This Day in Music
On August 21, 1961 – Patsy Cline recorded a cover of Willie Nelson’s song, “Crazy.” At the time, Cline was recovering from a head-on collision, which had taken place two months earlier, and was struggling to reach some of the high notes, due to broken ribs. Her performance, however, revealed none of this. In fact, “Crazy” went on to become a massive hit, spending 21 weeks on the Billboard charts and becoming one of her signature songs.
In 1961, Tamla Records (a subsidiary of Motown) released the Marvelettes’ debut, “Please Mr. Postman.” The single not only became the girl group’s biggest hit—reaching the top spot on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts and receiving Gold Certification from the RIAA in 2004—but it was Motown Records’ first No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1967, The Doors began recording their sophomore record, Strange Days, at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood. The album was released the following month and included two Top 30 singles, “People Are Strange” and “Love Me Two Times.” It peaked at No. 3 on the US album chart and, 34 years later, received a platinum certification from the RIAA.
In 1997, Oasis released their third album, Be Here Now. It quickly became one of the fastest-selling albums ever, moving over 350,000 units on its release day and taking the title as the UK’s best-selling album of 1997 with 1.47 million units sold. Be Here Now also marks the last Oasis record to feature founding members Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Paul “Guigsy” McGuigan before their departures in 1999.
In 2013, legendary concert promoter Sid Bernstein died at age 95. Famous for booking The Beatles at Carnegie Hall and Shea Stadium, Bernstein was instrumental in bringing The Fab Four and other major UK acts (including The Rolling Stones, Herman’s Hermits, The Moody Blues, and The Kinks) to America in the 60s, as well as being the first promoter to organize rock concerts in sports stadiums.
In 2021, Don Everly of The Everly Brothers died at the age of 84. The duo, which also featured Don’s brother, Phil, rose to fame in the late 50s, with hits like “Bye Bye Love” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream.” The brothers’ tight-knit harmonies went on to influence the likes of The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel.
BORN ON AUGUST 21
1904: Count Basie
1938: Kenny Rogers
1944: Jackie DeShannon (Singer)
1952: Joe Strummer (The Clash)
1954: Steve Smith (Journey)
1957: Budgie (Siouxsie and the Banshees)
1957: Kim Sledge (Sister Sledge)
1967: Serj Tankian (System of a Down)
1979: Kelis
