Music History Today: February 1, 2023

February 1, 2008: US space agency Nasa announced that "Across the Universe" by The Beatles was to become the first song ever to be beamed directly into space.

The transmission of "Across the Universe" by The Beatles was aimed at the North Star, Polaris. The song traveled at 186,000 miles per second.

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Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney expressed excitement that the tune, written principally by fellow Beatle John Lennon, was being beamed into the cosmos. McCartney said in a message to the space agency. "Send my love to the aliens. All the best, Paul." 

Read more: NASA

February 1, 1962: Shelley Fabares debuted her hit single "Johnny Angel" on The Donna Reed Show episode "Donna's Prima Donna." 

"Johnny Angel" is a tale of a girl who has a massive crush on a boy (Johnny) who does not know of her. Shelly Fabares was primarily an actress and a regular cast member of the program. In the episode where she sings the song, her character Mary Stone abandons her plans to attend college to pursue a singing career. 

Read more: Songfacts

February 1, 1972: Neil Young released the album Harvest.

Harvest sits at the foundation of Neil Young's legacy. Its overwhelming success is thanks to the number one hit, "Heart of Gold."

The raw immediacy of "Are You Ready for the Country," "Alabama," and "Words" contrasts nicely with the mellow simmer of "Out on the Weekend," "Harvest," and "Old Man."  At first, "The Needle and the Damage Done" underscores how Harvest touches upon everything Neil Young had done to that point. 

Read more: Allmusic

February 1, 1975: Sugarloaf reached the top 40 section of Billboard, on their way to Number 9, with "Don't Call Us, We'll Call You."

Sugarloaf was famous for their 1970 hit "Green-Eyed Lady" but found themselves without a label in 1974. They made some calls to find a taker but couldn't get much interest. This song recounts that experience, using many industry clichés they heard along the way. A big part of the game was getting a foot in the door by buttering up the A&R guys at the label with lines like, "I got your name from a friend of a friend."  

Read more: Songfacts

February 1, 1992: George Michael & Elton John's version of "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" hit the top of the US singles chart. 

Across the Universe
Beatles