November 25 Music History Report

BIRTHDAYS

Percy Sledge (1940) R&B and soul singer [“When a Man Loves a Woman”] (died 2015) age 74 – liver cancer

Bev Bevan (1944) The Move and Electric Light Orchestra drummer/songwriter/co-founder

Amy Grant (1960) singer/songwriter/guitarist

Mark Lanegan (1964) Screaming Trees lead singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist/co-founder [“Nearly Lost You”/”All I Know”], Queens of the Stone Age co-lead singer/songwriter/keyboardist and solo singer/songwriter/guitarist/keyboardist (died 2022) age 57 – unknown causes

Tim Armstrong (1965) Rancid lead singer/guitarist/songwriter/co-founder [current]

Rodney Sheppard (1967) Sugar Ray lead guitarist/songwriter/co-founder [current] [“Every Morning”/”Someday”]

DEATHS

Earl “Speedo” Carroll (2012) The Cadillacs lead singer/co-founder [“Speedo”] born 1937) age 75 – stroke and diabetes complications

Irene Cara [born Irene Escalera] (2022) singer/songwriter/pianist [“Fame”/”Flashdance … What a Feeling”] (born 1959) age 67 – arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease

Les Maguire (2023) Gerry & the Pacemakers pianist/saxophonist [“Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying”/”Ferry Across the Mersey”] (born 1941) age 81 – unknown causes

CHARTS

In 1967, “Incense and Peppermints” by Strawberry Alarm Clock hits No. 1 – 1 week (only No. 1 single)

In 1989, “Blame It on the Rain” by Milli Vanilli hits No. 1 – 2 weeks (second of three No. 1 singles)

In 1995, “Exhale (Shoop Shoop) (From ‘Waiting to Exhale’)” Whitney Houston hits No. 1 – 1 week (11th and final No. 1 single)

NEW RELEASES

(Albums)

In 1977, RSO records releases the fifth solo studio album from Eric Clapton, “Slowhand”; Billboard 200: 2; 3 million copies U.S.; Rolling Stone 500: 325; “Cocaine,” “Wonderful Tonight,” “Lay Down Sally”

In 1997, Columbia Records releases the debut solo studio album from Will Smith, “Big Willie Style”; Billboard 200: 8; 9 million copies U.S.; Grammy Awards: Best Rap Solo Performance (1998), Best Rap Solo Performance (1999); “Getting; Jiggy Wit It,” “Miami,” “Men in Black”

In 1997, Capitol Nashville Records releases the seventh studio album from Garth Brooks, “Sevens”; Billboard 200: 1 (5 weeks); 10 million copies U.S.; Grammy Awards: Best Country Collaboration With Vocals; “In Another’s Eyes,” “Longneck Bottle,” “She’s Gonna Make It,” Two Piña Coladas,” “You Move Me”

In 2013, Columbia Records, Syco Music, and Sony Music releases the third studio album from One Direction, “Midnight Memories”; Billboard 200: 1 (1 week); 4 million copies (1 million copies U.S.); “One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks),” “Best Song Ever,” “Story of My Life,” “Midnight Memories”

(Singles)

1963, “Hey Little Cobra,” The Rip Chords

1971, “Anticipation,” Carly Simon

1977, “Father Christmas,” The Kinks

COMINGS/GOINGS

In 1972, lead singer Allan Clarke quits the Hollies

In 1976, The Band performed live for the final time at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The concert was recorded and filmed by director Martin Scorsese and released in movie theaters the following year as “The Last Waltz.” Guest artists who appeared during the concert include Eric Clapton, Dr. John, Joni Mtchell, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, and Bob Dylan.

In 1985, New Edition’s other members vote singer Bobby Brown out of the group. He would rejoin the group briefly in 1996 and then again several times in the succeeding years.