This Day in Music
On September 12, 2003, Johnny Cash died at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy of foundational music, with a catalog that spanned country, folk, blues, rockabilly, and rock hits. Rising to fame in the mid-50s, the “Man in Black” would go on to release nearly 100 albums and more than 150 singles, including “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Walk The Line.” As popular as his originals were, though, Cash experienced a late career renaissance, thanks to his minimal and moving covers of songs like Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” and Soundgarden’s “Rusty Cage.” One of the best-selling artists in the history of popular music, Cash was an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Hall of Fame, and Gospel Hall of Fame.
In 1989, Aerosmith released their tenth studio album, Pump, via Geffen Records. The album, which featured the Grammy-winning hit “Janie’s Got a Gun” and the chart-topping “Love in an Elevator,” peaked at No. 5 on the US charts and was certified septuple platinum by the RIAA in 1995.
In 1954, Frank Sinatra reached No.1 on the UK singles chart with “Three Coins In The Fountain.” The song was the first of three eventual UK chart-toppers for the icon.
In 1975, Pink Floyd released their ninth studio album, Wish You Were Here. Hailed among the greatest rock albums of all time, the record reached number one in both the US and UK and has since sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
In 1963, The Beatles scored their second No.1 on the UK singles chart with “She Loves You.” The song was not only the UK’s highest-selling single of the decade, but remains the Fab Four’s best-selling single in their home country.
In 1966, N.B.C. aired the first episode of The Monkees TV show in the US. The series ran for a total of 58 episodes.
In 1970 Creedence Clearwater Revival scored their first UK No.1 album with Cosmo’s Factory. In the US, it occupied the top slot for nine weeks, selling over three million copies.
In 1970, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles scored their first UK No.1 with “The Tears Of A Clown.”
BORN ON SEPTEMBER 12
1931: George Jones
1944: Barry White
1952: Neil Peart (Rush)
1952: Gerry Beckley (America)
1966: Ben Folds
1978: Michael Paget (My Bloody Valentine)
1981: Jennifer Hudson
1994: RM (BTS)
