Music History Today: May 30, 2020

May 30, 1968: The Beatles began recording what became known as The White Album.

The Beatles or "The White album" as it became better known was released on 22nd November, 1968 on the fifth anniversary of their second album, With The Beatles. 

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A total of 34 new tracks were released in 1968 and 30 were contained on this one double-LP.

Read more: Beatles

May 30, 1970:  Ray Stevens had the new US Number 1, "Everything Is Beautiful." 

In the 1960s, Ray Stevens rose to fame with comedic novelty hits "Gitarzan" and "Ahab the Arab." But one of his biggest hits also is among his most sincere and spiritual: 1970's "Everything is Beautiful." The tune didn't come easily — he says he chained himself to his piano for three days. But a book of Chinese proverbs provided a breakthrough.  

Read more:  Tennessean

May 30, 1972: Helen Reddy released the single "I Am Woman."

In 1970, singer Helen Reddy's manager and then-husband, Jeff Wald, met with an executive at her label to discuss a song she hoped to record with the label. 

Helen Reddy

 

It was called "I Am Woman." "Capitol Records said, 'That women's lib crap is gonna kill her,' " Wald remembers. " 'Why are you letting your wife do this stuff?'   

Read more: NPR

May 30, 1988: Tracy Chapman released her first single, "Fast Car."

American singer Chapman wrote and performed the song for her self-titled debut album, released in 1988. 

Tracy Chapman

According to Metro Weekly critic Chris Gerard, the song tells a grittily realistic story of a working poor woman trying to escape the cycle of poverty, set to folk rock music.   

Read more:  Smooth Radio

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