On This Day
1941: The Andrews Sisters
The trio released their iconic wartime hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” on this day.
1978: Ozzy Osbourne Returns
Two months after quitting, Ozzy Osbourne officially rejoined Black Sabbath to record the Never Say Die! album.
1987: Aretha Franklin Hall of Fame
On this day, it was announced that Aretha Franklin would become the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
1988: Whitney Houston’s Record
Houston achieved her sixth consecutive U.S. No. 1 single with “So Emotional,” further cementing her chart dominance in the late 1980s.
2016: Adele’s ’25’ Tops U.S. Charts
On January 2, 2016, Adele’s third studio album, ’25’, reached number one on the U.S. album chart. The album was a massive commercial success, debuting at number one in more than 25 markets and breaking first-week sales records in multiple countries, including the United Kingdom and United States. In the U.S., the album sold 3.38 million copies in its first week of release, marking the largest single-week sales for an album since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking point-of-sale music purchases in 1991.
Birthdays
Roger Miller
Born on January 2, 1936, Roger Miller was an American singer-songwriter and musician known for his honky-tonk-influenced novelty songs and chart-topping country hits. His signature song, ‘King of the Road’, remains a classic in the country music genre.
International Music News
Paul Simon to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 2026 Grammys
The 2026 Grammy Awards will honor several legendary artists with Lifetime Achievement Awards, including Paul Simon, Cher, Chaka Khan, and Carlos Santana. Paul Simon, at 84, is recognized as ‘one of music’s great storytellers’ with over six decades of influence in modern music, as well as for his humanitarian work in conservation, education, the arts, and public health.
New Releases
Doechii & SZA: “GIRL, GET UP”
The Kid LAROI: “BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE”
Sabrina Carpenter: “SUCH A FUNNY WAY”
Nick Jonas: “GUT PUNCH”
Scene Notes & Industry Trends
Brit Awards 2026 Moves to Manchester
For the first time in its 46-year history, the Brit Awards will be held outside London. The 2026 ceremony is scheduled for February 28 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, marking a significant shift in the event’s tradition and highlighting Manchester’s growing prominence in the UK music scene.
2026 Public Domain Update
As of January 1, 2026, iconic compositions from 1930—including the Gershwins’ “I Got Rhythm” and “Embraceable You”—plus 1925 sound recordings like Bessie Smith’s “St. Louis Blues” (featuring Louis Armstrong), have officially entered the U.S. public domain.
NewJeans Future Uncertain
The K-pop industry is closely monitoring the status of girl group NewJeans. Following a prolonged legal feud with their label, Ador, member Danielle Marsh has reportedly been dropped from the group.
Indie Spotlight
Gabriel Douglas – Live at Turf Club
Bearded blues singer Gabriel Douglas, known for his work with the4onthefloor, is set to perform a special New Year’s show at the Turf Club in St. Paul on January 2, 2026. Fans can expect a dynamic performance showcasing Douglas’s signature sound and stage presence.