On This Day in Music History – March 12

On this day in 1969, Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman, and they stayed together until her passing in 1998. In 1955, The Ballad of Davy Crockett by Bill Hayes reached No. 1, becoming a huge hit. The Beatles started recording Paperback Writer in 1966, a song that later became a fan favorite. In 1994, Oasis signed with Creation Records, leading to the success of Definitely Maybe.

Many music legends were born on March 12. James Taylor, known for Fire and Rain, was born in 1948. Liza Minnelli, famous for Cabaret, was born in 1946. Steve Harris, the bassist of Iron Maiden, was born in 1956.

March 12 also saw the loss of great musicians like John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas in 2001 and Danny Joe Brown of Molly Hatchet in 2005.

Some of the biggest songs in history hit No. 1 on this date, including Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel in 1970 and I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor in 1979.

Major Events in Music History (March 12)

1. Paul McCartney Marries Linda Eastman (1969) – Paul McCartney of The Beatles married photographer Linda Eastman in London. They remained together until Linda’s passing in 1998.
2. The Ballad of Davy Crockett Hits No. 1 (1955) – Bill Hayes’ version of The Ballad of Davy Crockett reached No. 1 on the U.S. charts, becoming a huge hit from the Disney TV series.
3. Judy Garland’s Over the Rainbow Declared Best Song of the 20th Century (2001) – The Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts announced Over the Rainbow as the top song of the century.
4. The Beatles Begin Recording Paperback Writer (1966) – The Beatles started recording their hit Paperback Writer at EMI Studios in London.
5. Oasis Signs With Creation Records (1994) – The British rock band Oasis signed with Creation Records, leading to their legendary debut album Definitely Maybe later that year.
6. The Dixie Chicks Criticize George W. Bush (2003) – Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks spoke against U.S. President George W. Bush during a concert in London, leading to a major backlash in the U.S.
7. John Lennon and Harry Nilsson Get Kicked Out of a Club (1974) – John Lennon and singer Harry Nilsson were thrown out of the Troubadour club in Los Angeles for causing a scene during a Smothers Brothers performance.
8. Alanis Morissette Wins Big at the Juno Awards (1996) – Alanis Morissette won several awards at the Juno Awards in Canada after the success of Jagged Little Pill.
9. Amy Winehouse Tops the UK Charts (2007) – Amy Winehouse’s album Back to Black reached No. 1 on the UK charts, cementing her status as a star.
10. Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” Wins at the Brit Awards (1988) – Rick Astley won Best British Single for Never Gonna Give You Up at the Brit Awards.
11. U2 Releases “New Year’s Day” in the U.S. (1983) – U2’s New Year’s Day was released in the U.S., helping the band gain international recognition.
12. Kelly Clarkson Auditions for American Idol (2002) – Kelly Clarkson auditioned for American Idol, eventually becoming the first winner of the show and launching her career.
13. The Velvet Underground Releases Their Debut Album (1967) – The Velvet Underground & Nico, one of the most influential rock albums ever, was released.
14. Debbie Gibson Becomes the Youngest Female Artist to Write, Produce, and Perform a No. 1 Hit (1989) – Lost in Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson reached No. 1, making her the youngest female artist to achieve this feat.
15. The Allman Brothers Record Their Famous Live Album (1971) – At Fillmore East, one of the greatest live albums ever, was recorded during The Allman Brothers Band’s concert in New York.
16. Bruce Springsteen’s “Wrecking Ball” Hits No. 1 (2012) – Bruce Springsteen’s album Wrecking Ball debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
17. The Notorious B.I.G.’s Funeral Takes Place in Brooklyn (1997) – Thousands of fans lined the streets of Brooklyn as the funeral procession for The Notorious B.I.G. passed through.
18. Ariana Grande Becomes the First Solo Artist to Occupy the Top Three Spots on the Billboard Hot 100 (2019) – Ariana Grande made history by holding the top three positions on the Billboard Hot 100 with 7 Rings, Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored, and Thank U, Next.
19. Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” Hits No. 1 (1979) – I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the biggest disco anthems ever.
20. “Tequila” by The Champs Hits No. 1 (1958) – The instrumental song Tequila by The Champs became a surprise hit and reached No. 1 in the U.S.

Notable Birthdays in Music (March 12)

1. James Taylor (1948) – American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for hits like Fire and Rain and You’ve Got a Friend. He is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
2. Liza Minnelli (1946) – American actress and singer famous for her role in Cabaret and her powerful singing voice. She is the daughter of Judy Garland.
3. Marlon Jackson (1957) – Member of The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson. He was known for his smooth dance moves and strong backing vocals.
4. Graham Coxon (1969) – British guitarist and singer best known as the lead guitarist of Blur. He played a key role in shaping the Britpop sound of the 1990s.
5. Pete Doherty (1979) – British musician, singer, and songwriter, famous as the frontman of The Libertines and Babyshambles. He became known for his poetic lyrics and troubled lifestyle.
6. Al Jarreau (1940) – American jazz and R&B singer known for his unique vocal style and hits like We’re in This Love Together. He won multiple Grammy Awards in different genres.
7. Bill Payne (1949) – American pianist and songwriter, best known as a founding member of Little Feat. He also worked with The Doobie Brothers and Bonnie Raitt.
8. Ronald Shannon Jackson (1940) – American jazz drummer and composer known for his work in free jazz and fusion. He collaborated with legends like Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler.
9. Darrell “Dash” Crofts (1938) – American musician, best known as one-half of the soft rock duo Seals & Crofts, who had hits like Summer Breeze and Diamond Girl.
   
10. Steve Harris (1956) – English musician, songwriter, and founding member of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. He is known for his fast bass playing and songwriting skills.
11. Jack Kerouac (1922) – Though better known as a writer, Kerouac influenced many musicians, especially in rock and jazz, with his beat poetry and free-spirited lifestyle.
12. David L. Lewis (1940) – Singer and guitarist for the British soul and rock band The Foundations, best known for Build Me Up Buttercup.
13. Paul Kantner (1941) – American guitarist, singer, and co-founder of Jefferson Airplane, a band that helped define the psychedelic rock era of the 1960s.
14. Les Holroyd (1948) – English bassist, singer, and songwriter, best known as a member of the progressive rock band Barclay James Harvest.
15. Mike Gibbins (1949) – Welsh drummer best known as a member of the band Badfinger, who had hits like Come and Get It and No Matter What.
16. Bob “The Bear” Hite (1943) – American singer and frontman of Canned Heat, a blues-rock band famous for songs like Going Up the Country and On the Road Again.
17. Miguel Bosé (1956) – Spanish pop singer and actor who gained fame in the 1980s with hits like Amante Bandido. He is one of Spain’s most successful musicians.
18. Jahangir Khan (1974) – Although primarily known as a Pakistani squash legend, he also played traditional music and inspired musical tributes.
19. Rusty York (1935) – American rockabilly singer known for his song Sugaree, which became a hit in the late 1950s.
20. Tina Charles (1954) – British disco singer best known for her 1976 hit I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance), which topped charts in Europe.

Music Legends We Lost (March 12)

1. John Phillips (2001) – Singer, songwriter, and founder of The Mamas & the Papas. He wrote classic hits like California Dreamin’ and Monday, Monday.
2. Danny Joe Brown (2005) – Lead singer of the Southern rock band Molly Hatchet. He was best known for Flirtin’ with Disaster.
3. Winfred “Blue” Lovett (2014) – Bass singer and songwriter for The Manhattans. He co-wrote their hit Kiss and Say Goodbye.
4. Ian Samwell (2003) – British musician and songwriter, best known for writing Move It, one of the first British rock and roll songs performed by Cliff Richard.
5. Terry Melcher (2004) – Producer and songwriter known for working with The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and Paul Revere & the Raiders. He was also Doris Day’s son.
6. Michael Jackson’s Father-in-Law (1998) – Joseph Jackson, father of Elvis Presley’s ex-wife Priscilla Presley, passed away. His family ties connected him to rock and pop royalty.
7. Charlie Haden (2014) – Jazz bassist known for his work with Ornette Coleman and as a bandleader in the jazz world.
   
8. Steve Marriott (1991) – Lead singer of Small Faces and Humble Pie. He was known for hits like Itchycoo Park and 30 Days in the Hole.
9. Bob Wills (1975) – Western swing musician and leader of The Texas Playboys. He helped shape country and swing music.
10. Erik Darling (2008) – Folk musician and member of The Weavers. He replaced Pete Seeger in the group and contributed to the folk revival movement.
11. Lou Rawls (2006) – R&B and jazz singer famous for You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine. He won multiple Grammy Awards.
12. Bobby Smith (2013) – Lead singer of The Spinners, known for hits like Could It Be I’m Falling in Love and I’ll Be Around.
13. Mississippi John Hurt (1966) – Blues guitarist and folk musician. His gentle fingerpicking style influenced many later musicians.
14. Mark Linkous (2010) – Frontman of Sparklehorse, known for his unique alternative rock sound. His music was praised for its raw emotion and creativity.
15. Johnnie Ray (1990) – 1950s pop and rock pioneer, often called the “father of rock and roll.” His emotional performances influenced artists like Elvis Presley.
16. James Jamerson (1983) – Legendary bassist for Motown’s house band, The Funk Brothers. His basslines shaped the sound of countless hits.
17. Notorious B.I.G. (1997) – The rapper, also known as Biggie Smalls, was tragically killed on March 9, but his funeral was held on March 12 in Brooklyn, with thousands of fans lining the streets.
18. Morton Gould (1996) – American composer, pianist, and conductor. He won a Pulitzer Prize and influenced classical and jazz music.
19. Edmund Sylvers (2004) – Lead singer of The Sylvers, known for hits like Boogie Fever. The group was popular in the disco era.
20. Frankie Dunlop (2014) – Jazz drummer known for his work with Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus. His drumming was innovative and influential.

Notable Albums Released (March 12)

1. The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967) by The Velvet Underground – A groundbreaking debut album featuring Sunday Morning and Heroin. It later became one of the most influential rock albums of all time.
2. 5150 (1986) by Van Halen – The band’s first album with Sammy Hagar as the lead singer, featuring hits like Why Can’t This Be Love. It marked a new era for Van Halen.
3. Parklife (1994, Japan Release) by Blur – Though fully released in April, Parklife had an early release in Japan. The album became a Britpop classic with songs like Girls & Boys.
4. Spiritual Healing (1990) by Death – A major death metal album that helped define the genre. It featured deep lyrics and technical guitar work.
5. Off the Ground (1993, U.S. Release) by Paul McCartney – A solo album from the former Beatle, featuring the song Hope of Deliverance, which became popular worldwide.
   
6. Ghosts I-IV (2008) by Nine Inch Nails – A mostly instrumental album by Trent Reznor, released for free online. It influenced many electronic and film score composers.
7. Body Language (2004, U.S. Release) by Kylie Minogue – The U.S. release of Kylie Minogue’s album, which included the hit Slow. The album mixed electronic and pop sounds.
8. KRS-One (1995) by KRS-One – A key album in hip-hop, featuring songs like MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know. It showed KRS-One’s deep lyrics and storytelling.
9. Tormato (1978, Japan Release) by Yes – Though it had mixed reviews, Tormato by Yes included progressive rock elements that inspired future musicians.
10. #1 to Infinity (2015, Japan Release) by Mariah Carey – A collection of all of Mariah Carey’s No. 1 hits, released earlier in Japan before its worldwide launch.
11. Have a Nice Day (2005, Japan Release) by Bon Jovi – Released in Japan first, this album featured the hit Have a Nice Day, which became one of Bon Jovi’s biggest anthems.
12. Astra (1985, Japan Release) by Asia – An album by the rock band Asia, featuring Go. It was more electronic than their earlier work.
13. Formulas Fatal to the Flesh (1998) by Morbid Angel – A major album in the death metal scene, featuring intense guitar riffs and dark lyrics.
14. The Next Day (2013, Limited Release) by David Bowie – A surprise album from David Bowie, marking his comeback after a decade-long break from music.
15. Long Road Out of Eden (2007, Japan Release) by The Eagles – A double album by The Eagles that included How Long and Busy Being Fabulous.
16. Wind & Wuthering (1977, Japan Release) by Genesis – A progressive rock album that was one of the last with guitarist Steve Hackett.
17. Who Are You (1978, Japan Release) by The Who – Featuring the famous song Who Are You, this was the last album with drummer Keith Moon before his passing.
18. Music to Be Murdered By (2020, Deluxe Edition) by Eminem – The expanded version of Eminem’s album with extra songs and deeper storytelling.
19. The Spaghetti Incident? (1993, Japan Release) by Guns N’ Roses – A collection of punk rock cover songs by Guns N’ Roses. It had a raw and rebellious sound.
20. A View from the Top of the World (2021, Japan Release) by Dream Theater – A progressive metal album featuring long, complex songs that showed off the band’s technical skill.

Chart-Topping Hits (March 12)

1. Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) by Simon & Garfunkel – This emotional ballad was No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the most iconic songs of all time.
2. I Will Survive (1979) by Gloria Gaynor – This disco anthem reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a song of empowerment and resilience.
3. Billie Jean (1983) by Michael Jackson – A huge No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, this song helped define the success of Thriller and showcased Jackson’s legendary dance moves.
   
4. I Want to Hold Your Hand (1964) by The Beatles – Topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 as part of the “British Invasion,” introducing millions to Beatlemania.
5. Tequila (1958) by The Champs – A surprise instrumental hit that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a timeless party song.
6. Happy (2014) by Pharrell Williams – This upbeat song topped the charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100, and became a global feel-good anthem.
7. Rolling in the Deep (2011) by Adele – This powerful song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made Adele a superstar.
8. Shape of You (2017) by Ed Sheeran – This massive hit spent weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, dominating global music charts.
9. Born This Way (2011) by Lady Gaga – Topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became an anthem for self-acceptance and empowerment.
10. Uptown Funk (2015) by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – A fun, funky song that held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks.
11. Somebody That I Used to Know (2012) by Gotye ft. Kimbra – A unique breakup song that reached No. 1 on charts worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100.
12. Can’t Stop the Feeling! (2016) by Justin Timberlake – This upbeat song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a popular summer hit.
13. Low (2008) by Flo Rida ft. T-Pain – A club banger that stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks.
14. All of Me (2014) by John Legend – A love song that became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and was played at countless weddings.
15. Call Me Maybe (2012) by Carly Rae Jepsen – This catchy song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a global viral sensation.
16. Nothing Compares 2 U (1990) by Sinéad O’Connor – A heartbreaking ballad that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an instant classic.
17. Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983) by Bonnie Tyler – This dramatic power ballad reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the biggest hits of the ’80s.
18. Take Me to Church (2014) by Hozier – A haunting song that topped international charts and became a powerful anthem.
19. We Belong Together (2005) by Mariah Carey – A huge comeback hit that held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks.
20. Rock Your Body (2003) by Justin Timberlake – A dance hit that reached high positions on global charts and helped establish Timberlake as a solo star.