1969 - Wiggen sisters Dorothy, Helen, Betty, and Rachel record Philosophy of the World as The Shaggs. Numerous music critics and historians consider it the worst album ever recorded, but years later both Frank Zappa and Kurt Cobain call it one of their favorites ever made. The original 100 pressings become some of the most coveted albums in the world among collectors.
1986 - Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith go to Magic Ventures Studios in New York, where they record parts of their song "Walk This Way" so Run-D.M.C. can transform it into a hip-hop jam. Neither act is thrilled about the collaboration (Run-D.M.C.'s producer Rick Rubin spearheaded the effort), but the resulting track is a huge hit, revitalizing Aerosmith's career and delivering a new (mostly white) audience to the rappers.
1987 - U2 released The Joshua Tree. They expanded on the textures of The Unforgettable Fire and the anthems of War and added country and blues influences. It's a dark record for sure, but there's sense and hope in the desperation. The result is a powerful, uncompromising record that became a hit due to its vision and its melody. Never before have U2's big messages sounded so direct and personal. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
1993 - Sting releases his fourth solo album, Ten Summoner's Tales, which contains the hit "Fields of Gold." It's his first unapologetically pop album since the Police with Ten Summoner's Tales. The title, a rather awkward pun on his given last name, is significant, since it emphasizes that this album is a collection of songs, without any musical conceits or lyrical concepts tying it together. The result is his best solo record.
1997 - Notorious BIG was killed as he left a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Born Christopher Wallace, the rapper was pronounced dead on arrival at Cedars Sinai Hospital. He was 24 years old.
2004 - Tom Jones was banned from wearing tight leather pants by his son — and manager — Mark Jones. Mark told Tom it was time to "dress his age" as he was in danger of becoming a laughingstock at 63.
Birthdays:
John Cale of the Velvet Underground is 80.
Procol Harum guitarist Robin Trower is 77.
Jimmie Fadden, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, is 73. NGDB is in the Colorado Music Hall Of Fame.
On this Day in Music History is sourced from Allmusic, This Day in Music, Song Facts and Wikipedia. KBCO