Music History Today: February 27, 2022

February 27, 1999: Eminem entered the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for the first time with "My Name Is."

At the time of the release of “My Name Is”, Eminem was a virtually-unknown artist.

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Yes, he had already hooked up with Dr. Dre, the hottest hip-hop producer of the era. And by extension he got put on by Interscope Records, one of the most-influential labels of ‘90s and well into the 21st century. But his first single, i.e. the one he dropped prior to this one, flopped. 

Read more: Song Meanings & Facts

February 27, 1965: The Zombies' "Tell Her No" topped out at Number 6 on the US music chart.

"Tell Her No" is a hit single written by Rod Argent and included by English rock band the Zombies on their debut album The Zombies in 1965.

According to Argent, "Tell Her No" was influenced by the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock & Roll described it as "a standard Beatles cop" stating that it was "almost as good" as the Zombies' earlier hit single "She's Not There." 

Read more: Wikipedia

February 27, 1971: When "Sweet Mary" by Wadsworth Mansion peaked at Number 7, they made it into the American Top 10 and became a One Hit Wonder.

Emerging from Providence, R.I., Wadsworth Mansion are the ultimate example of a one-hit-wonder act. In early 1971, the band snagged the Top 10 charts with their first single, “Sweet Mary,” then pretty much vanished from view. 

Read more: Something Else Reviews

February 27, 1982: Kool & the Gang's "Get Down on It" began it's climb up the US singles chart.

Disco fans who remember the halcyon days of the early 1980s would instantly recognize the call to arms of one of the era’s biggest hits.

Kool & the Gang

Kool & the Gang‘s lead singer James “J.T.” Taylor asked succinctly: “How you gonna do it if you really don’t want to dance, by standing on the wall?” The song, of course, was “Get Down On It.” 

Read more: U Discover Music

February 27, 1993: Ugly Kid Joe made a huge move on the US chart, from Number 73 to 41, with a cover of  Harry Chapin's "Cats in the  Cradle."

My Name Is
Eminem