This Day in Music
On this day in music, April 17, 1960, American singer-songwriter Eddie Cochran died at the age of 21 in a car crash while on tour in England. Born Ray Edward Cochran in Minnesota, the teen heartthrob began his music career in 1954 as part of a duo called the Cochran Brothers before launching his solo career. He co-wrote most of his biggest hits, including “Summertime Blues” (a Top 10 US smash in 1958) and “Three Steps To Heaven” (a 1960 UK chart-topper).
In 1991, Nirvana performed “Smells Like Teen Spirit” live for the first time at a Seattle club called the OK Hotel. The iconic song, which became an era-defining international hit, appeared on the grunge band’s second album Nevermind.
In 1982, the Greek composer Vangelis (born Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou) scored his first and only No.1 on the US album chart with Chariots Of Fire, the soundtrack to director Hugh Hudson’s film about two British athletes competing in the 1924 Olympic Games. The album later won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
In 1965, Bob Dylan‘s second studio album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, rose to No.1 in the UK. It was the first of six chart-topping LPs the Minnesota-born singer/songwriter scored in Britain between 1964 and 1970.
In 1998, Linda McCartney died at the age of 56 following a battle with breast cancer. Born Linda Eastman, she was a noted rock photographer before marrying Beatle Paul McCartney in 1969 and joining her husband’s new band, Wings, in 1971 on vocals and keyboards. She was also renowned for her work as an animal rights activist and was a passionate advocate for vegetarianism.
In 1971, all four ex-Beatles were in the UK singles chart at the same time. George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” went to No.1 while Paul McCartney’s “Another Day,” Ringo Starr’s “It Don’t Come Easy” and John Lennon’s “Power To The People” all made the Top 10.
In 1995, Texas governor George W. Bush declared April 16 “Selena Day” to commemorate the birthday and life of singer Selena Quintanilla Pérez, dubbed the “Madonna of Tejano music.” The announcement came two weeks after Selena’s tragic murder at the age of 23 by her fan club president.
In 1973, country-rock pioneers Eagles released Desperado, their second studio album. Containing the iconic title song as well as the hit singles “Tequila Sunrise” and “Outlaw Man,” the LP stalled at No. 41 in the US album charts but was eventually certified double platinum.
BORN ON APRIL 17
1930: Chris Barber
1934: Don Kirshner (Songwriter, Manager, Music Publisher)
1940: Billy Fury
1948: Jan Hammer (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
1955: Pete Shelley (Buzzcocks)
1964: James Keenan (Tool)
1967: Liz Phair
1970: Redman
1974: Victoria Beckham (The Spice Girls)
1989: Avi Kaplan (Pentatonix)
