On This Date In Music History: A January 3 Pop Quiz

Here are eight questions, spanning 61 years, that all have something in common:

Each event occurred on this day, January 3.

How many can you guess correctly? Let’s start in chronological order, with…

1. January 3…

On January 3, 1964, a young guitar player made his first television appearance.

• The debut introduced the 19 year-old to a large audience and set the stage for a legendary career.
• It was the first time on the BBC program Top of the Pops, and the y would appear again within two other bands, and as a solo artist.

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2. January 3…

• At the University of Nottingham, this quartet played an ambitious piece featured orchestral arrangements.
• The would mark on of the final appearances of the band’s founder.
• the group would continue their progressive rock journey, and had great success with one of the most iconic albums in popular music history.

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3. January 3…

The tour was notable for an elaborate stage design and a theatrical performance.

• This was the second North American tour for this artist, first visiting the US in September of 1972
• They are a master of reinvention, and set new standards for live rock performances.
• Their ability to blend music with visual art left an indelible mark on the early-to-mid 1970s, pre-disco scene.

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4. January 3…

Absent from the top spot for two decades, this widely respected artist returned to the top with a duet hit single.

• A full twenty years had passed since their last Billboard Hot 100 Number One.The song won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals
• The hit introduced the artist to a new generation of listeners, boosting their popularity and their legacy.

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5. January 3…

This date marked the beginning of this performer’s frequent run-ins with the law.

• Despite the legal troubles, their influence on hip-hop culture and music remains undeniable.
• The arrest only added to a complex and often controversial public persona.
• The rapper’s music, filled with themes of struggle and resilience, continues to posthumously resonate.

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6. January 3…

25 years ago today, this performer delivered an electric performance at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.

• The dynamic stage presence and perfectly crafted pop tune quickly became a legend.
• With a mastermind songwriting and production machine, they continued throughout the early 2000s to be a familiar face on the charts.

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7. January 3…

On this day, this band released their critically acclaimed debut album.

• The record’s themes of loss and renewal struck a chord with audiences and critics alike.
• Setting their expectations on the lower side, the band set a personal goal of selling 10,000 copies…
• But they hit that mark in the first week of release.

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8. January 3…

On this day, this solo singer’s hit single became the most-streamed song on Spotify, surpassing 1.5 billion streams.

• The song was originally meant Rihanna, but the record company persuaded the singer to keep it for themselves.
• The lyrics contain a reference to Van Morrison.

The song’s infectious beat and catchy lyrics made it a favorite across diverse audiences. The performer’s ability to blend different musical styles has solidified his place as a leading figure in contemporary music.

How well did you score? Any surprises?

Tell us in the comments below.

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