Once a Mouseketeer

Today in Music History: January 8

Many young prodigies have gone on to become successful in their own unique way. Some follow the paths of parents while others take a totally different route. As with most artists, they usually begin with one image in mind but transition through different images along the way. Today's spotlight shines on a Grammy Award winner whose initial squeaky clean image led to an embarking down a new path...highly sexualized and more commanding.

Welcome into the Spotlight...

 

Christina Maria Aguilera: American singer-songwriter best known for the single "Genie In A Bottle" and the controversial, sexually charged album Stripped  

Singer-songwriter Christina Maria Aguilera was born on December 18, 1980 in Staten Island, New York. As early as elementary school, she wowed audiences with her big voice often to the envy of classmates and even their parents.

Aguilera began her career as a cast member on The All New Mickey Mouse Club. Her fellow castmates were a collection of future stars, including Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell.

She rapidly rose to stardom following the release of her hit single, "Genie In A Bottle," which earned her a Grammy Award for best new artist. Her other hit singles include "What A Girl Wants," "Come on Over Baby," "Lady Marmalade" and the sexually charged "Dirrty." In recent years, Aguilera has served as a coach and mentor on the singing-competition show The Voice.

 Today's spotlight shines on Aquilera's hit single 'What A Girl Wants'...

 

 2000 Christina Aguilera started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'What A Girl Wants'. She ended Santana's 12- week run at No.1 with 'Smooth'.

No.1 hits on this day...

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  1972 The New Seekers were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing, (in Perfect Harmony'). The song started as a Coca Cola TV ad. It originally included the line, 'I'd like to buy the world a Coke'.

• 1977 Taking time out from their group 5th Dimension Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'You Don't Have To Be A Star', a No.7 hit in the UK.

• 1994 Jamaican reggae/rap (ragga) duo Chaka Demus and Pliers were at No.1 in the UK with their version of 'Twist And Shout'. The song was originally recorded (and produced by Phil Spector) by the Top Notes in 1961 and then covered by The Isley Brothers. It was also covered by The Beatles on their first album Please Please Me.   

1957 Bill Haley & His Comets started the first ever 'rock & roll tour' of Australia, playing two sold out nights in Sydney. 

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...