1961 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1961 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 17 Jan Susanna Hoffs born in Los Angeles: Susanna Hoffs, the lead singer of the Bangles, was born on January 17, 1961, in Los Angeles, California. She became a prominent figure in the music industry during the 1980s and 1990s. source: britannica.com
- 21 Jan Poulenc's 'Gloria' premieres in Boston: On January 21, 1961, Francis Poulenc's 'Gloria' was premiered at Boston's Symphony Hall. The performance featured soprano Adele Addison, the Chorus Pro Musica, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Charles Munch. The concert was initially scheduled for January 20 but was postponed due to a blizzard. Poulenc, who attended the premiere, expressed satisfaction with the performance, noting it as 'very good, very fine, a success.' source: bso.org
- 27 Jan 'Sing Along with Mitch' TV show premiered: The musical variety show 'Sing Along with Mitch,' hosted by Mitch Miller, premiered on NBC on January 27, 1961. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Jan Bob Dylan meets Woody Guthrie at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital: On January 29, 1961, Bob Dylan met his idol, Woody Guthrie, at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris Plains, New Jersey. Dylan performed his original song 'Song to Woody' for Guthrie, who was battling Huntington's disease. Guthrie approved of the song, which later appeared on Dylan's 1962 debut album. source: thecurrent.org
- 31 Jan Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Musical Formation: Lloyd Cole forms the band 'Lloyd Cole and the Commotions', known for their debut album 'Rattlesnakes', marking an important moment in indie pop music history.
- 02 Feb Betty Curtis wins Sanremo Music Festival: Italian singer Betty Curtis won the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival on February 2, 1961. This event is significant in the Italian music scene, showcasing emerging talents and popular songs. source: lastampa.it
- 09 Feb The Beatles' first performance at the Cavern Club: The Beatles performed at the Cavern Club in Liverpool for the first time on February 9, 1961. This performance marked a significant moment in their early career, helping to establish their popularity in the UK music scene. source: bbc.com
- 10 Feb Walter Piston's 7th Symphony premiere: Walter Piston's 7th Symphony premiered on February 10, 1961, showcasing his innovative approach to orchestral music. The symphony received critical acclaim and is considered a significant work in American classical music. source: americanorchestras.org
- 13 Feb Frank Sinatra launches Reprise Records: On February 13, 1961, Frank Sinatra founded Reprise Records to gain greater artistic control over his music. The label's first release was Sinatra's own single, "The Second Time Around," recorded in December 1960. source: udiscovermusic.com
- 09 Mar The Supremes release early singles: On March 9, 1961, The Supremes, an American female singing group, released their early singles, marking the beginning of their rise to prominence in the Motown music scene. These releases laid the foundation for their future success and influence in the music industry. source: allmusic.com
- 21 Mar Birth of Shawn Lane: Shawn Lane, an influential American guitarist known for his virtuosic playing style, was born on March 21, 1961. He gained recognition in the music industry for his technical skills and contributions to rock music. source: guitarworld.com
- 03 Apr The Happiest Girl in the World Musical Premiere: The musical 'The Happiest Girl in the World', a collaboration by Jacques Offenbach and Yip Harburg, opened at Martin Beck Theatre in New York City, running for 97 performances.
- 12 Apr D.D. Verni born in New Jersey: Carlo "D.D." Verni, an American musician best known as a founding member, bassist, and songwriter of the thrash metal band Overkill, was born in New Jersey on April 12, 1961. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 May Bonanza Theme Reaches Music Charts: The theme song 'Bonanza' by Al Caiola Orchestra climbed to number 19 on the music charts, reflecting the popularity of the western television series at the time.
- 17 May Enya's birth in Gweedore, Ireland: Enya, born Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, was born on May 17, 1961, in the Dore area of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland. She is the sixth of nine children in the Brennan family of musicians. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Jul Death of Arnold Schoenberg, Pioneering Composer: Arnold Schoenberg, an Austrian-American composer and music theorist, passed away on July 13, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. He was a pivotal figure in 20th-century music, known for developing the twelve-tone technique, which profoundly influenced modern composition. Schoenberg's works include 'Verklärte Nacht' and 'Suite for Piano, Op. 25.' source: britannica.com
- 23 Jul Martin Gore born in Dagenham, England: Martin Gore, the English musician and songwriter known for his work with the band Depeche Mode, was born on July 23, 1961. He became a prominent figure in the music industry, contributing significantly to the synth-pop genre. source: britannica.com
- 10 Aug John Farriss Birth: John Farriss, future rock musician and member of the band INXS, was born. He would later contribute to the band's hit song "Kiss the Dirt".
- 04 Sep Carol Burnette-Richard Hayes Show premieres on CBS radio: The 'Carol Burnette-Richard Hayes Show,' a 20-minute musical variety program, premiered on CBS Radio on September 4, 1961. The show featured Carol Burnett, known for her role on 'The Garry Moore Show,' and singer Richard Hayes, who had been a regular on Arthur Godfrey's daily radio show. source: mediaconfidential.blogspot.com
- 02 Oct Phil Oakey Birth: Phil Oakey, the lead singer of the British synth-pop band The Human League, was born on October 2, 1961. He is known for his distinctive voice and contributions to the music scene in the 1980s. source: britannica.com
- 05 Oct Tragic Loss of Jazz Vocalist: Don Barbour, a 34-year-old vocalist of the renowned jazz vocal group 'The Four Freshmen,' tragically died in an automobile accident, cutting short a promising musical career.
- 10 Oct Broadway Musical Opening: "Milk & Honey", a musical by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, opens at Martin Beck Theater in New York City and will run for 543 performances.
- 14 Oct Broadway musical 'How to Succeed in Business' premieres: The Broadway musical 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying' premiered on October 14, 1961. The show, which satirizes corporate culture, became a significant success and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical. source: ibdb.com
- 18 Oct West Side Story film premiere: The film adaptation of the Broadway musical 'West Side Story' premiered on October 18, 1961. Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, the movie stars Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer. It received critical acclaim, winning 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and became the highest-grossing film of 1961. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Oct Broadway Musical 'Kwamina' Opens in NYC: The musical 'Kwamina' premiered at the 54th Street Theater in New York City, running for 32 performances.
- 28 Oct Broadway musical Fiorello! closes: The musical 'Fiorello!', which tells the story of New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, closed on Broadway on October 28, 1961. The show was well-received and won several Tony Awards, including Best Musical. source: ibdb.com
- 29 Oct Randy Jackson born: Randy Jackson, the American musician and television personality, was born on October 29, 1961. He is best known for his role as a judge on 'American Idol' and as a bassist for the band Journey. source: biography.com
- 04 Nov Daron Hagen born: Daron Hagen, an American composer and conductor, was born on November 4, 1961. He is recognized for his contributions to contemporary classical music and has composed numerous operas, orchestral works, and chamber music. source: daronhagen.com
- 18 Nov Kwamina Broadway Closure: The musical 'Kwamina' closes at the 54th Street Theater in New York City after a brief run of 32 performances.
- 06 Dec David Lovering: The Pixies drummer: David Lovering, the drummer for the influential rock band The Pixies, was born on December 6, 1961. The band is known for its unique sound that blends punk rock and alternative music, significantly impacting the music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. source: allmusic.com
- 11 Dec Elvis Presley's 'Blue Hawaii' album tops charts: On December 11, 1961, Elvis Presley's album 'Blue Hawaii' reached the top of the charts, becoming one of his best-selling albums. source: billboard.com
- 14 Dec Walt Disney Releases 'Babes in Toyland': On December 14, 1961, Walt Disney released the film 'Babes in Toyland,' a musical fantasy film featuring Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands. The film was based on Victor Herbert's operetta and was part of Disney's live-action film series. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 Dec Ken Foreman: Rock Musician: Ken Foreman was a rock musician associated with the bands Thrashing Doves and known for the album 'Reprobate's Hymn'.
- 21 Dec UK Music Chart Topper: 'Poetry In Motion' by Johnny Tillotson was the number one song in the United Kingdom, reflecting the popular music trends of the early 1960s.
What happened in 1961?
Discover what the world looked like in 1961: