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 | Get ready for a way-back trip through the world of popular music… no time machine needed! Doug has lined up the people, places and happenings that have shaped the direction of modern music and placed them smack-dab on your screen. Scroll down now for the most recent headlines, then click through for the complete story, with videos, links and more! |
Music History for September 3 - Eurythmics
On this day in 1983, Eurythmics had the number one single in the country with “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”. The song gave the new wave duo of Annie Lenox and Dave Stewart their only number one single in the States.
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Music History for September 2 - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On this day in 1995, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened in Cleveland, Ohio, with performances by several ground-breaking artists including Bruce Springsteen and Chuck Berry.
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Music History for September 1 - Tina Turner
On this day in 1984, Tina Turner had the #1 single in the country with "What's Love Got to Do with It." The song stayed on top for three weeks, nudging Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters" out of the top spot until "Missing You" from John Waite took over.
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Music History for August 31 - Dire Straits
On this day in 1985, Dire Straits had the #1 album in the country with Brothers in Arms. It stayed on top for nine weeks, knocking Songs from the Big Chair from Tears for Fears out of the #1 spot.
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Music History for August 30 - Billy Joel
On this day in 1993, Billy Joel appeared as the first musical guest on CBS' new project: The Late Show with David Letterman. The premiere marked the move from NBC's Late Night with David Letterman, which aired from 1982 until 1993.
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Music History for August 27 - Looking Glass
On this day in 1972, Looking Glass had the #1 single in the country with “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)”. Known by fans for having a harder edge to their music, “Brandy” allegedly became a hit song by mistake. The song was featured as the B side on another of the band’s songs and the story goes that a Washington D.C. radio DJ accidentally played the wrong side.
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Music History for August 26 - Frankie Valli
On this day in 1978, Frankie Valli had the #1 single in the country with the theme song from the movie Grease.
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Music History for August 25 - Elvis Costello
On this day in 1954, Elvis Costello was born Declan Patrick MacManus in London. He later took his mother’s maiden name of Costello as his stage name. Elvis Presley was an obvious inspiration.
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Music History for August 24 - Paul Anka
On this day in 1974, Paul Anka had the #1 song in the country with "(You're) Having My Baby." The song knocked "The Night Chicago Died" from Paper Lace from the top spot for two weeks before Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff" took over.
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Music History for August 23 - Madonna
On this day in 2008,
Madonna kicked off her Sticky & Sweet Tour in Wales, the first of 86 dates worldwide. It went on to become the highest grossing tour by a solo artist. Madonna broke her own record, previously set with 2006's Confessions Tour. Overall, the Sticky & Sweet Tour went on to be the second highest grossing tour of all time after the Rolling Stones' 2005-07 A Bigger Bang Tour. Perhaps that record was to be expected considering Madonna's tickets, on average, sold for between $100 and $250 each.
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Music History for August 20 - Robert Plant
Robert Anthony Plant was born in West Bromwich, England. He left
school in his mid-teens and abandoned training as an accountant to become a blues
musician.
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Music History for August 19 - American Pie 2
On this day in 2001,
the #1 movie at the box office was American Pie 2, the sequel to
the 1999 blockbuster. The movie stars Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Tara
Reid, Alyson Hannigan and Seann William Scott but the movie's soundtrack
played a large role as well.
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Music History for August 18 - Diana Ross
On this day in 1973, Diana Ross had the #1 song in the U.S. with “Touch Me in the Morning.” The song went on to become Diana’s longest-charting song, remaining on the Billboard Hot 100 for 21 weeks.
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Music History for August 17 - King Curtis
On this day in 1971, some of the biggest names in music attended the funeral
of legendary saxophonist King
Curtis in New York City, including Stevie Wonder, Aretha
Franklin, Cissy Houston (Whitney's mom) and Duane Allman.
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Music History for August 16 - Madonna
On this day in 1986, Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" was the #1 single in the country. From True Blue, Madonna's third studio album, "Papa Don't Preach" introduced the world to one of the singer's signature style reinventions. Following the trashy-lace look of Like A Virgin, Madonna emerged more toned down with short blonde hair and a more athletic figure.
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Music History for August 13 - The Clash
On today's date in 1976, The Clash performed in London for the first time, opening for the Sex Pistols.
The band, consisting of Joe Strummer (lead vocals, guitar), Mick Jones (lead guitar, vocals), Paul Simonon (bass, backing vocals) and Nicky “Topper” Headon (drums), was a success in the U.K. from the release of their debut album, but it wasn’t until 1979’s London Calling that The Clash broke through in the U.S., in 1980.
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Music History for August 12 - Woodstock
On this day in 1994, final details were coming together for Woodstock ’94 in Saugerties, NY to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original music festival. The event was promoted as “2 More Days of Peace and Music,” but ended up going on for three days with about 350,000 fans attending.
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Music History for August 11 - The Knack
On this day in 1979, Get The Knack began its five-week run as the
#1 album in the country, in between Donna Summer's Bad Girls and In
Through the Out Door from Led Zeppelin. The debut release from The
Knack, Get The Knack featured the band's signature song "My
Sharona." Knocking Chic's disco classic "Good Times" out
of the top spot in late August, "My Sharona" stayed at #1
for six weeks and ended up the top single of the year.
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Music History for August 10 - Bryan Adams
On this day in 1985, Bryan Adams had the #1 album in the country with Reckless. The Canadian native's fourth studio album, Reckless stayed at #1 for two weeks, kicking Tears For Fears' Songs from the Big Chair out of the top spot before relinquishing it to Brothers in Arms from Dire Straits.
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Music History for August 9 - Whitney Houston
On this day in 1963, Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey. Whitney's future as a vocalist was no surprise given her talented family. Whitney's mother is gospel singer Cissy Houston, she's a cousin to Diane Warwick and her godmother is none other than Aretha Franklin.
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Music History for August 6 - Lisa Loeb
On this day in 1994,
Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories had the #1 single in the U.S. with "Stay
(I Missed You)." Lisa was discovered by her New York neighbor Ethan Hawke. It was Ethan who reportedly introduced director Ben Stiller to Lisa's music during production of his movie "Reality Bites."
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Music History for August 5 - American Bandstand
On this day in 1957, American Bandstand began airing nationwide. Host Dick Clark decided to pitch the Philadelphia-based show, originally known as just “Bandstand,” to ABC executives in search of afternoon programming.
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Music History for August 4 - Prince
On this day in 1984 , Prince had the #1 album in the U.S. with Purple Rain. The album was the soundtrack to the 1984 movie of the same name, which earned nearly $100-million dollars at the box office. Purple Rain spent 24 weeks at #1 on the Billboard album charts, beginning on August 4th. It kicked Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA out of the top spot in August only to have Bruce reclaim the #1 position in January.
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Music History for August 3 - Metallica
On this day in 1963, James Alan Hetfield was born into a devout Christian Science family - an unlikely beginning for the future co-founder of the band Metallica. James began studying the piano at age nine before moving on to drums and, eventually, guitar. James says Aerosmith was one of his main inspirations to pick up a guitar.
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Music History for August 2 - The Eagles
On this day in 1975, the Eagles had the #1 single in the country with the title track to the band's fourth studio album One of These Nights. The country-rock track managed to squeeze in to the top spot between two disco classics: "The Hustle" and "Jive Talkin'".
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Music History for July 30 - Mary Wells
On this day in 1992, Motown's finest gathered for a memorial service for one of their own: Mary Wells. The singer lost her battle with throat cancer four days earlier at a Los Angeles hospital. She was 49 years old.
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Music History for July 29 - The Doors
On this day in 1967, the #1 single in the country belonged to The Doors with "Light
My Fire." It knocked "Windy" by The Association out
of the top spot and stayed for three weeks before "All You Need Is Love" from The
Beatles took over #1.
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Music History for July 28 - Chicago
On this day in 1973, Chicago had the #1 album in the country with Chicago
VI, kicking George Harrison's "Living in a Material World" out
of the top spot. With Chicago VI, the band's sixth studio
album, fans noticed a more pop music approach, relying less on the band's trademark
horns.
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Music History for July 27 - Mariah Carey
On this day in 2001, Mariah Carey checked herself into the hospita,l suffering "extreme
exhaustion." The singer cancelled all public appearances including a headlining
gig at MTV's 20th Birthday Party.
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Music History for July 26 - The Rolling Stones
On this day in 1983, "Synchronicity" from The Police went
to #1 on the US album chart, where it would stay for a total of seventeen
weeks, even knocking Thriller out of the top spot for a time. The
Police also kicked off the 107-date world tour in support of the album on
this day at Chicago's Comiskey Park.
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Music History for July 23 - The Police
On this day in 1983, "Synchronicity" from The Police went
to #1 on the US album chart, where it would stay for a total of seventeen
weeks, even knocking Thriller out of the top spot for a time. The
Police also kicked off the 107-date world tour in support of the album on
this day at Chicago's Comiskey Park.
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Music History for July 22 - The Eagles
On this day in 1947,
Donald Hugh Henley was born in Texas, where he also attended college
for a few years. Don Henley moved to Los Angeles in 1970 and quickly
became friends with fellow musician Glenn Frey. The two became members
of Linda Ronstadt's back-up and touring band.
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Music History for July 21 - Jim Croce
On this day in 1973, Jim Croce's "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" began a two week stay as the #1 single in the country, between Billy Preston's "Will It Go Round In Circles" and "The Morning After" from Maureen McGovern.
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Music History for July 20 - EMF
On this day in 1991,
after 14 weeks on the US singles chart, EMF finally hit #1 with "Unbelievable." The
one-hit wonders took the top spot between Paula Abdul's "Rush, Rush" and "(Everything
I Do) I Do It for You" from Bryan Adams.
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Music History for July 19 - Genesis
On this day in 1986,
Genesis had the #1 single in the country with "Invisible Touch," the
band's first and only chart-topper in the US. The title track to the
band's 13th studio album, "Invisible Touch" kicked Simply Red's "Holding
Back the Years" out of the top spot.
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Music History for July 16 - "The Lion King"
On this day in 1994, the soundtrack to The Lion King was the #1
album in the country, where it would stay until mid September. The album
won an Oscar and Golden
Globe for Best Original Score.
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Music History for July 15 - Van Morrison
On today's date in 1967, Van Morrison scored his first hit in the United States with "Brown Eyed Girl," eventually making it to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Brown Eyed Girl" is considered the singer-songwriter's signature song. A radio staple over the past 40 years, "Brown Eyed Girl" is second only to "Every Breath You Take" from The Police in number of air plays by a European writer.
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Music History for July 14 - "Armageddon"
On today's date in 1998, the summer blockbuster "Armageddon" was in its second week in theaters. Directed by Michael Bay and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, "Armageddon" starred Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck as well as Liv Tyler, the daughter of Aerosmith front man Steven Tyler.
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Music History for July 13 - Live Aid
On today's date in 1985, the biggest music concert event of its time took place
simultaneously at London's Wembley
Stadium and JFK Stadium in Philadelphia. Live Aid was
organized to raise awareness and funds for famine stricken Ethiopia and,
while it set out to hopefully earn a few million dollars, the event eventually
raised over $280 million.
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Music History for July 12 - Zager & Evans
On this day in 1969, one-hit wonders Zager & Evans had the #1 single in the country with "In the Year 2525." The song knocked Henry Mancini's "Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet" out of the #1 spot and stayed for six weeks before The Rolling Stone's "Honkey Tonk Woman" took over.
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Music History for June 9 - Cheap Trick
On this day in 1988,
Cheap Trick had the band's one and only US #1 single with "The
Flame." It was an unlikely hit for the Cheap Trick. According
to guitarist Rick Nielsen, the band hated the power ballad so much they
smashed the tape to pieces after hearing the demo for the first time.
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Music History for June 8 - Gerry Rafferty
On this day in 1978, after almost six months on the top of the US album charts, the "Saturday
Night Live" soundtrack was finally knocked out of the top spot by Gerry
Rafferty's "City to City" album. The album's success
rested largely on the Scottish singer's singles "Right Down the
Line" and
the song for which he is best known, "Baker Street." The album
stayed on top for a single week before "Some Girls" from The
Rolling Stones took over.
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Music History for July 7 - Bruce Springsteen
On this day in 1984, Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA" album topped
the charts. It remained on the album charts for an impressive 139 weeks. "Born
in the USA" is one of only three albums to produce seven top-ten singles
(Michael
Jackson's "Thriller" and Janet Jackson's "Rhythm
Nation 1814"). One single, "Dancing in the Dark," made
it to #1. The song's video featured then-unknown actress Courteney Cox.
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Music History for July 6 - The Rolling Stones
On this day in 1968, the #1 single in the country was "Jumpin' Jack Flash" from The Rolling Stones. The band's fifth song to reach the top of the charts, it was bassist Bill Wyman who came up with the music for "Jumpin' Jack Flash," including the famous guitar riff. The song's credits, however, list only Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
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Music History for July 5 - Janet Jackson
On this day in 1986, Janet Jackson began a two week run at the top of the album chart with Control. The youngest of the Jackson's third studio album, Control introduced audiences to a new Janet - in control of her life and career, according to the singer.
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Music History for July 2 - Live 8
On this day in 2005, ten concerts were held almost simultaneously around the world in conjunction with the G8 Conference in Scotland. Live 8 involved over one thousand musicians, broadcast on 182 television networks and over 2,000 radio networks. It's estimated that Live 8 reached 3 billion people. The goal was to draw attention to and raise money for the Global Call for Action Against Poverty. These events also marked the 20th anniversary of the grandfather of charity concerts: Live Aid.
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Music History for July 1 - The B52's
On this day in 1951, The B-52s founding member and singer, Fred Schneider was born in Newark, NJ. Fred has always had an off-beat taste in music, growing up loving novelty songs and Christmas music - something that would add to the quirkiness of The B-52s later on. The group formed in Athens, GA in 1976 and established a style that included 1950's and 60's references and costumes. The name of the band comes from the late 1950's sky-high hairdo, inspired by the nose cone of the Cold War-era bomber jet of the same name.
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Music History for June 30 - Huey Lewis & the News
On this day in 1984,Huey Lewis & The News had the #1 album in the country with Sports. The album knocked the soundtrack to the movie Footloose out of the top spot until Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA took over the following week.
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Music History for June 29 - Bowie & Jagger
On this day in 1985, Mick Jagger and David Bowie recorded their cover of "Dancing in the Street" and filmed the accompanying video in just over 12 hours. The project was originally part of 1985's Live Aid charity concerts, with the plan being for the duo to perform the song live: Jagger from JFK Stadium in Philadelphia and Bowie from London's Wembley Stadium.
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Music History for June 28 - Whitney Houston
On this day in 1987, Whitney Houston made history when Whitney entered the album chart at #1, a first for a female artist. She also became the first woman to top the singles chart with four consecutive releases when "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" hit #1.
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Music History for June 25 - Stone Temple Pilots
On this day in 1994, the #1 album in the country was Purple from Stone Temple Pilots. Purple produced three hit singles: "Vasoline," "Interstate Love Song" and "Big Empty," which Stone Temple Pilots debuted on their MTV Unplugged special in 1993. "Big Empty" helped the soundtrack to the movie The Crow reach #1 a few weeks before Purple reached the top.
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Music History for June 24 - New Kids on The Block
On this day in 1990, New Kids on the Block had the #1 album in the country with Step By Step, the Boston group's follow-up to the hugely successful Hangin' Tough. Step By Step knocked MC Hammer's Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em out of the top spot for one week before Hammer came right back. Step By Step's title track also hit #1.
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Music History for June 23 - Bryan Adams
On this day in 1985, Bryan Adams had the #1 single in the country with "Heaven." It was the Canadian's first chart-topper in the United States. The power ballad appeared on Adam's 1984 release Reckless and took a year and a half to reach #1.
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Music History for June 22 - Cyndi Lauper
On this day in 1953, Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper was born in Queens, New York. Cyndi began learning acoustic guitar and writing her own songs at the age of twelve.
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Music History for June 21 - The Captain & Tennille
On this day in 1975, The Captain & Tennille had the #1 single in the country with "Love Will Keep Us Together." Neil Sedaka wrote and recorded the song but it didn't go anywhere until the duo released their version.
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Music History for June 18 - Fleetwood Mac
On this day in 1977, Fleetwood Mac had the #1 song in the country with "Dreams." Written by Stevie Nicks and featured on the band's multi-platinum album Rumors, "Dreams" was Stevie's response to ex-boyfriend Lindsay Buckingham's obvious diss in "Go Your Own Way." She told Q magazine June 2009: “It was the fairy and the gnome. I was trying to be all philosophical. And he was just mad.”
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Music History for June 17 - The Kinks
On this day in 1965, The Kinks played their first U.S. show at New York's Academy of Music, sharing the bill with the Moody Blues, also making their American debut. The Kinks released "You Really Got Me" the previous year which helped establish the act as one of the top bands of the British Invasion. The song hit #1 in the U.K. and made it to #7 here.
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Music History for June 16 - The Blues Brothers
On this day in 1978, The Blues Brothers movie opened in Chicago.
The band was lead by “Saturday Night Live” stars Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi. The Blues Brothers debuted as a musical guest on the show on April 22, 1978 and an album was released the same year.
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Music History for June 15 - Paula Abdul
On this day in 1991, Paula Abdul had the #1 song in the country with "Rush, Rush." The first single from Paula's second release, Spellbound, it went on to become her biggest hit and her 5th #1 single. Paula had been known for her dance songs and "Rush, Rush" was her first ballad. It quickly crossed over to Adult Contemporary radio and greatly expanded her audience. In fact, Billboard magazine lists "Rush, Rush" #60 on its list of the Hot 100 All-Time Top Songs from 1958 through 2008.
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Music History for June 14 - The Hard Rock Cafe
On this day in 1971, the first Hard Rock Cafe opened in London. Originally decorated in basic Americana, the Hard Rock's owners began collecting and displaying rock memorabilia in 1979. The chain expanded worldwide in 1978 with locations in Toronto, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, New York, Dallas, Boston, Washington DC, Orlando, Paris and Berlin.
Music History for June 11 - KC & The Sunshine Band
On this day in 1977, KC and the Sunshine Band had the #1 song in the country with "I'm Your Boogie Man." Released on 1976's Part 3 album, "I'm Your Boogie Man" knocked Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" out of the top spot for a week before losing it to "Dreams" from Fleetwood Mac.
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Music History for June 10 - "Grease"
On this day in 1978, "You're the one That I Want" from the "Grease" soundtrack was the #1 single in the country. Performed by the movie's stars Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, the song hit #1 six days before the movie was even released. The success is unusual since the song was original to the movie, never appearing in the Broadway productions.
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Music History for June 9 - Wilson Phillips
On this day in 1990, Wilson Phillips had the #1 single in the country with "Hold On." The group's self-titled debut album sold over 10 million copies and scored three #1 singles. This feat earned Wilson Phillips the title of best-selling female group at the time.
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Music History for June 8 - Tears for Fears
On this day in 1985, Tears for Fears had the #1 single in the country with "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," from the album Songs from the Big Chair. The song hit the top spot between WHAM!'s "Everything She Wants" and "Heaven" from Bryan Adams.
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Music History for Monday, June 7 - Prince
On this day in 1958 Prince Nelson Rogers was born in Minneapolis to musician parents. He was signed to his first record contract at the age of 17 and went on to produce 10 platinum-selling albums and 30 Top 40 singles. In a 1991 interview, John Rogers explained: "I named my son Prince because I wanted him to do everything I wanted to do."
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Music History for June 4 - Elvis Presley
On this Date in 1992, after receiving over 1 million votes, the U.S. Postal Service announced Elvis Presley would be honored as Young Elvis for an official stamp. The Vegas Elvis came in a distant second in the polls.
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Music History for June 3 - Fine Young Cannibals
On this Date in 1989, Fine Young Cannibals had the number one album in the country with The Raw and the Cooked. The album sold two million copies and produced two hit singles: "She Drives Me Crazy" and "Good Thing," which both hit number one in the U.S.
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Music History for June 2 - Donna Summer
On this Date in 1979, Donna Summer had the number one song in the country with "Hot Stuff" the first single from her album Bad Girls. "Hot Stuff" was number one for three non-consecutive weeks, first losing out to the Bee Gees "Love You Inside Out" then "Ring My Bell" from Anita Ward.
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Music History for June 1 - Alanis Morissette
On this Date in 1974, Alanis Nadine Morissette was born in Ottawa, Canada. She began playing piano at the age of six and wrote her first song at 10. In 1986, Alanis joined the cast of the CTV/Nickelodeon show "You can't Do That on Television."
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Music History for May 28 - Percy Sledge
On this Date in 1966, Percy Sledge had the number one song in the country with "When a Man Loves a Woman." It was his first single as a solo artist but wasn't a slam dunk. While working as an orderly at an Alabama hospital and playing with a local band, Percy was so broken up over a failed relationship he wrote the song.
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Music History for May 27 - The Chi-Lites
On this Date in 1972, The Chi-Lites had the number one song in the country with "Oh Girl" from the album Lonely Man. The song was the group's only number one hit but lasted only one week in the top spot before getting the boot from "I'll Take You There" from The Staple Singers.
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Music History for May 26 - Stevie Nicks
On this Date in 1948, Stephanie Lynn Nicks was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She earned her nickname as a young child after being unable say Stephanie, pronouncing it "tee-dee" and Stevie was the result.
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Music History for May 25 - VH1 Rock Honors
On this Date in 2006, the first VH1 Rock Honors were held in Las Vegas. Queen, Def Leppard, KISS and Judas Priest were recognized for their musical achievements.
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Music History for May 24 - Bob Dylan
On this Date in 1941, Robert Zimmerman was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He played in various bands throughout high school before moving to Minneapolis for college. He also began calling himself Bob Dylan.
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Music History for May 21 - David Bowie
On this Date in 1983, David Bowie had the #1 single in the country with "Let's Dance," from the album of the same name. It managed to knock Michael Jackson's "Beat It" out of the top spot but couldn't hold off "Flashdance... What a Feeling" the following week. "Let's Dance" was David Bowie's first single to hit #1 in both the U.S. and U.K.
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Music History for May 20 - Green Day
On this Date in 2009, Green Day's 21st Century Breakdown debuted at number one on the album charts, after selling over 200,000 copies in three days. The band's American Idiot also debuted at number one in 2004.
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Music History for May 19 - Supertramp
On this Date in 1979, Supertramp had the number one album in the country with Breakfast In America, kicking Minute By Minute from the Doobie Brothers out of the top spot.
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Music History for May 18 - Simple Minds
On this Date in 1985, the number one single in the country came from Simple Minds with "Don't You (Forget About Me)," from the soundtrack to the movie The Breakfast Club. The song was written specifically for the movie but the hard part was getting anyone to record it.
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Music History for May 17 - Queen
On this Date in 1975, Queen's first U.S. single "Killer Queen" made it to #12 on the charts and became the band's breakthrough hit. From the 1974 album Sheer Heart Attack, the late Freddie Mercury described his inspiration for "Killer Queen" in an interview that same year: "It's about a high class call girl."
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Music History for May 14 - Frank Sinatra
On this Date in 1998, singer and actor Frank Sinatra passed away.
Sinatra began his musical career in the early ‘40s, crooning alongside popular swing era artists such as Tommy Dorsey. Sinatra went solo in the late ‘40s, quickly becoming the idol of “bobby soxers” across the nation.
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Music History for May 13 - Bon Jovi
On this day in 1989, Bon Jovi topped the singles chart with "I'll Be There for You." Written by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, "I'll Be There for You" was released on Bon Jovi's 1988 album New Jersey.
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Music History for May 12 - Led Zeppelin
On this day in 1973, Led Zeppelin had the number one album in the country with "Houses of the Holy," kicking Elvis Presley's "Aloha from Hawaii" out of the top spot before The Beatles' 1967-1970 (aka "The Blue Album") took over. Much of the recording took place at the English country estate owned by Mick Jagger.
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Music History for May 11 - Madonna
On this day in 1985, Madonna had the #1 single in the country with "Crazy for You." Written specifically for the 1985 movie Vision Quest, starring Matthew Modine and Linda Fiorentino, "Crazy for You" didn't wow the producers at first - and Madonna was almost out of a gig.
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Music History for May 10 - Tommy Lee and Heather Locklear
On this day in 1986, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee married actress Heather Locklear. Before Tommy, the Dynasty and TJ Hooker star dated several Hollywood actors, including Tom Cruise, while Tommy Lee was romantically involved with 80's video vixen Bobbie Brown (best known for Warrant's "Cherry Pie" video).
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Music History for May 7 - Eagles
On this day in 1977, the number one song in the country belonged to the Eagles with "Hotel California". From the album of the same name, it was the band's first release with Joe Walsh in the line-up. The song kicked Glen Campbell's "Southern Nights" out of number one before "When I Need You" from Leo Sayer took over. The Eagles won Record of the Year for "Hotel California" at the Grammy Awards in 1978.
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Music History for May 6 - Live
On this day in 1995, Live's Throwing Copper was the number one album in the country, kicking the soundtrack to Disney's The Lion King out of the top spot. Released in 1994, Throwing Copper spent 52 weeks on the album charts before reaching #1, becoming the third act to reach the top after a year or more on the charts (Fleetwood Mac and Paula Abdul did it first).
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Music History for May 5 - Peaches & Herb
On this day in 1979, "Reunited" from Peaches & Herb was the number one single in the country, knocking Blondie's "Heart of Glass" out of the top spot before "Hot Stuff" from Donna Summer took over.
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Music History for May 4 - Grand Funk Railroad
On this day in 1974, Flint natives Grand Funk Railroad had the #1 single in the country with an unlikely cover: Little Eva's "The Loco-Motion."
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Music History for May 3 - Bob Seger
On this day in 1980, Bob Seger had the number one album in the country with Against the Wind. It was Seger's 12th studio album and his third with The Silver Bullet Band. Bob Seger was born in Dearborn, MI and raised in Ann Arbor.
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Music History for April 30 - Michael Jackson
On this day in 1983, Michael Jackson's "Beat It" was the #1 single in the country, knocking "Come On Eileen" from Dexy's Midnight Runners out of the top spot before David Bowie's "Let's Dance" took over three weeks later.
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Music History for April 29 - Creed
On this day in 2002, Creed was forced to cancel the last 20 dates of the band's Weathered tour after lead singer Scott Stapp suffered back and neck injuries following a car crash in his native Orlando. Scott talked to MTV a few days later and said he didn't realize how serious his injuries were at first, and was more concered about the woman who rear ended his Cadillac SUV.
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Music History for April 28 - Cheap Trick
On this day in 1978, Cheap Trick performed at Japan's Budokan Hall. Before becoming a hit in this country, Cheap Trick had three gold albums in Japan and enjoyed a Beatlemania-like following there. The band decided to record the show and release it exclusively in Japan.
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Music History for April 27 - Chicago
On this day in 1974, Chicago had the #1 album in the country with Chicago VII. The band’s seventh studio album, Chicago VII knocked the Paul McCartney & Wings album Band on the Run out of the top spot before losing to the soundtrack from the movie The Sting after one week.
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Music History for April 26 - Van Halen
On this day in 1986, Van Halen's 5150 was the #1 album in the country, knocking Whitney Houston's self-titled debut out of the top spot before Janet Jackson's Control took over.
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Music History for April 23 - Thelma Houston
On this day in 1977, Thelma Houston had the #1 single in the country with the Disco classic "Don't Leave Me This Way." Considered one of the greatest songs of all the 1970's Thelma (pronounced TELL-ma) Houston's version managed to cross over to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as well as topping the Disco and R&B charts.
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Music History for April 22 - Sinead O'Connor
On this day in 1990, the #1 album in the country belonged to Sinead O'Connor. The Irish singer's second studio album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got reached the top largely due to the success of Sinead's cover of the Prince song "Nothing Compares 2 U." Sinead's version became a worldwide hit and ranks #77 on Billboard's "Greatest Songs of All Time" and #10 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the 90s."
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Music History for April 21 - Hoobastank
On this day in 2004, California natives Hoobastank had the #1 on the alternative rock charts with "The Reason," kicking "I Miss You" from Blink 182 out of the top spot. While Hoobastank had a few minor hits, the worldwide success of "The Reason" has pretty much relegated the band to One-Hit Wonder status.
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Music History for April 20 - Janet Jackson
On this day in 1990, Janet Jackson received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, kicking off Janet Jackson Week in Los Angeles. The mayor of Los Angeles said he normally sets aside just one day for a celebrity getting their star but due to the amazing year Janet was having, with the release of 1999's Rhythm Nation, which produced several #1 singles including: "Miss You Much," "Escapade," "Black Cat" and "Love Will Never Do Without You."
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Music History for April 19 - Blondie
On this day in 1980, the #1 single in the country was "Call Me" from Blondie, becoming the band's biggest-selling record. "Call Me" was the theme song to the 1980 Richard Gere movie American Gigolo.
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Music History for April 16 - INXS
On this day in 1988, "Devil Inside" from INXS peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, unable to knock Billy Ocean's "Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Car" out of the top spot.
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Music History for April 15 - Joey Ramone
On this day in 2001, Joey Ramone passed away in New York City at the age of 49 after a seven year battle with lymphoma. The former front man of The Ramones was reportedly listening to U2's Elevation album at the time of his death, inspiring Bono to dedicate the song "In A Little While" to Joey on the rest of U2's Elevation tour.
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Music History for April 14 - Nickelback
On this day in 2002, Nickelback scored big in the band's native Canada by picking up Juno Awards (Canada's Grammys) for Best Group, Best Single for "How You Remind Me" and Best Album for Silver Side Up.
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Music History for April 13 - Elton John
On this day in 1974, Elton John's "Bennie and The Jets" was the #1 single in the country. With lyrics written by Elton's longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, "Bennie and The Jets" tells the story of a fictional band and its female lead singer, Bennie.
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Music History for April 12 - The Spinners
On this day in 1980, The Spinners had the #1 single in the country with "Working My Way Back to You," a song originally recorded by The Four Seasons in 1966. The Spinners had greater chart success with the 1979 version.
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Music History for April 9 - Soundgarden
On this day in 1997, Soundgarden, one of the pioneers of the "grunge rock" movement, announced the band was breaking up. Soundgarden was formed in Seattle in 1984 and in 1988 was the first grunge band to sign with a major label.
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Music History for April 8 - Roxette
On this day in 1989, Roxette had the group's first #1 single in the U.S. with "The Look." The song topped the charts in 24 other countries as well.
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Music History for April 7 - "Blades of Glory"
On this day in 2007, the Will Farrell comedy Blades of Glory was #1 at the movie box office. The soundtrack to the figure skating spoof offered a wide selection songs, from rock classics to one-hit wonders.
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Music History for April 6 - The Doobie Brothers
On this day in 1979, The Doobie Brothers had the #1 album in the country with Minute by Minute. The band's eighth studio album featured hit singles like the title track and "What a Fool Believes," which went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14th and won The Doobie Brothers the 1980 Grammy Awards for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
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Music History for April 5 - Minnie Riperton
On this day in 1975, Minnie Riperton had the #1 single in the country with "Lovin' You." It topped the charts between Labelle's "Lady Marmalade" and "Philadelphia Freedom" from Elton John.
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Music History for April 2 - Ace of Base
On this day in 1994, the #1 album in the country was The Sign from Ace of Base. Released in the group's homeland of Sweden as Happy Nation, the album was renamed for its North American release following the huge success of the single "The Sign." That song went on to become 1994's #1 single of the year and went on to sell 9 million copies - the biggest hit for Arista Records.
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Music History for April 1 - The Bangles
On this day in 1989, the #1 single in the country was “Eternal Flame” from The Bangles. The song appeared on the band’s 1988 release Everything. “Eternal Flame” was inspired by a visit to Elvis Presley’s estate Graceland, where the memorial to the late King of Rock and Roll includes an eternal flame.
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Music History for March 31 - Angus Young
On this day in 1955, Angus McKinnon Young was born in Scotland but his family relocated to Sydney, Australia when he was eight. Angus first picked up a guitar at the age of five. By the time he turned 18, he and his brother Malcolm had formed AC/DC, a name adopted from signage on older sister Margaret’s sewing machine.
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Music History for March 30 - Johnny Cash
On this day in 1956, Johnny Cash began recording “I Walk the Line” at Sun Studios and it went on to become his first #1 single, featuring “Get Rhythm” on the B side. Johnny began working on the song while in the Air Force and its unusual chord progression came from his tape recorder’s faulty playback.
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Music History for March 29 - Bonnie Raitt
On this day in 1990, Bonnie Raitt had the #1 album in the country with Nick of Time. After nearly 20 years in the music business, Bonnie finally achieved commercial success with her 10th album.
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Music History for March 26 - Aerosmith
On this day in 1948, Steven Victor Tallarico was born in Yonkers, New York where he was expelled from his first high school for drug use but ended up graduating elsewhere.
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Music History for March 25 - Aretha Franklin
On this day in 1942, The Queen of Soul was born Aretha Louise Franklin in Memphis, Tennessee. The Reverend C.L. Franklin eventually moved his family to Detroit where he assumed the pulpit of the New Bethel Baptist Church and went on to become famous, largely due to his religious recordings.
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Music History for March 24 - Celine Dion
On this day in 1996, Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" was the #1 single in the country. The first single from Celine's Falling into You album, "Because You Loved Me" was featured in the movie Up Close & Personal, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert Redford.
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Music History for March 23 - Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley
On this day in 1985, Billy Joel married supermodel Christie Brinkley in a lavish wedding aboard a yacht on New York's Hudson River - it was the second marriage for both. The ceremony was attended by 175 of the couple's family and friends including musicians Paul Simon and the Stray Cats.
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Music History for March 22 - Heart
On this day in 1986, Heart had the #1 single in the country with "These Dreams." The song was the band's first-ever to top the charts. It was written by the same guy who brought us that Starship gem "We Built This City." Coincidentally, Heart kicked Starship's "Sara" out of the top spot for just one week before Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus" hit #1.
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Music History for March 19 - Toni Braxton
On this Day in 1994, Toni Braxton's self-titled debut album reached #1 on the charts. It was the singer's second time at the top with her first album... Toni Braxton topped the charts in February before getting the boot from Mariah Carey's Music Box.
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Music History for March 18 - Vanessa Williams
On this day in 1963, Vanessa Lynn Williams was born in Tarrytown, New York to two music teachers. Vanessa first gained fame when she became the first African-American to win the Miss America title in 1983. Ten months into her reign Vanessa's fame increased tenfold, but not necessarily in a good way.
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Music History for March 17 - Cher
On this day in 1999, The #1 single in the country was "Believe" from Cher's 23rd studio album of the same name. The dance track was Cher's first hit song since "If I Could Turn Back Time" ten years earlier.
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Music History for March 16 - Public Enemy
On this day in 1959, William Drayton Jr. was born in Freeport, Long Island. While attending Adelphi University, William met up with Carlton Ridenhour, better known as Chuck D, and the two eventually formed the rap group Public Enemy. No stranger to the criminal justice system, Flavor Flav took his stage name from his grafitti tag.
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Music History for March 15 - Dee Snider
On this day in 1955, David Daniel Snider was born just outside New York City. While he sang in his church choir as a child, everything changed when he joined a Black Sabbath cover band in 8th grade.
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Music History for March 12 - Rick Astley
On this day in 1988, Rick Astley had the #1 single in the country with "Never Gonna Give You Up." He stayed on top for just one week, between George Michael's "Father Figure" and "Man in the Mirror" from Michael Jackson.
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Music History for March 11 - Neil Young
On this day in 1972, Neil Young had the #1 album in the U.S. and the U.K. with Harvest. It went on to become the best-selling album of the year in this country. Harvest produced two hit singles, “Old Man” and “Heart of Gold,” which reached #1 on the singles chart the following week. “Heart of Gold” remains Young’s only #1 single in his more than 40 year musical career.
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Music History for March 10 - Gloria Gaynor
On this day in 1979, Gloria Gaynor had the #1 single in the country with the disco anthem "I Will Survive."
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Music History for March 9 - Queen
On this day in 1976, Queen’s album A Night at the Opera went gold, on its way to selling three million copies. It was the most expensive album ever made at the time.
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Music History for March 8 - Salt n' Pepa
On this day in 1960, the rapper who would become Salt in the group Salt n' Pepa was born in Brooklyn. Cheryl James met up with fellow vocalist Sandy Denton to form Salt n' Pepa in 1984. Deidre Roper (aka Spinderella) joined the group two years later.
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Music History for March 5 - Elvis Presley
On this day in 1955, Elvis Presley made his first-ever television appearance on the Louisiana Hayride, a popular southeastern regional program that helped launch the careers of the some of the greatest names in American music.
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Music History for March 4 - Mariah Carey
On this day in 1994, Mariah Carey had the #1 album in the country with Music Box, knocking Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle out of the top spot. Mariah’s third studio album was driven by the singles “Dreamlover,” which became her most successful single to date, and “Hero.”
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Music History for March 3 - Bee Gees
On this day in 1979, The Bee Gees had the #1 album in the US with Spirits Having Flown. As the follow-up to the hugely successful soundtrack to the movie Saturday Night Fever, Spirits produced three hits for the brothers: “Tragedy,” “Too Much Heaven” and “Love You Inside Out.”
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Music History for March 2 - Jon Bon Jovi
On this day in 1962, John Francis Bongiovi Jr. was born in Perth Amboy, NJ to two former Marines. His father was a hairdresser, his mother was one of the first Playboy Bunnies!
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Music History for March 1 - Sheryl Crow
On this day in 1995, Sheryl Crow won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, beating out Green Day, Ace of Base, Counting Crows and Crash Test Dummies. Sheryl also picked up the Grammy for Record of the Year for "All I Wanna Do."
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Music History for February 26 - Michael Jackson
On this day in 1983, Michael Jackson’s Thriller began its 37-week run as the #1 album in the U.S. Released in 1982 as a follow up to Jackson’s successful Off the Wall album, Epic Records assumed the album would have moderate success. The release of Thriller’s first single, “The Girl Is Mine,” seemed to support that idea.
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Music History for February 25 - Van Halen
On this day in 1984, Van Halen had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Jump.” The single knocked out Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon” to hold the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. “Jump” is the only Van Halen single featuring David Lee Roth to hit #1.
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Music History for February 24 - Kim Carnes
On this day in 1982, Kim Carnes won two Grammy Awards for “Bette Davis Eyes”. For Record of the Year, Kim beat Christopher Cross (“Arthur’s Theme"), John Lennon (“Starting Over”) and Diana Ross & Lionel Richie (“Endless Love”).
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Music History for February 23 - Queen
On this day in 1980, Queen had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” While the song never hit #1 in the band’s British homeland, it stayed on top in the United States for four weeks before getting bumped by Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall.”
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Music History for February 22 - The Spice Girls
On this day in 1997, The Spice Girls had the #1 single in the country with "Wannabe," which knocked Toni Braxton's "Un-Break My Heart" out of the top spot.
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Music History for February 19 - Seal
On this day in 1963 Seal Henry Olusegun Kwassi Olumide Adelo Samuel was born in London to Nigerian parents. Seal is best known for his hit single “Kiss from a Rose,” featured on the Batman Forever soundtrack.
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Music History for February 18 - Tone Loc
On this day in 1989, Tone Loc made history when his single “Wild Thing” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest charting rap song to date.
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Music History for February 17 - The Clash
On this day in 1979, The Clash launched their first U.S. tour at The Palladian in New York. Calling the tour Pearl Harbor 1979, the Clash opened the show with “I’m So Bored With The U.S.A.”
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Music History for February 16 - Wham!
On this day in 1985, Wham! had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Careless Whisper.” It held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks before getting the boot from REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”
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Music History for February 15 - Whitney Houston
On this day in 1986, Whitney Houston had the #1 single in the country with "How WIll I Know," from her debut, self-titled album. The song was originally written for Janet Jackson who turned it down because the song's innocent tone didn't fit with her new image - Janet was recording her Control album at the time. Producer Clive Davis jumped on the song for his newest discovery: the 21-year old Whitney Houston.
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Music History for February 12 - Al Green
On this day in 1972, Al Green had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Let’s Stay Together.” The song knocked Don McLean’s “American Pie” out of the top spot and stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks.
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Music History for February 11 - U2
On this day in 1989, The Joshua Tree from U2 became the fist CD (as opposed to vinyl) to sell one million copies. The band's fifth studio album was released in 1987 and, according to Rolling Stone magazine, helped turn U2 "from heroes to superstars."
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Music History for February 10 - Rod Stewart
On this day in 1979, Rod Stewart had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” The song spent four weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 before being knocked out by Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”
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Music History for February 9 - C+C Music Factory
On this day in 1991, C+C Music Factory had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).” The album of the same name ended up going platinum five times.”.
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Music History for February 8 - Right Said Fred
On this day in 1992, Right Said Fred had the #1 single in the country with "I'm Too Sexy." The British group, made up of brothers Fred and Richard Fairbass, took its name from a 1962 song from British actor/comedian Bernard Cribbins.
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Music History for February 5 - Toto
On this day in 1983, Toto had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Africa.” The song only lasted one week in the top spot before being knocked out by the Patti Austin – James Ingram duet “Baby, Come to Me.”.
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Music History for February 4 - Alice Cooper
On this day in 1948, Vincent Damon Furnier was born into a conservative Christian family in Detroit. Fast forward to 1971, the band Alice Cooper had its first mainstream hit with “I’m Eighteen,” followed by “School’s Out” the following year.
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Music History for February 3 - Elton John
On this day in 1973, Elton John had the #1 single in the country with “Crocodile Rock,” knocking Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” from the top spot. “Crocodile Rock” was Elton John’s first #1 in the United States .
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Music History for February 2 - Foreigner
On this day in 1985, Foreigner had the #1 single in the country with “I Want to Know What Love Is,” knocking Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” from the top spot.
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Music History for February 1 - Lisa Marie Presley
On this day in 1968, Lisa Marie Presley was born in Memphis, exactly nine months after her parents, Elvis and Priscilla, married.
The only child of Elvis Presely, Lisa Marie is known as the Princess of Rock 'n Roll.
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Music History for January 29 - Hootie and the Blowfish
On this day in 1996, Garth Brooks refused to accept the award for Favorite Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, explaining he believed Hootie and the Blowfish had done more for music in 1996 than he had. Other acts up for the award that year: TLC, Greenday and Boyz II Men.
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Music History for January 28 - We Are the World
On this day in 1985, almost forty of the biggest names in pop music gathered to record the single “We Are the World” under the name U.S.A. for Africa. Rather than United States of America, U.S.A. was meant to stand for United Support of Artists. The song was recorded to draw attention to the plight of those starving in drought-ridden Ethiopia.
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Music History for Wednesday, January 27 - Stevie Wonder
On this day in 1973, Stevie Wonder had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Superstition,” knocking Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” out of the top spot.
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Music History for January 26 - Eddie Van Halen
On this day in 1955, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen was born in Amsterdam. Eddie’s middle name comes from the composer Ludwig van Beethoven; Lodewijk is the Dutch spelling. Eddie Van Halen continued the family tradition by naming his son Wolfgang Van Halen after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
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Music History for January 25 - Color Me Badd
On this day in 1992, Color Me Badd had the #1 single in the country with "All 4 Love". It was the third single from the 1991 release CMB.
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Music History for January 21 - Pattie Boyd
On this day in 1966, The Beatles’ George Harrison married Pattie Boyd at the city registrar’s office in Epsom, U.K., with band mate Paul McCartney as his best man.
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Music History for January 20 - Paul Stanley
On this day in 1952, Stanley Harvey Eisen was born in Queens, New York. Eventually taking the stage name Paul Stanley as guitarist and lead singer of the band KISS, Stanley morphed into the stage character “The Starchild,” signified by a black star over his right eye and bright red lips against stark white makeup.
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Music History for January 19 - Janet Jackson
On this day in 1991, Janet Jackson's "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" was the #1 single in the country. The seventh single from Janet's 1989 release Rhythm Nation 1814, the song joined other #1 singles "Miss You Much," "Rhythm Nation," "Escapade" and "Black Cat."
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Music History for January 18 - Lisa Marie Presley
On this day in 1996, Lisa Marie Presley filed for divorce from Michael Jackson. The pair first met in Las Vegas when Elvis Presley's daughter was just seven years old.
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Music History for January 15 - Men at Work
On this day in 1983, Men at Work had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Down Under.” As a tribute to their Australian homeland, “Down Under” helped propel Men at Work into the record books as the only Australian group to hit the #1 spot on both the album and singles charts in the U.S. and the U.K. simultaneously.
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Music History for January 14 - Bobby Brown
On this day in 1989, Bobby Brown had the #1 single in the U.S. with “My Prerogative.” Released on Bobby’s 1988 album Don’t Be Cruel, “My Prerogative” reflects Bobby Brown’s bad boy image and is considered a prime example of the “new jack swing” sound of the late 1980’s.
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Music History for January 13 - Y.M.C.A.
On this day in 1979, the Young Men’s Christian Association filed a libel suit against the Village People for the song “Y.M.C.A.” Initially claiming the song reflected poorly on the goals of the Y.M.C.A. It was later dropped.
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Music History for January 12 - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On this day in 1995, the 10th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The I.M. Pei-designed museum would finally open in Cleveland, Ohio in September of that year.
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Music History for January 11 - Whisky a Go Go
On this day in 1964, West Hollywood's legendary Whisky a Go Go opened its doors on Sunset Boulevard. While the first Whisky opened in Chicago in 1958, the Sunset Strip location became the most famous.
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Music History for January 8 - Elvis Presley
On this day in 1935, Elvis Aaron Presley was born in a two-room cabin, built by his father, on North Saltillo Road in East Tupelo, Mississippi.
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Music History for January 7 - Rupert Holmes
On this day in 1980, Rupert Holmes had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”.
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Music History for January 6 - Carly Simon
On this day in 1973, Carly Simon had the #1 single in the U.S. with “You’re So Vain.” Released in December of 1972, the single quickly gained popularity as speculation as to the song’s subject.
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Music History for January 5 - Donna Summer
On this day in 1980, Donna Summer had the #1 album in the U.S. with On The Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes 1 and 2. It was Donna Summer’s first compilation album and the highly anticipated follow-up to 1979’s Bad Girls.
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Music History for January 4 - Michael Stipe
On this day in 1960, John Michael Stipe was born in Decatur, Georgia. While attending college in Athens, Michael met Peter Buck working at the local record store and, discovering a shared taste in music, decided to form a band in 1980.
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Music History for December 31 - The Monkees
On this day in 1966, “I’m A Believer” from The Monkees was the #1 single in the country, going on to become the biggest-selling record of 1967 and one of the best sellers in history.
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Music History for December 30 - Jeff Lynne
On this day in 1947, Jeff Lynne was born in Birmingham, England. A vocalist, keyboardist and guitarist primarily, there seems little Jeff Lynne can’t do or play. Best known for his band the Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO, he is an accomplished songwriter and producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in music.
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Music History for December 29 - Glenn Phillips
On this day in 1970, Glenn Phillips, guitarist and lead singer for Toad the Wet Sprocket, was born in Santa Barbara. Glenn founded the band in 1986 when he and the other members were students in high school.
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Music History for December 28 - The Beatles
On this day in 1968, The Beatles had the #1 album in the country with The Beatles, commonly referred to as “The White Album.” The double album has no graphics or text, other than the band’s name, on a stark white sleeve. It was the first release from The Beatles’ own label Apple Records.
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Music History for December 24 - Anita Baker
On this day in 1988, Anita Baker's Giving You the Best That I Got was the #1 album in the country, knocking U2's Rattle and Hum out of the top spot. Giving You the Best That I Got was her third studio album and her first and only to reach #1. The title track became Anita's highest-charting single, reaching #3 on the Billboard 100.
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Music History for December 23 - Eddie Vedder
On this day in 1964, Edward Lewis Severson was born in suburban Chicago. It was as a teenager growing up in San Diego that Eddie learned the man he thought was his father was actually his step father. After the divorce Eddie took his mother's maiden name: Vedder.
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Music History for December 22 - Madonna
On this day in 1984, Madonna had the #1 single in the country with "Like A Virgin." The title track from her second studio album, "Like A Virgin" held onto the top spot for six weeks before "I Want to Know What Love Is" from Foreigner took over.
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Music History for December 21 - Diana Ross
On this day in 1969, Diana Ross made her last appearance with The Supremes on The Ed Sullivan Show.
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Music History for December 18 - Keith Richards
On this day in 1943, Keith Richards was born. Today he celebrates his 66th birthday. Along with Mick Jagger, Keith is responsible for writing The Rolling Stone's biggest hits, dating back to 1964.
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Music History for December 17 - Milli Vanilli
On this day in 1989, kicking off what would become one of the biggest scandals in pop music history, Milli Vanilli had the #1 single in the country with "Girl You Know It's True."
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Music History for December 16 - Billy Paul
On this day in 1972, Billy Paul had the #1 single in the country with "Me and Mrs. Jones." The song, about an extramarital affair, stayed at #1 for three weeks, knocking Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" out of the top spot before "You're So Vain" from Carly Simon took over.
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Music History for December 15 - Don Johnson
On this day in 1958, Don Johnson was born Donnie Wayne Johnson in Missouri. He celebrates his 60th birthday today. Don got his big break with 1984's TV series "Miami Vice." Don then decided to try tackling the world of pop music: the result was 1986's Heartbeat.
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Music History for December 14 - Saturday Night Fever
On this day in 1977, the movie Saturday Night Fever premiered in New York City. The film starred John Travolta as a blue-collar Brooklyn native who becomes king of the nightclub when he hits the dance floor.
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Music History for December 10 - Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
On this day in 1983, A duet from Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson was the #1 single in the country on this day in 1983. "Say, Say, Say" was the second duet from the pair and appeared on McCartney's 1983 album Pipes of Peace. The first was "The Girl is Mine" from Jackson's Thriller album. "Say, Say Say" became Michael Jackson's seventh #1 hit for the year.
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Music History for December 9 - Chic
On this day in 1978, Chic had the #1 single in the country with "Le Freak." While the single stayed on top of the disco charts for seven weeks and went on to be the highest-selling single ever for Atlantic Records, the members of Chic were far less known.
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Music History for December 8 - The Allman Brothers Band
On this day in 1947, Gregory Lenoir Allman celebrates his 62nd birthday. Born in Nashville, Gregg Allman first picked up the guitar but soon developed a love for keyboards. The Allman Brothers band was formed in 1969, with Gregg on lead vocals.
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Music History for December 7 - Mr. Mister
On this day in 1985, The #1 single in the country was "Broken Wings" from Mr. Mister, from the album Welcome to the Real World. The song kicked Phil Collins' "Separate Lives" out of the top spot for one week before another big 80's ballad, "Say you, Say Me" from Lionel Richie, hit #1. Both songs were featured on the soundtrack to the movie White Nights.
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Music History for December 4 - The Goo Goo Dolls
On this day in 1965, John Joseph Theodore Rzeznik was born in Buffalo, NY. In 1986, while studying to become a plumber at a Buffalo vocational high school, Johnny met Robby Takac and formed what would later be known as The Goo Goo Dolls.
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Music History for December 3 - Ozzy Osbourne
On this day in 1948, John Michael Osbourne was born in Aston, Birmingham, UK. Eventually becoming known as The Godfather of Heavy Metal and The Prince of Darkness following his hugely successful career with Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne embarked on an equally successful solo career.
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Music History for December 2 - Phil Collins
On this day in 1989, Phil Collins’ …But Seriously was the #1 album in the country. The fourth full-length solo studio album from Collins saw a departure from synthesizers in favor of drums and keyboards.
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Music History for December 1 - John Lennon and Yoko Ono
On this day in 1971, John Lennon, Yoko Ono and The Plastic Ono Band released “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” A reaction to the war in Vietnam, the song features children from the Harlem Community Choir singing background.
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