This Week in Music History: December 1st

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Happy Monday from 93.7 BOB FM! As the year winds down, we look back at the historical milestones that shaped the music we love. This week in history (December 1st through 7th) gives us the tragic end to a rising career, a memorable rock star arrest, and the birth of a holiday classic!

 

December 2, 1995: The Voice is Silenced

On December 2, 1995, one of the most talented voices of the ’90s was tragically silenced when Blind Melon lead singer Shannon Hoon passed away at the age of 28.

  • Lasting Legacy: Though his life was cut short, his band’s music left a profound mark on rock and roll, particularly their massive 1993 hit, “No Rain.”

  • The Comeback: Earlier that year, the band had released their second album, Soup. Their emotional and unique sound continues to be a staple on modern classic and adult hits radio.

 

December 7, 1970: A Holiday Classic is Born

Every great holiday playlist needs this song! On December 7, 1970, The Carpenters released their timeless single, “Merry Christmas Darling.”

  • A Seasonal Standard: Although the song was first recorded in 1966 when Karen Carpenter was just 16, the 1970 single became an instant classic and continues to be one of the most played holiday songs on Adult Contemporary radio to this day.

 

December 5, 1980: The Boss Gets Busted

Even rock legends have run-ins with the law. On December 5, 1980, Bruce Springsteen was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee, after a fan reported him to the police for carrying a handgun.

  • A Misunderstanding: Springsteen immediately posted bond, and the charges were later dropped when it was determined the firearm was not loaded. It was a minor hiccup during his massive The River tour, but a colorful footnote in the history of The Boss!

 

This Week’s #1 Hits

Date
Artist
Song Title
Context / BOB Fact
Dec 1, 1973
Carpenters
“Top of the World”
One of the duo’s biggest hits, reaching #1 on the US Pop and AC charts.
Dec 3, 1977
The Bee Gees
“How Deep Is Your Love”
The first of three consecutive #1 hits from the *Saturday Night Fever* soundtrack.
Dec 3, 1983
Lionel Richie
“All Night Long (All Night)”
The smash hit from his *Can’t Slow Down* album that spent four weeks at #1.
Dec 5, 1998
Goo Goo Dolls
“Iris”
The iconic ballad from the movie *City of Angels* that topped the Adult Pop chart for 18 weeks.
Dec 7, 1991
Michael Jackson
“Black or White”
The huge lead single from his *Dangerous* album, featuring guitarist Slash.

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