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Today in rock history: On this date in 1976, a disco interpretation of legendary classical music composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s fifth symphony reached the top of Billboard’s pop singles chart. Musician and producer Walter Murphy‘s creation, “A Fifth of Beethoven” took the opening movement of Beethoven’s renowned piece of music and set it to a disco beat. The instrumental track was a hit upon its release, but made a slow and steady, 19-week, climb up to the No. 1 spot. Murphy would score a handful of other minor hits soon after but none would eclipse the popularity or the success of this unique dance floor hit. “A Fifth of Beethoven” would sell over 2 million copies making it one of the most recognized and notable hits of the disco era, and it would reach a new level of notoriety when it was selected to be included on the enormously popular and record breaking soundtrack of the film Saturday Night Fever, which would become the most lucrative films to tap into the disco craze of the day.
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Today in rock history: On this date in 1969, French songwriter, painter and actor Serge Gainsbourg found himself banned from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) when his hit song “Je t’aime… moi non plus” was denied the opportunity to be broadcast. For the very first time in the BBC’s history, a song was deemed too sexually charged and overtly erotic for airplay despite being the No. 1 song in the country. Originally written for his girlfriend, actress and model Brigitte Bardot, two years prior, the song was recorded as a duet with singer and actress Jane Birkin and made it to No. 1 on singles charts in several countries across Europe. Laden with sexy, steamy moans and groans that were labeled “orgasm sounds.” The title of the song translates to “I love you… neither do I” and has been covered by several artists throughout the years. The influential song helped influence the equally sexually-charged disco burner “Love to Love You Baby,” a1975 worldwide smash for disco queen Donna Summer.
TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY
The Sex Pistols get filthy on the BBC, AC/DC releases T.N.T. and more
Today in rock history: On this date in 1976, the Sex Pistols signed to EMI records for £40,000 which equals about $70,000 USD. The contract was terminated only three months later when the record label pulled the plug on the production of the band’s highly controversial single, “Anarchy In The UK,” and permanently deleted it from its catalogue. EMI later embarrassingly issued a statement saying it felt it was unable to support and promote Sex Pistols’ release in light of the negative publicity the band was garnering at the time.
PHOTOS
Jackson Browne’s perfect vocal shines at Ruth Eckerd Hall once again — 01.18.18
Today in rock history: On this date in 1948, Clyde Jackson Browne was born in Heidelberg, Germany. The son of a serviceman stationed in Germany, the Browne family relocated to Southern California when Jackson was very young. Developing a passion for music, Browne was involved in several musical projects on the west coast before heading to New York City to join the burgeoning folk scene in the Greenwich Village area where he collaborated with folk stalwart Tim Buckley and former Velvet Underground singer Nico with whom he became romantically involved. Heading back to California, Browne quickly became known when his 1972 self-titled album received overwhelming critical praise and spawned the massive pop hit single “Doctor My Eyes.” Remaining one of the quintessential singer/songwriters of the decade, Browne continued to sell millions of records and was lauded for being one of the most gifted and introspective writers of the time. Remaining relevant and politically active since his appearance on the musical landscape, Browne has consistently released strong albums since his breakthrough and is still a strong concert draw to this date. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Jackson Browne celebrates his 70th Birthday today.
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This article appears in Oct 4-11, 2018.
