Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Music History Today: March 2, 2023

March 2, 1965: The Sound of Music was released in the US.
When the Sound of Music was released in 1965, it took the world by storm, earning five Oscars.  Robert Wise, the director of the Hollywood movie, once explained it like this:

The Sound of Music

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"The Sound of Music became such a success because it tells a true story in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. This story touches your heart, the main roles are played mainly by children, and the city of Salzburg provides an unforgettable backdrop." 
Read more: The Sound of Music


March 2, 1950: Karen Carpenter was born in New Haven, Connecticut.

Richard Carpenter, who was three years older than Karen, developed an early passion for music and displayed prodigious skills on the piano.

Karen Carpenter
Karen Carpenter

Meanwhile, his younger sister pursued a career as a singer and drummer, joining forces with Richard to form the renowned duo the Carpenters. Notably recognized for her contralto singing voice, she also received acclaim from fellow musicians and critics for her drumming abilities. 
Read more: Smooth Radio

March 2, 1963: The Four Seasons became the first group to have 3 consecutive Number 1 hits in the US when "Walk Like A Man" started a three-week run at the top.
It's hard to come off macho when you sing falsetto. The solution was "Walk Like a Man," written by their ace songwriting team: producer Bob Crew and keyboard player/tenor vocalist Bob Gaudio. In the song, Valli mans up, telling his girl that he's not going to put up with her dirty lies. Despite the contrast between the vocal style and the lyric, the song worked. 
Read more: Songfacts

March 2, 1974: Stevie Wonder won four Grammy awards: Album of the year for Innervisions, Best R&B song and Best vocal for "Superstition" and Pop vocal performance for "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life."


March 2, 1984: "This Is Spinal Tap" was released in theaters.
This is Spinal Tap is a mockumentary about one of England's fictional loudest bands.  

This Is Spinal Tap movie poster 

They begin their North American tour, dealing with the usual rock star stuff: groupies, canceled bookings, undersized sandwich bread in the dressing rooms, creative differences, condescending management, crappy venues, technical malfunctions, and absent fans. Retailers refuse to sell their new album because of its offensively sexist cover. 
Read more: Shmoop

The Sound of Music 
Julie Andrews

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