Today in Tunes
On this day in music

October 19

10 moments from 1913 to 1993: 5 things that happened, 3 birthdays and 2 farewells.

Tune of the day
Take On Me
a-ha
Why today: 1985 · a-ha's "Take On Me" reaches No. 1 in America
Play on Spotify

What happened on October 19

  1. 195571 yrs ago
    HappenedPop

    Broadcasters approve the first Eurovision Song Contest

    The EBU General Assembly approved the idea in Rome. Seven countries entered the first contest, and Switzerland's Lys Assia won with "Refrain".

    Play on Spotify Source: Eurovision Song Contest 1956 – Wikipedia
  2. 197353 yrs ago
    HappenedRock

    David Bowie releases Pin Ups

    Bowie covered 1960s songs by bands he had watched at the Marquee as a teenager, and posed with Twiggy for the cover.

    Play on Spotify Source: Pin Ups – Wikipedia
  3. 197947 yrs ago
    HappenedRock

    Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers release Damn the Torpedoes

    Petty fought a label sale by declaring bankruptcy. The album then sat at No. 2 for seven weeks behind The Wall, and Petty said he hated Pink Floyd that year.

    Play on Spotify Source: Damn the Torpedoes (album) – Wikipedia
  4. 198541 yrs ago
    HappenedPop

    a-ha's "Take On Me" reaches No. 1 in America

    The song flopped twice in the UK before a third release clicked. Its pencil-sketch video took about 3,000 hand-rotoscoped frames.

    Play on Spotify Source: Take On Me – Wikipedia
  5. 199333 yrs ago
    HappenedRock

    Pearl Jam release Vs. in the US

    It sold about 950,000 copies in five days, a SoundScan first-week record that lasted five years.

    Play on Spotify Source: Vs. (Pearl Jam album) – Wikipedia
  6. 1913113 yrs ago
    BornLatin

    Vinicius de Moraes born in Rio de Janeiro

    The poet co-wrote "The Girl from Ipanema" with Antônio Carlos Jobim.

    Play on Spotify Source: Vinicius de Moraes – Wikipedia
  7. 194482 yrs ago
    BornReggae

    Peter Tosh born in Westmoreland, Jamaica

    Born Winston McIntosh, he was a core Wailer with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. His solo "Legalize It" became an anthem worldwide.

    Play on Spotify Source: Peter Tosh – Wikipedia
  8. 196066 yrs ago
    BornR&B / Soul

    Jennifer Holliday born in Houston, Texas

    Playing Effie in Dreamgirls, she won a Tony, and a Grammy for "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", both in 1982.

    Play on Spotify Source: Jennifer Holliday – Wikipedia
  9. 198739 yrs ago
    DiedClassical

    Cellist Jacqueline du Pré dies at 42

    She recorded the Elgar Cello Concerto at 20, and it became the benchmark. Multiple sclerosis ended her career by 1973.

    Play on Spotify Source: Jacqueline du Pré – Wikipedia
  10. 198838 yrs ago
    DiedJazz & Blues

    Delta blues legend Son House dies in Detroit

    He shaped both Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters, then quit music. In 1964 fans found him in Rochester, New York, and brought him back.

    Play on Spotify Source: Son House – Wikipedia