s willingness to evolve their sound, sparking both critical praise and fan debate.
2001 - Britney Spears scored her second US No. 1 album with Britney. Following the massive success of her debut album, ...Baby One More Time, this release marked a bold step forward in her career. Britney showcased a more mature, self-aware side of the pop princess, featuring hits like “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Overprotected.”
2002 - Shania Twain released her fourth studio album, Up!. The record showcased her versatility, with three versions tailored to different audiences: a pop mix, a country mix, and a Bollywood-inspired international mix. Produced by her then-husband Mutt Lange, the album reflected their signature blend of genre-crossing hits. Up! sold an incredible 11 million copies in the US alone, an achievement most artists can only dream of, though it didn’t quite match the record-breaking success of Come On Over, which remains the best-selling studio album by a female artist.
2007 - 22-year-old Leona Lewis set a British record for the fastest-selling debut album with Spirit. The album, which featured hits like “Bleeding Love” and “A Moment Like This,” quickly captured the hearts of listeners and cemented her place as one of the UK's biggest pop stars.
