Music History Today: February 6, 2022

February 6, 1993: "Man On The Moon" by R.E.M. started its climb up the US Hot 100 chart.

In the early nineties, America was rich with rock talent. While Nirvana had begun their journey toward the sun and Pearl Jam were equally as imposing across the globe, one band stood out among the rest— R.E.M.

Michael Stipe

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The release of their eighth studio album, Automatic for the People, provides a crystalline reminder of their talent and just how refreshing a voice like Michael Stipe’s was in 1992. But perhaps the brightest shining moment on that record was their enigmatic single ‘Man on the Moon.’ 

Read more: Farout Magazine

February 6, 1965: Buck Owens made a big move on the Billboard Hot 100, from Number 75 to 47, with "I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail."

Released on December 28, 1964, Buck Owens co-wrote “I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail” with country music songwriter Harlan Howard while Ken Nelson produced it for Capitol Records. 

Buck Owens

This two-minute song showcases of the Bakersfield sound, a genre of country music developed in the 1950s around Bakersfield, California. In addition, the song became known as one of Buck Owens’ signature songs along with “Crying Time,” “Together Again,” and “Streets of Bakersfield.” 

Read more: Country Thang Daily

February 6, 1971: "Country Road" by James Taylor entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"Country Road" appears James Taylor's 1970 second album, Sweet Baby James. The song was inspired by Somerset Street in Belmont, Massachusetts, a wooded road running adjacent to the land owned by McLean Hospital where Taylor had committed himself in 1965 to receive treatment for depression. 

Read more: Wikipedia

February 6, 1982: The Rolling Stones peaked at Number 13 on the US music chart with "Waiting On A Friend."  

"Waiting on a Friend" was one of the oldest Rolling Stones leftovers to find its way onto Tattoo You and also the most fully realized demo.

In fact, Mick Jagger probably could have simply booked some studio time to cut his vocals, and the song might have been considered complete. But then he had the idea to invite saxophone colossus Sonny Rollins to add a solo. 

Read more: Ultimate Classic Rock

February 6, 2010: Justin Timberlake & Matt Morris entered Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart at Number 48 with a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah."

In what can only be described as an intense musical connection between two phenomenal artists, Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris shattered hearts with a surreal duet of “Hallelujah” at the 2010 Hope for Haiti telethon event. The two artists enchanted the audience, intertwining their vocals eloquently throughout the entire performance. 

Read more: Country Rebel

Man On The Moon
R.E.M.