On This Day in Music History – March 2

In 1964, The Beatles started filming their first movie, A Hard Day’s Night. It became a big success and helped grow their global fame. In 1983, CD players were sold for the first time in the US and UK, changing the way people listened to music. Stevie Wonder won Album of the Year at the Grammys in 1974 for Innervisions, proving he was one of the greatest musicians of his time.

Some of the biggest hit songs topped the charts on this day. Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean was No. 1 in 1983, and Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You was still ruling the charts in 1993. Britney Spears had a No. 1 hit in the UK with …Baby One More Time in 1999.

Many famous musicians were born on March 2, including Jon Bon Jovi (1962) and Chris Martin of Coldplay (1977). Sadly, music legends like Dusty Springfield (1999) and Hank Ballard (2003) passed away on this day. Learn more about the music history of March 1.

Major Events in Music History (March 2)

1. The Beatles Begin Filming A Hard Day’s Night (1964) – The Beatles started filming their first movie, A Hard Day’s Night, which became a huge success.
2. Compact Disc (CD) Players Go on Sale in the US and UK (1983) – CDs became available for the first time, changing the way people listened to music.
3. Stevie Wonder Wins Four Grammy Awards (1974) – Stevie Wonder won Album of the Year for Innervisions, proving his status as a musical genius.
4. Madonna’s Rescue Me Breaks Records (1991) – Rescue Me debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a record for the highest debut by a female artist.
5. Bo Diddley Records His First Song (1955) – Bo Diddley recorded his self-titled song Bo Diddley, which helped shape the future of rock and roll.
6. Norah Jones Wins Big at the Grammys (2004) – Norah Jones won Album of the Year for Come Away With Me, making her one of the top artists of the decade.
7. The Eagles’ Best of My Love Hits No. 1 (1975) – The Eagles scored their first No. 1 hit in the US with Best of My Love.
8. The Supremes Hit No. 1 with Love is Here and Now You’re Gone (1967) – The Supremes topped the US charts again with their hit song.
9. Duffy Releases Rockferry (2008) – The Welsh singer released her debut album Rockferry, which became a huge worldwide success.
10. Britney Spears’ …Baby One More Time Tops UK Charts (1999) – Britney Spears reached No. 1 in the UK, launching her career as a global pop star.
11. Elvis Presley Records Stuck on You (1960) – After serving in the army, Elvis Presley recorded Stuck on You, which became a No. 1 hit.
12. R.E.M. Drummer Bill Berry Collapses on Stage (1995) – R.E.M.’s drummer Bill Berry suffered a brain aneurysm during a concert in Switzerland, leading to his departure from the band.
13. Wham! Becomes the First Western Band to Play in China (1985) – The pop duo Wham! made history by performing in China, breaking cultural barriers.
14. The Jam Signs with Polydor Records (1977) – British punk band The Jam signed their first major record deal, paving the way for their success.
15. Take That’s Shine Hits No. 1 in the UK (2007) – The British boy band Take That topped the UK charts with Shine.
16. The Beatles Begin Recording Across the Universe (1968) – The Beatles started working on Across the Universe, a song that became one of their most beloved tracks.
17. The First Brit Awards Ceremony is Televised (1987) – The Brit Awards were broadcast on TV for the first time, making them a major event in British music.
18. Buddy Holly Records That’ll Be the Day (1957) – Buddy Holly recorded That’ll Be the Day, one of the most famous rock and roll songs ever.
19. Justin Timberlake’s Mirrors Hits No. 1 in the UK (2013) – Mirrors became a No. 1 hit, marking Justin Timberlake’s return to music after several years away.
20. U2 Wins Their First Grammy Award (1988) – U2 won Album of the Year for The Joshua Tree, establishing them as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

Notable Birthdays in Music (March 2)

1. Lou Reed (1942) – American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, best known for his work with The Velvet Underground and solo hits like Walk on the Wild Side.
2. Jon Bon Jovi (1962) – Lead singer of Bon Jovi, famous for hits like Livin’ on a Prayer and You Give Love a Bad Name.
3. Dr. Seuss (1904) – While known as a children’s author, Dr. Seuss also wrote musical plays and lyrics, making an impact in entertainment.
4. Karen Carpenter (1950) – Singer and drummer from The Carpenters, known for her beautiful voice on songs like Close to You.
5. Chris Martin (1977) – Lead singer of Coldplay, known for hits like Yellow, Fix You, and Viva La Vida.
6. Harry Belafonte (1927) – Singer and actor famous for Calypso music, with hits like Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).
7. Eddie Money (1949) – Rock singer known for songs like Take Me Home Tonight and Two Tickets to Paradise.
8. Luke Combs (1990) – Country music star known for hits like Beautiful Crazy and Beer Never Broke My Heart.
9. Dale Bozzio (1955) – Lead singer of Missing Persons, known for the hit song Walking in L.A..
10. Rory Gallagher (1948) – Irish blues-rock guitarist and singer, famous for songs like Tattoo’d Lady.
11. Jay Osmond (1955) – Member of The Osmonds, a popular family music group in the 1970s.
12. Chris Thompson (1948) – Singer of Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, known for Blinded by the Light.
13. Becky G (1997) – Pop and Latin singer known for songs like Shower and Mayores.
14. James Arthur (1988) – British singer-songwriter, winner of The X Factor UK, famous for Say You Won’t Let Go.
15. Rebel Wilson (1980) – While best known as an actress, Rebel Wilson has also sung in Pitch Perfect movies.
16. Mark Evans (1956) – Former bassist of AC/DC, playing on early albums like Let There Be Rock.
17. Karen O (1978) – Lead singer of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, known for songs like Maps and Heads Will Roll.
18. Daniel Craig (1968) – While known as an actor, Daniel Craig performed musical numbers in movies like Knives Out.
19. Benoît Jutras (1963) – Canadian composer known for his work in Cirque du Soleil performances.
20. William Gainsborough (1890) – Early jazz musician and composer, influencing big band music.

Music Legends We Lost (March 2)

1. Dusty Springfield (1999) – British singer known for hits like Son of a Preacher Man and You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me. She passed away from cancer at age 59.
2. Hank Ballard (2003) – R&B singer and songwriter, famous for The Twist and Work with Me, Annie. He was a major influence on early rock and roll.
3. Jeff Healey (2008) – Blind Canadian blues-rock guitarist and singer, known for Angel Eyes and See the Light. He died at age 41.
4. Bobby Rogers (2013) – Member of The Miracles, known for Motown classics like Shop Around and You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me.
5. Frankie Ruiz (1998) – Famous salsa singer, known as “El Papá de la Salsa.” He passed away at age 40.
6. Big Chief Russell Moore (1983) – Jazz trombonist who played with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
7. Ernst Toch (1964) – Classical composer who also experimented with early film scores and vocal music.
8. Patsy Montana (1996) – Country singer and the first female country artist to sell a million records with I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.
9. Malcolm Vaughan (2009) – British pop singer who had several hits in the 1950s, including My Special Angel.
10. Derek Watkins (2013) – Legendary trumpet player who worked with The Beatles, Elton John, and played in many James Bond movie soundtracks.
11. Richard Davalos (2016) – Actor who appeared in musical films and was featured on the album cover of The Smiths’ Strangeways, Here We Come.
12. Roy Nichols (2001) – Guitarist for Merle Haggard and The Strangers, shaping the “Bakersfield Sound” in country music.
13. David Goodman (1973) – Early jazz and blues musician, known for his piano work in the 1920s and 1930s.
14. Horace Tapscott (1999) – Jazz pianist and composer, known for his unique contributions to avant-garde jazz.
15. Donald Mills (1999) – The last surviving member of The Mills Brothers, famous for Paper Doll and Glow Worm.
16. Philip Langridge (2010) – British opera singer known for his work in modern classical and opera music.
17. Arthur Doyle (2014) – Free jazz saxophonist known for his experimental and raw style of music.
18. Judy Lynn (2010) – American country music singer, known for her flashy stage outfits and hits in the 1960s.
19. Bert Jansch (2011) – Scottish folk musician and founding member of Pentangle, inspiring artists like Jimmy Page.
20. Jackie Mittoo (1990) – Jamaican reggae and ska keyboardist, a key figure in The Skatalites and reggae music.

Notable Albums Released (March 2)

1. Pink Floyd – The Final Cut (1983) – A powerful album by Pink Floyd, often seen as a follow-up to The Wall, featuring songs like Not Now John.
2. Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti (1975, Reissue) – The famous double album by Led Zeppelin was reissued on this day, including hits like Kashmir.
3. Norah Jones – Feels Like Home (2004, Japan Release) – The second album by Norah Jones, featuring songs like Sunrise, was released in Japan before its worldwide launch.
4. Eric Clapton – There’s One in Every Crowd (1975, Japan Release) – A mix of blues and reggae sounds from Eric Clapton, including Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.
5. The Kinks – The Kinks Present Schoolboys in Disgrace (1975, Japan Release) – A concept album by The Kinks, telling a story about teenage rebellion.
6. David Bowie – Aladdin Sane (Reissue, 2013) – A remastered version of David Bowie’s classic album, known for songs like The Jean Genie.
7. Mike Oldfield – Heaven’s Open (1991) – The final album released under his Virgin Records contract, featuring the track Make Make.
8. Bon Jovi – Keep the Faith (1992, Japan Release) – A major Bon Jovi album that helped transition the band into the 90s rock scene.
9. Shania Twain – Come On Over (1999, International Reissue) – The best-selling country-pop album was re-released internationally with remixes of hits like Man! I Feel Like a Woman!.
10. The Cure – Join the Dots: B-Sides & Rarities (2004, Box Set Release in Japan) – A special box set featuring rare tracks and B-sides from The Cure.
11. Rush – All the World’s a Stage (1976, Japan Release) – A live album by Rush, capturing their energetic performances.
12. Simple Plan – Get Your Heart On! (2011, Special Edition Release) – A pop-punk album featuring hits like Jet Lag and Summer Paradise.
13. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth (1984, Special Edition Reissue) – A powerful rock album featuring Cherry Bomb.
14. Taylor Swift – Speak Now (Deluxe Edition) (2011, Japan Release) – A special deluxe edition of Taylor Swift’s album featuring Back to December.
15. Pet Shop Boys – Yes (2009, Japan Edition) – A synth-pop album featuring Love Etc., one of the duo’s biggest songs.
16. Blur – Think Tank (2003, Special Edition Release) – The experimental album by Blur, known for songs like Out of Time.
17. Genesis – Seconds Out (1977, Japan Release) – A live album by Genesis, capturing their best performances from the Wind & Wuthering tour.
18. Kanye West – The Life of Pablo (2016, Final Update) – After multiple updates, Kanye West made the final version of The Life of Pablo available.
19. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die (The Paradise Edition) (2012, Special Vinyl Reissue) – A special reissue of Lana Del Rey’s hit album, including Ride.
20. U2 – How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb (2004, Special Release in Asia) – One of U2’s biggest albums, featuring the hit Vertigo.

Chart-Topping Hits (March 2)

1. The Beatles – Love Me Do (1963, UK) – One of The Beatles’ first big hits, reaching the No. 1 spot and marking the start of Beatlemania.
2. Stevie Wonder – Superstition (1973, US) – A classic funk song that became No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Stevie Wonder’s legacy.
3. Madonna – Crazy for You (1985, US) – One of Madonna’s early No. 1 hits, showing a softer side of the pop star.
4. Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (1983, US) – One of the most famous songs in history, Billie Jean was at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks.
5. The Supremes – Love is Here and Now You’re Gone (1967, US) – A major No. 1 hit for The Supremes during their golden era.
6. Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time (1999, UK) – Britney Spears’ debut single was still topping the UK charts, making her a global star.
7. The Eagles – Best of My Love (1975, US) – The Eagles’ first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, helping them become rock legends.
8. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (1993, US) – Still No. 1 on the Billboard charts, making it one of the longest-running hits ever.
9. Duffy – Mercy (2008, UK) – The song topped the UK charts and helped introduce Duffy to the world.
10. Justin Timberlake – Mirrors (2013, UK) – A massive No. 1 hit in the UK, marking his return to music.
11. U2 – With or Without You (1987, US) – One of U2’s biggest songs, it climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
12. Elvis Presley – Stuck on You (1960, US) – After returning from the army, Elvis’ song went straight to No. 1.
13. Rihanna – Umbrella (2007, UK) – The song featuring Jay-Z dominated the UK charts and stayed at the top for weeks.
14. Drake – God’s Plan (2018, US) – A No. 1 hit that stayed on top for several weeks, breaking streaming records.
15. Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On (1998, US & UK) – The Titanic theme song was still ruling the charts, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
16. ABBA – Dancing Queen (1977, US) – The Swedish pop group scored their first and only No. 1 hit in the US.
17. Bruno Mars – Just the Way You Are (2010, US) – This song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and made Bruno Mars a superstar.
18. Adele – Someone Like You (2011, UK) – A deeply emotional song that stayed at No. 1 in the UK for weeks.
19. Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (2017, US & UK) – One of the biggest hits of the decade, No. 1 in both the US and UK.
20. The Rolling Stones – Honky Tonk Women (1969, US) – A classic rock song that topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a fan favorite.