Sunshine on a Gloomy Day

Today in Music History: November 21

 Music...

A day filled with music is a day filled with sunshine. Even on gloomy winter days music can alter the scene altogether. In other words, music can make you happy when skies are grey! Grab a mug of hot cocoa, put a smile on your face as you step back in time with musical memories over six decades - from 1954 to 2004.

A toast to good memories & happy listening...

1954 American singer and actress Rosemary Clooney was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'This Ole House'. This song was also a No.1 for Shakin' Stevens in 1981. Her nephew, George Clooney was a pallbearer at her funeral in 2002.

1960 Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Stay', the shortest ever US No.1 single at one minute 37 seconds. A No.14 hit in the UK in 1961. 

1970 The Partridge Family started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I Think I Love You'. The song was featured in the first episode of the Partridge Family TV series, made by the same company that made The Monkees.

1979 US country-rock act Dr Hook were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'When You're In Love With A Beautiful Woman', their only UK No.1.  

1981 Olivia Newton John started a ten week run at No.1 in the US singles chart with 'Physical', the singers fourth US No.1 went on to sell over 2 million copies, a became a No.7 hit in the UK. 

1981 Queen and David Bowie were at No.1 in the UK with 'Under Pressure'. They recorded the song together when both acts were working in a German recording studio. It was David Bowie's first released collaboration with another recording artist.

1983 Michael Jackson's 14-minute video for 'Thriller', was premiered in Los Angeles. Directed by John Landis and co-starring former Playboy centerfold Ola Ray. The video (like the song) contains a spoken word performance by horror film veteran Vincent Price. The video was filmed at the Palace Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, the zombie dance sequence at the junction of Union Pacific Avenue and South Calzona Street in East Los Angeles and the final house scene in the Angeleno Heights neighborhood at 1345 Carroll Avenue.

1987 Billy Idol knocked Tiffany from the No.1 single position on the US singles chart with his version of Tommy James 'Mony Mony'. Tiffany had been at No.1 with another Tommy James song ' I Think We're Alone Now'.

1992 Charles and Eddie were at No.1 in the UK singles chart with 'Would I Lie To You' the debut single by the pop-soul duo and their only chart topper.

1999 The Wamdue Project went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'King Of My Castle'. First released in 1998 when it made No.121 on the chart selling just 350 copies in the first week of release.

2004 Eminem was at No.1 on the US album chart with Encore, his third US No.1 album. Girls Aloud started a two week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the Pretenders 'I'll Stand By You'. This was 2004's single for the Children In Need appeal with its proceeds going towards the charity. 

 

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