Music History Today: April 24, 2020

April 24, 1974: David Bowie released Diamond Dogs. The cover is created by the Dutch artist Guy Peellaert. 

Guy Peellaert was a Belgian artist, painter, illustrator, comic artist and photographer. In 1974, a collection of his works produced between 1970-1973 were published under the title “Rock Dreams." 

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These works were referred to as “false” portraits as they were a combination of photo-montage and painting.  Mick Jagger was aware of Peellaert’s work and commissioned him to work “exclusively” on the cover for the next Rolling Stones album “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll” due for release in October 1974. 

Read more:  The Young American

April 24, 1959: Buddy Holly was at Number 1 on the UK singles chart with the Paul Anka song 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore.'  

On April 24, 1959, Buddy Holly was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with Paul Anka’s song It Doesn’t Matter Anymore.

Buddy Holly

Buddy Holly’s song remained at number one for an astonishing 6 weeks after his death.  Paul Anka wrote this song for Buddy Holly one year early and became Buddy Holly’s posthumous hit that reached number 13 on The Billboard Hot 100.  

Read more:   Zoomer Radio

April 24, 1961: Del Shannon's "Runaway" hit Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Del Shannon wasn’t a teenager; he was a 26-year-old bandleader, a former Army serviceman and truck driver and carpet salesman from Michigan. But on “Runaway,” his greatest enduring contribution to the pop-music canon, Shannon made getting dumped sound all-the-way operatic.  

Read more:  Stereo Gum

April 24, 1970: Elton John released his fourth single, 'Border Song,' the first one from his 1970 album Elton John. 

Sir Elton Hercules John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947,) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. 

Elton John in 1975

Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, Elton John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. 

Read more:  Pop Culture Fandom

Diamond Dogs
David Bowie