1977 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1977 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 09 Jan UK Music Chart Leader: David Soul's 'Don't Give Up On Us' topped the UK music charts, reflecting the international popularity of television actors transitioning into music during this era.
- 14 Jan David Bowie releases 'Low' album: On January 14, 1977, David Bowie released his eleventh studio album, 'Low,' marking the first installment of his 'Berlin Trilogy.' The album, produced with Tony Visconti, features a mix of art rock, avant-pop, electronic, ambient, and experimental rock. It includes tracks like 'Sound and Vision' and 'Be My Wife.' source: davidbowie.com
- 15 Jan Festac '77 begins in Lagos, Nigeria: Festac '77, officially known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, commenced on January 15, 1977, in Lagos, Nigeria. The month-long event celebrated African culture, featuring music, fine art, literature, drama, dance, and religion. Approximately 16,000 participants from 56 African nations and countries of the African Diaspora attended, making it the largest pan-African gathering at the time. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Feb Birth of global pop star Shakira: Shakira, the Colombian singer-songwriter, was born on February 3, 1977. She rose to international fame with her unique blend of Latin, rock, and pop music, becoming one of the best-selling artists of all time. source: biography.com
- 18 Feb George Harrison Releases 'True Love': George Harrison, former Beatles member, released the song 'True Love' as part of his ongoing solo music career following the band's dissolution. The track was likely part of his exploration of musical styles and personal artistic expression.
- 03 Mar Birth of Ronan Keating: Ronan Keating, the Irish singer and songwriter, was born on March 3, 1977. He gained fame as a member of the boy band Boyzone and later pursued a successful solo career in music. source: britannica.com
- 04 Mar Roger Sessions' 6th Symphony premiere: On March 4, 1977, composer Roger Sessions premiered his 6th Symphony, showcasing his innovative approach to orchestral music. The performance was well-received and highlighted Sessions' contributions to American classical music. source: britannica.com
- 10 Mar E. Power Biggs, renowned organist, passes away: E. Power Biggs, a celebrated American organist known for his performances and recordings, died on March 10, 1977. He was instrumental in reviving interest in the pipe organ and its music. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Apr Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' album tops charts: Released in 1977, Fleetwood Mac's album 'Rumours' achieved significant commercial success, topping music charts and becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Apr The Clash debut album release: On April 8, 1977, the British punk rock band The Clash released their self-titled debut album. The album received critical acclaim and is considered one of the most influential punk records, featuring tracks like "White Riot" and "Career Opportunities." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 Apr Side by Side by Sondheim Broadway Premiere: The musical revue 'Side by Side by Sondheim' opened at the Music Box Theatre in New York City, running for 390 performances and celebrating the works of Stephen Sondheim.
- 26 Apr Milestone in R&B music on April 26, 1977: April 26, 1977, marked a significant milestone in R&B music, with notable releases and chart performances that shaped the genre. This era saw the rise of influential artists and the blending of styles that defined the sound of the late 1970s. source: billboard.com
- 04 May The Beatles release 'At The Hollywood Bowl' live album in the US: The Beatles' first official live album, 'At The Hollywood Bowl,' was released in the United States on May 4, 1977, featuring recordings from their 1964 and 1965 concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. source: beatlesbible.com
- 08 May Grateful Dead record legendary live album: On May 8, 1977, the Grateful Dead performed a renowned concert at Cornell University's Barton Hall in Ithaca, New York. This performance is widely regarded as one of the band's best and was officially released as 'Cornell 5/8/77' in 2017. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 May Smokey & the Bandit Film Premiere: On May 19, 1977, 'Smokey and the Bandit' premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. source: banone.net
- 26 May William Powell Dies: William Powell, a member of the R&B group O'Jays, passes away from cancer at the age of 35, marking a loss for the music industry.
- 31 May Beatlemania musical opens in NYC: The musical 'Beatlemania' opened in New York City on May 31, 1977. This production celebrated the music of The Beatles and became a cultural phenomenon, attracting fans of all ages. source: nytimes.com
- 07 Jun Sex Pistols' rebellious riverboat party: On June 7, 1977, the Sex Pistols hosted a rebellious party on a riverboat in London, marking a significant moment in punk rock history. The event was part of their promotional efforts for their album 'Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols'. It attracted considerable media attention and showcased the band's defiance against the establishment. source: bbc.com
- 09 Jun George Harrison and Patti Boyd Divorce: George Harrison, former Beatles guitarist, and his wife Patti Boyd finalize their divorce, marking the end of a significant relationship in rock music history.
- 11 Jun Main Street Electrical Parade Debuts at Walt Disney World: On June 11, 1977, the Main Street Electrical Parade made its debut at Walt Disney World in Florida. This nighttime parade featured illuminated floats and synchronized music, becoming a signature attraction at Disney parks and a beloved spectacle for visitors. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Jun The Supremes final concert: The Supremes performed their final concert on June 12, 1977, at the Drury Lane Theatre in London. This marked the end of an era for the iconic Motown group, known for their significant impact on music and culture during the 1960s and 70s. source: rollingstone.com
- 14 Jun Led Zeppelin performs legendary Madison Square Garden concert: On June 14, 1977, Led Zeppelin performed a legendary concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This concert is often remembered for its electrifying performances and is considered one of the band's most iconic shows. source: rollingstone.com
- 26 Jun Elvis Presley's final concert in Indianapolis: Elvis Presley performed his last concert on June 26, 1977, at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. He passed away less than two months later, marking the end of an era in music history. source: biography.com
- 30 Jun Marvel Comics Publishes KISS Comic Book: Marvel Comics released a special comic book tribute to the rock band KISS, representing an early example of music-comic book cross-promotion and pop culture convergence.
- 10 Jul Happy End play closes in NYC: The play 'Happy End' closed in New York City on July 10, 1977, after a brief run. The production, which featured music by Kurt Weill and lyrics by Bertolt Brecht, was notable for its innovative style and themes. source: nytimes.com
- 16 Jul 'Bohemian Rhapsody' reaches milestone sales: On July 16, 1977, Queen's iconic song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' achieved significant sales milestones, solidifying its place in music history. The song, known for its unique structure and operatic elements, became a defining track of the 1970s and continues to be celebrated today. source: rollingstone.com
- 26 Jul Rebecca St. James - Christian music artist: Rebecca St. James, an influential Christian music artist, was born on July 26, 1977. She gained fame in the 1990s and is known for her contributions to contemporary Christian music. source: biography.com
- 13 Aug Randy Bachman leaves Bachman-Turner Overdrive: Randy Bachman, a founding member of the Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive, left the band on August 13, 1977. His departure marked a significant change in the band's lineup and musical direction. source: rollingstone.com
- 27 Aug Chicago musical closes on Broadway: The original Broadway production of 'Chicago' concluded its run at the 46th Street Theatre (now the Richard Rodgers Theatre) on August 27, 1977, after 936 performances. source: broadwayworld.com
- 31 Aug Birth of Craig Nicholls: Craig Nicholls, an Australian musician and lead vocalist of the band The Vines, was born on August 31, 1977. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Sep Ringo Starr Music Release: Ringo Starr, former Beatles drummer, released the single 'Drowning in Sea of Love' as part of his ongoing solo music career following the band's breakup.
- 23 Sep David Bowie releases 'Heroes': On September 23, 1977, David Bowie released the single 'Heroes,' which became one of his most iconic songs. The track is celebrated for its innovative sound and poignant lyrics, contributing to Bowie's legacy in music history. source: bbc.com
- 29 Sep Star Wars Theme Hits #1: 'Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band' by Meco reached number one on the music charts, reflecting the massive cultural impact of the Star Wars franchise in the late 1970s.
- 01 Oct Elton John honored at Madison Square Garden: Elton John was honored at Madison Square Garden on October 1, 1977, during a concert that celebrated his contributions to music. This event marked a significant moment in his career, showcasing his popularity and influence in the music industry. source: rollingstone.com
- 03 Oct Death of Musician Jan Garber: Jan Garber, an 82-year-old American musician, big band leader, and radio personality, known for his NBC Radio Network program *The Jan Garber Orchestra*, passed away, marking the end of a notable career in mid-20th century music.
- 07 Oct Steve Hackett announces departure from Genesis: On October 7, 1977, guitarist Steve Hackett announced his departure from the progressive rock band Genesis. Hackett cited a desire for greater creative autonomy and the need to explore his own musical ideas as primary reasons for leaving. His departure was officially announced during the promotion of the band's live album, 'Seconds Out.' source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Oct Bing Crosby passes away: Bing Crosby, the iconic American singer and actor, passed away on October 14, 1977, at the age of 74. He was known for his smooth voice and contributions to music and film, including classics like 'White Christmas.' His death marked the end of an era in entertainment. source: biography.com
- 15 Oct Debbie Boone's music chart success: On October 15, 1977, Debbie Boone's hit song 'You Light Up My Life' reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became a cultural phenomenon and solidified Boone's place in music history. source: billboard.com
- 16 Oct John Mayer born: John Mayer, the American singer-songwriter and guitarist, was born on October 16, 1977. He gained fame in the early 2000s and has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work in music. source: biography.com
- 20 Oct Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash tragedy: On October 20, 1977, the plane carrying the rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd crashed in Mississippi, resulting in the deaths of six people, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. The tragedy shocked fans and the music community, leading to a significant impact on the band's legacy. source: britannica.com
- 21 Oct Meat Loaf's 'Bat Out of Hell' album released: On October 21, 1977, Meat Loaf released his iconic album 'Bat Out of Hell,' which became one of the best-selling albums of all time. The album features a unique blend of rock and theatrical elements, showcasing Meat Loaf's powerful vocals and Jim Steinman's songwriting. source: britannica.com
- 25 Oct Sex Pistols album release: On October 25, 1977, the Sex Pistols released their debut album, 'Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols.' This album became a defining moment in punk rock history and significantly influenced music and culture in the late 20th century. source: bbc.com
- 29 Oct Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash: On October 29, 1977, the band Lynyrd Skynyrd's plane crashed in Mississippi, resulting in the deaths of several members and crew. This tragic event had a profound impact on the music community and fans worldwide. source: britannica.com
- 06 Nov Hair Musical Closes: The groundbreaking musical 'Hair' concludes its run at the Biltmore Theater in New York City after 43 performances, representing the end of a culturally significant theatrical production.
- 10 Nov Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack Released: The Bee Gees release the soundtrack to Saturday Night Fever, which would go on to become the best-selling album of its time, significantly influencing popular music and disco culture.
- 11 Nov Death of Greta Keller, Viennese cabaret performer: Greta Keller, a renowned Viennese cabaret performer, passed away on November 11, 1977. She was celebrated for her contributions to music and performance art, particularly in the cabaret scene of the early 20th century. source: nytimes.com
- 23 Nov Jesus Christ Superstar Broadway Run: The iconic musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar' commenced its 96-performance run at the Longacre Theater in New York City, continuing the show's significant cultural impact in the late 1970s.
- 27 Nov The Hobbit animated film premiere: The animated adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' premiered on November 27, 1977. Produced by Rankin/Bass, this television special introduced many viewers to Tolkien's world of Middle-earth. The film is notable for its unique animation style and musical numbers, becoming a classic in its own right. source: imdb.com
- 21 Dec Bee Gees Top US Music Charts: On December 21, 1977, the Bee Gees' song "How Deep Is Your Love" reached the number one position on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking a significant achievement in the group's career. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Dec Man of La Mancha Broadway Musical Ends: The iconic Broadway musical 'Man of La Mancha', based on Miguel de Cervantes' novel, completes its run at the Palace Theater in New York City after 124 performances.
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