1947 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1947 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 04 Jan Show Boat musical ends Broadway run: The musical 'Show Boat' concluded its Broadway run on January 4, 1947. This production was significant in American theater history, known for its innovative integration of music and narrative, addressing themes of race and social issues. source: ibdb.com
- 08 Jan Terry Sylvester Birth: Terry Sylvester was born, who would later become a notable rock musician and member of the popular band The Hollies, known for their hit song 'The Air that I Breathe'.
- 09 Jan Street Scene Broadway Production: On January 9, 1947, the Broadway production of 'Street Scene' opened at the Adelphi Theatre in New York City. The musical, composed by Kurt Weill with lyrics by Langston Hughes, is set in a New York City tenement and explores the lives of its diverse residents. The production received critical acclaim for its innovative music and compelling storytelling.
- 10 Jan Finian's Rainbow Broadway Premiere: The musical 'Finian's Rainbow' premiered on January 10, 1947, at the 46th Street Theatre in New York City. The production ran for 725 performances and was directed by Bretaigne Windust, with choreography by Michael Kidd. The cast featured Ella Logan as Sharon, Donald Richards as Woody, and Albert Sharpe as Finian. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jan Arthur Honegger's 4th Symphony Debuts: Swiss composer Arthur Honegger's 4th Symphony was premiered in Basel, Switzerland, contributing to the mid-20th century classical music landscape.
- 30 Jan Birth of Steve Marriott, rock musician: Steve Marriott, an influential English rock musician and songwriter, was born on January 30, 1947. He is best known as the lead singer of the Small Faces and Humble Pie, contributing significantly to the rock music scene. source: britannica.com
- 01 Feb Shostakovich becomes conservatory professor: On February 1, 1947, composer Dmitri Shostakovich was appointed as a professor at the Leningrad Conservatory. This position allowed him to influence a new generation of musicians and composers in the Soviet Union. source: britannica.com
- 02 Feb Birth of Melanie Safka, American Singer-Songwriter: Melanie Safka, known for her contributions to music as a singer-songwriter, was born on February 2, 1947. She gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly for her hit songs and performances at major music festivals. source: biography.com
- 13 Feb Tony Butler - Rock Musician: Tony Butler, rock bassist known for his work with the Scottish band Big Country, was noted for his contributions to the band's notable albums "It's a Big Country" and "Wonderland".
- 15 Feb John Adams, renowned composer, born in Worcester, Massachusetts: John Coolidge Adams, an American composer and conductor, was born on February 15, 1947, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is known for his works in contemporary classical music, including operas and orchestral pieces. Adams has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2003 for his composition 'On the Transmigration of Souls.' source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Feb Count Basie's 'Open the Door, Richard' Tops Billboard Chart: 'Open the Door, Richard' by Count Basie and His Orchestra reached the top of the Billboard Best Sellers in Stores record chart, highlighting the popularity of big band and jazz music in the late 1940s.
- 25 Feb Birth of Doug Yule, Velvet Underground musician: On February 25, 1947, Doug Yule, an American musician known for his work with the Velvet Underground, was born in New York City. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Mar Freddy Martin's Musical Achievement: The song 'Managua, Nicaragua' by Freddy Martin and His Orchestra reached the top position on the Billboard Best Sellers in Stores record chart, highlighting the popular music landscape of the mid-20th century.
- 06 Mar Notable Births on March 6, 1947: On March 6, 1947, several notable individuals were born, including Rob Reiner, an American actor and filmmaker; Dick Fosbury, an American high jumper who revolutionized the sport with the 'Fosbury Flop'; and Kiki Dee, an English singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Mar Birth of Jennifer Warnes: Jennifer Warnes, a versatile musician known for her work as a singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer, was born in Seattle, Washington. Throughout her career, she would become renowned for her collaborations and critically acclaimed albums.
- 13 Mar Brigadoon musical opens on Broadway: The musical 'Brigadoon' opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York City on March 13, 1947. Directed by Robert Lewis and choreographed by Agnes de Mille, the production ran for 581 performances, concluding on July 31, 1948. The original cast included David Brooks as Tommy Albright, Marion Bell as Fiona MacLaren, and Pamela Britton as Meg Brockie. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Mar Mike Kellie: Rock Drummer Birth: Mike Kellie, a notable rock drummer known for his work with bands like Spooky Tooth, was born on March 24, 1947. His contributions to rock music have been recognized by fans and musicians alike. source: allmusic.com
- 25 Mar Birth of Elton John: Reginald Kenneth Dwight, known professionally as Elton John, was born on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England. He is a British singer, songwriter, and pianist whose music and showmanship have had a significant, lasting effect on the music industry. His songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful in history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Apr Emmylou Harris born: Emmylou Harris, an influential American singer-songwriter, was born on April 2, 1947. She is known for her contributions to country music and has won numerous awards throughout her career. source: biography.com
- 16 Apr Birth of Gerry Rafferty: Gerry Rafferty was born in Paisley, Scotland. He would later become a renowned musician, guitarist, and vocalist, famously known for the hit song 'Baker Street'.
- 27 Apr Pete Ham born in Swansea, Wales: Pete Ham, the lead singer and guitarist of the band Badfinger, was born on April 27, 1947, in Swansea, Wales. He became known for his songwriting and vocal talents, contributing significantly to the band's success in the 1970s. Ham's legacy continues to influence musicians today. source: bbc.com
- 29 Apr Tommy James - Rock Musician: Tommy James, an American rock musician known for hits like 'Crimson and Clover,' was born on April 29, 1947. He gained fame in the 1960s and 70s, becoming a significant figure in the music industry. His work continues to resonate with fans of classic rock. source: allmusic.com
- 10 May Birth of musician Dave Mason on May 10, 1947: Dave Mason, a British musician and founding member of the rock band Traffic, was born on May 10, 1947. He is known for his contributions to rock music and has had a successful solo career. source: britannica.com
- 11 May Death of composer Else JT Rangström on May 11, 1947: Else JT Rangström, a notable Swedish composer, passed away on May 11, 1947. She was known for her contributions to Swedish music and her works often reflected her national heritage. source: britannica.com
- 01 Jun Ronnie Wood's birth: Ronnie Wood, the English rock musician known for his work with The Rolling Stones, was born on June 1, 1947, in Hillingdon, Middlesex, England. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Jun 'Temptation' Tops Music Charts: The song 'Temptation' reached the top of the music charts on this date, becoming a significant hit in the post-war music scene. Its popularity reflected the changing tastes in music during the late 1940s. source: billboard.com
- 10 Jul Birth of Arlo Guthrie: Arlo Guthrie, an American folk musician and son of Woody Guthrie, was born on July 10, 1947. He is known for his contributions to the folk music revival and his iconic song 'Alice's Restaurant.' source: biography.com
- 19 Jul Brian May birth: Brian May, the renowned guitarist of the rock band Queen, was born on July 19, 1947. He is also known for his work in astrophysics and his contributions to music and culture. source: britannica.com
- 21 Jul Birth of Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam): Cat Stevens, known for his hit songs in the 1970s, was born on July 21, 1947, in London, England. He later converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam, focusing on philanthropic efforts and music that reflects his faith. source: britannica.com
- 05 Aug Rick Derringer Birth: Birth of Rick Derringer, a notable rock musician known for composing "I am the Real American", which became famous as Hulk Hogan's wrestling theme song.
- 23 Aug Keith Moon birth: Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who, was born on August 23, 1947. Known for his energetic performances and innovative drumming style, Moon became a significant figure in rock music history. source: rollingstone.com
- 18 Sep Country Music at Carnegie Hall: Country music legends Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, marking the venue's first-ever country music performance and symbolizing the genre's growing cultural significance.
- 27 Sep Birth of Meat Loaf, iconic rock musician: Meat Loaf, born Marvin Lee Aday on September 27, 1947, was an American rock musician and actor. He gained fame with his 1977 album 'Bat Out of Hell,' which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. Meat Loaf's theatrical performances and powerful vocals made him a beloved figure in rock music. source: britannica.com
- 02 Oct Music in My Heart Broadway debut: The musical 'Music in My Heart' premiered on Broadway at the Strand Theatre in New York City on October 2, 1947. The production featured a score by Chet Forrest and Bob Wright, with performances by Tony Martin and Rita Hayworth. source: broadwayworld.com
- 09 Oct High Button Shoes Broadway premiere: The musical 'High Button Shoes' premiered on Broadway at the New Century Theatre on October 9, 1947. The production, featuring music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Sammy Cahn, ran for 727 performances. source: ibdb.com
- 16 Oct Bob Weir birth: Bob Weir, the American musician and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, was born on October 16, 1947. He is known for his contributions to rock music and his distinctive guitar playing style. source: gratefuldead.com
- 25 Oct "Under the Counter" Broadway Play Closes: "Under the Counter," a musical comedy by Arthur Macrae, Harold Purcell, and Manning Sherwin, premiered on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre on October 3, 1947. The production closed on October 25, 1947, after 27 performances. source: playbill.com
- 30 Oct Darius Milhaud Symphony Premieres in Paris: French composer Darius Milhaud's Third Symphony, 'Hymnus Ambrosianus', debuts in Paris, contributing to the rich post-war European classical music landscape. The performance represents the ongoing cultural renaissance in France following World War II.
- 26 Dec Cradle Will Rock Opens in NYC: The theatrical production 'Cradle Will Rock' opens at the Mansfield Theater in New York City, scheduled for a 34-performance run. This likely refers to the Marc Blitzstein musical with strong pro-labor themes.
- 31 Dec Burton Cummings born: Burton Lorne Cummings, a Canadian musician and songwriter, was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is best known for leading the Guess Who during their most successful period from 1965 to 1975 and for his lengthy solo career. source: en.wikipedia.org
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