This Week in Music History: December 8th

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Happy Monday from 93.7 BOB FM! As the year closes, this week in history (December 8th through 14th) contains some of the most memorable and emotional moments in rock and roll, including an incredible chart comeback and the loss of a musical icon.

 

December 8, 1980: The Day the Music Stood Still

On December 8, 1980, the world lost one of its greatest musical voices when John Lennon was tragically murdered outside his home in New York City. The loss stunned the globe and ushered in a period of mourning for fans everywhere.

  • Lasting Legacy: Though his life was cut short, his work with The Beatles and his powerful solo career, which gave us hits like “Imagine” and “Give Peace a Chance,” continues to inspire generations.

  • A Final #1: Ironically, his song “(Just Like) Starting Over” was climbing the charts at the time and hit #1 shortly after his death, serving as a powerful tribute.

 

December 9, 1978: A Night to Remember

On December 9, 1978, the movie that turned the Bee Gees into disco superstars (and made John Travolta a sensation) made its network television debut.

  • Saturday Night Fever: The film premiered on ABC, featuring one of the best-selling and most influential movie soundtracks of all time. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Jive Talkin’,” and “How Deep Is Your Love” became permanent fixtures in pop culture and on the airwaves.

 

December 12, 1981: A Surprise Hit for the Righteous Brothers

Sometimes, the second time is the charm. On December 12, 1981, The Righteous Brothers‘ classic 1965 single “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” returned to the UK charts and became a major hit all over again.

  • The Movie Effect (Part 1): The song’s resurgence was due to its prominent feature in the movie Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. The song’s soulful, dramatic power made it a perfect fit for the blockbuster, introducing the timeless classic to a whole new generation of fans.

 

This Week’s #1 Hits: Music History Trivia

Date
Artist
Song Title
Context / BOB Fact
Dec 8, 1990
Mariah Carey
“Love Takes Time”
The second of her record-breaking nineteen US #1 singles.
Dec 10, 1977
Fleetwood Mac
“You Make Loving Fun”
The fourth major single release from their classic *Rumours* album.
Dec 11, 1982
Daryl Hall & John Oates
“Maneater”
The duo’s fifth US #1 hit, showcasing their transition to a rockier sound.
Dec 13, 1969
Rolling Stones
“Honky Tonk Women”
The lead single from the US version of their album *Let It Bleed*.
Dec 13, 1980
John Lennon
“(Just Like) Starting Over”
Hit #1 posthumously, becoming an anthem of remembrance.

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