On this day today:
1923 - Maria Callas, one of the most renowned opera singers of the 20th century, was born in New York City to Greek immigrant parents. She was raised in Athens, Greece, after her family moved there when she was a child. Callas became famous for her dramatic interpretations and remarkable vocal technique, making her a pivotal figure in the world of opera. Her career spanned from the late 1940s to the 1970s, and she was known for her performances in roles by composers such as Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini. Despite facing personal struggles and controversies, Maria Callas's legacy in the opera world remains unmatched.
1972 - Steely Dan made their first appearance on the Billboard 200 when their debut album, Can't Buy a Thrill, entered the chart at #197. Although the initial entry was modest, the album's intricate musicianship and clever songwriting would go on to leave a lasting mark. Featuring standout tracks like "Do It Again" and "Reelin' in the Years," the album quickly gained traction, introducing audiences to the band's unique blend of jazz, rock, and pop influences. Can't Buy a Thrill eventually climbed higher on the charts and solidified Donald Fagen and Walter Becker as masters of polished, cerebral rock.
1976 - The iconic Pink Floyd album cover for Animals was created during a memorable photo shoot at Battersea Power Station in London, England, in 1976. The band had planned a dramatic shot with a giant inflatable pig suspended between two of the station's towering chimneys. The inflatable was carefully secured, and a trained marksman was on standby to shoot it down if necessary, but the first day of the shoot went smoothly, and the pig stayed in place. However, the next day, the marksman was not rebooked, and the inflatable pig broke free from its moorings. As it soared away into the skies, it caused quite a spectacle. The giant pig eventually drifted out of London and landed in Kent, where a local farmer found it, reportedly furious that it had "scared his cows." Despite the mishap, the album cover became one of Pink Floyd's most famous, capturing the band's edgy and rebellious spirit. The shot was eventually used for the cover of Animals, a concept album that explored themes of societal control and class.
1978 - Barbra Streisand and Neil Diamond scored a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with their duet "You Don't Bring Me Flowers." The song stayed at the top for two weeks, captivating listeners with its emotional depth and the powerful blend of the two legendary voices. Originally written by Neil Diamond, Alan Bergman, and Marilyn Bergman, the song began as a solo track on Diamond’s 1977 album. A radio DJ later spliced it with Streisand's rendition, prompting Columbia Records to produce an official duet version due to overwhelming public demand.
1978 - Nelly Furtado was born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, to Portuguese immigrant parents. She grew up embracing a multicultural heritage that would later influence her eclectic musical style. Furtado's breakout came in 2000 with her debut album, Whoa, Nelly!, which featured hits like "I'm Like A Bird" and "Turn Off The Light." The album's fusion of pop, folk, and world music earned her critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "I'm Like A Bird." Her career reached new heights with her 2006 album, Loose, produced by Timbaland. The album's urban pop sound marked a departure from her earlier work, delivering global hits like "Promiscuous" and "Say It Right," both of which topped the charts. Furtado's fearless genre-hopping and collaboration with leading producers solidified her status as a trailblazing artist.
1981 - Britney Jean Spears was born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana. Little did the world know that this small-town girl would go on to become one of the biggest pop stars of all time. Spears began her rise to fame at a young age, competing in talent shows and landing a role in The Mickey Mouse Club before launching her music career. Her 1998 debut single, "...Baby One More Time", catapulted her to superstardom, and by the time she released her debut album of the same name, she had already become a cultural phenomenon. Her provocative image, catchy pop songs, and impressive dance moves made Britney the face of 2000s pop. Albums like "Oops!... I Did It Again" and "In the Zone" solidified her place in music history, while hits like "Toxic" and "Circus" kept her relevant for years.
1981 - The musical Dreamgirls opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre, captivating audiences with its compelling story inspired by the rise of Motown and The Supremes. Written by Tom Eyen with music by Henry Krieger, the show followed the journey of a fictional girl group, The Dreams, navigating the highs and lows of fame, friendship, and the music industry in the 1960s and '70s. With powerhouse performances and iconic songs like "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and "One Night Only," the musical became an instant classic. Actress Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role of Effie White, earned a Tony Award for her electrifying performance.
1983 - Michael Jackson's groundbreaking 14-minute music video for "Thriller" debuted on MTV, transforming the medium of music videos forever. Directed by John Landis, the cinematic masterpiece featured elaborate choreography, state-of-the-art special effects, and a chilling narrative, solidifying Jackson's reputation as a creative visionary. Set to the title track from his record-breaking album, the video depicts Jackson transforming into a werewolf, leading a troupe of dancing zombies, and delivering iconic moves that remain instantly recognizable decades later. The combination of horror, humor, and pop culture savvy made "Thriller" a cultural phenomenon.
1991 - Morten Harket, lead singer of the iconic Norwegian band a-ha, accepted a prestigious BMI Award in London on behalf of the group. The honor recognized their 1985 hit "Take On Me" for surpassing one million radio plays in the United States.
1995 - "One Sweet Day", the heartfelt collaboration between Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, ascended to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The emotional ballad, reflecting on loss and longing, went on to hold the top position for an unprecedented 16 weeks, a record that remained untouched for over two decades. Co-written by Carey, Boyz II Men, and Walter Afanasieff, the song resonated deeply with audiences for its poignant lyrics and seamless vocal harmonies. Inspired by personal experiences of grief, it struck a universal chord, becoming a staple at funerals and memorial services.
1998 - Jarad Higgins, better known as Juice WRLD, was born in Chicago, Illinois. Known for blending rap with emotional lyricism, Juice WRLD skyrocketed to fame with his 2018 hit "Lucid Dreams (Forget Me)", a track that dominated the charts and showcased his knack for introspective storytelling. Juice WRLD's style, characterized by raw vulnerability and melodic flow, resonated deeply with fans and contributed to the rising popularity of the emo-rap genre. His album Goodbye & Good Riddance delivered anthems that captured themes of heartbreak and mental health, earning him acclaim as a voice of his generation. Despite his untimely passing in 2019 at the age of 21, Juice WRLD's impact on music remains profound, with posthumous releases like Legends Never Die cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in modern hip-hop.
2006 - Beyoncé, at just 25 years old, was set to earn a £5 million fee for her performance in the film "Dreamgirls." The movie, a musical based on the history of Diana Ross and The Supremes, was expected to be a major hit, and Beyoncé's role as Deena Jones, a character inspired by Ross, cemented her status as one of the leading actresses and singers of her generation. This deal would make Beyoncé the highest-paid Black actress at the time, showcasing her immense popularity and the growing recognition of her talent beyond music. "Dreamgirls" would go on to be a critical and commercial success, with Beyoncé's performance being praised for its emotional depth and vocal prowess.
2009 - Scottish singer-songwriter Eric Woolfson, co-founder of The Alan Parsons Project, passed away at the age of 64 after a battle with kidney cancer. Woolfson's distinctive voice and songwriting were central to the band's success, with his contributions shining on iconic tracks like "Eye in the Sky" and "Time." Beyond his work with The Alan Parsons Project, Woolfson had a career as a solo artist and composer, later focusing on musical theater. He developed several stage productions, including Freudiana and Gaudi, that reflected his storytelling prowess and artistic versatility.
2016 - Duran Duran expressed their "outrage and sadness" after losing a significant High Court battle over the US copyright of several of their iconic tracks. The British band had sought to reclaim the US rights to songs like "Girls on Film," "Rio," and "A View to a Kill," arguing that US copyright laws would allow them to revert the rights after 35 years. This legal fight was a part of a broader movement by artists to regain control over their music catalogues, which often remain under the control of record labels or other entities long after the original contracts are signed. The band's loss was a major blow, as these songs are not only some of their most famous but also critical to their legacy and continued relevance in pop culture.
2023 - Rock legends Kiss brought their 50-year career to a close with their final live show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The performance marked the end of an era for the iconic band, famous for their electrifying stage presence, elaborate costumes, and anthemic hits like "Rock and Roll All Nite." The night ended with a surprise: the introduction of Kiss avatars, signaling the band’s digital future. A video revealed the virtual versions of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer, designed to keep the Kiss legacy alive for generations to come.
