This Day in Music
On this day in music, January 16, 1992, Eric Clapton entered Windsor, England’s Bray Studios, to record a stripped-down set for MTV Unplugged, the wildly popular concert series that featured acoustic performances from superstar musicians. In front of an audience, the legendary artist delivered a moving set of blues standards, classic hits from his career, and new material, including “Layla” and a touching tribute to his recently departed son, “Tears in Heaven.” Released in August, Clapton’s Unplugged album not only became the best-selling album of his career, but also the best-selling live album of all time. The album earned Clapton six Grammy Awards and remains a favorite in his impressive catalog.
In 2021, Phil Spector passed away at the age of 81, following complications from Covid-19. At the time, the pioneering producer was serving a prison term for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. Despite his wildly controversial life, Spector was a highly influential figure in music, who created the popular “Wall of Sound” production technique. During the height of his career, Spector worked with such legendary artists as The Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers, The Ramones, and The Beatles.
In 2005, The Killers began a two-week run at the top of the UK charts with their debut album, Hot Fuss. The Las Vegas band’s indie-rock sound resonated on both sides of the Atlantic, with the record reaching the Top Ten in the US.
In 1988, former Wham! star George Michael topped the US album charts with his solo debut, Faith. The hugely popular release, which would eventually sell more than 25 million copies worldwide, yielded numerous hit singles, including “One More Try,” “Father Figure,” “Monkey,” “I Want Your Sex,” and the title track.
In 1988, Tina Turner proved her enduring appeal when she performed in front of 182,000 people in Rio De Janeiro, setting the world record for the largest audience ever for a single artist.
In 1988, nearly two decades after the Beatles disbanded, George Harrison topped the Billboard Hot 100 with his addictive solo hit, “I’ve Got My Mind Set On You,” a cover of an old James Ray song.
In 1957, The Cavern Club opened in Liverpool, England. The subterranean bunker-turned-venue became the home to many local bands, including, most famously, The Beatles who appeared at the club 292 times in the early 60s.
BORN ON JANUARY 16
1937: Bob Bogle (The Ventures)
1946: Ronnie Milsap
1959: Sade
1965: Maxine Jones (En Vogue)
1970: Brendan O’Hare (Teenage Fanclub)
1979: Aaliyah
1981: Nick Valensi (The Strokes)
