Credit: Sry85
Discover with us what happened today in the music history world through the years. From the Jonas Brothers’ TV series to The Police’s first single, there’s lots to unpack here.
May 1: The Police’s Drop First Single, “Fall Out”
On this day in 1977, English iconic reggae and pop rock from London, The Police, released their first single, “Fall Out.” The song was however only available in the UK.
“Fall Out” was released before the band hit their first big success from their performances in New York City. The band was in fact not even completed: Guitarist Andy Summers only joined the band later on.
May 2: Jonas Brothers Take Over Disney Channel
On this day in 2009, The TV series Jonas, starring the Jonas Brothers, debuts on the Disney Channel. At that point, Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas were already successful. They in fact started performing and opening concerts for acts like Kelly Clarkson, Jesse McCartney, and the Backstreet Boys in 2005. Moreover, they also appeared on Disney Channel since 2006, which made them the celebrities they are today.
The series run two seasons before it was canceled.
May 3: Happy Birthday, Mr. Brown
On May, 3rd 1933, the father of funk and soul and icon of rhythm, blues, and gospel music, James Brown, was born. He was born in Barnwell, South Carolina but soon after moved to Augusta, Georgia. He grew up becoming one of the most influential artists in the music scene, bringing his all personality into his art and making millions of people fall in love with his work. A few of his must-listens are: “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World,” “Down And Out In New York City,” and “People Get Up And Drive Your Funky Soul.”
May 4: The Rolling Stones Put Their Foot Down
During Donald Trump’s campaign, it became recurrent for the politician to use The Rolling Stones’ famous hit, “Start Me Up,” following his victory speech. However, the band didn’t like the association between their music and the Republican’s values and politics. The Rolling Stones asked him to stop, joining several other artists in decrying the use of their songs.
The band’s PR released a statement announcing that The Rolling Stones were taking distance from the politician’s choice to use their song. The statement reads:
“Despite cease & desist directives to Donald Trump in the past, the Rolling Stones are taking further steps to exclude him using their songs at any of his future political campaigning. The Stones’ legal team [is] working with BMI… BMI (has) notified the Trump campaign on behalf of the Stones that the unauthorized use of their songs will constitute a breach of its licensing agreement. If Donald Trump disregards the exclusion and persists, then he would face a lawsuit for breaking the embargo and playing music that has not been licensed.”
May 5: Hey, Hey, You, You!
Let’s be honest – most of us have had this jam on repeat at one point or another. Possibly one of the most iconic songs ever, it was today that in 2007 Avril Lavigne dropped her hit “Girlfriend.” The song was the first single from her third album, The Best Damn Thing. It hit the #1 position in the charts and went on to become a generational hit of the 2000s.
May 6: Un Verano Sin Ti
On this day in 2022, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny released his biggest single to date, “Un Verano Sin Ti.” The song debuted at #1 in America and spent 10 weeks at the top. The single anticipated the world successful record, homonym “Un Verano Sin Ti.”
May 7: Iraq War Protest Song Arrives on Saturday Night Live
Metal hard rock band System Of A Down are famous for being one of the most explicit, candid, and straightforward bands around. Narrating social events and screaming loud their protest hits, the band are famous for being honest and irreverent.
On this day in 2005, System Of A Down perform their raging Iraq War protest song “B.Y.O.B.” on Saturday Night Live. The surprising and unexpected performance on national TV however received a special treatment. In fact, the network used a 5-second delay to mute the band’s vocals every time they drop an F-bomb.
