Credit: Raph_PH
May 15: Weezer release The Green Album
On this day 22 years ago, alternative rock/emo band Weezer dropped their world-famous hit album, self-titled Weezer. Known to fans also as the Green Album, it immediately became the biggest and most representative of the band’s career. Singles like “Island In The Sun” and “Hash Pipe” are still today among the singles anyone should listen for a first taste of the band’s iconic sound. Produced by Ric Ocasek, it was the only album to feature bassist Mikey Welsh, who replaced Matt Sharp. His influence can be heard in the entire work.
May 17: Queen of Disco Donna Summer Dies
On this day in music, May 17, 2012, “Queen of Disco” Donna Summer passed away. Losing her battle with lung cancer, the artist left the world in tears at the age of 63. Her inheritance is unmeasurable. Winning a Grammy Award five times and with multiple number 1 hits, the artist was even chosen to be part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Among others, singles that made generations dance are “I Feel Love,” “Last Dance,” and “Hot Stuff.”
May 18: Elvis Costello and Notting Hill’s Soundtrack
“She” is Elvis Costello‘s leading single for the soundtrack of one of the best romantic movies ever released, Notting Hill. Coming out on this day in 1999, the single made the ambience and set the tone for the iconic movie.
May 20: Happy Birthday, Cher!
Singer, dancer, actress, TV host, and more, Cher is the explosive talent that first walked the entertainment way in the mid-60s, when in 1964, her voice got Phil Spector’s attention. With over 40 records and multiple hits between pop and disco, the artist is commonly referred to as the Goddess of Pop. And we couldn’t agree more. Not only she was a fundamental pillar for the music genre to grow, but she was also one of the main voices for feminism. In fact, she was able to build herself a name as an independent woman in a male-dominated industry – a true inspiration for all the women in the music and TV business that followed.
May 21: Marvin Gaye Releases a Socially Conscious Masterpiece
On this day in music in 1971, Marvin Gaye released his masterpiece criticizing the Vietnam War, What’s Going On. The album revolved around multiple social points like inequality in America, the theme of war, and its consequences on the human’s mind. Among the leading songs were “Mercy Mercy Me” and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler).”
