March 23 Music History Report

BIRTHDAYS

Ric Ocasek [born Richard Otcasek] (1944) The Cars co-lead singer/songwriter/guitarist/co-founder [“current”], Milkwood, Richard and the Rabbits, and Orr and Ocasek co-lead singer/songwriter/guitarist/co-founder and solo singer/songwriter/guitarist [“Emotion in Motion”] (died 2019) age 70 – hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Phil Lanzon (1950) Uriah Heep keyboardist/songwriter/co-lead singer [current]

Chaka Khan [born Yvette Stevens] (1953) Rufus lead singer/songwriter [“Tell Me Something Good”] and solo singer/songwriter

Marti Pellow [born Mark McLachlin] (1965) Wet Wet Wet singer/songwriter/co-founder [current] and solo singer/songwriter

John Strohm (1967) The Lemonheads drummer/guitarist

Damon Albarn (1968) Blur lead singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/co-founder [current]

John Humphrey (1970) The Nixons drummer

CHARTS

In 1963, “Our Day Will Come” by Ruby and the Romantics hits No. 1 – 1 week (only No. 1 single)

In 1974, “Dark Lady” by Cher hits No. 1 – 1 week (third of four solo No. 1 singles)

In 1991, “One More Try” by Timmy T. hits No. 1 – 1 week (only No. 1 single)

In 1996, “Because You Loved Me (From ‘Up Close & Personal’)” by Celine Dion hits No. 1 – 6 weeks (second of three No. 1 singles)

NEW RELEASES

(Albums)

In 1973, Atlantic Records (in the United States) releases the fifth studio album from King Crimson, “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic“; Billboard 200: 61

In 1979, Warner Bros. Records releases the second studio from Van Halen, “Van Halen II”; Billboard 200: 6; 5 million copies U.S.; “You’re No Good,” “Dance the Night Away,” “Somebody Get Me a Doctor,” “Beautiful Girls”

In 1980, Columbia Records releases the sixth studio album from Journey, “Departure”; Billboard 200: 8; 3 million copies U.S.; “Any Way You Want It,” “Walks Like a Lady”

In 1983, Warner Bros. releases the eighth studio album from ZZ Top, “Eliminator”; Billboard 200: 9; 15 million copies (10 million copies U.S.); “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Got Me Under Pressure,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “Legs,” “TV Dinners”

In 1990, Warner Bros. releases the 10th studio album from ZZ Top, “Recycler”; Billboard 200: 6; 1 million copies U.S.; “Doubleback,” “My Head’s in Mississippi,” “Give It Up”

In 2004, Arista Records releases the fourth studio album from Usher, “Confessions”; Billboard 200: 1 (9 weeks); 20 million copies (10 million copies U.S.); Grammy Awards: Best Contemporary R&B Album, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration; “Yeah!” (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris), “Burn,” “Confessions Part II,” “My Boo” (with Alicia Keys), “Caught Up”

(Singles)

1971, “Love Her Madly, The Doors

1992, “Achy Breaky Heart,” Billy Ray Cyrus

COMINGS/GOINGS

In 1980, U2 signs a recording contract with Island Records.