This Day in Music
In 1971, 24-year-old singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Duane Allman, was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash. The co-founder and frontman of The Allman Brothers Band was a seminal figure in the Southern rock explosion of the early 70s. Revered for his expressive guitar playing and inspired improvisations, Allman was also a sought-after session musician, who performed alongside such stars as King Curtis, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Mann, Wilson Pickett, and Boz Scaggs. Just months before Allman’s death, the band released their breakthrough album, At Fillmore East, which many consider to be one of the best live LPs of all time.
In 2016, Bob Dylan accepted the Nobel Prize in Literature. As the first songwriter to win the prestigious award, Dylan was honored “for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition,” according to the organization. Dylan was the first American to receive the award since 1993, following novelist Toni Morrison.
In 1965, The Who released “My Generation” in the UK. A rebellious anthem for ‘60s youth, “My Generation” became a signature hit for the band, peaking at No.2 in their native England. The highly-regarded track has since been included on numerous high-profile rankings, including Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. It has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
In 1983, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon celebrated its 491st week on the Billboard album chart in the US, surpassing the previous record holder, Johnny Mathis, with Johnny’s Greatest Hits.
In 1983, Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers earned the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Islands In The Stream,” a track originally written by the Bee Gees.
In 2000, The Spice Girls became the first female group to earn nine chart toppers in the UK, thanks to the success of the double A-side, “Let Love Lead The Way/Holler.”
In 1988, Enya’s “Orinoco Flow (Sail Away)” began a three-week run at the top of the UK pop chart. Across the Atlantic, the Irish artist received two Grammy Award nods for the soothing tune.
BORN ON OCTOBER 29
1944: Denny Laine (Moody Blues, Wings)
1946: Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac)
1955: Roger O’Donnell (The Cure)
1955: Kevin DuBrow (Quiet Riot)
1965: Peter Timmins (Cowboy Junkies)
1984: Chris Baio (Vampire Weekend)
