History as you’ve never seen it: a journey in time through the albums, concerts and events that made history—this week in music. This week: Paul McCartney’s alleged passing, the release of 8 Mile and The King of Pop coming into possession of his own name.
November 6: The Civil War’s Last Tour Due to Their Own “Civil War”
Living up to their name, American musical duo The Civil Wars decided to cancel the rest of their 2012 tour after their performance in London. The reason behind the withdrawal was “internal discord and irreconcilable differences of ambition” between the members.
The Civil Wars released one more album as a duo, but November 6th, 2012’s performance is still the last one for Joy Williams and John Paul White together.
November 7: Paul McCartney is Dead?
In 1969, after The Beatles broke up, Paul McCartney retired to his farm in Scotland to get some space and focus on his music without any sort of distractions. Following this self-exile, the often referred to “first indie album ever” RAM was born. However, the prolific time brought some speculation as well. In fact, after not seeing the artist for a long time, people assumed McCartney was dead. Again, (have you ever heard about the “Paul is Dead” Theory?).
To put an end to the gossip, Life magazine paid a visit to the artist’s farm, had an interview with him, put him on the magazine’s cover and proved to the world that the singer was in fact just taking a step back from stardom. “Paul is still with us,” read the magazine’s cover page.
Talking to the magazine, the singer commented on his sudden “death.”
“Perhaps the rumor started because I haven’t been much in the press lately. I have done enough press for a lifetime, and I don’t have anything to say these days. I am happy to be with my family and I will work when I work. I was switched on for 10 years and I never switched off. Now I am switching off whenever I can. I would rather be a little less famous these days.”
November 8: 8 Mile Opens in Theatres
On this day in 2002, the Eminem-starring and semi-biographical movie, 8 Mile, opened in theatres. The movie portrayed the rapper’s early years as a rapper, struggling to survive while trying to earn himself a name in Detroit. The movie immediately received praise from both the public and the critics. Moreover, Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” became the first rap song to win the Oscar for Best Original Song.
November 9: How Many Top 10 Hits Can You Achieve?
In 2002, Madonna broke The Beatles’ record when her song “Die Another Day” went to #8. The singer earned her 35th Top 10 hit on the chart, surpassing the British band and breaking their record for most Top 10 hits on the Hot 100.
November 10: Sesame Street Debuts
On November 10, 1969, Sesame Street debuted on American public television. The TV show was directed to children, and provided lessons through songs. As the show got more of a following and bigger fame, an increasing number of artists appeared on the show. These included Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, the Dixie Chicks and Alicia Keys. Others, on the other hand, preferred not to perform. Among the big names to decline the invitation are Bruce Springsteen and Barbra Streisand.
Find here the very first episode of Sesame Street:
November 11: “Michael Jackson is the King of Pop,” Says Michael Jackson
In 1991, following Michael Jackson’s request, one week before his controversial “Black Or White” music video aired, a memo went around at MTV. The memo presented instructions that were meant to be heard loud and clear: the network’s on-air personnel had to refer to Jackson as the “King of Pop” at least twice a week for both the week anticipating the release and the one following it.
November 12: Mariah Carey, Artist of the Year (and More)
In 2005, Mariah Carey struck the Vibe Awards winning four awards. She won Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for The Emancipation of Mimi. The singer also won R&B Voice of the Year and Best R&B Song for “We Belong Together.”
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