10 ready-to-read segments for October 11, lead story first. Free to use on air; a quick credit to Today in Tunes is appreciated.
On this day in 1986, 40 years ago: Janet Jackson scores her first Hot 100 No. 1. 'When I Think of You' made Janet and Michael the first and only siblings to each top the Hot 100 as solo artists. Here's Janet Jackson with “When I Think of You.”
On this day in 1975, 51 years ago: Saturday Night premieres with Billy Preston and Janis Ian. On the show's first night, hosted by George Carlin, Preston played 'Nothing from Nothing' and Ian sang 'At Seventeen'.
On this day in 1997, 29 years ago: Elton John's Diana tribute begins its Hot 100 reign. 'Candle in the Wind 1997' debuted at No. 1 and stayed 14 weeks, becoming the best-selling single in Billboard history.
On this day in 2018, 8 years ago: Music Modernization Act becomes law. It brought pre-1972 recordings under federal copyright, set up a body to match streaming royalties to songwriters, and secured royalties for producers and engineers.
On this day in 1919, 107 years ago: Drummer Art Blakey is born in Pittsburgh. His Jazz Messengers became a finishing school for young talent, launching Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and Wynton Marsalis.
On this day in 1943, 83 years ago: Country singer Gene Watson is born in Palestine, Texas. He played Houston clubs at night while working in an auto body shop by day before 'Love in the Hot Afternoon' broke him nationally.
On this day in 1946, 80 years ago: Daryl Hall is born Daryl Hohl in Pennsylvania. With John Oates he formed the best-selling duo in music history, racking up six US No. 1 singles between 1977 and 1984.
On this day in 1992, 34 years ago: Cardi B is born in Washington Heights. 'Bodak Yellow' made her the first female rapper with a solo No. 1 since Lauryn Hill, and she was the first solo woman to win the Best Rap Album Grammy.
On this day in 1896, 130 years ago: Composer Anton Bruckner dies in Vienna. He was buried in the crypt of St. Florian monastery directly beneath his beloved organ; his Ninth Symphony was left unfinished.
On this day in 2008, 18 years ago: Neal Hefti, composer of the Batman theme, dies. Before writing TV's Batman and The Odd Couple themes, he arranged for Count Basie's band, including The Atomic Mr. Basie.
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