Today in Tunes
On this day in music

December 15

11 moments from 1891 to 2024: 5 things that happened, 4 birthdays and 2 farewells.

Tune of the day
In the Mood
Glenn Miller
Why today: 1944 · Glenn Miller vanishes over the English Channel
Play on Spotify

What happened on December 15

  1. 194482 yrs ago
    HappenedJazz & Blues

    Glenn Miller vanishes over the English Channel

    The bandleader took off from England for Paris to prepare for his orchestra's move to France, and his plane never arrived. Hits like "In the Mood" outlived him.

    Play on Spotify Source: Glenn Miller - Wikipedia
  2. 196957 yrs ago
    HappenedRock

    John Lennon's all-star Peace for Christmas show

    At London's Lyceum Ballroom, a UNICEF benefit brought Lennon onstage with George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Keith Moon. Their "Cold Turkey" later came out on a live album.

    Play on Spotify Source: Some Time in New York City - Wikipedia
  3. 197353 yrs ago
    HappenedCountry

    Charlie Rich's "The Most Beautiful Girl" hits No. 1

    Charlie Rich took the Carpenters' place at the top of the Hot 100 and stayed two weeks, until Jim Croce's "Time in a Bottle" arrived.

    Play on Spotify Source: List of Billboard Hot 100 number ones of 1973 - Wikipedia
  4. 199234 yrs ago
    HappenedHip-hop

    Dr. Dre releases The Chronic

    Released on Death Row, Dre's album made the G-funk sound popular and introduced a young Snoop Doggy Dogg. Its single "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang" reached No. 2.

    Play on Spotify Source: The Chronic - Wikipedia
  5. 200125 yrs ago
    HappenedR&B / Soul

    Usher's "U Got It Bad" goes to No. 1

    The 8701 single, written with Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, lost the top spot to Nickelback after one week, then returned in January 2002 for five more weeks at No. 1.

    Play on Spotify Source: U Got It Bad - Wikipedia
  6. 1891135 yrs ago
    BornCountry

    A. P. Carter of the Carter Family is born

    A founding member of the Carter Family, one of country music's most popular acts ever. Their recordings in Bristol, Tennessee, soon became popular across the country.

    Play on Spotify Source: A. P. Carter - Wikipedia
  7. 1910116 yrs ago
    BornJazz & Blues

    Talent scout John Hammond is born

    He set up Billie Holiday's first recordings, brought Count Basie to New York, discovered Aretha Franklin, and signed Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen to Columbia.

    Play on Spotify Source: John Hammond (record producer) - Wikipedia
  8. 1921105 yrs ago
    BornRock

    DJ Alan Freed is born

    Broadcasting from Cleveland, he helped spread the phrase "rock and roll" on mainstream radio, and his 1952 Moondog Coronation Ball is seen as the first big rock and roll concert.

    Play on Spotify Source: Alan Freed - Wikipedia
  9. 195571 yrs ago
    BornRock

    The Clash's bassist Paul Simonon is born

    He is the man smashing a bass on the London Calling cover, a photo taken at a 1979 New York show. He also wrote "The Guns of Brixton."

    Play on Spotify Source: Paul Simonon - Wikipedia
  10. 194383 yrs ago
    DiedJazz & Blues

    Fats Waller dies at 39 on a train

    The pianist caught pneumonia and died aboard the Santa Fe Chief at Kansas City's Union Station. "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose" are both in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

    Play on Spotify Source: Fats Waller - Wikipedia
  11. 20242 yrs ago
    DiedClassical

    Tabla master Zakir Hussain dies at 73

    The eldest son of tabla great Alla Rakha and a founder member of Shakti, he won three Grammys in a single night in 2024, adding to earlier wins in 1992 and 2009.

    Play on Spotify Source: Zakir Hussain (musician) - Wikipedia