This Day in Music
On October 23, 2015, Adele released her record-smashing hit, “Hello.” The week prior, a 30-second clip of the highly-anticipated track was played during a commercial break on The X Factor, building excitement for the single. Upon its release, the song marked the British artist’s second No.1 single, while it topped the charts in a record-breaking 36 countries. In the US, the song became the first track to sell more than a million digital copies in one week (it remains one of the best-selling digital singles ever). The visual for the song, meanwhile, broke the Vevo Record by accruing nearly 28 million views within 24 hours, while on YouTube, it became the fastest video to reach one billion views (87 days).
In 1963, Bob Dylan recorded his enduring anthem, “The Times They Are A-Changin.” Inspired by traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, the song reflected the social and political upheaval of the decade and became one of the singer-songwriter’s signature hits. Over the years, the song has been covered by countless artists, including The Byrds, Nina Simone, the Beach Boys, and Brandi Carlile.
In 1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded their first single, a cover of the rock standard, “’Hey Joe.” The song became a Top Ten hit in the UK several months after its release, eventually landing at No.6. While it failed to chart in the US, Hendrix’s rendition of the song became one of his signature hits and, over the decades, has ranked on numerous “Best Of” lists.
In 2006, Amy Winehouse released her rebellious signature hit, “Rehab.” Marking the lead single off the singer’s sophomore album, Back to Black, the song was a Top Ten hit in the US and UK and won multiple awards, including three Grammys and an Ivor Novello.
In 2005, Arctic Monkeys scored their first No.1 hit in the UK with “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor.” The song marked the lead single from their debut studio album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.
In 1976, Chicago began a two-week run at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “If You Leave Me Now.” While it was the group’s 18th Top 40 hit, it marked their first No.1.
In 1962, 12-year-old Little Stevie Wonder recorded his first single for Motown Records, “Thank You For Loving Me All The Way.”
In 1993, Meat Loaf landed his first UK No.1 with his signature hit, “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That),” featured on Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell.
In 1989, Nirvana played their first UK show in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
BORN ON OCTOBER 23
1949: Michael Burston (Motorhead)
1956: Dwight Yoakam
1959: Weird Al Yankovic
1964: Roberto Trujillo (Suicidal Tendencies, Metallica)
