On November 21, 1983, a nearly 14-minute music video for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” premiered in Los Angeles. Directed by John Landis (An American Warewolf in London, Three Amigos, Trading Places), the ghoulish visual paid homage to some of Hollywood’s biggest horror films, including a voiceover from the genre’s original icon, Vincent Price. Michael Jackson’s Thriller saw heavy rotation on MTV, helping to make its namesake album become the highest-selling LP in history.
In 1981, Queen and David Bowie topped the UK pop chart with their collaborative hit, “Under Pressure.” The Bowie-Freddie Mercury-fronted duet came about by chance when both acts were recording at the same studio in Montreux, Switzerland.
In 2003, Phil Spector was formally charged with the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. After an initial 2007 mistrial, the producer was found guilty of second-degree murder in 2009. He died in 2021 while serving a nineteen-year prison sentence.
In 2017, singer, songwriter, and actor, David Cassidy, died at the age of 67. The former teen heartthrob, who starred in the TV show The Partridge Family, scored several hits with the fictional family band, including 1970’s “I Think I Love You,” before launching a successful solo career.
In 1970, two months after his death, Jimi Hendrix scored his sole UK No.1 single with “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”
In 1991, Aerosmith became the first band to make a guest appearance on the animated series, The Simpsons, during the third season’s “Flaming Moe’s” episode. Numerous acts have followed in their footsteps, including R.E.M., Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Phish, and the White Stripes.
In 1988, former Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page embarked on his first-ever solo tour. Accompanying him on drums was Jason Bonham, the son of his late, former bandmate, John Bonham.
BORN ON NOVEMBER 21
1941: Andrew Love (Memphis Horns)
1948: Lonnie Jordan (War)
1965: Björk
1968: Alex James (Blur)
1985: Carly Rae Jepsen
1988: Drew McFarlane (Glass Animals)
Thrivent Financial is hosting a small business workshop on December 10th at noon at Peter’s Ribs & Catering in Litchfield. Anyone interested needs to RSVP by December 5th. Call 320-593-2846.
Thrivent representative Jackie McGhee says a small business consultant will be there to provide advice and answer questions.
Thrivent representative Kyle Kalkbrenner says they’ve done three of these workshops before and they’ve been well-attended. He says one of the questions that small business owners need to consider is “what is the value of their business?
Kalkbrenner says consultant Erik Murphy will provide information about tax strategies, business valuation and so on. He says if you’ve attended before, you’re welcome to attend, and tell other small business owners about the workshop.
On November 20, 1971, Isaac Hayes topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “Theme From Shaft.” A highly-influential work in funk music, as well as in the emerging world of Black film, the largely instrumental track was written by Hayes for the film Shaft. “Theme From Shaft” went on to win multiple Grammys, as well as an Academy Award for Best Original Song, making Hayes the first Black artist to receive the honor, as well as the first Black recipient of an Oscar in a non-acting category. The film’s soundtrack, meanwhile, also went to No.1 and was later added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry.
In 1961, Bob Dylan began recording his self-titled debut at New York City’s Columbia Recording Studios. In just two sessions, the singer-songwriter laid down all 13 tracks, including two originals (“Talkin’ New York” and “Song to Woody,” written for Woody Guthrie). While Bob Dylan didn’t have initial success, it would rise up the charts after the release of the artist’s breakthrough sophomore album, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan.
In 2015, with the success of his single “Sorry,” Justin Bieber broke two UK pop chart records. With three songs simultaneously in the Top 5 (“Sorry,” “Love Yourself,” and “What Do You Mean?”), Bieber broke a record previously held by John Lennon. Additionally, with eight songs simultaneously in the Top 40, the Canadian artist broke a record previously set by Elvis Presley.
In 1955, Bill Haley & His Comets began a two-month run atop the Billboard Hot 100 with “Rock Around the Clock.” The energetic song would soon become the first rock’n’roll record to hit No.1 in both the US and the UK.
In 2005, Robbie Williams set a Guinness World Record for selling the most tickets in one day when his 2006 world tour went on sale. Fans purchased 1.6 million tickets, totaling an estimated £80 million.
In 1976, Paul Simon was the host and musical guest on Saturday Night Live. During the episode, he performed “Homeward Bound,” plus a cover of “Here Comes the Sun” with its songwriter, George Harrison.
BORN ON NOVEMBER 20
1941: Dr. John
1946: Duane Allman
1947: Joe Walsh
1965: Mike D (Beastie Boys)
1983: Future
1986: Jared Followill (Kings of Leon)
1995: Michael Clifford (5 Seconds to Summer)