Music History Today: March 12, 2023

March 12, 2007: Amy Winehouse made her US television debut on the Late Show with David Letterman performing "Rehab."

Amy Winehouse

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March 12, 1967: The Velvet Underground released their debut, The Velvet Underground & Nico, and the lead single, "I'm Waiting for the Man."

The Velvet Underground & Nico album features controversial lyrical topics, including prostitution, sadomasochism, and drug abuse.

"I'm Waiting for the Man" has been musically described as garage rock, proto-punk, and hard rock. The lyrics describe a man's efforts to obtain heroin. Despite the song's title, the lyrics refer to "my man" rather than "the man" throughout. 

Read more: Wikipedia

March 12, 1977: "Heard It In a Love Song" by The Marshall Tucker Band entered Billboard's Hot 100.

"Heard It In a Love Song" was The Marshall Tucker Band's biggest hit on the Pop charts, reaching Number 14. Despite its up-tempo, it's rather sad. Written by Toy Caldwell, the song is about a man who has lived on the road from town to town and affair to affair. Here, he's been with a woman who's been good to him and who he loves, but he can't stay with her because the call of the road is too strong. 

Read more: Songfacts

March 12, 1988: Rick Astley started a two-week run at Number 1 on the US singles chart with "Never Gonna Give You Up."

The British production team of Stock, Aitken, and Waterman wrote the hit "Never Gonna Give You Up." Rick Astley was staying with Waterman then, and after a three-hour phone call with the woman, Astley said, "You're never gonna give her up."

 

Rick worked in Stock, Aitken, and Waterman's studio for two years, operating tape machines, singing on recordings for other singers, and learning the trade before the production trio wrote and produced this song for him, which became his first hit. 

Read more: Songfacts

March 12, 2001: Judy Garland's "Over The Rainbow" was voted the Song Of The Century in a poll of musicians, critics, and fans compiled by the RIA. The highest-placed UK act was The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" in 16th place. The Beatles had "I Want To Hold Your Hand" at Number 28.

Rehab on Letterman
Amy Winehouse