Music History Today: January 7, 2021

January 7, 1971: Black Sabbath released Paranoid in the U.S. 

Paranoid’s cover is one of the most transformative moments in the early history of Black Sabbath and, by extension, heavy metal.

Black Sabbath

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In 1970, Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut did something few were expecting—it sold very well, charting both at their home in the UK and in the United States. Their label, Vertigo, soon dispatched Black Sabbath back to the studio to record a follow-up, stretching their already-indulgent impulses into eight-minute songs about war and heroin and the glory of the guitar. 

Read more: Pitchfork

January 7, 1948: Kenny Loggins was born in Everett, Washington.

Kenny  Loggins rose to prominence with Loggins & Messina, a duo with fellow singer/songwriter Jim Messina. The two were together from 1972 to 1976, and released a string of successful albums. 

Kenny Loggins

Loggins' first solo album, Celebrate Me Home, was released in 1977, and included the hit "I Believe in Love." He enjoyed even more success in the '80s, scoring hits with songs cut for movie soundtracks such as "I'm Alright" (Caddyshack), "Footloose" (Footloose), and "Danger Zone" (Top Gun). 

Read more: Allmusic

January 7, 1967: Aaron Neville had the first Number 1 R&B song of the New Year with "Tell It Like It Is."

New Orleans is generally acknowledged as the birthplace of jazz and, thanks to the work of such greats as Fats Domino, as a crucial setting for the development of rhythm and blues. 

Aaron Neville

In 1966, Crescent City-native Aaron Neville helped solidify that reputation with his gold record hit, “Tell It Like It Is.” This is a song about love and longing, penned by George Davis and Lee Diamond. To this day, it remains one of the most famous hits of the time.  

Read more: JazzIz

January 7, 1992: Eric Clapton released the single "Tears In Heaven."

Eric Clapton turned to the healing power of music at one of his darkest personal moments — and although it was surely never part of the plan, the results became one of the biggest hits from an incredibly distinguished career.

Eric Clapton

The song in question, "Tears in Heaven," was inspired by the death of Clapton's 4-year-old son Connor after a tragic fall from a New York high-rise where the boy had been living with his mother, actress and Italian television personality Lory Del Santo. Gutted by grief, Clapton turned to his work — which at the time included delivering the score and soundtrack for the 1991 crime drama Rush. 

Read more: Ultimate Classic Rock

January 7, 1994: The Hits by Garth Brooks moved to number 1 on the Album chart.

The Hits is the second compilation album, and first wide-released greatest hits album, from American country music artist Garth Brooks, released on December 13, 1994 by Liberty.

Garth Brooks

The Hits is now out of print due to Brooks' views for whole record sales, instead of albums of singles. He insisted it only be available for a limited time, but not before it sold well over 10 million copies. 

Read more: Wikipedia

Paranoid
Black Sabbath