On This Day in Music History – February 28

On This Day in Music History – February 28

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One of the most memorable moments was in 1958, when The Everly Brothers reached No. 1 in the UK with Wake Up Little Susie. In 1963, The Beatles recorded From Me to You, which became their first UK No. 1 hit. A few years later, in 1966, the famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles started, was closed due to financial problems.

Other key events include Michael Jackson’s historic night at the 1984 Grammys, where he won 8 awards for Thriller. In 2008, Amy Winehouse also won 5 Grammys, including Record of the Year for Rehab. In 2020, BTS broke records with their album Map of the Soul: 7, which became the fastest-selling album in South Korea.

Many famous artists were born on this day, including Brian Jones (1942), founding member of The Rolling Stones, and Jason Aldean (1977), a country music star.

Some legendary songs also topped the charts on this day, such as Billie Jean (1983) by Michael Jackson and Livin’ on a Prayer (1987) by Bon Jovi.

Major Events in Music History (February 28)

  1. The Everly Brothers Hit No. 1 (1958) – The Everly Brothers’ song Wake Up Little Susie reached No. 1 in the UK. The song had already been a hit in the US and became one of their most famous tracks.
  2. The Beatles Record ‘From Me to You’ (1963) – The Beatles recorded From Me to You at Abbey Road Studios. This song would become their first No. 1 hit in the UK.
  3. The Cavern Club Closes (1966) – The famous Cavern Club in Liverpool, where The Beatles started their career, was closed due to financial problems. It was later reopened in the 1970s.
  4. Led Zeppelin Performs in Copenhagen (1970) – Led Zeppelin played a secret show in Denmark under the name The Nobs because a woman named Eva von Zeppelin, a relative of the airship’s creator, threatened legal action over their band name.
  5. Ray Charles Wins a Grammy (1977) – Ray Charles won a Grammy Award for Ain’t That Love, continuing his legendary career that blended blues, soul, and R&B.
  6. U2 Releases ‘War’ (1983) – U2 released their third album War, featuring Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day. It became their first No. 1 album in the UK.
  7. Michael Jackson Wins Big at the Grammys (1984) – Michael Jackson won a record-breaking 8 Grammy Awards for his Thriller album, making history as one of the most awarded artists in one night.
  8. Whitney Houston Hits No. 1 (1986) – Whitney Houston’s song How Will I Know reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, solidifying her status as a rising pop and R&B superstar.
  9. James Brown Gets Paroled (1991) – James Brown was released from prison after serving time for various charges. He returned to performing soon after.
  10. The Prodigy Releases ‘Experience’ in the US (1993) – The Prodigy released their debut album Experience in the US, helping to bring electronic dance music into the mainstream.
  11. Lenny Kravitz Wins a Grammy (1995) – Lenny Kravitz won his first Grammy Award for Are You Gonna Go My Way in the Best Rock Vocal Performance category.
  12. Alanis Morissette Wins Big at the Grammys (1996) – Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill won Album of the Year, making her the youngest artist at the time to receive the award.
  13. The Beach Boys Receive a Lifetime Achievement Award (2001) – The Beach Boys received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for their contributions to music and their influence on generations of artists.
  14. Norah Jones Wins Big at the Grammys (2003) – Norah Jones won 5 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Come Away with Me.
  15. Amy Winehouse Wins 5 Grammys (2008) – Amy Winehouse dominated the Grammy Awards, winning 5 trophies, including Record of the Year for Rehab.
  16. Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Breaks Records (2011) – Lady Gaga’s single Born This Way became the fastest-selling song on iTunes, reaching No. 1 in over 20 countries within days of its release.
  17. Davy Jones of The Monkees Passes Away (2012) – Davy Jones, singer of The Monkees, passed away at the age of 66. He was known for hits like Daydream Believer.
  18. Pharrell Williams Releases ‘G I R L’ (2014) – Pharrell Williams released his album G I R L, featuring the global hit Happy, which became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time.
  19. Adele Wins Big at the Brit Awards (2016) – Adele won four Brit Awards, including Best British Album for 25. She emotionally thanked her fans for their support.
  20. BTS Breaks Records with ‘Map of the Soul: 7’ (2020) – BTS released their album Map of the Soul: 7, which broke records by becoming the fastest-selling album in South Korea and topping charts worldwide.

Notable Birthdays in Music (February 28)

  1. Brian Jones (1942) – Founding member and guitarist of The Rolling Stones. He helped shape the band’s early sound before leaving in 1969.
  2. Joe South (1940) – American singer-songwriter known for Games People Play and Walk a Mile in My Shoes. He also wrote Rose Garden, a big country hit.
  3. Donnie Iris (1943) – Rock singer and songwriter best known for the 1980s hit Ah! Leah!.
  4. Bubba Sparxxx (1977) – American rapper famous for blending country and hip-hop, with hits like Deliverance and Ms. New Booty.
  5. Jake Bugg (1994) – British singer-songwriter known for his folk-rock style and hits like Lightning Bolt and Two Fingers.
  6. Cindy Wilson (1957) – Founding member of The B-52’s, famous for songs like Rock Lobster and Love Shack.
  7. Marcel Amont (1929) – French singer known for his humorous and theatrical performances, popular in the 1950s and 60s.
  8. Ian Stanley (1957) – Keyboardist and songwriter for Tears for Fears, contributing to hits like Shout and Everybody Wants to Rule the World.
  9. Steven Brust (1955) – Musician and writer known for blending folk and rock influences in his performances.
  10. Phil Gould (1957) – Drummer and songwriter for Level 42, known for hits like Lessons in Love and Something About You.
  11. Gretchen Christopher (1940) – Member of the vocal group The Fleetwoods, famous for songs like Come Softly to Me.
  12. Mike Smith (1943) – Lead singer and keyboardist of The Dave Clark Five, a major part of the British Invasion with songs like Glad All Over.
  13. Eric Lindell (1969) – American blues and rock musician known for blending soul, funk, and country into his sound.
  14. Barry McGuire (1935) – Singer-songwriter famous for the protest song Eve of Destruction.
  15. Harrison Birtwistle (1934) – British composer known for modern classical music and opera.
  16. Jason Aldean (1977) – Country music star with multiple No. 1 hits, including Dirt Road Anthem and Burnin’ It Down.
  17. Lewis Capaldi (1996) – Scottish singer-songwriter known for emotional ballads like Someone You Loved and Before You Go.
  18. Patrick Monahan (1969) – Lead singer of Train, the band behind hits like Drops of Jupiter and Hey, Soul Sister.
  19. Markéta Irglová (1988) – Czech singer-songwriter and actress, best known for her work on the film Once, which won an Academy Award for Best Song.
  20. Michel Legrand (1932) – French composer and jazz musician, famous for film scores like The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Music Legends We Lost (February 28)

  1. Davy Jones (2012) – Lead singer of The Monkees, known for songs like Daydream Believer and I’m a Believer. He passed away from a heart attack at the age of 66.
  2. Frankie Lymon (1968) – Singer of Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, famous for Why Do Fools Fall in Love. He died from a drug overdose at 25.
  3. Leonard Chess (1969) – Founder of Chess Records, which helped launch blues and rock legends like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry.
  4. Henry Lewis (1996) – Conductor and musician who became the first African American to lead a major U.S. symphony orchestra.
  5. Arthur Honegger (1955) – Swiss composer known for mixing classical and modern sounds. He wrote Pacific 231, inspired by a train.
  6. Harvey Milk (1978) – Not a musician, but a strong supporter of the arts and culture scene. His influence helped shape music activism.
  7. Buddy Tate (2001) – Saxophonist who played in the Count Basie Orchestra, known for his jazz and swing contributions.
  8. Beryl Bryden (1998) – British jazz singer who performed with legends like Louis Armstrong.
  9. Maximilian Raoul Steiner (1971) – Film composer famous for scores in movies like Gone with the Wind and Casablanca.
  10. André Messager (1929) – French composer known for operas and light music that influenced early 20th-century music.
  11. Billy Thorpe (2007) – Australian rock musician, famous for Most People I Know (Think That I’m Crazy).
  12. Eleanor Steber (1990) – Opera singer who became famous for her performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
  13. John Fahey (2001) – Guitarist who pioneered the genre of American primitive guitar, blending folk and blues styles.
  14. Eddie Fontaine (1992) – Rockabilly singer known for Nothin’ Shakin’ (But the Leaves on the Trees), covered by The Beatles.
  15. Bobby Bloom (1974) – Singer-songwriter behind the hit Montego Bay. He died from a gunshot wound at age 28.
  16. Chris Curtis (2005) – Drummer of The Searchers, a British Invasion band known for Needles and Pins.
  17. Gian Carlo Menotti (2007) – Italian-American composer known for his operas, including Amahl and the Night Visitors.
  18. Eric von Schmidt (2007) – Folk musician who inspired Bob Dylan and wrote Joshua Gone Barbados.
  19. Alex Harvey (1982) – Scottish rock singer and leader of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band. He passed away from a heart attack.
  20. Mike Patto (1979) – British rock singer and keyboardist, known for his work with the band Patto and Spooky Tooth.

Notable Albums Released (February 28)

  1. U2 – War (1983) – This album featured powerful songs like Sunday Bloody Sunday and New Year’s Day. It was U2’s first No. 1 album in the UK.
  2. Madonna – Something to Remember (1995) – A compilation of Madonna’s greatest ballads, including Take a Bow and You’ll See.
  3. Alice in Chains – Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999) – A collection of the band’s best songs, including rare and live recordings.
  4. Bananarama – Viva (2009) – A comeback album from the British pop group, featuring songs like Love Comes.
  5. The Band – Cahoots (1971) – An album by The Band featuring Life Is a Carnival and 4% Pantomime.
  6. The Everly Brothers – Instant Party! (1962) – A rock and pop album featuring covers of classic songs.
  7. Eric Clapton – Clapton (2010) – A mix of blues and soft rock songs from the legendary guitarist.
  8. Mike Oldfield – Incantations (1978) – A progressive rock album known for its long, complex instrumentals.
  9. Pharrell Williams – G I R L (2014) – This album featured the global hit Happy, along with Marilyn Monroe.
  10. The Smashing Pumpkins – American Gothic (2008) – A short acoustic album with songs like The Rose March.
  11. Hank Williams Jr. – The Pressure Is On (1981) – A country album with the hit A Country Boy Can Survive.
  12. King Crimson – Earthbound (1972) – A live album featuring the progressive rock band’s early performances.
  13. Norah Jones – The Fall (2009) – An album showcasing a different sound for Norah Jones, with songs like Chasing Pirates.
  14. Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak (2008, Reissue Date) – This album changed hip-hop, using auto-tune and emotional lyrics in songs like Heartless.
  15. Loretta Lynn – You Ain’t Woman Enough (1966) – A classic country album featuring the hit song You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man).
  16. The Kinks – Think Visual (1986) – A rock album by The Kinks with songs like Lost and Found.
  17. Bobby Womack – The Poet (1981) – A soul and R&B album that became one of Womack’s most successful works.
  18. Lenny Kravitz – Baptism (2004, Reissue Date) – An album featuring Where Are We Runnin’? and Lady.
  19. Dream Theater – Falling Into Infinity (1997, Japan Release Date) – A progressive metal album with tracks like Hollow Years.
  20. BTS – Map of the Soul: 7 (2020, Special Edition) – A record-breaking album with hits like ON and Black Swan.

Chart-Topping Hits (February 28)

  1. Wake Up Little Susie (1958) by The Everly Brothers – This song reached No. 1 in the UK after already becoming a big hit in the US.
  2. I Want to Hold Your Hand (1964) by The Beatles – The song stayed at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100, helping to start the British Invasion.
  3. These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ (1966) by Nancy Sinatra – This hit song reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a cultural icon.
  4. Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) by Simon & Garfunkel – The song was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of their biggest hits.
  5. Hot Stuff (1979) by Donna Summer – A disco classic that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award.
  6. Billie Jean (1983) by Michael Jackson – One of Jackson’s most famous songs, it hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks.
  7. Kiss (1986) by Prince – This funky hit reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Prince’s signature songs.
  8. How Will I Know (1986) by Whitney Houston – The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Houston’s rise as a pop superstar.
  9. Livin’ on a Prayer (1987) by Bon Jovi – This rock anthem was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of Bon Jovi’s biggest songs.
  10. My Heart Will Go On (1998) by Céline Dion – The Titanic theme song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
  11. Yeah! (2004) by Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris – This club hit reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 12 weeks.
  12. Umbrella (2007) by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z – Topped charts worldwide and made Rihanna a global superstar.
  13. Rolling in the Deep (2011) by Adele – A worldwide No. 1 hit that won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.
  14. Just the Way You Are (2010) by Bruno Mars – This romantic ballad hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy.
  15. Shape of You (2017) by Ed Sheeran – One of the biggest streaming hits ever, topping charts in multiple countries.
  16. Shallow (2019) by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – A No. 1 song from the movie A Star Is Born, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
  17. Dynamite (2020) by BTS – This song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming BTS’s first English-language chart-topper.
  18. Drivers License (2021) by Olivia Rodrigo – This song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and broke multiple streaming records.
  19. Blinding Lights (2020) by The Weeknd – This song stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for over a year, becoming one of the biggest hits ever.
  20. Levitating (2021) by Dua Lipa – A huge pop hit that spent weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and became a viral sensation.

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