10 ready-to-read segments for November 18, lead story first. Free to use on air; a quick credit to Today in Tunes is appreciated.
On this day in 1993, 33 years ago: Nirvana tape MTV Unplugged in New York. Released after Kurt Cobain's death, the set debuted at No. 1 and won the band's only Grammy. It included covers of Bowie's "The Man Who Sold the World" and "Where Did You Sleep Last Night." Here's Nirvana with “Where Did You Sleep Last Night.”
On this day in 1975, 51 years ago: Springsteen plays his first European show in London. The night at the Hammersmith Odeon was the E Street Band's European debut. The recording finally came out on DVD and CD three decades later.
On this day in 1985, 41 years ago: LL Cool J's Radio becomes Def Jam's first album. Produced by Rick Rubin, the debut featured "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells" and went platinum by 1989.
On this day in 2016, 10 years ago: Bruno Mars releases 24K Magic. The album won seven Grammys including Album of the Year, and "That's What I Like" became his seventh US No. 1.
On this day in 1899, 127 years ago: Conductor Eugene Ormandy is born. Born Jenő Blau, he led the Philadelphia Orchestra as music director for 42 years, from 1938 to 1980.
On this day in 1907, 119 years ago: Cuban son legend Compay Segundo is born. His song "Chan Chan" opened the Buena Vista Social Club album, which made him a global star in his nineties.
On this day in 1909, 117 years ago: Lyricist Johnny Mercer is born. He co-founded Capitol Records and won four Oscars, including back-to-back wins for "Moon River" and "Days of Wine and Roses."
On this day in 1927, 99 years ago: Hank Ballard, who wrote "The Twist," is born. He cut "The Twist" first, as a 1959 B-side, before Chubby Checker's cover took it to No. 1. His "Work with Me, Annie" topped the R&B chart for seven weeks.
On this day in 1994, 32 years ago: Bandleader Cab Calloway dies at 86. A Cotton Club star of the swing era, he recorded "Minnie the Moocher" in 1931; it became the first million-selling single by a Black artist.
On this day in 2017, 9 years ago: AC/DC co-founder Malcolm Young dies at 64. The rhythm guitarist started the band with his younger brother Angus in 1973 and co-wrote songs like "Highway to Hell."
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