On this day today:
1944 - Eric Bloom, the charismatic lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Blue Öyster Cult, was born in New York City. Bloom joined the band in 1969, helping to shape their signature blend of hard rock, progressive elements, and sci-fi-inspired lyrics. Under his leadership, the band delivered timeless hits like "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," "Burnin' for You," and "Godzilla." Known for his commanding stage presence and distinctive voice, Bloom became a central figure in one of rock's most enduring acts.
1945 - Bette Midler, the legendary singer, actress, and entertainer, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Known as "The Divine Miss M," Midler's career spans decades and includes chart-topping hits like "The Rose," "Wind Beneath My Wings," and "From a Distance." Her dynamic talent has earned her multiple Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globes, making her one of the most versatile and celebrated performers in entertainment history. Midler's larger-than-life persona and tireless energy have made her an icon both on stage and screen.
1956 - Julee Cruise, the ethereal singer-songwriter known for her hauntingly beautiful contributions to the Twin Peaks soundtrack, was born in Creston, Iowa. Cruise's collaboration with composer Angelo Badalamenti and filmmaker David Lynch resulted in the iconic song "Falling," which became the theme for the cult TV series. The track earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and helped define the show's surreal and mysterious atmosphere. Her debut album, Floating into the Night (1989), features other Lynch-Badalamenti collaborations, including "Into the Night" and "The Nightingale," solidifying her role as a muse of the dream-pop genre.
1971 - John Lennon released the now-classic holiday single "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" in the United States. Co-written with Yoko Ono and recorded with the Harlem Community Choir, the song combined a Christmas message with a poignant plea for peace, reflecting Lennon and Ono's anti-war activism. The song’s chorus, featuring the children’s choir singing “War is over, if you want it,” became an enduring slogan for peace movements worldwide. Though initially met with modest success, the track grew in popularity over the years and is now a staple of holiday playlists.
1985 - Janelle Monáe Robinson, the genre-blurring sci-fi soul singer, was born in Kansas City, Kansas. Known for her electrifying stage presence, unique style, and concept-driven albums, Monáe has built a career that fuses futuristic storytelling with themes of identity, empowerment, and social justice. Her 2010 debut album, The ArchAndroid, introduced the world to her alter ego Cindi Mayweather, a time-traveling android exploring love and rebellion. Subsequent projects like The Electric Lady and Dirty Computer solidified her as a groundbreaking artist, earning her multiple Grammy nominations and critical acclaim.
1988 - Tyler Joseph, the frontman for the genre-defying band Twenty One Pilots, was born in Columbus, Ohio. Known for his introspective lyrics and dynamic stage presence, Joseph has become a voice for a generation grappling with mental health, identity, and self-expression. Formed in 2009 alongside drummer Josh Dun, Twenty One Pilots achieved international acclaim with their 2015 album Blurryface, featuring hits like "Stressed Out" and "Ride." The duo's blend of alt-rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements broke boundaries, earning them a devoted fan base and multiple Grammy Awards.
1992 - Duran Duran dropped their single "Ordinary World" earlier than scheduled, responding to overwhelming demand after the track gained significant radio airplay. The ballad, marked by its poignant lyrics and sweeping melody, quickly became a commercial and critical success. Peaking at #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, it marked a triumphant comeback for the band, earning them their biggest American hit since "Notorious" in 1986.
1997 - Kenny G achieved a remarkable feat in the world of music by setting the Guinness World Record for the longest note held on a wind instrument. Using the technique of circular breathing, Kenny G managed to sustain a note on his saxophone for an astounding 45 minutes and 47 seconds. Circular breathing is a method where a musician inhales through their nose while simultaneously pushing air out through their mouth, allowing them to maintain a continuous sound without pausing to breathe. This skill, combined with Kenny G's exceptional control over his instrument, enabled him to break the previous record and create a moment of musical history.
2005 - Library of Congress selected The Rocky Horror Picture Show for inclusion in the prestigious National Film Registry, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Since its debut in 1975, the musical cult classic has defied conventional cinema norms, becoming a symbol of counterculture and self-expression.
2012 - Antonio de la Rúa, former boyfriend and onetime business manager of Latin pop icon Shakira, filed a $100 million lawsuit against the singer. The suit claimed that de la Rúa was instrumental in shaping Shakira’s career during their decade-long relationship, asserting that her success wouldn't have reached the same heights without his strategic guidance. De la Rúa sought compensation for his management contributions, alleging that Shakira had unjustly cut him off financially after their split in 2011. Shakira, who firmly denied the claims, countered that their business relationship was informal and that her success was the result of her talent and hard work.
2016 - Drake was crowned Spotify's most-streamed artist, marking a huge milestone in his career. His chart-topping hit "One Dance" also became the most-streamed song of the year on the platform. Drake's success on Spotify reflected his dominant presence in global music that year. "One Dance," featuring Wizkid and Kyla, became a record-breaking single, topping charts worldwide and becoming one of the most-streamed tracks in Spotify's history at the time.
2020 - South Korea passed a law allowing K-pop stars to defer their mandatory military service until the age of 30, a move aimed at protecting the careers of internationally successful artists like BTS. The law, which was enacted just as BTS member Jin was about to turn 28, effectively allowed him and other K-pop stars to delay their service for an additional two years.
2023 - Beyoncé released Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé, a cinematic experience that takes fans behind the scenes of her Renaissance World Tour. The film offers an intimate look at the preparation, choreography, and the vibrant energy of her global performances, capturing the essence of one of the most highly anticipated tours in recent memory.
