Today in Tunes
On this day in music

October 14

10 moments from 1940 to 2022: 4 things that happened, 4 birthdays and 2 farewells.

Tune of the day
Ben
Michael Jackson
Why today: 1972 · Michael Jackson's "Ben" becomes his first solo US No. 1
Play on Spotify

What happened on October 14

  1. 197254 yrs ago
    HappenedPop

    Michael Jackson's "Ben" becomes his first solo US No. 1

    At 14, Jackson topped the Hot 100 alone after four chart-toppers with the Jackson 5 – singing a ballad from Ben, the sequel to the killer-rat film Willard.

    Play on Spotify Source: List of Billboard Hot 100 number ones of 1972 – Wikipedia
  2. 197452 yrs ago
    HappenedCountry

    Olivia Newton-John named CMA Female Vocalist of the Year

    The Australian pop singer took the award at a Johnny Cash-hosted ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry House, the same night Charlie Rich was crowned Entertainer of the Year.

    Play on Spotify Source: 1974 Country Music Association Awards – Wikipedia
  3. 197749 yrs ago
    HappenedRock

    David Bowie releases "Heroes"

    The middle chapter of his Berlin Trilogy was cut at Hansa studio in West Berlin with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti; Robert Fripp's first take on one track made the final mix.

    Play on Spotify Source: "Heroes" (David Bowie album) – Wikipedia
  4. 20224 yrs ago
    HappenedFolk

    Noah Kahan releases the album Stick Season

    Its title track had already been building on TikTok for two years; the folk turn he called a love letter to New England went to No. 1 in the UK and Canada.

    Play on Spotify Source: Stick Season (album) – Wikipedia
  5. 194086 yrs ago
    BornPop

    Cliff Richard born in Lucknow, India

    Born Harry Webb, he cut "Move It", often called Britain's first real rock and roll record, and is the only singer with a UK No. 1 in five straight decades.

    Play on Spotify Source: Cliff Richard – Wikipedia
  6. 195868 yrs ago
    BornElectronic

    Synth-pop pioneer Thomas Dolby born in London

    After "She Blinded Me with Science" hit the US Top 5, he went to Silicon Valley and his company Beatnik made ringtone software used by Nokia.

    Play on Spotify Source: Thomas Dolby – Wikipedia
  7. 197452 yrs ago
    BornCountry

    Natalie Maines of The Chicks born in Lubbock, Texas

    The daughter of producer Lloyd Maines fronted The Chicks to 13 Grammys, including Album of the Year for Taking the Long Way.

    Play on Spotify Source: Natalie Maines – Wikipedia
  8. 197848 yrs ago
    BornR&B / Soul

    Usher born in Dallas, Texas

    His 2004 album Confessions went Diamond and is described as the best-selling album by a Black artist this century.

    Play on Spotify Source: Usher (musician) – Wikipedia
  9. 197749 yrs ago
    DiedPop

    Bing Crosby dies in Spain

    His "White Christmas" has sold over 50 million copies and is still the best-selling single ever, though Crosby joked that a jackdaw with a cleft palate could have sung it.

    Play on Spotify Source: Bing Crosby – Wikipedia
  10. 199036 yrs ago
    DiedClassical

    Leonard Bernstein dies in New York

    The conductor who became famous overnight by filling in at the New York Philharmonic without a rehearsal also wrote West Side Story.

    Play on Spotify Source: Leonard Bernstein – Wikipedia