This Day in Music
Michael Fitzgibbon
A legendary recording from a legendary artist, a legendary monster is born, and Elvis records a legendary song, on this legendary day in music. (I say “legendary” a lot.)
Let’s Dance
1983: Legendary British singer-songwriter, musician, and actor, David Bowie releases his 15th studio album, “Let's Dance.” The first record since 1974's “Diamond Dogs” not to feature Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti, the album was instead co-produced with Nile Rogers.
The band lineup features session players from Rogers's band, Chic, along with a future legendary guitarist named Stevie Ray Vaughan and the great drummer, Omar Hakim.
Often overlooked due to the post-disco sound of the dance-oriented tracks, this is one of Bowie's best records. The full 7:38 version of the title track, “Let's Dance,” also ranks among Bowie's best songs. The edited-for-radio No. 1 single version at 4:07 does not do the song justice.
Also featured is “China Girl,” co-written by Bowie and Iggy Pop and first appearing on Pop's debut solo album, “The Idiot” in 1977, it gets an art-rock re-work that becomes a highlight of the LP, but was also edited for radio. The album version is recommended listening, along with the deep cuts, “Without You,” “Ricochet” and “Cat People (Putting Out Fire).”
The remaining single, “Modern Love,” peaked at No. 14 in the U.S., and No. 2 in both the U.K. and Canada.
Originally receiving mixed reviews, retrospective ratings all give the album its due, with most writers ranking it in the highest twenty percentile. It was another huge commercial success for Bowie, going to No. 1 in the U.K., Europe, Canada, and Australia, and to No. 4 on the Billboard 200. It was certified 5x Platinum in Canada, Platinum in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, and sold over eleven million copies worldwide.
Three Friends
1972: “Three Friends,” the third studio album by British progressive rock group Gentle Giant is released.
A predominantly instrumental collection of six mid-length tracks co-written by all band members except guitarist Gary Green and drummer Malcom Mortimore, it's a concept record about three childhood friends whose lives take them in various directions, ultimately to the dissatisfaction of each. Ending on a cliffhanger, it is not revealed if the friends ever reunite.
“Three Friends” is the only studio appearance by Malcolm Mortimore with Gentle Giant. He was unfortunately involved in a serious motorcycle accident, which due to his long recovery left the band no choice but to hire a new drummer, John Weathers, who appeared on all eight subsequent Gentle Giant studio albums.
Earning universal acclaim with AllMusic ranking it 5/5 Stars, Sea of Tranquility also rating it 5/5 Stars, and The Daily Vault grading it with an A, as a somewhat esoteric prog album, it did not meet with great commercial success. It peaked at No. 197 on the Billboard 200 and No. 45 on the U.K. Independent Albums chart.
With stunning musicianship, Gentle Giant is a band all audiophiles should listen to at least once, which I guarantee will not be the last time they listen.
Iron Maiden
1980: Iron Maiden, the eclectic British heavy metal band, hits the scene with their debut studio album, “Iron Maiden.” The cover introduces the band's mascot, Eddie, a zombified skeleton monster who takes on many shapes, images and sizes over the course of appearing on every cover of the band's 17 studio albums, along with all of their merchandise, tour collateral, and live albums.
Though the record's production was not quite polished, the band's style and songs impressed critics and the public alike, receiving near universal acclaim from reviewers, and earning millions of fans across the world. In the U.K., the album peaked at No. 4, and it was certified Platinum in both the U.K. and Canada. A very solid debut, Iron Maiden would only get better and bigger, and ultimately become one of the legendary acts of the heavy metal genre.
Still going strong today, the band kicks off their Run For Your Lives World Tour on May 23, 2026 in Athens, Greece. Though long-time drummer Nicko McBrain will be missed on this tour after retiring from live performances in 2025 due to a stroke, the talented Simon Dawson will be playing with the band. Nicko is still part of the organization and continues to record studio tracks for the group, 44 years since joining in 1982.
The Daily Elvis
1969: Elvis releases the American Top-10 and International No. 1 single, “In The Ghetto,” a song about an economically disadvantaged boy born and raised in a poor urban neighbourhood in Chicago. Written by frequent Elvis contributor Mac Davis, the track first appears on the album, “From Elvis in Memphis,” released in 1969.
