Music History Today: October 9, 2022

October 9, 1993: Take That had their second UK Number 1 single with a cover of Dan Martin's 1979 hit "Relight My Fire." 

Take That

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October 9, 1965: The Beatles started a four week run at Number 1 on the US singles chart with the Paul McCartney ballad "Yesterday."

As the most-covered song in The Beatles’ catalogue, “Yesterday”’s origins have been pored over many times. It was written at 57 Wimpole Street, London, where Paul lived in attic rooms at the top of the family home of his girlfriend, the English actress Jane Asher. 

Read more: U Discover Music

October 9, 1971: Rod Stewart was at Number 1 on the UK singles chart with "Maggie May."

In 1971, Rod Stewart's "Maggie May" became a breakout hit that turned him into a true rock star.

Rod Stewart

The song is told from the point of view of a teenage boy reflecting on his relationship with a predatory older woman. The inspiration for the tune came from his own experience with an older woman who took his virginity back when he was a teenager. 

Read more: Biography

October 9, 1982: I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World) by Donald Fagen debuts highest, at Number 56, on Billboard's Hot 100.

The first track on Donald Fagen's debut solo album The Nightfly, "I.G.Y." peaked at Number 26 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Fagen, along with musician Walter Becker, led the rock band Steely Dan during the 1970s. Between 1972 and 1981, Steely Dan had ten Top-40 singles. In 1981, Becker and Fagen parted ways.

October 9, 1993: Salt N’ Pepa debut at Number 68 on the US music chart with "Shoop."

In "Shoop," Salt-n-Pepa rhyme about a man who gets it done for them, and all the freaky things they are willing to do for him. The lyrics are racy, but the loping beat took the edge off lines line "Lick him like a lollipop should be licked," and "I wanna know how does it hang?" 

Read more; Songfacts

Relight My Fire
Take That