On this day today:
1945 - Roger Glover, the legendary bassist and songwriter for Deep Purple, is born in Brecon, Wales. Known for his powerful bass lines and contributions to some of rock's most iconic tracks, Glover has been a key member of the band during their most celebrated eras, including the creation of classics like "Smoke on the Water" and "Highway Star." In addition to his role in Deep Purple, Glover is also a prolific producer, working with acts like Judas Priest and Rainbow. His dynamic playing and creative influence have cemented his legacy as one of hard rock's most respected musicians.
1955 - Billy Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad in Stanmore, Middlesex, England, came into the world. Idol would go on to become one of the defining figures in punk rock and '80s pop culture, known for his rebellious image, electrifying performances, and a string of iconic hits. Idol first gained attention as a member of the punk band Generation X before embarking on a highly successful solo career. His signature blend of punk, rock, and pop earned him global fame, particularly in the U.S., where tracks like "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell" became anthems of the era. His visual appeal, often marked by his platinum blond hair, leather jackets, and sneering attitude, made him an MTV icon, and his work in the 1980s continues to influence artists today.
1958 - Stacey Lynn Swain, better known as Stacey Q, is born in Fullerton, California. A pop icon of the 1980s, she skyrocketed to fame with her infectious 1986 hit "Two of Hearts", which became a staple of dance floors and a defining track of the synthpop era. Before her solo career, Stacey was a member of the synthpop band Q, a name inspired by the gadget mastermind from the James Bond series. The stage name "Stacey Q" was a nod to her time with the group, blending her natural charisma with their futuristic aesthetic.
1966 - Jeff Beck, the innovative yet unpredictable guitarist, officially parts ways with The Yardbirds after a tumultuous year and a half in the band. Known for his groundbreaking work on tracks like "Heart Full of Soul" and "Shapes of Things," Beck helped shape the band's transition from blues roots to a more experimental, psychedelic sound. Beck's departure stemmed from a mix of creative differences and his notorious temper, which often clashed with the demands of a touring schedule. His exit marked a turning point in rock history, as he would go on to form the Jeff Beck Group, a powerhouse outfit that included future legends Rod Stewart on vocals and Ronnie Wood on bass.
1968 - R&B singer Des'ree, born Desiree Annette Weeks on this day in London, England, would become one of the defining voices of the 1990s. With her soulful delivery and uplifting lyrics, she rose to international fame through hits like "You Gotta Be" and "Life." Des'ree's music blends elements of R&B, pop, and soul, earning her accolades for her empowering anthems and smooth vocal style. Her 1994 album, I Ain't Movin', became a global success, cementing her reputation as an artist who could inspire and soothe in equal measure.
1979 - Pink Floyd unleashed their monumental album, The Wall, a double LP that would go on to become one of the defining records of the 1970s and one of the highest-selling albums of all time. With The Wall, Pink Floyd crafted an ambitious concept album that explored themes of alienation, war, personal trauma, and the pressures of fame. The album’s narrative follows a character known as Pink, loosely based on the band's own experiences, particularly lead singer Roger Waters’s feelings of isolation. The album's themes are underscored by striking, experimental rock music, marked by epic ballads like "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" and the haunting "Comfortably Numb." Upon its release, The Wall quickly became a global phenomenon, eventually selling over 13 million copies in the U.S. alone and becoming one of the best-selling albums in music history. It also spawned a groundbreaking live tour, known for its elaborate stage setup, which famously included the construction of an actual wall between the band and the audience.
1982 - Michael Jackson released his game-changing album, Thriller, an iconic record that would not only dominate the charts but also redefine pop music. Produced by Quincy Jones, the album featured an eclectic mix of pop, rock, and R&B, packed with hits like "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the title track, "Thriller." Thriller shattered records, becoming the best-selling album of all time, with estimated sales exceeding 70 million copies worldwide.
1985 - "Separate Lives" by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The emotional ballad, written by singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop, was featured in the 1985 film White Nights, starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines.
1985 - Wham! reached No.1 on the UK Singles Chart with their hit "I'm Your Man." This track became the duo's third UK No.1 single after previous successes like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Last Christmas." The song's catchy, upbeat sound and George Michael's signature vocal style helped it become a standout track of the mid-'80s.
2004 - Kelly Clarkson released her sophomore album, Breakaway, launching her from reality show winner to pop-rock powerhouse. Featuring a lineup of hits like "Since U Been Gone", "Behind These Hazel Eyes", and "Because Of You", the album resonated with fans for its raw emotion and empowering anthems. Breakaway sold over 12 million copies worldwide and earned Clarkson two Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album.
2004 - Linkin Park and Jay-Z shattered musical boundaries with their collaborative EP, Collision Course. The six-track project features innovative mash-ups of their biggest hits, blending Linkin Park's nu-metal intensity with Jay-Z's rap prowess. The standout track, "Numb/Encore," merges the emotional depth of Linkin Park's Meteora hit "Numb" with the swagger of Jay-Z's Black Album classic "Encore." The result? A Grammy win for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2006, a testament to the track's cultural impact and genre-defying brilliance.
2011 - In a groundbreaking moment for electronic music, dubstep trailblazer Skrillex earned an unexpected five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist—a first in the awards' history for a DJ. The recognition highlighted the mainstream rise of electronic dance music (EDM), with Skrillex, born Sonny Moore, at its forefront. The nods came thanks to his explosive EP Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites, which redefined the boundaries of electronic music with its aggressive bass drops and innovative sound design. Other nominations included Best Dance/Electronica Album and Best Dance Recording for the EP's title track.
2012 - Rihanna reached No.1 on the UK Albums Chart with her seventh studio album, Unapologetic. The album, which features a mix of pop, R&B, and dance elements, became a commercial success worldwide. It produced seven singles, including the massive hit "Diamonds," which topped the charts and became one of her signature songs.
2019 - Thrash metal legends Slayer closed the book on their illustrious career with a blistering final performance at The Forum in Inglewood, California. The concert marked the end of their "Final World Tour" and a nearly 40-year run that helped define and push the boundaries of metal. The emotional setlist spanned their storied catalog, featuring fan favorites like "Raining Blood," "South of Heaven," and "War Ensemble." They ended the night—and their career—with a searing rendition of "Angel of Death," the iconic track from their 1986 masterpiece, Reign in Blood.
