This Day in Music
On this day in music, January 7, 2020, Neil Peart, the drummer and lyricist for Rush and one of rock’s greatest percussionists, died at 67, following a battle with brain cancer. Known for his technical prowess, Peart was revered for his epic live solos, which would often include unusual time signatures and complex arrangements. During their 50-year tenure, Rush became one of the most respected and musically dynamic bands of the prog-rock era, transcending genre and influencing multiple generations of artists, including Metallica, Iron Maiden, Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Nine Inch Nails. The Juno Award-winning band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1994.
In 1971, Black Sabbath released their second studio album, Paranoid, in the US. With fan favorites like “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” and the title track, the album cemented their status as heavy metal giants.
In 1980, Pink Floyd released “Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)” in the US. Featuring an eerie children’s choir echoing the song’s legendary chorus (“we don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control”), paired with a disco-influenced bassline, the anthemic track would become the British band’s only No.1 hit in America.
In 1994, future Britpop superstars, Oasis, began recording their debut, Definitely Maybe, at Monnow Valley Studio in South Wales. Released in August of that same year, the album became a global phenomenon, eventually selling over 12 million copies.
In 1972, David Bowie released “Changes,” a single off his fourth studio album, Hunky Dory. Considered to be among the artist’s best works, the song offers a reflection on creative reinvention and individualism. Decades later, in 2006, Bowie would close his final live performance with the tune.
In 1955, Bill Haley & His Comets’ foundational tune, “Rock Around the Clock,” entered the UK chart for the first time, where it peaked at No.17. Seven months later, it would be the first rock’n’roll song to top the US charts, while in November, it would also hit No.1 in the UK. Over the next few years, the track would continue to re-enter the UK charts, eventually becoming the territory’s first single to sell one million copies.
In 1998, record producer Owen Bradley died at the age of 82. As an architect of country music, Bradley collaborated with such foundational artists as Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee, Loretta Lynn, Lenny Dee, and Conway Twitty.
BORN ON JANUARY 7
1937: Paul Revere (Paul Revere and the Raiders)
1948: Kenny Loggins
1959: Kathy Valentine (Go-Go’s)
1965: John Ondrasik (Five For Fighting)
1974: Jon Rich (Lonestar)
