Music History Today: January 4, 2023

January 4, 1960: Michael Stipe, best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the alternative rock band R.E.M., was born in Decatur, Georgia.

Michael Stipe's father was a serviceman in the United States Army whose career resulted in frequent relocations for his family.

Michael Stipe

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Stipe and his family moved to various locales during childhood, including West Germany, Texas, Illinois, and Alabama. At age 14, Stipe was turned on to punk rock by an article in Creem magazine by Lisa Robinson on the CBGB scene. 

Read more: Wikipedia

January 4, 1958: The McGuire Sisters moved into the Top 40 section of Billboard with "Sugartime."

The McGuire Sisters

McGuire Sisters was composed of three siblings: Ruby Christine, Dorothy "Dottie," and Phyllis Jean. Among their most popular songs were "Sincerely" and "Sugartime", both number-one hits. 

Read more: Wikipedia

January 4, 1963: Eydie Gormé released "Blame it on the Bossa Nova."

"Blame it on the Bossa Nova" was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, a husband-and-wife songwriting team. They also wrote "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'." Bossa nova, a Brazilian style of music and dance, was the hot fad in pop music of the early '60s. While "Blame It On The Bossa Nova" held the #7 spot on the Hot 100, Elvis Presley's "Bossa Nova Baby" peaked at #8. 

Read more: Songfacts

January 4, 1969: Brooklyn Bridge had a US Top 40 hit when "Worst That Could Happen" moved from Billboard's Number 53 to 38.

"Worst That Could Happen" was written by Jimmy Webb and originally recorded by The 5th Dimension on their 1968 Magic Garden album. Like "MacArthur Park" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," Webb wrote the song about a love affair that he had with Suzy Horton. They parted ways when Horton moved from California to Nevada.. When Webb found out she had gotten married, he wrote "Worst That Could Happen." 

Read more: Songfacts

January 4, 1975: Polly Brown debuted on Billboard at Number 99 with "Up In a Puff of Smoke."

Polly Brown is an English singer from Birmingham. The lead singer of Pickettywitch and Sweet Dreams, she had a Top Ten hit each group, respectively, "That Same Old Feeling" and "Honey Honey." "Up in a Puff of Smoke" was an international solo hit. 

Read more: Wikipedia

 

Losing My Religion
R.E.M.