On this day today:
1946 - Duane Allman, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Renowned for his slide guitar mastery and soulful playing, Allman became one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. With The Allman Brothers Band, he helped pioneer Southern rock with iconic tracks like “Whipping Post” and “Statesboro Blues.” Beyond his work with the band, Allman also lent his talents to other artists, most famously contributing his signature licks to Derek and the Dominos’ classic “Layla.”
1950 - Gary Green, the talented guitarist of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant, was born in Stroud Green, North London, England. Known for his versatile playing style, Green contributed significantly to the band’s intricate soundscapes, blending rock, classical, and jazz elements. With Gentle Giant, Green showcased his skill on tracks like “Free Hand” and “Proclamation,” bringing a mix of power and precision to the band’s complex arrangements. His ability to seamlessly switch between delicate acoustic passages and fiery electric solos helped define the band's innovative approach to prog rock.
1970 - Tom Waits played his first-ever paid gig under the name "Thomas Waits." The performance, which took place in Los Angeles, saw the future rock and blues legend opening for Michael Milner and Claire Hart. Waits earned $25 for the show, a modest sum but the start of his illustrious career in music.
1972 - Elton John released “Crocodile Rock” in the US, a playful and upbeat track that became one of his signature hits. The song, which was written by John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, captured a nostalgic 1950s rock-and-roll vibe and showcased Elton's flair for catchy melodies and infectious energy.
1975 - Davey Havok, the charismatic frontman of the American rock band AFI (A Fire Inside), was born as David Paden Passaro in Rochester, New York. Known for his intense energy, distinctive vocal style, and ever-evolving fashion, Havok became a leading figure in the punk, post-hardcore, and goth-rock scenes. Under his leadership, AFI released some of their most iconic albums, such as Sing the Sorrow and Decemberunderground, blending elements of punk rock, emo, and dark, atmospheric melodies.
1986 - Oli Sykes, the dynamic lead singer of the British metalcore band Bring Me the Horizon, was born in Ashford, Kent, England. Known for his aggressive vocals, emotional intensity, and unique stage presence, Sykes has been a driving force behind the band’s evolution from deathcore roots to more experimental, electronic-infused rock.
2001 - Pink released M!ssundaztood, her second studio album, marking a pivotal moment in her career. The album, which featured the iconic hits “Get The Party Started” and “Family Portrait,” helped establish Pink as a force in pop music. “Get The Party Started” became an instant anthem, with its infectious energy and bold personality, while “Family Portrait” showcased a more vulnerable side, with Pink addressing her complicated family dynamics.
2003 - Legendary "Wall of Sound" producer Phil Spector was formally charged with the first-degree murder of actress Lana Clarkson, who was found dead at his Los Angeles home earlier that year. The case had been under investigation for months, with Spector initially claiming that Clarkson's death was a suicide, but evidence ultimately led to his arrest.
2005 - Madonna's Confessions on a Dance Floor soared to the top of the UK albums chart, becoming her ninth chart-topping album in the country. The album, known for its seamless mix of electronic dance beats and confessional lyrics, was a commercial and critical success, cementing her status as the Queen of Pop.
2007 - Amy Winehouse's debut album, Frank, was finally released in the United States, more than three years after its original release in the UK and eight months after her internationally successful second album, Back to Black. Frank introduced the world to Winehouse's unique blend of jazz, soul, and R&B, showcasing her raw, deeply personal lyrics and powerful voice. While the album had already earned critical acclaim and a loyal following in the UK, its US release helped solidify Winehouse's status as one of the most distinctive artists of her generation.
2013 - Bon Jovi's iconic anthem "Livin' On A Prayer" made a surprise return to the Billboard Hot 100, re-entering at #25. The song's resurgence was sparked by a viral video of a Boston Celtics fan, in which he passionately danced to the track during a game.
2016 - Ariana Grande took home the prestigious Artist of the Year award at the American Music Awards (AMAs), solidifying her place as one of the biggest pop stars of the moment. The recognition followed the success of her album Dangerous Woman, which featured chart-topping hits like “Into You” and the title track.
2018 - Electronic music producer and DJ Skrillex was ordered by a Los Angeles court to pay $1.6 million to Jennifer Fraissl, a fan who was injured during his stage dive at a 2012 concert at the Belasco Nightclub. Fraissl, who was standing in the crowd at the time, was struck when Skrillex jumped off the stage, leading to serious injuries.
