On this day today:
1947 - John Lees, founder of the progressive rock band Barclay James Harvest, was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England. Known for his distinctive guitar work and evocative songwriting, Lees was a driving force behind the band's lush, orchestral sound that gained a loyal following throughout the 1970s and beyond. Among their most iconic tracks are Mockingbird and Hymn, both of which showcase Lees' talent for blending poignant lyrics with rich musical arrangements.
1954 - Trevor Rabin, renowned guitarist for the progressive rock band Yes, was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rabin joined Yes in the early 1980s, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the band with a more accessible, arena rock sound. His work on the hit album 90125 (1983), including the chart-topping single Owner of a Lonely Heart, cemented his legacy as a key contributor to the band's evolution. In addition to his work with Yes, Rabin has had a successful career as a film composer, crafting scores for over 40 movies. Some of his notable works include the inspiring soundtrack for Remember the Titans (2000) and the adventurous themes of National Treasure (2004).
1968 - Johnny Cash performed two historic concerts for inmates at Folsom Prison in California. Unlike his earlier prison performances, these shows were recorded, becoming the basis for his groundbreaking live album, At Folsom Prison. The album's raw energy and authenticity resonated deeply with audiences, both inside and outside prison walls, revitalizing Cash's career.
1972 - Aretha Franklin performed the first of two legendary concerts at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, which were recorded for her iconic live album, Amazing Grace. The performances showcased Franklin returning to her gospel roots, delivering electrifying renditions of spirituals accompanied by the Southern California Community Choir and Reverend James Cleveland. Released in June 1972, Amazing Grace became the best-selling gospel album of all time, moving over 2 million copies and earning a Grammy Award for Best Soul Gospel Performance. The record captured Franklin's vocal brilliance and emotional depth, solidifying her status as the "Queen of Soul."
1973 - Carly Simon's album No Secrets reached #1 on the US album chart, propelled by the massive success of her iconic single, "You're So Vain." The album, Simon's third studio release, was both a commercial and critical triumph, showcasing her blend of confessional songwriting and pop sensibility. Produced by Richard Perry, No Secrets also included other standout tracks like "The Right Thing to Do" and featured contributions from music legends such as Mick Jagger (who provided backing vocals on "You're So Vain"). The album cemented Carly Simon's status as one of the defining voices of the 1970s singer-songwriter era.
1978 - The Police began recording their debut album, Outlandos d'Amour, on a tight budget of just £1,500. The funds for the recording came from an unexpected source—Stewart Copeland, the band's drummer, borrowed the money from his brother, Miles Copeland III, who was an entertainment executive. Despite the modest budget, Outlandos d'Amour was a major success and launched The Police into stardom. The album included several hit singles, most notably "Roxanne," which became one of their signature songs, even though it initially received mixed reactions. The album's raw energy, catchy melodies, and fusion of punk rock, reggae, and new wave set the tone for the band's rise in the late 1970s and early 1980s, making them one of the most influential and successful bands of their era.
1979 - Soul legend Donny Hathaway tragically passed away at the age of 33 in New York City. Hathaway died by suicide, jumping from the 15th-floor balcony of his room at the Essex House hotel. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the music world, as he was widely regarded as one of the most gifted and soulful vocalists of his time. Known for his powerful voice and emotionally resonant music, Hathaway left an indelible mark with songs like "A Song for You," "The Ghetto," and his duets with Roberta Flack, including the Grammy-winning "Where Is the Love" and the beloved "The Closer I Get to You."
1979 - YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association) filed a lawsuit against Village People over their hit single "Y.M.C.A.", claiming the song defamed the organization by implying a connection to gay culture and a party lifestyle that could tarnish its wholesome reputation. However, after the song became an international hit and the YMCA saw the positive publicity surrounding the track, they decided to drop the lawsuit. The organization ultimately embraced the song, and it became one of their most well-known, unofficial commercial jingles. The upbeat anthem was used to promote the association's community services, and the Y.M.C.A. even produced promotional materials featuring the song. The success of "Y.M.C.A." also caught the attention of the U.S. Navy, which later recruited Village People to help create a recruitment campaign. The iconic image of the group, with their distinct costumes (including the sailor, cowboy, and construction worker outfits), resonated with the military's desire to enhance its recruitment efforts, leveraging the same fun and playful energy that made the song so popular.
1984 - BBC banned Frankie Goes to Hollywood's single "Relax" from its radio and television stations due to its sexually suggestive lyrics and provocative music video. The decision followed a comment by BBC Radio 1 DJ Mike Read, who refused to play the track on air, calling it "obscene." The ban, however, backfired spectacularly, fueling public curiosity and skyrocketing sales. By January 22, "Relax" climbed to #1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for five weeks. The controversy cemented the song's legacy as a defining anthem of the '80s, while also highlighting the tension between censorship and artistic expression. "Relax" went on to become one of the best-selling singles in UK history and helped propel Frankie Goes to Hollywood's debut album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome, to massive success.
1990 - New Kids on the Block scored their second and final No.1 UK single with "Hangin' Tough" in 1989. The track became a defining anthem of their career, showcasing the boy band’s blend of pop and R&B influences. The success of the song helped solidify their place in pop history, and it played a major role in the group's global success during their peak years. Over the next couple of years, the band released several more hits, with seven additional Top 10 singles in the UK by the end of 1991. However, their rise was followed by internal tensions, and they eventually broke up in 1994. Despite their relatively short run, New Kids on the Block had a massive influence on the music scene. They were one of the pioneering boy bands of the late 80s and early 90s, and their success helped set the stage for the boy band phenomenon that dominated the pop charts throughout the 90s, with groups like Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and 98 Degrees following in their footsteps. Their impact on the genre remains significant in pop culture.
2008 - Scottish singer-songwriter Amy MacDonald's debut album, This Is The Life, climbed to the top of the UK Albums Chart, over five months after its initial release in July 2007. The album's success was driven by its catchy blend of folk and rock, as well as its title track, "This Is The Life," which became a European hit.
2011 - Ed Sheeran announced that he had signed a record deal with Atlantic Records, marking a pivotal moment in his career. The signing came after the success of his independently released EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project, which garnered significant attention and showcased his songwriting and musical talents. This partnership with Atlantic Records set the stage for the release of his debut studio album, + (Plus), later that year.
2017 - Ed Sheeran made history with the release of his singles "Shape of You" and "Castle on the Hill." Both songs entered the UK Singles Chart at No.1 and No.2 respectively, marking the first time in history that an artist had taken the top two chart positions with brand new songs. The achievement was a testament to Sheeran's massive popularity and the anticipation surrounding his new music. "Shape of You," a catchy, danceable pop track, went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year, topping charts worldwide and breaking multiple records. Meanwhile, "Castle on the Hill," a nostalgic reflection on Sheeran's upbringing, also garnered widespread acclaim and became a hit in its own right.
2022 - The viral children's song "Baby Shark" achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the first video on YouTube to surpass 10 billion views. Originally uploaded by Pinkfong, a South Korean educational company, in 2016, the song features an irresistibly catchy tune and playful dance moves, making it a global phenomenon among kids and parents alike. This record-breaking feat solidified "Baby Shark" as one of the most iconic and enduring internet sensations, transcending its target audience to become a cultural touchstone referenced in memes, parodies, and even political campaigns.
