On This Day in Music History – February 10

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February 10 has seen some remarkable moments in music history such as landmark album releases, memorable concerts, and significant birthdays, as well as notable losses. Without a doubt, this day is one of the most significant in the world of music. Let’s look back through time to explore the major events, notable births, chart-topping hits, and music legends we lost on this date.

music history february 10

Major Events in Music History (February 10)

  1. Carole King released Tapestry(1971)
  2. The Beatles recorded ‘A Day in the Life’(1967)
  3. Michael Jackson gave a legendary interview with Oprah Winfrey(1993)
  4. Rod Stewart started a four-week run at No. 1 in the US with Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?(1979)
  5. Jay-Z became the first rapper to headline the Grammy Awards(2006)
  6. The Beatles’ first US concert in Washington, D.C.(1964)
  7. Madonna’s Like a Virgin hit No. 1 for the sixth consecutive week(1985)
  8. Blur released Beetlebum in the US(1997)
  9. Van Halen released their self-titled debut album(1978)
  10. The Grammy Awards honored The Black Keys with multiple winsz(2013)
  11. The Clash recorded their debut album(1977)
  12. Kanye West released The College Dropout(2004)
  13. Elvis Presley recorded Heartbreak Hotel(1956)
  14. Tupac released All Eyez on Me(1996)
  15. Prince’s Little Red Corvette was released as a single(1983)
  16. Adele won five Grammys, including Album of the Year for 25(2017)
  17. David Bowie played as Ziggy Stardust for the first time live(1972)
  18. Whitney Houston was found dead in Beverly Hills(2012)
  19. Paula Abdul’s Straight Up hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100(1989)
  20. Johnny Cash recorded Five Feet High and Rising(1959)

Notable Birthdays in Music (February 10)

  1. Roberta Flack (1937) – Soul and jazz singer known for Killing Me Softly.
  2. Cliff Burton (1962) – Legendary Metallica bassist.
  3. Jimmy Merchant (1940) – Member of doo-wop group The Teenagers.
  4. Nigel Olsson (1949) – Longtime drummer for Elton John.
  5. Don Wilson (1937) – Co-founder of instrumental rock band The Ventures.
  6. Mark Lonow (1946) – Drummer for The Turtles.
  7. Jerry Goldsmith (1929) – Renowned film composer (Star Trek, Alien).
  8. Rachael Price (1985) – Lead singer of Lake Street Dive.
  9. Laura Dern (1967) – Actress, singer, and occasional music video star.
  10. Alexander Kapranos (1972) – Lead singer and guitarist of Franz Ferdinand.
  11. Leontyne Price (1927) – Iconic opera soprano.
  12. Lionel Tertis (1876) – One of the first viola soloists.
  13. Darren Emerson (1971) – DJ and producer for Underworld.
  14. James Perry (1959) – Guitarist for alternative rock bands.
  15. Robert Wagner (1950) – Rock guitarist.
  16. Troy Donockley (1964) – Musician known for playing uilleann pipes.
  17. Joe Ely (1947) – Country rock musician.
  18. Zakk Wylde (1967) – Heavy metal guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne.
  19. Ricky Valance (1936) – UK singer famous for Tell Laura I Love Her.
  20. Alan Rogan (1951) – Guitar technician for The Who.

Music Legends We Lost (February 10)

  1. Cliff Burton (1986) – Metallica bassist, died in a tragic bus accident.
  2. Brian Connolly (1997) – Lead singer of glam rock band Sweet.
  3. Little Tony (2013) – Italian rock singer.
  4. Shirley Temple (2014) – Actress and occasional singer.
  5. Walter Becker (2017) – Co-founder of Steely Dan.
  6. Ian McLagan (2014) – Keyboardist for The Faces.
  7. Bob Marley (1981) – Though he passed in May, his final UK performance was on Feb 10.
  8. Randy California (1997) – Guitarist of Spirit.
  9. Paul Tanner (2013) – Trombonist who worked with Glenn Miller.
  10. Mose Allison (2016) – Jazz pianist and singer.
  11. Billy Eckstine (1993) – Jazz and pop singer.
  12. Alexis Korner (1984) – Pioneer of British blues.
  13. Del Shannon (1990) – Rock and roll singer known for Runaway.
  14. James Dewar (2002) – Bassist and vocalist for Robin Trower.
  15. Ian Carr (2009) – Jazz musician and composer.
  16. Arthur Alexander (1993) – R&B singer-songwriter.
  17. Vince Welnick (2006) – Keyboardist for the Grateful Dead.
  18. Big Walter Horton (1981) – Blues harmonica player.
  19. Tommy Hunter (2023) – Country music star.
  20. John Wetton (2017) – Lead vocalist of Asia.

Notable Albums Released (February 10th)

  1. Tapestry by Carole King (1971): One of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring classics like It’s Too Late and You’ve Got a Friend. Won four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
  2. Van Halen by Van Halen (1978): A groundbreaking debut that redefined rock guitar with Eruption and Runnin’ with the Devil. Certified Diamond with over 10 million copies sold.
  3. The College Dropout by Kanye West (2004): Kanye’s debut album that introduced a new sound to hip-hop with tracks like Through the Wire and Jesus Walks. Won Best Rap Album at the Grammys.
  4. All Eyez on Me by 2Pac (1996): The first double album in hip-hop, featuring California Love and Ambitionz Az a Ridah. A defining moment in West Coast rap history.
  5. Surrender by The Chemical Brothers (1999): A classic electronic album featuring Hey Boy Hey Girl and Let Forever Be. Helped solidify big beat as a dominant electronic genre.
  6. Twice Removed by Sloan (1994): A Canadian indie rock classic featuring Coax Me and People of the Sky. Frequently ranked among the best Canadian albums ever.
  7. The Place I Love by Splinter (1974): Produced by George Harrison, featuring a mix of folk-rock and lush instrumentation.
  8. Midnight Marauders (Reissue) by A Tribe Called Quest (2015): A reissue of the 1993 hip-hop classic featuring Electric Relaxation and Award Tour.
  9. Spoken For by MercyMe (2002): A successful Christian rock album that included the hit Word of God Speak.
  10. The Fall of a Rebel Angel by Enigma (2016): (Re-release) A concept album blending electronic, world music, and ethereal sounds.
  11. Meteora (Special Edition) by Linkin Park (2013): Re-release of their 2003 breakthrough album featuring Somewhere I Belong and Numb.
  12. Sublime Acoustic: Bradley Nowell & Friends by Sublime (1998): A posthumous acoustic collection featuring stripped-down versions of Sublime’s hits.
  13. We Stitch These Wounds by Black Veil Brides (2010) (Re-release): Their debut album blending emo, metal, and hard rock influences.
  14. Common Ground by Rhythm Corps (1988): A late-’80s alternative rock album that developed a cult following.
  15. Youngest in Charge by Special Ed (1989): A golden-era hip-hop classic featuring I Got It Made.
  16. Untamed by Cam (2015): A country album that spawned the hit single Burning House.
  17. Jackpot by Chingy (2003) (Reissue): Featuring Right Thurr and Holidae In, a defining album of early 2000s hip-hop.
  18. The Silent Circus by Between the Buried and Me (2003): A key album in progressive metal, later remastered for wider distribution.
  19. Wolves in Wolves’ Clothing by NOFX (2006): A politically charged punk album that became a fan favorite.
  20. Animal Serenade by Lou Reed (2004): A live album capturing a raw and intimate performance from the rock legend.

Chart-Topping Hits (February 10th)

  1. Shape of You by Ed Sheeran (2017) (US #1)
  2. We Found Love by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris (2012) (US #1)
  3. With or Without You by U2 (1987) (US #1)
  4. Rolling in the Deep by Adele (2011) (US #1)
  5. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (2015) (US #1)

Final Words

February 10 is filled with vibrant, memorable, exciting and legendary events and trends throughout the years. From the iconic album releases and performances to birth and death of musical legends in music, this date continues to shape music history.

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