On This Day in Music History – November 29

On November 29 through the years, music lovers have celebrated many historic events. It was the day when iconic albums were released, singles topped the list of popular albums, legendary musicians were born, and sadly, when many beloved musicians passed away. For instance, the release dates of albums such as Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs, as well as the first “Now That’s What I Call Music” album in the UK, all occurred on November 29. Hits such as Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” both made number 1 singles at that time in the 1970s and 1980s. It is also the day when musician birthdays of all genres are celebrated. These include country guitar legend Merle Travis in 1917, blues musician pioneer John Mayall in 1933, pop musician Jonathan Knight in 1968, hip hop musician Apl.de.Ap in 1974, and rapper Game in 1979, to list a few. It is also the day when music lovers take time to remember legendary musicians who have passed away. These include guitarists of the popular rock band “The Beatles” George Harrison in 2001, to mention but a few.

Throughout this date, the history of music can trace many rock, pop, country, hip-hop, and other genres. No matter whether you are into rock or pop, there is something in November 29th history for every individual. Here are the important events, birthdays, albums, and number one singles related to today.

Major Events in Music History (November 29)

• 1963: The Beatles release “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in the UK after massive advance orders.
• 1969: The Beatles’ double A-side “Come Together” / “Something” tops the US charts.
• 1976: A planned Sex Pistols concert in Lancaster, England is cancelled by local officials due to the band’s reputation.
• 1980: John Lennon and Yoko Ono release Double Fantasy – the Beatles legend’s final album.
• 1980: ABBA’s “Super Trouper” hits #1 on the UK singles chart on this date.
• 1982: Michael Jackson’s album Thriller is released, later becoming the best-selling album ever.
• 1983: The first Now That’s What I Call Music! compilation album is launched in the UK.
• 1986: Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name” reaches #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
• 1997: The multi-artist BBC charity single “Perfect Day” (featuring artists like Elton John and David Bowie) goes to #1 in the UK.
• 2009: Susan Boyle’s debut album I Dreamed a Dream breaks records by topping the UK and US charts in its first week.

Notable Birthdays in Music (November 29)

• 1917: Merle Travis (d. 1983), American country singer-songwriter and guitar legend known for “Sixteen Tons.”
• 1933: John Mayall, English blues guitarist and bandleader, often called the “Godfather of British Blues.”
• 1941: Denny Doherty (d. 2007), Canadian singer and founding member of The Mamas & the Papas.
• 1943: Tim Davis (d. 1988), American drummer and singer with the Steve Miller Band.
• 1951: Barry Goudreau, American rock guitarist, founding member of the band Boston.
• 1951: Roger Troutman (d. 1999), American funk singer and musician famous for the band Zapp and the talkbox effect.
• 1963: Will Downing, American R&B and jazz vocalist known for smooth, soulful songs.
• 1968: Jonathan Knight, American pop singer with New Kids on the Block, famous in the late 1980s.
• 1974: Apl.de.Ap (Allan Pineda Lindo), Filipino-American rapper and producer, co-founder of the Black Eyed Peas.
• 1979: The Game (Jayceon Taylor), American rapper known for hits like “Hate It or Love It.”

Music Legends We Lost (November 29)

• George Harrison (1943–2001): English guitarist of The Beatles, died Nov 29, 2001, beloved for classics like “Here Comes the Sun.”
• Irving Burgie (1924–2019): American songwriter of Caribbean heritage, died Nov 29, 2019. He wrote the songs for Harry Belafonte’s Calypso album (including “Day-O”) that brought Caribbean music worldwide fame.
• Natalie Wood (1938–1981): American actress and singer, died Nov 29, 1981. She recorded music and starred in movies like Gypsy and Rebel Without a Cause.
• Curtis Knight (1945–1999): American rock singer and bandleader, died Nov 29, 1999. Early band leader who famously worked with a young Jimi Hendrix.
• Dick Dodd (1945–2013): American drummer and singer, died Nov 29, 2013. Lead vocalist on The Standells’ hit “Dirty Water.”
• Mic Christopher (1972–2001): Irish singer-songwriter, died Nov 29, 2001. Led the band The Mary Janes, celebrated in Ireland for songs like “Heyday.”
• Ann Burton (1933–1989): Dutch jazz singer, died Nov 29, 1989. Known for her rich voice on jazz standards (often in English), she had a loyal following in Europe.
• Other artists: Beyond those listed, November 29 has also seen the passing of various musicians and songwriters from different genres. Each year fans remember those we lost on this date.

Notable Albums Released (November 29)

• Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982) – Groundbreaking pop album released Nov 29, 1982. It became the biggest-selling album in history, featuring hits like “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.”
• John Lennon & Yoko Ono – Double Fantasy (1980) – Lennon’s last studio album, released Nov 29, 1980, just weeks before his death. It won the 1981 Grammy for Album of the Year.
• Guns N’ Roses – G N’ R Lies (1988) – Rock album released Nov 29, 1988. Contains hits like “Patience” and is known for combining live tracks and acoustic songs.
• Dolly Parton – 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs (1980) – Country-pop album released Nov 29, 1980, featuring the theme song “9 to 5” from the film of the same name.
• Various Artists – Now That’s What I Call Music, Vol. 1 (1983) – Compilation album released Nov 29, 1983, featuring the biggest hits of the day (Phil Collins, Culture Club, etc.). This kicked off a hugely popular series.
• Charlie Daniels Band – Fire on the Mountain (1974) – Southern rock/country album released Nov 29, 1974. Title track later became a country hit.
• Cocteau Twins – Echoes in a Shallow Bay (EP, 1985) – Ethereal wave EP released Nov 29, 1985. This Scottish band influenced alternative and dream-pop music.
• Juice WRLD – The Party Never Ends (2024) – Posthumous hip-hop album released Nov 29, 2024, featuring work by the late rapper.
• Al Jarreau – WOW (2024) – Vocal jazz album released Nov 29, 2024, honoring the late singer’s legacy with orchestral and lounge arrangements.
• Skyzoo – Keep Me Company (2024) – Hip-hop album released Nov 29, 2024, by the American rapper known for thoughtful lyrics and storytelling.

Chart-Topping Hits (November 29)

• Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975): Hit #1 in the UK on Nov 29, 1975 and stayed at the top for nine weeks. It remains one of rock’s most famous songs.
• Bon Jovi – “You Give Love a Bad Name” (1986): Reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on Nov 29, 1986, giving the band its first major hit.
• Various Artists – “Perfect Day” (1997): Charity single topping the UK charts on Nov 29, 1997. This cover of Lou Reed’s song featured stars like Elton John and David Bowie.
• The Beatles – “Come Together” / “Something” (1969): This double-sided single hit #1 in the US on Nov 29, 1969, becoming the Beatles’ 18th US #1 hit.
• Silver Convention – “Fly, Robin, Fly” (1975): Became #1 on the US Hot 100 on Nov 29, 1975. This disco hit was unique for its minimal lyrics (“Fly, Robin, fly”).
• ABBA – “Super Trouper” (1980): Hit #1 on the UK singles chart on Nov 29, 1980. One of the group’s most famous pop songs.
• Susan Boyle – I Dreamed a Dream (Album, 2009): Reached #1 on the UK and US album charts on Nov 29, 2009. This debut album from the Britain’s Got Talent singer broke sales records.
• Dolly Parton – “9 to 5” (1980): Though peaking in early 1981, this song from the Nov 29, 1980 album became a #1 hit on the US country and pop charts.
• The Beatles – “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963): While officially a 1963 release, it broke records by selling over a million advance copies in the UK (then unprecedented). It later hit #1 in the US in early 1964.
• Michael Jackson – Thriller (1982): Jackson’s album (released Nov 29) dominated the charts through 1983–84, spending weeks at #1 in the US and around the world.