This Day in Music
On this day in music, January 5, 1979, 20-year-old Prince played his first public show at Minneapolis’ Capri Theater, for what was sure to have been a lucky audience. While the artist had already signed a three-album deal with Warner Bros. Records and released his debut, 1978’s For You, he still had yet to take to the stage. Ahead of the concert, Prince assembled a band featuring bassist André Cymone, guitarist Dez Dickerson, drummer Bobby Z, and keyboardists Gayle Chapman and Doctor Fink – several of whom would be part of The Revolution. Although Prince would soon be known for his live performances, Warner Bros. executives who attended the hometown show weren’t convinced and felt that the young artist needed continued development.
In 1973, Bruce Springsteen released his debut, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Although the album didn’t make a splash on the charts, its artistry was recognized by critics. Today, it is ranked by several outlets as one of the greatest debuts of all time, while it produced the fan favorite, “Blinded By the Light” (Manfred Mann’s cover topped the US charts several years later).
In 1965, The Supremes kicked off the new year with a three-day session at Hitsville U.S.A., where they recorded “Stop! In the Name of Love.” Upon its release the following month, the song went straight to the top of the US pop chart.
In 1979, double bassist, pianist, composer, and bandleader, Charles Mingus, died at the age of 56. A major innovator in the jazz idiom, Mingus produced undisputed masterpieces like 1963’s Black Saint and the Sinner Lady.
In 1998, tragedy struck when Sonny Bono died in a skiing accident. The singer, songwriter, and TV show host wore many hats, even becoming a U.S. congressman in the mid-’90s. Bono rose to fame as one half of the husband-and-wife duo, Sonny & Cher. In 1965, they scored a No.1 hit in the US and UK with “I Got You Babe.”
In 1991, heavy metal icons Iron Maiden topped the UK singles chart with “Bring Your Daughter To The Slaughter.” The song was a late-period hit for the enduring band and proved their relevance in an era of changing tastes.
BORN ON JANUARY 5
1923: Sam Phillips (Producer, Record Executive)
1934: Phil Ramone (Producer)
1949: George Brown (Kool & The Gang)
1950: Chris Stein (Blondie)
1966: Kate Schellenbach (Luscious Jackson)
