On This Day
1966: The Beach Boys’ Gold Certifications
The Beach Boys concluded 1966 on a high note as their albums ‘Little Deuce Coupe’ and ‘Shut Down Volume 2,’ along with the hit single ‘Good Vibrations,’ were certified Gold by the RIAA.
1968: Janis Joplin’s Solo Debut
After departing from Big Brother and the Holding Company, 25-year-old Janis Joplin made her solo debut in Memphis, Tennessee, marking the beginning of her illustrious solo career.
1969: Diana Ross’s Final Performance with The Supremes
Diana Ross made her last appearance with The Supremes on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ performing ‘Someday, We’ll Be Together,’ signaling the end of an era for the iconic group.
1985: Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” Achieves Milestone
After 79 weeks, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” surpassed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as the second longest-lasting album in the Billboard 200’s Top 10 at that time, showcasing its enduring popularity.
1991: Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Tops UK Charts Again
A month after Freddie Mercury’s passing, Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’/’These Are the Days of Our Lives’ began a five-week run at the top of the UK Singles Chart, reasserting the song’s timeless appeal.
Birthdays
Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa, the avant-garde composer and musician known for his eclectic and innovative work, was born on this day in 1940. His contributions to music spanned genres and challenged conventional boundaries.
Carla Thomas
Born in 1942, Carla Thomas is celebrated as the “Queen of Memphis Soul.” Her hits like “Gee Whiz ” have left a lasting impact on the soul music genre.
Michael Tilson Thomas
American conductor and pianist Michael Tilson Thomas, born in 1944, is renowned for his tenure with the San Francisco Symphony and his dedication to contemporary classical music.
Carl Wilson
Born in 1946, Carl Wilson was a founding member of The Beach Boys, contributing his distinctive vocals and guitar work to the band’s iconic sound.
Samuel L. Jackson
While primarily known as an acclaimed actor, Samuel L. Jackson, born in 1948, has also made notable contributions to music, including his work on film soundtracks and collaborations with various artists.
Shaun Morgan
Born in 1978, Shaun Morgan is the lead vocalist and guitarist for the South African rock band Seether, known for hits like “Broken” and “Fake It.”
International Music News
Trent Reznor Prioritizes New Nine Inch Nails Album
Trent Reznor has confirmed that Nine Inch Nails are actively working on a new album, prioritizing this project over other commitments. After a period of relative quiet, the band resurged in 2025 with their “Peel It Back” world tour, beginning in Dublin, and the release of the “TRON: Ares” soundtrack in September. Reznor, alongside longtime collaborator Atticus Ross, has reignited his creative drive, expressing excitement about returning to the studio environment.
iHeartRadio Jingle Ball 2025 Airs Nationwide
The annual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, featuring performances by artists such as Ed Sheeran and Zara Larsson, aired on December 17 and is now available for streaming on Hulu. The event showcased a blend of pop and K-pop acts, celebrating the holiday season with a diverse lineup.
New Releases
Nick Jonas – “Gut Punch”
Nick Jonas has announced the release of his new single “Gut Punch” on New Year’s Day, ahead of his upcoming solo album “Sunday Best,” set for release on February 6, 2026.
Live Highlights
Woodlands Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Concert
On December 21, the Woodlands Symphony Orchestra invites the community to a festive evening of holiday music and sing-alongs at The Woodlands First Baptist Church in Texas. The program includes selections from Handel’s Messiah and a unique rendition of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Rock n Roll Xmas Spectacular in St. Cloud
The Paramount Center for the Arts in St. Cloud, Minnesota, hosts the Rock n Roll Xmas Spectacular on December 21. This event features an all-star cast performing rock-infused holiday classics, offering a high-energy celebration of the season.
Celebrate Terry Riley’s 90th with Free Piano Concert
In San Francisco, pianist Sarah Cahill performs a free concert at the Main Public Library to honor composer Terry Riley’s 90th birthday. The program includes Riley’s compositions and pieces inspired by his work.
Winter Solstice “Make Music” Parade & Stroll in Oakland
Oakland celebrates the Winter Solstice with a community music parade and stroll. Participants are encouraged to bring instruments or use their voices as they parade between local venues, enjoying craft beverages and entertainment.
Bluegrass & Brews in St. Cloud
Beaver Island Brewing Co. in St. Cloud, Minnesota, hosts a Bluegrass & Brews session on December 21. Musicians and listeners alike are invited to enjoy an afternoon of live bluegrass music paired with local brews.
Mezcal Legendario Domingo Tasting in San Francisco
The Ferry Building in San Francisco offers a Mezcal Legendario Domingo tasting event, providing attendees with a vibrant, region-inspired mezcal experience accompanied by live music.
Chanukah on Ice in Petaluma
The Petaluma Fairgrounds hosts “Chanukah on Ice,” featuring a Menorah lighting ceremony and ice skating, blending traditional Hanukkah celebrations with festive winter activities.
Jingle Jazz Tour in Charlotte
Middle C Jazz in Charlotte, North Carolina, presents the Jingle Jazz Tour featuring BK Jackson, Erin Stevenson, and Gino Rosaria. This smooth jazz event brings holiday cheer with soulful performances.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis in Milwaukee
The Riverside Theater in Milwaukee hosts Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas concert, a mesmerizing holiday tradition featuring a blend of classical and modern music against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve in Charlotte
The Spectrum Center in Charlotte welcomes the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour, offering a rock opera experience that has become a holiday staple.
Scene Notes & Industry Trends
Virtual Concerts Continue to Thrive
As the music industry adapts to changing times, virtual concerts remain a popular option for artists and fans alike. Platforms like Hulu and YouTube are hosting recorded performances, allowing audiences to enjoy live music experiences from the comfort of their homes.
Streaming Platforms Continue to Dominate Music Consumption
As of December 2025, streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music remain the primary means of music consumption, with artists and labels adapting their release strategies to cater to digital audiences.
Vinyl Resurgence Maintains Momentum
The vinyl revival continues, with sales reaching new heights in 2025, indicating a sustained interest in physical music formats among collectors and audiophiles.
Indie Spotlight
No Angels – “It’s Christmas”
German pop group No Angels released their first Christmas album, “It’s Christmas,” on November 21, 2025. The album features a blend of classic covers and original songs, showcasing the band’s versatility and festive spirit.
Lexie Liu – “Meta Ego”
Chinese pop singer Lexie Liu, celebrating her 26th birthday today, has released her latest single “Meta Ego.” The track blends electronic beats with introspective lyrics, showcasing her evolution as an artist in the global pop scene.
Maya Delilah – ‘The Long Way Round’
British singer-songwriter Maya Delilah’s debut album blends jazz-infused guitar work with soulful vocals, challenging gender stereotypes in the music industry and marking her as a rising star.
Sarah Cahill – Terry Riley Tribute Performance
Pianist Sarah Cahill’s performance celebrating Terry Riley’s 90th birthday showcases her dedication to contemporary classical music and her role in bringing avant-garde compositions to wider audiences.
Orquesta Northwest – Las Posadas
Orquesta Northwest’s Las Posadas event in Seattle highlights the ensemble’s commitment to cultural celebration and community engagement through music, offering a rich experience of Latin American traditions.