On This Day
1969: The Rolling Stones’ ‘Let It Bleed’ Tops UK Charts
The Rolling Stones’ eighth studio album, ‘Let It Bleed,’ featuring classics like ‘Gimme Shelter’ and ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want,’ reached number one on the UK albums chart. The album has since been certified Platinum in both the U.S. and the U.K.
1980: John Lennon’s ‘ Starting Over’ Hits No. 1 in the UK
Less than two weeks after his tragic death, John Lennon’s single ‘ Starting Over’ ascended to the top of the UK charts. The track, from his album ‘Double Fantasy,’ also achieved number one status in the U.S.
2005: Mary J. Blige Releases ‘The Breakthrough’
Mary J. Blige released her seventh studio album, ‘The Breakthrough,’ featuring collaborations with artists like will.i.am and Jay-Z. The album topped the Billboard 200 and included the hit single ‘Be Without You,’ which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Birthdays
1945: Peter Criss
Born in New York City, Peter Criss co-founded the iconic rock band KISS and served as its original drummer. His contributions helped shape the band’s distinctive sound and theatrical performances.
1948: Alan Parsons
English audio engineer and musician Alan Parsons, born on this day, is renowned for his work on seminal albums like The Beatles’ ‘Abbey Road’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon.’ He later formed The Alan Parsons Project, achieving commercial success with hits like ‘Eye in the Sky.’
JoJo
Born on December 20, 1990, JoJo is an American singer and actress who gained fame at 13 with her debut single ‘Leave ,’ making her the youngest solo artist to top the Billboard Pop charts. She has since released several successful albums and appeared in films like ‘Aquamarine’ and ‘RV.’
International Music News
Christina Aguilera’s ‘Christmas in Paris’ Airs
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of her holiday album ‘My Kind of Christmas,’ Christina Aguilera’s special ‘Christmas in Paris’ aired, featuring performances filmed in front of the Musée du Quai Branly with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. The special included holiday classics and guest appearances by Sheila E. and French artist Yseult.
New Releases
Pentatonix – ‘Christmas in the City’
The a cappella group Pentatonix released their eighth Christmas-themed album, ‘Christmas in the City,’ featuring collaborations with Frank Sinatra (posthumous appearance) and JoJo. The album includes original songs and holiday classics, showcasing the group’s vocal prowess and festive spirit.
Scene Notes & Industry Trends
Virtual Bands Top Charts
Huntrix, a virtual band from the 2025 film ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ became the first girl group since Destiny’s Child in 2001 and the first South Korean female act to top the Billboard Hot 100 with their single ‘Golden.’ This marks a significant moment in the rise of virtual artists in the music industry.
Indie Spotlight
Sixpence None the Richer – ‘O’Night Divine: A Sixpence Christmas’
After nearly two decades, Sixpence None the Richer embarked on a Christmas tour titled ‘O’Night Divine: A Sixpence Christmas,’ delivering holiday classics with their distinctive indie-rock sound. The tour included a performance at the South Orange Performing Arts Center, bringing nostalgic joy to fans.
Live Highlights
Old Crow Medicine Show’s Holiday Hootenanny
Old Crow Medicine Show brought their ‘Holiday Hootenanny’ to the Bergen Performing Arts Center, featuring special guest Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. The performance blended traditional folk with festive cheer, creating a memorable holiday experience for attendees.