The week in music history brought to you by MusicGoldmine.com.
Just a couple of highlights from this week in music history!
AUG 15: Sadly, it was announced todaythat Greg Kihn passed away on August 13th due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was born on July 10, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland. The rock musician, radio personality, and novelis was best known as the frontman of The Greg Kihn Band, which gained prominence in the 1980s with a string of successful albums and singles. Kihn's career in music began in the mid-1970s when he moved to San Francisco and signed with the indie label Beserkley Records.
The Greg Kihn Band achieved commercial success with hits like "The Breakup Song (They Don't Write 'Em)" in 1981 and "Jeopardy" in 1983. "Jeopardy," from the album Kihnspiracy, reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains one of the band's most iconic songs. Known for their catchy melodies and Kihn's distinctive voice, the band enjoyed a series of successful tours and a strong fan base during the 1980s.
In addition to his music career, Greg Kihn became a popular radio DJ, hosting shows on several Bay Area stations, including KFOX. He has also ventured into writing, publishing several horror and mystery novels, such as Horror Show and Big Rock Beat.
His contributions to rock, both as a musician and a cultural commentator, will have a lasting impact on the industry. RIP
AUG 25: Happy birthday to Elvis Costello, born today in 1954! The renowned British singer-songwriter is known for his eclectic musical style that blends rock, punk, new wave, and pop. He emerged in the late 1970s as part of the punk and new wave scene with his debut album, My Aim Is True (1977), which featured hits like "Alison" and "Watching the Detectives." Costello quickly gained a reputation for his witty, literate lyrics and energetic performances.
His follow-up albums with his
band, The Attractions, such as This Year's Model (1978) and Armed Forces (1979), solidified his place in music history, showcasing a blend of sharp political commentary and personal introspection. Over the decades, Costello has explored various genres, including country with Almost Blue (1981), jazz with The Juliet Letters (1993), and classical with Il Sogno (2004).
Throughout his career, Costello has been known for his clever wordplay, distinctive voice, and genre-defying approach. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Paul McCartney, Burt Bacharach, and The Roots, further showcasing his versatility. With a career spanning over four decades, Elvis Costello remains an influential figure in modern music, continually reinventing himself while maintaining a strong connection to his roots.
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