Music History Today: March 25, 2021

March  25, 1947: Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, Middlesex, England.  

Elton John's unique blend of pop and rock styles turned him into one of the 20th century's biggest music icons. 

Elton John

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He was musically gifted from a young age, and released his first self-titled American album in 1970, making him a huge international star. 

Read more: Biography

March 25, 1942: Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Multiple Grammy winner and "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin was known for such hits as "Respect," "Freeway of Love" and "I Say a Little Prayer."

Aretha Franklin

In 1987 she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2008 she won her 18th Grammy Award, making her one of the most honored artists in Grammy history. 

Read more: Biography

March 25, 1967: The Turtles moved to Number 1 with "Happy Together." 

By the time the demo of “Happy Together” made its way to the Turtles, the acetate was worn out. 

Roughly a dozen bands, including the Tokens, the Happenings, and the Vogues, had rejected it.

Read more: Rebeat Magazine

 

March 25, 1972: America took the Number 1 spot on the Hot 100 chart with their first single, "A Horse With No Name."

Dewey Bunnell was one third of America, with Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek. All three wrote songs, played guitar, and harmonized beautifully. 

America

Gerry wrote “Sister Golden Hair,” and “I Need You.” Dan wrote “Don’t Cross The River,” “Lonely People” and others. Dewey’s the guy behind some of their most enigmatic and yet anthemic songs, including “Tin Man,” “Ventura Highway,” and “Horse With No Name.” 

Read more: American Songwriter

 

March 25, 1989: Mike + the Mechanics had the new Number 1 song with "The Living Years."

“The Living Years” by Mike + the Mechanics forced everyone within earshot of a radio throughout much of 1989 to consider that fact their parents will inevitably die and leave them with profound regret.

Mike + the Mechanics

Like many things in the Eighties, the existence of the song can be traced back to Phil Collins. His successful solo career forced Genesis to take long breaks between albums and tours throughout much of the decade. 

Read more: Rolling Stone

 

Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
Elton John