On this day today:
1905 - Legendary bandleader and trombonist Tommy Dorsey was born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania. Known as "The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing," Dorsey became one of the most influential figures in the big band era, captivating audiences with his smooth trombone playing and knack for assembling world-class musicians. Dorsey's orchestra produced countless hits, including “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” (his signature theme), “Marie,” and “Opus One.” His band also played a pivotal role in launching Frank Sinatra's career, giving Ol' Blue Eyes his first major platform as a vocalist.
1966 - The Supremes scored another #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” This soulful anthem, driven by its urgent guitar riff and Diana Ross’s impassioned vocals, became the group’s eighth chart-topping single in just three years.
1973 - Emerson, Lake & Palmer released their ambitious fourth studio album, Brain Salad Surgery. A progressive rock masterpiece, the album showcased the band’s virtuosic talent and boundary-pushing creativity, blending rock, classical, and electronic elements into a cohesive, mind-bending experience. The centerpiece of the album, “Karn Evil 9,” became a signature live showstopper, particularly the iconic line “Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends!” The album also featured the ballad “Still...You Turn Me On” and a reimagining of the hymn “Jerusalem.”
1982 - Led Zeppelin released Coda, a posthumous collection of unused tracks recorded during the band's earlier albums, primarily before the tragic death of drummer John Bonham in 1980. The album marked the end of an era for one of rock’s most legendary bands.
1988 - Bon Jovi scored their third US No.1 hit with “Bad Medicine”, the lead single from their album New Jersey. The track, which showcased the band’s signature blend of hard rock and catchy anthems, spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
1992 - R.E.M. made their only live appearance of the year with an intimate performance at the iconic 40 Watt Club in their hometown of Athens, Georgia. Known for their connection to the local music scene, the surprise show was a rare treat for fans as the band was otherwise focused on recording their next album, Automatic for the People.
1995 - The music world gathered at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles to celebrate the legendary Frank Sinatra’s 80th birthday. Although Ol’ Blue Eyes' actual birthday was weeks away (December 12), the event was a fitting tribute to his monumental influence on music and entertainment. Highlights included Bob Dylan performing “Restless Farewell”—at Sinatra’s personal request—though Dylan initially wanted to sing Sinatra’s classic “That’s Life.” Paula Abdul added a contemporary flair with her rendition of “Luck Be A Lady.” After the show, Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and other performers like Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme were invited to an exclusive afterparty at Sinatra’s home, marking an unforgettable evening of musical camaraderie and timeless class.
2000 - LeAnn Rimes scored her first-ever UK No.1 hit with “Can’t Fight The Moonlight,” a song written by the legendary Diane Warren. The track was featured on the soundtrack of the hit film Coyote Ugly and quickly became a global success, staying at the top of the UK charts for two weeks.
2010 - Nicki Minaj released her highly anticipated debut album, Pink Friday. Already a rap powerhouse thanks to her jaw-dropping verse on Kanye West’s “Monster” and features with stars like Lil Wayne and Usher, Pink Friday solidified Minaj as a force in hip hop and pop music. The album showcased Nicki’s lyrical prowess and dynamic persona, blending razor-sharp bars with pop-infused hooks. Highlights included “Roman’s Revenge,” a fiery collaboration with Eminem that paired their alter egos, Roman Zolanski and Slim Shady, in a battle of chaotic brilliance. The record also delivered iconic hits like “Super Bass” and “Moment 4 Life,” establishing her as a crossover sensation.
2011 - 17-year-old Justin Bieber topped the Billboard 200 with his Christmas album Under The Mistletoe. This milestone made him the first teenager ever to reach #1 with a holiday album. Featuring festive originals like “Mistletoe” and collaborations with legends like Mariah Carey (“All I Want For Christmas Is You”) and Boyz II Men (“Fa La La”), the album blended pop charm with seasonal warmth. Bieber’s smooth vocals and star power helped Under The Mistletoe capture the holiday spirit and dominate the charts.
2012 - Rihanna dropped Unapologetic, her seventh studio album in just eight years. Known for her relentless work ethic and genre-hopping brilliance, the album marked a bold chapter in her career, blending pop, R&B, and electronic influences with deeply personal themes. The lead single, “Diamonds,” became an instant classic. Co-written by Sia, the soaring ballad topped charts worldwide and showcased a more vulnerable side of Rihanna. Unapologetic also included fan-favorites like “Stay” featuring Mikky Ekko and the club banger “Pour It Up.”
2013 - Adam Levine made history when People magazine named him Sexiest Man Alive. As the lead singer of Maroon 5 and a coach on The Voice, Levine became the first musician ever to receive the title in the 28 years of the feature’s existence.
2018 - Snoop Dogg received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, celebrating his iconic career as a rapper, actor, and cultural icon. During his acceptance speech, Snoop delivered a memorable moment of self-love, thanking himself with the line: “I wanna thank me for believing in me. I wanna thank me for doing all this hard work.”
