This Day in Music History: May 16

May 16, 2017

We cover all sorts of news, facts and historical and interesting facts that happened on this day in music history.

 

Today: May 16.

 

1964: Mary Wells started a two week run at the top of the US singles chart with the song 'My Guy'. It was written and produced by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles and reached the No.5 spot in the UK.

 

1966: The Beach Boys released the album Pet Sounds in the US. It is regarded today as the masterpiece of composer and producer Brian Wilson. The album is widely ranked as one of the most influential records ever released and has been ranked at the top of several music magazines lists of greatest albums of all time, including The Times and Mojo Magazine and New Musical Express. In 2003, the album was ranked at the No.2 spot in Rolling Stone magazine 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, with Sgt. Pepper by The Beatles topping the list.

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1966: Bob Dylan released his iconic album, Blonde On Blonde. It reached the No.9 spot in the US charts and the No.3 spot in the UK. The album was recorded with Al Kooper, Robbie Robertson and Nashville country music session players, and according to Dylan, had ‘that wild mercury sound’.

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1970: Crosby Stills Nash & Young topped the US album chart with 'Deja Vu'. It features three Top 40 singles: 'Our House,' 'Teach Your Children' and 'Woodstock'. In 2003, the album was ranked at the No. 147 spot on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

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1976: Patti Smith made her UK debut at The Roundhouse, London. The American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her debut album, Horses from 1975.

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1987: U2 started a three week run at the top of the US singles chart with the song 'With Or Without You', the band's first US No.1 hit. The song was the U2's most successful single at the time.

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2010: Ronnie James Dio, singer with Black Sabbath, Elf, Rainbow and his own band Dio, died at the age of 67 after battling with stomach cancer for six months. His career began in 1957 with The Vegas Kings, which later changed their name to Ronnie and the Rumblers. Later on to Ronnie and the Redcaps, then in 1961, Ronnie Dio and the Prophets. In 1967, Dio and Prophets guitarist Nick Pantas formed the Electric Elves, which later shortened the name to Elf. The success of the band allowed them to open for Deep Purple, and this performance helped expose Dio’s voice to Deep Purple’s guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, who later decided to recruit Dio and other members of Elf for his new band Rainbow.

 

Think we left some interesting fact out? You have anything to add? Is there anything else worth mentioning that happened on this day in music history? Write us in the comments below.

 

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