10 ready-to-read segments for November 20, lead story first. Free to use on air; a quick credit to Today in Tunes is appreciated.
On this day in 1971, 55 years ago: Isaac Hayes hits No. 1 with "Theme from Shaft." It was Hayes's first and only Hot 100 No. 1, and it stayed on top until Sly and the Family Stone took over in December. Here's Isaac Hayes with “Theme from Shaft.”
On this day in 1805, 221 years ago: Beethoven's only opera, Fidelio, premieres. The first night in a French-occupied Vienna drew little interest. Beethoven kept reworking it, and his 1814 version has held a place in the opera repertory ever since.
On this day in 1961, 65 years ago: Bob Dylan starts recording his first album. Produced by John Hammond in three short sessions over two days, the debut had only two Dylan originals, including "Song to Woody."
On this day in 1969, 57 years ago: James Brown records "Funky Drummer." Clyde Stubblefield's short drum break on the track became one of the most sampled recordings ever, used from Public Enemy to Ed Sheeran.
On this day in 2015, 11 years ago: Adele releases 25. It sold 3.38 million copies in the US in one week, the first album ever to pass 3 million, and later won Album of the Year.
On this day in 1941, 85 years ago: New Orleans legend Dr. John is born. Born Mac Rebennack, he won six Grammys, and "Right Place, Wrong Time" reached the Hot 100's top 10 in 1973.
On this day in 1947, 79 years ago: Guitarist Joe Walsh is born. After the James Gang and "Rocky Mountain Way," he joined the Eagles in 1975 and played on Hotel California.
On this day in 1965, 61 years ago: Beastie Boy Mike D is born. Michael Diamond was there from the start, in a punk band that became the Beastie Boys and then turned to hip-hop.
On this day in 1977, 49 years ago: Deep-voiced country singer Josh Turner is born. "Long Black Train" launched him, "Your Man" went to No. 1, and he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2007.
On this day in 1894, 132 years ago: Russian pianist Anton Rubinstein dies at 64. He founded the Saint Petersburg Conservatory, Russia's first music school, and taught composition to the young Tchaikovsky.
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