Music History Today: August 27, 2022

August 27, 1991: Pearl Jam released their debut album, Ten. 

The success of a truly flawless debut album is something to be heralded. A magnificent first effort propels an act into stardom.

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While the power of a brilliant debut has its benefits, it can also arguably be something of a curse, a difficult act to follow. A perfect example comes in Pearl Jam, the Seattle rock outfit and their debut album Ten. 

Read more: Far Out Magazine 

August 27, 1955: Fats Domino's "Ain't That A Shame" hits Number 10 in the US, becoming the first R&B song to hit the Top 10 on the Pop chart. Three weeks later, Pat Boone's cover hits Number 1.

August 27, 1966: The Beatles had a new entry on the US music chart with "Eleanor Rigby."

“Eleanor Rigby” was released by The Beatles in 1966 as part of their Revolver album roll-out. A unique offering for the famed group, the song features only a string arrangement and vocal from Paul McCartney across the verses. The full group joins in on the chorus for a few moments of classic Beatles harmony. 

Read more: American Songwriter

August 27, 1988: "Monkey" gave George Michael his eighth US Number 1 single of the 1980s, a record only beaten by Michael Jackson.

"Monkey" was the fourth US Number 1 hit from Michael's debut solo album, Faith.

George Michael

A monkey is often used as a metaphor for addiction. Michael's official website describes the song as a "drug abuse saga." 

Read more: Songfacts

August 27, 1994: Huey Lewis & the News entered Billboard's Hot 100 with a cover of J.J. Jackson's "But It's Alright."

Jeremy
Pearl Jam