This week in music history brings a mix of tragedy, triumph, and quirky moments. From the untimely death of rising rapper Pop Smoke to the chart-topping release of Adele's 21, and from Katy Perry's candy-coated tour to The Strokes' NME dominance, we dive deep into the stories behind these iconic dates.
June 19: Pop Smoke Shot and Killed
Key Facts: Rapper Bashar Barakah Jackson, known as Pop Smoke, was fatally shot on June 19, 2020, at age 20. His debut album Shoot For The Stars, Aim For The Moon was released posthumously five months later, reaching 1 in the US.
Pop Smoke's death shocked the music world and catapulted him to legendary status. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he rose to fame with his distinctive deep voice and drill music style, heavily influenced by UK drill. His breakout single "Welcome to the Party" (2019) became an anthem, and collaborations with artists like Travis Scott and Nicki Minaj followed. The posthumous album not only topped charts but also earned critical acclaim, solidifying his influence on modern hip-hop. His legacy continues through unreleased tracks and a growing fanbase.
June 20: Candies, Magic and Fantasy: The California Dreams Tour
Key Facts: Katy Perry launched her California Dreams Tour in 2011, supporting the album Teenage Dream. The tour started in Lisbon, Portugal, featuring a candy-coated wonderland aesthetic inspired by The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and other fantastical works.
Katy Perry's California Dreams Tour was a visual and musical spectacle that pushed the boundaries of pop concert production. The tour ran from June 2011 to January 2012, spanning over 120 shows across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Each city saw Perry perform hits like "California Gurls," "Teenage Dream," "Firework," and "E.T." in elaborate costumes. The stage design included spinning candy cars, giant mushrooms, and a cloud-shaped piano. The tour grossed over $59 million and was nominated for a Billboard Touring Award. It cemented Perry's status as a global pop powerhouse.
June 21: Nina Simone and Her Nina Simone Plaza
Key Facts: On June 21, 2010, Tyron, North Carolina, unveiled "Nina Simone Plaza" on what would have been the singer's 77th birthday. The plaza includes a sculpture of Simone, honoring her legacy.
Nina Simone (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon) was a legendary singer, pianist, and civil rights activist. Her music blended classical, jazz, blues, and folk, and she used her art to address racial inequality. Songs like "Feeling Good," "I Put a Spell on You," and "Mississippi Goddam" remain timeless. The Nina Simone Plaza in her hometown features a bronze statue by artist Zenos Frudakis, showing Simone seated at a piano. The plaza also includes a garden and walking paths, serving as a cultural landmark. Simone's influence endures in modern music and activism.
June 22: Adele Releases 21
Key Facts: On June 22, 2011, Adele's second album 21 was released in the US. It became the best-selling album of 2011 with 5.82 million copies sold, earning multiple Grammys including Album of the Year.
Adele's 21 is a landmark album inspired by a broken relationship. Hits like "Rolling in the Deep," "Someone Like You," "Set Fire to the Rain," and "Rumour Has It" defined the early 2010s. The album spent 24 weeks at 1 on the Billboard 200 and topped charts worldwide. Its critical and commercial success earned Adele six Grammys at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. The album's raw emotion and powerful vocals resonated globally, making Adele a household name. It also spawned a sold-out tour and subsequent album 25. 21 remains one of the best-selling albums of all time.
June 23: No Royalties for The Isley Brothers’ Label
Key Facts: On June 23, 1977, a federal jury ruled that Motown Records was not entitled to royalties from The Isley Brothers' hit "It's Your Thing" because the band recorded it after leaving the label.
The Isley Brothers, an American R&B and soul group, had a longstanding relationship with Motown in the 1960s. After leaving the label in 1969, they formed their own T-Neck Records. "It's Your Thing" became their first independent single, reaching 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The legal case established important precedents about artist rights and label contracts. The song's success allowed The Isley Brothers to maintain creative and financial control, paving the way for future independent artists.
June 24: Alice Cooper for Governor!
Key Facts: During a concert in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 24, 1988, Alice Cooper announced he was running for governor of Arizona as a candidate for the "Wild Party." He proposed the slogan "A troubled man for troubled times."
Alice Cooper (born Vincent Furnier) is a shock rock pioneer known for theatrical performances. His gubernatorial bid was a publicity stunt in response to the impeachment of Governor Evan Mecham. Cooper never officially filed to run, but the announcement generated massive media coverage. The "Wild Party" was a satirical political platform, and Cooper's mock campaign highlighted his rebellious persona. Though he did not become governor, the event remains a memorable footnote in both music and political history.
June 25: The Strokes, Band of the Year
Key Facts: On June 25, 2002, the NME Awards named The Strokes Band of the Year and Best New Act. Their debut album Is This It also won Best Album.
The Strokes' debut album Is This It (2001) revitalized rock music in the early 2000s with its garage rock revival sound. The band's raw, lo-fi aesthetic and catchy riffs influenced a generation of indie bands. The NME Awards recognition solidified their impact. The album includes classics like "Last Nite," "Someday," and "Hard to Explain." The Strokes continued to release acclaimed albums like Room on Fire (2003) and The New Abnormal (2020), earning multiple awards. Their legacy as one of the most important rock bands of the 21st century endures.
From tragedy to triumph, this week in music history showcases the diverse and enduring power of artists to shape culture and inspire fans around the world.
Source: MSN News