The year 2018 will feature some huge anniversaries for significant music releases, encompassing stage, film and video television.
March 16, 1968: “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”
On March 16, we celebrate the late, great Otis Redding, whose song Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay was released. The song was recorded just three days before Otis’ death in a 1967 plane crash. The song went to number 1.
April 6, 1968: 2001: A Space Odyssey
Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film turns 50 in 2018, a pioneering work in sci-fi. Few people can think of the movie without hearing its theme song, “Thus Spake Zarathustra.”
May 13, 1978: Saturday Night Fever Dominates the Pop Charts
Saturday Night Fever celebrates an important milestone this year, as it became the first movie soundtrack to score four number 1 singles. The record still stands today. Yvonne Elliman “If I Can’t Have You” went to the top of the charts on May 13, 1978. The other number 1’s were from the Bee Gees – “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep is Your Love.”
June 16, 1978: Grease is the Word
Grease was the word back in 1978 and now it’s 40 years young. The soundtrack was an instant hit, and its two stars became heartthrobs.
April 19, 1988: Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
Public Enemy penetrated the public consciousness 30 years ago on April 19, 1988, when their album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back made its debut.
August 8, 1988: NWA’s Straight Outta Compton
NWA broke worldwide in 1988, when Dr. Dre, MC Ren, Eazy-E and Ice Cube released their explosive record.
January 2, 1993: “I Will Always Love You” Hits No. 1
Whitney Houston’s cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became one of the biggest hit records of all time on this date 25 years ago.
September 30, 1993: “ . . . Baby One More Time” Scandalizes MTV
Britney Spears released her first number one hit 25 years ago. The record sold 10 million copies and the accompanying video was a controversial hit on MTV.
July 23, 1993: Poetic Justice Premieres
The drama Poetic Justice debuted on this day 25 years ago, starring Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. The movie featured Jackson as a sensitive woman who faces the murder of her boyfriend with the help of poetry. Tupac is a hard-nosed mailman who falls for Jackson’s character. The movie included a big hit for Jackson, “That’s the Way Love Goes,” from her top-rated album janet.
July 14, 1998: Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy is Mine”
Monica and Brandy had a big pop rivalry in 1998, but the put it aside to do a duet, “The Boy is Mine,” which won the Grammy for best R&B performance by a duo.
July 18, 2008: Mama Mia! is a Hit
A movie based on the music of Abba became a big hit in 2008, as Meryl Streep and various suitors camped it up to Abba’ classics. The movie reinvigorated interest in the Swedish group, leading to a Broadway show. A sequel will arrive just in time for its tenth anniversary.
September 26, 2008: “Poker Face” Debuts
On this date ten years ago, Lady Gaga scored her biggest hit to that point with “Poker Face,” from her debut album, The Fame.
September 12, 2008: Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”
Taylor Swift scored a hit with “Love Story,” a single inspired by Romeo and Juliet.