This Day in Music
On this day in music, June 4, 1984, Bruce Springsteen released his seventh studio album, Born in the U.S.A.. One of the best-selling albums of all time, Born in the U.S.A. found “The Boss” taking a more pop-forward approach to his songwriting, particularly with hits like “Dancing in the Dark,” the synth-driven “I’m on Fire,” and the title track. The album produced an astonishing seven Top Ten hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including the aforementioned tracks (all three of which also landed in the UK Top Ten). Often ranked among the greatest albums of all time, Born in the U.S.A. remains Springsteen’s biggest commercial success, with more than 30 million copies sold, worldwide.
In 2019, Jay-Z was named the world’s first “Hip-Hop Billionaire.” In addition to his best-selling music career, the rapper also had a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, including his clothing line, Rocawear, his entertainment agency and label, Roc Nation, and his 40/40 sports bar chain. At the time, Jay-Z had also recently acquired the music streaming service, TIDAL, through a private holding company.
In 1983, The Police scored their fifth and final No.1 hit in the UK with “Every Breath You Take.” The Grammy and Ivor Novello-winning song also became the British group’s sole chart-topper in the US. It remained three for eight weeks.
In 1997, the body of the late singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley was recovered in the Mississippi River. On May 29, Buckley disappeared after going for a swim. The artist had recently relocated to Memphis, where he was recording a follow-up to his acclaimed debut album, Grace.
In 1967, The Beatles began a 23-week run at the top of the UK album chart with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The broadly influential concept album also topped charts around the globe, including in the US, Australia, Canada, and West Germany.
BORN ON JUNE 4
1937: Freddy Fender
1944: Michelle Phillips (Mamas and the Papas)
1945: Gordon Waller (Peter and Gordon)
1954: Mickey Dread
1974: Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band)
1976: Kasey Chambers
1987: Mollie King (The Saturdays)
1990: Zachary Farro (Paramore)
