This Day in Music
In 1963, tragedy struck when 30-year-old country star Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash, alongside Cowboy Copas and Hawkshaw Hawkins. The Tennessee native, born Virginia Patterson Hensley, was traveling home from Kansas City, following a benefit concert for the widow of DJ “Cactus” Jack Call. At the time of her death, Cline was just beginning to enjoy crossover success on the US pop charts, with hits like “I Fall To Pieces” and “Crazy.” In the years and decades that followed, Cline’s influence only grew. In addition to breaking multiple glass ceilings as a woman in country music, Cline was also revered for her emotive vocals and bold persona. In 1973, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Country Hall of Fame.
In 2017, Ed Sheeran topped the UK albums chart with his third album ÷ (aka “Divide”). Shooting to No.1 within three days of its release, ÷ became the fastest-selling album by a male artist in UK pop history. Nine of its 16 songs entered the UK Top 10, breaking a record previously held by Calvin Harris. Controversially, the other seven tracks made the Top 20, which led to an overhaul of how the charts were compiled. Beginning on July 7, 2017, the number of tracks an artist could have in the chart at any one time was limited to three.
In 1956, Frank Sinatra released his tenth studio LP Songs For Swingin’ Lovers!, which was his first to top the UK albums chart. In 2000, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
In 1983, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” began a seven-week run at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. The second single plucked from his record-breaking sixth studio album, Thriller, “Billie Jean” topped the charts in ten countries around the world and to date has sold an estimated 14 million copies.
In 1963, The Beatles recorded their third single “From Me To You,” originally written by Lennon and McCartney as a B-side. It topped the UK charts but sold poorly when it was first released in America, selling less than 4,000 copies. Later, US interest in the band eventually helped to push the song to No. 41 on Billboard’s Hot 100.
In 2002, The Osbournes made its debut on MTV. A fly-on-the-wall look at the life of ex-Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne and his family, the show was an instant hit and became the channel’s most-viewed program. It ran for four seasons until 2005.
BORN ON MARCH 5
1970: John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
1962: Craig and Charlie Reid (The Proclaimers)
1958: Andy Gibb
1957: Mark E. Smith (The Fall)
1956: Teena Marie
1948: Eddy Grant
