1946 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1946 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 05 Jan Show Boat musical opens on Broadway: The musical 'Show Boat' premiered on Broadway on January 5, 1946, marking a significant moment in American theater. This production, based on Edna Ferber's novel, is noted for its innovative integration of music and narrative, addressing themes of race and social issues. source: broadwayworld.com
- 08 Jan Birth of Robby Krieger, The Doors Guitarist: Robby Krieger, the American guitarist and founding member of the rock band The Doors, was born on January 8, 1946, in Los Angeles, California. He co-wrote many of the band's hits, including "Light My Fire," "Love Me Two Times," "Touch Me," and "Love Her Madly." After The Doors disbanded, Krieger continued to perform and record with other musicians. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jan Tony Kaye born in England: Tony Kaye, an English keyboardist known for his work with the band Yes, was born on January 11, 1946. He is recognized for his contributions to progressive rock music and his distinctive playing style. source: britannica.com
- 21 Jan "Nellie Bly" musical opens on Broadway: The musical "Nellie Bly" premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in New York City on January 21, 1946, featuring Joy Hodges in the title role. source: ibdb.com
- 31 Jan Terry Kath: Chicago Band Guitarist Born: Terry Kath was born, a talented rock musician who would become a founding member of the influential band Chicago, known for his exceptional guitar skills and significant contribution to the band's signature sound.
- 27 Feb Road to Utopia film premiere in New York City: The 1946 American musical comedy film 'Road to Utopia,' starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and Dorothy Lamour, premiered in New York City on February 27, 1946. Directed by Hal Walker, the film is the fourth installment in the 'Road to ...' series, following the adventures of two vaudeville performers in Alaska. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay in 1947. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Mar Frank Sinatra's First Album Release: Frank Sinatra's debut album, "The Voice of Frank Sinatra," was released on March 4, 1946, by Columbia Records. The album, a set of four 78 rpm records, featured songs like "Night and Day" and "The Girl Next Door," marking the beginning of Sinatra's illustrious recording career. source: secondhandsongs.com
- 01 Apr Birth of Ronnie Lane: Ronnie Lane, a notable British musician who would become a key member of iconic rock bands The Small Faces and The Faces, was born. He would later become known for his musical contributions before his death in 1997.
- 02 Apr Birth of Pearl Musical Instrument Company: Pearl Musical Instrument Company was founded on April 2, 1946, and has since become a prominent manufacturer of drums and percussion instruments. The company is known for its quality craftsmanship and innovation. source: pearldrum.com
- 09 Apr Les Gray Profile: Les Gray was a vocalist for the band Mud, known for their hit song "The Cat Crept In", representing the emerging pop music scene of the mid-20th century.
- 13 Apr "The Day Before Spring" closes on Broadway: The musical "The Day Before Spring," with music by Frederick Loewe and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, closed on Broadway after 167 performances. source: ibdb.com
- 18 Apr Call Me Mister Broadway Debut: The musical 'Call Me Mister' opens at the National Theater in New York City, beginning a successful run of 734 performances.
- 24 May Birth of Steve Upton, Rock Drummer: Steve Upton was born, who would later become the rock drummer for the influential British rock band Wishbone Ash. He played on notable albums such as 'There's the Rub' and 'Locked In', contributing to the band's progressive rock and dual-lead guitar sound.
- 26 May Darius Milhaud's Piano Concerto Premiere: Darius Milhaud's Third Concert for Piano and Orchestra premieres in Prague, showcasing the composer's innovative musical style and contributing to the mid-20th century classical music landscape.
- 03 Jun Michael Clarke Birth: Michael Clarke, an American drummer who would later become famous as a member of the influential rock band The Byrds, is born. He would play a significant role in the 1960s folk-rock music scene.
- 08 Jun Lute Song Broadway Closure: The Broadway musical 'Lute Song' closed on June 8, 1946, after 142 performances. Directed by John Houseman, the production featured Yul Brynner and Mary Martin in leading roles. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Jun Birth of Matthew Fisher: Matthew Fisher, the English musician and member of the rock band Procol Harum, was born on June 10, 1946. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jun Annie Get Your Gun Broadway Premiere: The Broadway musical 'Annie Get Your Gun' premiered on June 16, 1946. This production became a classic, featuring music by Irving Berlin and telling the story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley. source: britannica.com
- 17 Jun Barry Manilow birth: Barry Manilow, the renowned American singer-songwriter, was born on June 17, 1946. He is known for his hit songs and contributions to the music industry, particularly in the pop genre. source: britannica.com
- 20 Jun Film Release: 'Anna and the King of Siam': The drama film 'Anna and the King of Siam' was released, featuring acclaimed actors Irene Dunne and Rex Harrison. The movie, based on a true story, would later inspire the famous musical 'The King and I'.
- 22 Jun Birth of Eliades Ochoa, Cuban Guitarist: Eliades Ochoa, a renowned Cuban guitarist and singer, was born in Songo-La Maya, Cuba. He began playing the guitar at six and later joined Cuarteto Patria in 1978. His involvement with the Buena Vista Social Club and the 1999 film of the same name brought him international fame. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Jun Broadway Musical Closes: "Billion Dollar Baby" ends its theatrical run at the Alvin Theater in New York City after 219 performances.
- 22 Jul Birth of Estelle Bennett: Estelle Bennett was born in New York City, who would later become a renowned rock musician and member of the iconic girl group The Ronettes. Her musical contributions would significantly influence the pop and rock music landscape of the 1960s.
- 25 Jul Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis first comedy show: Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis performed their first show as a comedy duo on July 25, 1946, at the Copacabana nightclub in New York City. Their partnership became one of the most famous in entertainment history, blending music and comedy. source: britannica.com
- 31 Jul Gary Lewis born: Gary Lewis, American musician and leader of the 1960s pop band Gary Lewis & the Playboys, was born on July 31, 1945, in Newark, New Jersey. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Sep Barry Gibb born in the Isle of Man: Barry Gibb, the famous musician and member of the Bee Gees, was born on September 1, 1946. He became known for his distinctive falsetto voice and significant contributions to pop music. source: britannica.com
- 04 Sep Broadway premiere of 'A Flag Is Born': The play 'A Flag Is Born,' advocating for the creation of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, premiered on Broadway. The production featured Paul Muni, Celia Adler, and Marlon Brando, and was directed by Luther Adler with music by Kurt Weill. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Sep Buddy Miles, Musician Born: On September 5, 1946, Buddy Miles, an American musician and drummer known for his work with Jimi Hendrix and the Band of Gypsys, was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Miles was influential in the development of funk and rock music.
- 09 Sep Birth of musician Billy Preston: Billy Preston, an American musician known for his work as a keyboardist and singer, was born. He gained prominence for his contributions to The Beatles and later had a successful solo career.
- 14 Sep Top Song: Blue Skies by Count Basie: During the week of September 9-15, 1946, 'Blue Skies' by Count Basie & His Orchestra topped the music charts, representing the popular musical taste of the post-World War II era. Count Basie, a prominent jazz bandleader, was at the height of his popularity during this period. source: takemeback.to
- 17 Sep Gypsy Lady Broadway premiere: The musical 'Gypsy Lady' premiered on Broadway on September 17, 1946. It was notable for its unique blend of music and storytelling, contributing to the post-war cultural landscape of American theater. source: ibdb.com
- 18 Sep Birth of Rocío Jurado: Rocío Jurado, a renowned Spanish singer and actress, was born on September 18, 1946. She became one of the most celebrated figures in Spanish music, known for her powerful voice and emotional performances. source: abc.es
- 30 Sep Héctor Lavoe born: Héctor Lavoe, a prominent Puerto Rican salsa singer, was born on September 30, 1946. He became known for his unique voice and contributions to the salsa music genre, influencing many artists in the Latin music scene. source: biography.com
- 10 Oct Ben Vereen born in Laurinburg, North Carolina: Ben Vereen, an American actor, dancer, and singer, was born on October 10, 1946, in Laurinburg, North Carolina. He gained prominence for his performances in the original Broadway productions of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Pippin,' the latter earning him a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1973. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Oct Birth of Daryl Hall, Rock Musician: Daryl Franklin Hohl, known professionally as Daryl Hall, was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He is best known as the co-founder and principal lead vocalist of the musical duo Hall & Oates. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Oct Birth of Lacy J Dalton: Lacy J Dalton, an American country music singer, was born on October 13, 1946. She gained fame in the 1980s with hits like "16th Avenue" and has been recognized for her contributions to the genre. source: britannica.com
- 12 Nov Song of the South premiere: Walt Disney's film 'Song of the South' premiered at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 12, 1946. The event featured a parade, radio shows, and was attended by over 5,000 people, benefiting local charities. source: songofthesouth.net
- 22 Nov Birth of Aston 'Family Man' Barrett: Aston 'Family Man' Barrett, a significant Jamaican musician and original member of the legendary reggae band The Wailers, was born. Barrett would play a crucial role in shaping the sound of reggae music alongside Bob Marley.
- 23 Nov Gypsy Lady Broadway Performance Closes: The Broadway musical 'Gypsy Lady' closed on November 23, 1946, after a brief run. The show was notable for its music and performances, contributing to the vibrant theater scene of the time. source: ibdb.com
- 01 Dec Birth of Gilbert O'Sullivan: Gilbert O'Sullivan, the Irish singer-songwriter known for his hit songs in the 1970s, was born on December 1, 1946. He gained fame for his unique style and memorable melodies, becoming a prominent figure in pop music. source: britannica.com
- 08 Dec Birth of Graham Knight, Marmalade Musician: Graham Knight was born, who would later become a notable rock musician as a member of the band Marmalade. While a personal milestone, his musical career would contribute to the cultural landscape of mid-20th century popular music.
- 10 Dec Gloria Loring Birth: Gloria Loring (born Gloria Jean Goff), an American singer and actress, was born in New York City. She would later gain recognition for her musical and acting careers.
- 11 Dec Hank Williams Begins Recording with Sterling Label: Legendary country music artist Hank Williams starts recording with the Sterling record label, marking an important milestone in his influential musical career.
- 14 Dec Broadway Musical Closes: A Broadway musical, which has not been specifically named, closed on December 14, 1946. This closure is part of the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of Broadway theater during that era. source: ibdb.com
- 16 Dec Benny Andersson, ABBA musician, born in Sweden: Benny Andersson, a member of the Swedish pop group ABBA, was born on December 16, 1946, in Sweden. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Dec Noel Coward's Musical Premiere: Noel Coward's musical 'Pacific 1860' premiered in London, showcasing the renowned playwright and composer's theatrical talents during the post-World War II era.
- 21 Dec Birth of Carl Wilson: Carl Wilson, co-founder of the Beach Boys and influential musician, was born on December 21, 1946. He played a significant role in the band's sound and success during the 1960s. source: biography.com
- 22 Dec Bal Negre closes Broadway run: The musical 'Bal Negre' closed its Broadway run on December 22, 1946. The show was notable for its innovative choreography and music, contributing to the evolution of Broadway productions. source: ibdb.com
- 29 Dec Birth of Marianne Faithfull, British singer and cultural icon: Marianne Faithfull, a British singer and cultural icon, was born on December 29, 1946. She gained fame in the 1960s and is known for her distinctive voice and artistic contributions. Her career spans several decades, influencing music and culture. source: britannica.com
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