This Day in Music
On this day in music, January 27, 2014, American folk singer, songwriter, and activist, Pete Seeger, died at the age of 94. Seeger began his lengthy career in the early 1940s, playing alongside the likes of Woody Guthrie (with their group The Almanac Singers) and appearing regularly on Alan Lomax and Nicholas Ray’s weekly CBS radio show. As a member of the foundational folk group, The Weavers, Seeger scored several hits in the 50s, including a chart-topping rendition of Lead Belly’s “Goodnight, Irene.” Despite being blacklisted during the McCarthy Era, Seeger’s voice only grew louder. As the counterculture movement blossomed, Seeger was a vital voice in support of nuclear disarmament, civil rights, and environmental causes, writing such powerful songs as “Where Have all the Flowers Gone?” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!,” while delivering enduring interpretations of anthems like “We Shall Overcome.”
In 1977, The Clash signed to CBS Records in the UK for £100,000 – a bargain considering the body of work they would record for the label. The influential band went on to enjoy years of critical and commercial success.
In 1973, “Superstition,” the lead single from Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book LP, became his second No.1 single in the US, 10 years after his first chart-topping hit. The funky track’s instantly-recognizable drum beat was conceived by guitar legend Jeff Beck.
In 1970, John Lennon wrote, recorded, and mixed his new single, “Instant Karma,” all in one day. One of the fastest-released pop tracks of all time, the timeless anthem hit stores ten days later and became one of the artist’s most recognizable solo works.
In 1956, Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” was released by RCA Records, who had just bought out the artist’s contract from Sun Records (for just $35,000). It was a smart move on the label’s part, as the song would eventually sell over a million copies, becoming Presley’s first Gold record.
In 1972, the “Queen of Gospel Music,” Mahalia Jackson, died in Chicago at the age of 60. One of the era’s most influential singers, Jackson recorded over 30 albums during her four-decade-long career. With sales of more than 22 million records worldwide, Jackson was also instrumental in bringing Black music to a broader audience.
In 1984, Madonna appeared on British television for the first time when she performed her hit “Holiday” on The Tube. The music show was broadcast live from Manchester’s legendary Hacienda Club.
BORN ON JANUARY 27
1918: Elmore James
1930: Bobby Bland
1944: Nick Mason (Pink Floyd)
1951: Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy)
1953: Janick Robert Gers (Iron Maiden)
1968: Mike Patton (Faith No More)
1968: Tricky
1972: Mark Owen (Take That)
