This Day in Music

In 1974, David Bowie began a five-night engagement at Philadelphia’s Tower Theater, all of which was recorded for his first live album, David Live, released in October of that year. The performance was an interesting one, as it found the artist in transition between his Ziggy Stardust glam phase and the “plastic soul” era of Young Americans. Despite the album cover, which showcased Bowie in the latter style, the set list primarily featured material from his glam days – spanning Ziggy Stardust, Aladin Sane, and his most recent release, Diamond Dogs.

In 1987, legendary producer and Columbia Records executive John Hammond passed away at 76. During his lengthy career, Hammond was pivotal in launching the careers of countless artists – from Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan to Aretha Franklin and Bruce Springsteen. Hammond was also a tireless civil rights activist, who fought for racial integration in the music industry and beyond.

In 1965, The Rolling Stones scored their first No.1 hit in the US with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” The song, which was initially only played on pirate radio stations, due to its suggestive nature, held the top spot for four weeks.

In 1976, Starland Vocal Band scored a No.1 hit with their suggestive ditty, “Afternoon Delight.” Despite its subject matter, the song’s title was inspired by the name of a happy hour menu item at a Washington, DC restaurant. “Afternoon Delight” went on to become one of the biggest songs of the year and later earned a Grammy for Best Arrangement for Voices. Elsewhere, the song landed in the UK’s Top 20 and Australia’s Top 10, while it was a No.1 hit in Canada.

BORN ON JULY 10

1939: Mavis Staples
1942: Ronnie James Dio
1947: Arlo Guthrie
1954: Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys)
1958: Béla Fleck
1959: Sandy West (The Runaways)
1970: Jason Orange (Take That)
1970: Gary LeVox (Rascal Flats)
1974: Imelda May
1978: Jesse Lacey (Brand New)
1980: Jessica Simpson