This Day in Music: January 27th

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Born on this day:
1918, Elmore James, blues guitarist and singer
1944, Nick Mason, drums, Pink Floyd
1946, Nedra Talley, vocals, The Ronettes
1951, Brian Downey, drums, Thin Lizzy
1957, Janick Gers, guitar, Iron Maiden
1961, Gillian Gilbert, keyboards, New Order
1968, Mike Patton, vocals, Faith No More
1968, Tricky, rapper
1969, Michael Kulas, vocals, James
1971, Lil Jon, producer, rapper

1956, Elvis Presley’s single, “Heartbreak Hotel,” was released by RCA Records, which had just purchased Presley’s contract from Sun Records for $35,000. The song sold 300,000 copies in its first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis’ first gold record.

1961, Frank Sinatra played a benefit show at Carnegie Hall in New York City for Martin Luther King Jr.

1971, David Bowie arrived in the U.S. for the first time. He couldn’t play live because of work permit restrictions, but attracted publicity when he wore a dress at a promotion event.

1972, American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson died in Chicago of heart failure and diabetes complications at age 60. Known as the “Queen of Gospel Music,” she recorded over 30 albums.

1973, “Superstition” gave Stevie Wonder had his second #1 single in the U.S., 10 years after his first #1. For more on this story, see This Day in Music Spotlight.

1977, The Clash signed to CBS Records in the U.K. for ?100,000.

1980, Def Leppard played the first of two nights at The Marquee, London. Tickets cost ?2 ($3.40).

1984, Madonna made her first appearance in the U.K. when she appeared on C4 TV music program The Tube, performing “Holiday.” The show was broadcast live from the Hacienda Club in Manchester.

1994, Oasis made their London live debut when the played at King’s Cross Water Rats. The gig was by invite only.

1996, Babylon Zoo started a five-week run at #1 on the U.K. singles chart with “Spaceman,” the fastest-selling single by a debut artist in the U.K. (420,000 copies in six days). The song was used for a Levi Jeans TV commercial. The single also went to #1 in 23 other countries.

2002, Beach Boy Brian Wilson played the first of four sold-out nights at The Royal Festival Hall, London.

2006, Gene McFadden, R&B vocalist and songwriter, best known as half of the Philly soul team McFadden & Whitehead, died of cancer at the age of 56. The duo had the 1979 hit “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” which sold more than 8 million copies and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

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