Defining Music

Today in Music History: November 24

Synonymous with each decade are recording artists whose music impacted each decade that followed on into the 21st century. The uniqueness in musical style personified and defined the music and culture of the times. The influence and impact on the culture and history are defined in the hit singles and albums that kept coming and coming. 

The Spirit of the 60s - The Supremes were among the top hallmarks of the turbulent 60s, The Decade That Changed a Nation.

 

1968 Diana Ross and The Supremes were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Love Child', their 11th No.1 in the US. The song is also notable for knocking off and keeping The Beatles' massive 'Hey Jude' off the top spot in the US.

The Groovy Times  - Members of The Beatles ventured forth as solo artists, trends leaned toward relaxing music with dance music and rock music defining the 70s genre.

 

1973 Ringo Starr went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Photograph'. His first of two US chart toppers as a solo artist. Written by Starr and George Harrison, the promotional film shot for the single showed Starr walking around his new house at the time, Tittenhurst Park, which had been previously the home of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, (and where the 'Imagine' promo film was shot).

1976 Chicago started a three week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'If You Leave Me Now', the American group's only UK No.1. It went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance.

1979 Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand continue a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'No More Tears, (Enough Is Enough). A No.3 hit in the UK.

Music in the 21st Century - Many songs from the 50s all the way through the 90s are still popular, rap solidifies its standing and less emphasis is placed on the music, it's all about showmanship.

 

2002 Robbie Williams started a five week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with his fifth studio album Escapology. The album became the best selling album of 2002 in the United Kingdom, selling 1.2 million copies.

 

2002 Jay-Z was at No.1 on the US album chart with The Blueprint 2, the rapper’s first US No.1 album.

2013 Robbie Williams scored his 11th UK No.1 album when Swings Both Ways went to the top of the charts. It was also the 1,000 No.1 UK album since the charts began in 1956 when Frank Sinatra was at No.1 with Songs For Swingin' Lovers.

Tidbits of Trivia... 

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  1984 Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee married his girlfriend, nude model Candice, (Elaine Margaret Starchuk). The marriage lasted one month. Lee has also been married to actress Heather Locklear and the former Playboy Playmate Pamela Anderson.

  
  

  
  
• 2003 'Agadoo' by Black Lace was named the worst song of all time by a panel of music writers. The song which peaked at No.2 on the UK charts in 1984 spent 30 weeks in the top 75 and went on to become the eighth best-selling single of 1984 in the UK. Black Lace themselves recorded an X-rated version of the song entitled 'Have a Screw', which was released on the B-side of the 12-inch vinyl 'Gang Bang'.

  
  






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