1987 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1987 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 03 Jan Aretha Franklin inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Aretha Franklin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 3, 1987, becoming the first female artist to receive this honor. Her induction recognized her significant contributions to music, particularly in the genres of soul and R&B. Franklin's powerful voice and emotive performances have left a lasting impact on the music industry. source: rockhall.com
- 21 Jan B.B. King donates 7,000-record collection to University of Mississippi: On January 21, 1987, blues legend B.B. King donated his extensive collection of over 7,000 records to the University of Mississippi in Oxford. This significant contribution enriched the university's music library and preserved the history of blues music for future generations. source: cityofclarksdale.org
- 26 Jan 14th Annual American Music Awards held on January 26, 1987: The 14th Annual American Music Awards took place on January 26, 1987, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Diana Ross, the event honored outstanding achievements in the music industry across various genres. Notable winners included Whitney Houston, who received multiple awards, and Lionel Richie, who was recognized for his contributions to pop and rock music. The ceremony featured performances by artists such as Diana Ross, Genesis, Janet Jackson, Robert Palmer, and Whitney Houston. source: upi.com
- 03 Feb UK Music Chart Topper: On February 3, 1987, the UK Singles Chart was topped by "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King, which held the number one position for three consecutive weeks starting from February 3. source: officialcharts.com
- 07 Feb Madonna's 'Open Your Heart' reaches number one on US Billboard Hot 100: On February 7, 1987, Madonna's 'Open Your Heart' topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking her fifth number-one single in the United States. The song, released as the fourth single from her 'True Blue' album, also achieved significant success internationally, reaching number four in the UK and number one in Ireland. source: madonna.com
- 08 Feb Cameo's R&B Hit: On February 8, 1987, "Candy" by Cameo was the number one R&B song in the United States, according to the music chart for the week February 2nd and February 8th. source: takemeback.to
- 09 Feb UK Music Chart Topper: On February 9, 1987, "Stand By Me" by Ben E. King continued its reign at the top of the UK Singles Chart. source: officialcharts.com
- 14 Feb Death of Dmitri Kabalevsky, Renowned Russian Composer: Dmitri Kabalevsky, a prominent Soviet composer, conductor, pianist, and pedagogue, passed away in Moscow on February 14, 1987, at the age of 82. He was known for his contributions to Russian classical music and his dedication to music education. source: britannica.com
- 19 Feb Stardust Musical opens in NYC: The musical revue 'Stardust' opened at the Biltmore Theatre in New York City on February 19, 1987, featuring lyrics by Mitchell Parish. The production ran for 102 performances, closing on May 17, 1987. source: broadwayworld.com
- 24 Feb 29th Annual Grammy Awards highlights: The 29th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 24, 1987, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, celebrated the year's musical achievements. Paul Simon's 'Graceland' won Album of the Year, while Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager's 'That's What Friends Are For' secured Song of the Year. Steve Winwood's 'Higher Love' earned Record of the Year. Performances included Whitney Houston's rendition of 'The Greatest Love of All' and Janet Jackson's 'What Have You Done for Me Lately.' source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Feb The Beatles' First Compact Disc Release: The Beatles made their debut on the compact disc format, releasing four iconic albums: 'Please Please Me', 'With The Beatles', 'A Hard Day's Night', and 'Beatles For Sale', marking a significant moment in music technology and distribution.
- 26 Feb The Beatles' first CD release occurs in 1987: On February 26, 1987, The Beatles' albums were released on CD for the first time, marking a significant moment in music history. This release included titles such as "Please Please Me" and "With The Beatles," which were among the first to be made available in the digital format. The transition to CD helped to revitalize interest in the band's music for a new generation. source: bbc.com
- 02 Mar R&B music chart topper: On March 2, 1987, a new R&B song topped the charts, reflecting the evolving music scene of the time. This milestone marked a significant moment in the careers of the artists involved. source: billboard.com
- 09 Mar U2 releases landmark album 'The Joshua Tree': On March 9, 1987, U2 released 'The Joshua Tree,' which became one of the band's most acclaimed albums. It features hit singles like 'With or Without You' and 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For,' and is noted for its exploration of themes such as spirituality and social issues. The album solidified U2's status as a leading rock band of the era. source: britannica.com
- 12 Mar Les Misérables opens on Broadway: The musical 'Les Misérables' premiered on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre in New York City on March 12, 1987. It ran for 6,680 performances before closing on May 18, 2003, making it the second-longest-running Broadway musical at the time. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Mar Starlight Express opens on Broadway: Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical 'Starlight Express' premiered on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on March 15, 1987. The production ran for 761 performances before closing on January 8, 1989. source: ibdb.com
- 18 Mar US music chart topper: On March 18, 1987, the Billboard Hot 100 chart saw a new number one single, reflecting the popular music trends of the time. This period was marked by a diverse range of musical styles and artists dominating the charts. source: billboard.com
- 20 Mar Norman Harris, O'Jays Guitarist, Passes Away: Norman Harris, renowned guitarist of the legendary R&B group O'Jays, died at age 39 due to heart failure, marking a significant loss in the music industry.
- 21 Mar Death of actor Robert Preston: Robert Preston, an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as 'The Music Man' and 'Victor/Victoria,' passed away on March 21, 1987. His career spanned several decades, earning him recognition on both stage and screen. Preston's performances were celebrated for their charisma and depth, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. source: britannica.com
- 23 Mar First Soul Train Music Awards held in Los Angeles: The inaugural Soul Train Music Awards took place on March 23, 1987, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross, the ceremony honored achievements in R&B, soul, rap, jazz, and gospel music from the previous year. Notable winners included Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, and Cameo, each securing two awards. The event also featured a special Heritage Award presented to Stevie Wonder for his lifetime contributions to music and social causes. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Mar Yui: Japanese musician and singer born on March 26, 1987: Yui, a prominent Japanese musician and singer-songwriter, was born on March 26, 1987, in Fukuoka, Japan. She gained fame in the mid-2000s with her unique blend of pop and rock music, becoming a significant figure in the Japanese music scene. Her songs often feature heartfelt lyrics and have been used in various anime and television dramas, further solidifying her popularity. source: britannica.com
- 27 Mar U2's rooftop performance disrupts Los Angeles traffic: On March 27, 1987, U2 filmed the music video for "Where the Streets Have No Name" atop a downtown Los Angeles liquor store, drawing over 1,000 fans and causing significant traffic disruptions. The impromptu performance led to police intervention, adding drama to the video, which later won a Grammy Award for Best Performance Music Video. source: thisdayinmusic.com
- 06 Apr 22nd Academy of Country Music Awards held at Knott's Berry Farm: The 22nd Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony took place on April 6, 1987, at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. Hosted by The Judds and Patrick Duffy, the event honored achievements in country music. Randy Travis emerged as the night's most awarded artist, securing four trophies, including Top Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for "Storms of Life." source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Apr National Museum of Women in the Arts opens in Washington, D.C.: The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) opened its doors to the public on April 7, 1987, in Washington, D.C. The museum, dedicated solely to championing women through the arts, was established by Wilhelmina Cole Holladay and her husband, Wallace F. Holladay, who began collecting works by women artists in the early 1980s. The inaugural exhibition, 'American Women Artists, 1830–1930,' showcased a survey curated by Dr. Eleanor Tufts. source: nmwa.org
- 10 Apr Prince's 'Sign 'O' The Times' leads R&B charts: Prince's single 'Sign 'O' The Times' topped the R&B charts in early 1987, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song also achieved significant success on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three. Additionally, it reached number ten on the UK Singles Chart. The track was released on February 18, 1987, and was the lead single from his ninth studio album, 'Sign o' the Times'. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Apr Joss Stone: English singer-songwriter emerges in 1987: Joss Stone, born on April 11, 1987, is an English singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and blend of R&B and blues. She gained fame in the early 2000s with her debut album, 'The Soul Sessions,' which showcased her vocal talent and unique style. Stone has since received multiple awards and continues to influence the music industry with her work. source: britannica.com
- 13 Apr Jiafeng Chen: Chinese violinist born on April 13, 1987: Jiafeng Chen is a Chinese violinist born on April 13, 1987, in Shanghai. He began violin studies at age three and has won top prizes in major competitions, including the 2003 International Competition for Young Violinists K. Lipinski and H. Wieniawski, and the 2008 International Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition. Chen has performed globally with renowned orchestras and is a professor at the Royal College of Music in London. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Apr Barbara Cook: A Concert for the Theatre at Ambassador Theatre: Barbara Cook's one-woman show, "A Concert for the Theatre," premiered on April 15, 1987, at New York's Ambassador Theatre. The limited engagement ran for 13 performances, concluding on April 26, 1987. Cook received the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding One-Person Show for this performance. source: ibdb.com
- 26 Apr Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi passes away: Shankar Singh Raghuvanshi, renowned as one half of the iconic music director duo Shankar-Jaikishan, passed away on April 26, 1987. Together with Jaikishan Dayabhai Panchal, he dominated the Hindi film music industry in the 1950s and 1960s, creating timeless melodies. After Jaikishan's death in 1971, Shankar continued to compose under their joint name until his own passing. source: firstpost.com
- 02 May R&B Music Chart Topper: "Don't Disturb This Groove" by The System claimed the top spot on the R&B charts, highlighting the diverse music landscape of 1987.
- 03 May Death of Dalida, French singer and actress: Dalida, the renowned French singer and actress, passed away on May 3, 1987. She was celebrated for her powerful voice and a career that spanned several decades, producing numerous hits in multiple languages. Her death was ruled a suicide, and she remains an iconic figure in French music history. source: britannica.com
- 12 May U2's 'With Or Without You' reaches number one on US charts: On May 12, 1987, U2's hit single 'With Or Without You' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. This song was part of their album 'The Joshua Tree,' which significantly contributed to the band's rise in popularity during the late 1980s. The track is known for its emotional depth and has remained one of U2's signature songs. source: billboard.com
- 14 May Little Shop of Horrors German Release: The cult classic musical comedy film 'Little Shop of Horrors' is released in Germany, expanding its international audience.
- 16 May Mystery of Edwin Drood Closes on Broadway: Rupert Holmes' musical 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' concluded its Broadway run at the Imperial Theatre after 608 performances, marking a notable moment in musical theater history.
- 17 May Stardust Musical Closes: The musical Stardust concluded its run at the Biltmore Theater in New York City after 102 performances, marking the end of its Broadway engagement.
- 23 May Doobie Brothers reunite for charity concert at Hollywood Bowl: On May 23, 1987, the Doobie Brothers reunited for a charity concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The event raised $350,000 for the Vietnam Veterans Aid Foundation, with approximately 2,000 veterans attending for free. The concert featured a 12-piece lineup, including founding members Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons, and John McFee, along with longtime touring members and additional musicians. The setlist included hits like "Black Water," "Listen to the Music," "Jesus Is Just Alright," "Takin' It to the Streets," and "What a Fool Believes." source: latimes.com
- 24 May Atlantic Starr's R&B Hit: 'Always' by Atlantic Starr dominated the R&B charts, representing the smooth and soulful sound of 1980s rhythm and blues music.
- 25 May U2's 'With Or Without You' reaches number one on US charts: On May 25, 1987, U2's hit single 'With Or Without You' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. This song was part of their album 'The Joshua Tree,' which significantly boosted the band's popularity and is considered one of their signature tracks. The success of this single marked a pivotal moment in U2's career, solidifying their status in the rock music scene. source: billboard.com
- 29 May Mercury and Caballé debut 'Barcelona' at the 1987 Eurovision Song Contest: Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé performed their iconic song 'Barcelona' for the first time on May 29, 1987, during the Eurovision Song Contest. This collaboration marked a significant moment in music history, blending rock and opera, and later became the title track of their album released in 1992. The performance showcased Mercury's powerful vocals alongside Caballé's operatic prowess, captivating audiences worldwide. source: bbc.com
- 30 May North American Philips Company unveils compact disc video: On May 30, 1987, North American Philips Company introduced the Compact Disc Video (CD-V) format, combining audio and video on a single disc. The CD-V discs were the same size as standard audio CDs and could hold up to 20 minutes of audio and 5 minutes of analog video. This innovation aimed to merge the convenience of CDs with the visual appeal of music videos. source: latimes.com
- 05 Jun Prince's Trust Rock Gala at Wembley Stadium: On June 5, 1987, the Prince's Trust Rock Gala took place at Wembley Stadium, featuring numerous prominent artists. This charity event aimed to raise funds for young people in need and showcased the power of music for social good. source: bbc.com
- 06 Jun Kyle Falconer Birth: Kyle Falconer, a Scottish musician known for his work with the indie rock band The View, was born on this date.
- 07 Jun 41st Tony Awards honors outstanding performances: The 41st Annual Tony Awards ceremony took place on June 7, 1987, at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in New York City. Hosted by Angela Lansbury, the event celebrated the best of the 1986–1987 Broadway season. 'Les Misérables' dominated the night, winning eight awards, including Best Musical, while 'Fences' secured four awards, including Best Play. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Jun Birth of Anžej Dežan: Anžej Dežan, a Slovene singer, is born. He would later contribute to the music scene in Slovenia, representing the country's contemporary musical talent.
- 19 Jun Geffen Records Signs First Artist: Geffen Records signed its first artist, Donna Summer, a pivotal moment in the record label's history and the music industry of the late 1980s.
- 25 Jun Hayami Kishimoto - Japanese singer: Hayami Kishimoto, born Miwako Kishimoto on June 25, 1987, in Kyoto, Japan, is a retired Japanese pop singer known for her impressive singing and dancing abilities. She debuted in 2003 with the single "MeiQ!?-Meikyuu-MAKE★YOU-" and released 11 singles, 2 full-length albums, and 1 mini album during her four-year career under the Giza Studio label. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Jul Kate Nash born on July 6, 1987: Kate Nash, an English singer-songwriter, was born on July 6, 1987, in Harrow, London. She gained fame with her debut album 'Made of Bricks' in 2007, which included the hit single 'Foundations.' Nash is known for her distinctive voice and eclectic musical style, blending elements of pop, punk, and indie rock. source: britannica.com
- 11 Jul Heart's 'Alone' Tops Music Charts: The rock band Heart's single 'Alone' reaches number one on the music charts and maintains the top position for three consecutive weeks.
- 14 Jul Steve Miller Honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame: Rock musician Steve Miller received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to music and popular culture.
- 17 Jul Les Miserables Debuts in Tokyo: The world-renowned musical Les Miserables opened at the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, marking a significant cultural exchange and theatrical event.
- 20 Jul Guns N' Roses release debut album 'Appetite for Destruction': Guns N' Roses released their debut album, 'Appetite for Destruction', on July 20, 1987. The album featured hits like 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Sweet Child o' Mine', and it became one of the best-selling albums of all time, significantly impacting rock music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. source: rollingstone.com
- 28 Jul Kylie Minogue launches music career with debut single: Kylie Minogue launched her music career on July 28, 1987, with the release of her debut single "The Loco-Motion." The song became a major hit, reaching the top of the charts in Australia and later in the United States. This marked the beginning of her successful career as a pop artist, leading to numerous hits and a lasting impact on the music industry. source: abc.net.au
- 30 Jul US Billboard Hot 100 Number One Hit: Shakedown by Bob Seger: On July 30, 1987, "Shakedown" by Bob Seger was the number one song on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, featured in the movie "Beverly Hills Cop II," marked Seger's first number one hit on this chart. It held the top position for one week, from July 25 to August 1, 1987. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Jul Guns N' Roses release debut album 'Appetite for Destruction': Guns N' Roses released their debut album, 'Appetite for Destruction,' on July 31, 1987. The album featured hits like 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Sweet Child o' Mine,' and it became one of the best-selling albums of all time, significantly impacting the rock music scene. Its raw sound and rebellious themes resonated with a generation, establishing the band as a major force in the music industry. source: rollingstone.com
- 03 Aug Def Leppard releases iconic album 'Hysteria': On August 3, 1987, Def Leppard released their fourth studio album, 'Hysteria.' The album became a massive commercial success, featuring hit singles like 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' and 'Love Bites.' It is often regarded as one of the defining albums of the 1980s rock genre, showcasing the band's signature sound and production techniques. source: rollingstone.com
- 08 Aug U2 reaches number one on US Billboard Hot 100 with 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For': On August 8, 1987, U2's 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the band's second number-one single in the United States. The song, from their album 'The Joshua Tree,' spent two weeks at the top spot and was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1988: Record of the Year and Song of the Year. source: digital.abcaudio.com
- 09 Aug Les Miserables in Tel Aviv: The renowned musical 'Les Miserables' opens at the Cameri Theatre in Tel Aviv, bringing the acclaimed stage production to Israeli audiences.
- 10 Aug Jim Bakkum born in Egmond-Binnen, Netherlands: Dutch singer, actor, and television personality Jim Bakkum was born on August 10, 1987, in Egmond-Binnen, Netherlands. He gained national fame as the runner-up in the first season of the Dutch singing competition 'Idols' and has since released five albums and appeared in various musicals and films. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Aug Michael Jackson releases *Bad* album: Michael Jackson released his album *Bad* on August 15, 1987. This album marked a significant moment in pop music, featuring hits like "Smooth Criminal" and "Bad." It was the first album to produce five Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, solidifying Jackson's status as a pop icon. source: rollingstone.com
- 21 Aug Guns N' Roses release debut album 'Appetite for Destruction': Guns N' Roses released their debut album, 'Appetite for Destruction', on August 21, 1987. The album featured hits like 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Sweet Child o' Mine', and it became one of the best-selling albums of all time, significantly impacting the rock music scene. Its raw sound and rebellious themes resonated with a generation, establishing the band as a major force in the music industry. source: rollingstone.com
- 28 Aug Michael Jackson releases 'Bad' album: Michael Jackson released his album 'Bad' on August 28, 1987. This album marked a significant moment in pop music, featuring hits like 'Smooth Criminal' and 'Bad.' It was a commercial success and solidified Jackson's status as a leading figure in the music industry during the late 1980s. source: rollingstone.com
- 31 Aug Michael Jackson's 'Bad' music video premiered on CBS: Michael Jackson's 18-minute music video for 'Bad,' directed by Martin Scorsese and co-starring Wesley Snipes, premiered on CBS during the special 'Michael Jackson: The Magic Returns' on August 31, 1987. The video, filmed in Brooklyn's Hoyt–Schermerhorn subway station, features Jackson portraying Darryl, a teenager returning to his urban neighborhood after attending a private school. The video was praised for its choreography and cinematic quality. source: michaeljackson.com
- 08 Sep Rick Astley's 'Never Gonna Give You Up' reaches UK number one: On September 8, 1987, Rick Astley's debut single 'Never Gonna Give You Up' topped the UK Singles Chart. The song became a global hit and is widely recognized for its catchy melody and iconic music video, which later became a part of the internet meme culture known as 'Rickrolling.' source: bbc.co.uk
- 11 Sep Peter Tosh murdered during home invasion in Jamaica: On September 11, 1987, reggae musician Peter Tosh was killed during a robbery at his Kingston home. A three-man gang, including Dennis 'Leppo' Lobban, whom Tosh had befriended, demanded money. When Tosh denied having any, the gunmen tortured him and others present. Frustrated, Lobban shot Tosh twice in the head, resulting in his death. Herbalist Wilton 'Doc' Brown and disc jockey Jeff 'Free I' Dixon also died from their injuries. Several others were wounded. Lobban was later convicted and sentenced to death. source: washingtonpost.com
- 21 Sep Death of Jaco Pastorius, jazz fusion bass virtuoso: Jaco Pastorius, renowned for his innovative approach to the electric bass, passed away on September 21, 1987. His contributions to jazz fusion and music as a whole have left a lasting legacy, influencing countless musicians. Pastorius was known for his virtuosic playing style and compositions, which transformed the role of the bass in modern music. source: britannica.com
- 23 Sep Bob Fosse dies of heart attack in Washington, D.C.: Renowned choreographer and director Bob Fosse died of a heart attack on September 23, 1987, in Washington, D.C. He was 60 years old and had been in the city for the opening of a revival of his musical 'Sweet Charity' at the National Theatre. Fosse collapsed while walking from his hotel to the theater and was pronounced dead at George Washington University Hospital. source: washingtonpost.com
- 26 Sep Rosanna Munter: Swedish actress and recording artist: Rosanna Munter, born on September 26, 1987, in Stockholm, Sweden, is a Swedish actress and recording artist. She gained prominence as a member of the Swedish girl group Play, which achieved success in the early 2000s. Munter also pursued a solo career and collaborated with White Lies bassist Charles Cave in the project K.I.D.S. She currently works as an A&R at Universal Music in Stockholm and runs a music management company called Logic & Heart. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Sep Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night concert filmed at Cocoanut Grove: On September 30, 1987, Roy Orbison, along with special guests including Bruce Springsteen, k.d. lang, and others, performed at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles. The concert was filmed in black and white and later broadcast as "Roy Orbison and Friends: A Black and White Night" in January 1988. It was also released as a live album in 1989. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 02 Oct UK Music Chart Topper: Rick Astley's hit single 'Never Gonna Give You Up' topped the UK music charts, later becoming an internet meme phenomenon known as 'Rickrolling'.
- 09 Oct Bruce Springsteen releases 'Tunnel of Love' album: Bruce Springsteen's eighth studio album, 'Tunnel of Love', was released on October 9, 1987. The album features introspective themes and a departure from his earlier rock anthems, incorporating pop and rock elements. It includes singles like 'Brilliant Disguise' and 'One Step Up', with 'Tunnel of Love' winning Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo at the 1988 Grammy Awards. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Oct Country Music Awards Highlight: At the 21st Country Music Association Awards, Hank Williams Jr. receives recognition, further establishing his prominence in the country music scene.
- 18 Oct Zac Efron born on October 18, 1987: Zac Efron, an American actor and singer, was born on October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California. He gained fame for his role in the 'High School Musical' series and has since starred in various films and television shows. Efron is known for his versatility and has received several awards for his performances. source: biography.com
- 19 Oct Anything Goes Broadway Opening: The musical 'Anything Goes' opened at the Beaumont Theater in New York City, beginning a successful run of 804 performances.
- 22 Oct Cabaret Broadway revival opens on October 22, 1987: The first Broadway revival of the musical 'Cabaret' opened on October 22, 1987, at the Imperial Theatre, directed by Harold Prince and choreographed by Ron Field. The production featured Joel Grey reprising his role as the Emcee, with Alyson Reed as Sally Bowles, Gregg Edelman as Cliff Bradshaw, Regina Resnik as Fräulein Schneider, Werner Klemperer as Herr Schultz, and David Staller as Ernst Ludwig. The revival ran for 261 performances, closing on June 4, 1988. source: broadwayworld.com
- 30 Oct George Michael releases 'Faith' album: George Michael's debut solo album, 'Faith', was released on October 30, 1987. The album marked a significant shift in his career, showcasing his versatility as an artist and featuring hits like 'Faith', 'Father Figure', and 'One More Try'. It received critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying Michael's status as a leading pop artist of the late 1980s. source: britannica.com
- 02 Nov George Michael releases 'Faith' album: George Michael's debut solo album, 'Faith', was released on November 2, 1987. The album blends pop with R&B, funk, and soul influences, featuring introspective lyrics. It achieved significant commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 Nov Into the Woods Broadway premiere: 'Into the Woods' premiered on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 5, 1987. The musical, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, intertwines several Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The original cast included Bernadette Peters as the Witch and Joanna Gleason as the Baker's Wife. The production received critical acclaim and won three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Joanna Gleason. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Nov Zohar Argov, Israeli singer, dies at 32: Zohar Argov, born Zohar Orkabi on July 16, 1955, was a prominent Israeli singer known as "The King of Mizrahi music." He died on November 6, 1987, in Rishon LeZion, Israel, at the age of 32. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging in his prison cell. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Nov Teddy & Alice Broadway musical premiered at Minskoff Theatre: The musical 'Teddy & Alice' premiered on November 12, 1987, at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City. Directed by John Driver and choreographed by Donald Saddler, the production ran for 77 performances, closing on January 17, 1988. The cast featured Len Cariou as Theodore Roosevelt, Nancy Hume as Alice Roosevelt, and Beth Fowler as Edith Roosevelt. source: broadwayworld.com
- 15 Nov La Cage aux Folles Broadway closing date: The original Broadway production of 'La Cage aux Folles' closed on November 15, 1987, after 1,761 performances. The musical, which opened on August 21, 1983, was a significant success during its run. source: broadwayworld.com
- 16 Nov Zubir Said, composer of Singapore's national anthem, dies at 80: Zubir Said, the composer of Singapore's national anthem 'Majulah Singapura,' passed away on November 16, 1987, at the age of 80. He was a prolific composer and musician, known for his contributions to Singapore's music scene and Malay culture. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Nov Les Misérables musical opens in Sydney: The Australian production of 'Les Misérables' opened at the Theatre Royal in Sydney on November 27, 1987. The cast featured Normie Rowe as Jean Valjean, Philip Quast as Javert, Anthony Warlow as Enjolras, Debbie Byrne as Fantine, Simon Burke as Marius, Marina Prior as Cosette, Jodie Gillies as Eponine, Barry Langrish as Thénardier, and Robyn Arthur as Madame Thénardier. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Nov (I've Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes reaches number one on Billboard Hot 100: The song '(I've Had) The Time of My Life' by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, featured in the 1987 film 'Dirty Dancing,' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart on November 28, 1987, for one week. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Nov Dreamgirls Broadway Closure: The Broadway musical Dreamgirls concluded its run at the Ambassador Theater in New York City after 177 performances, marking the end of a notable theatrical production that had captured audiences' attention.
- 30 Nov Dougie Poynter Birth: Dougie Poynter, British musician and bassist of the popular pop-rock band McFly, was born in Orsett, England on November 30, 1987. He would later become a significant figure in the UK music scene.
- 03 Dec Bach's Second Marriage: Renowned Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach married his second wife, Anna Magdalena Wilcken, the daughter of a trumpeter in Weissenfels. This marriage would prove significant in Bach's personal and professional life, with Anna Magdalena supporting his musical endeavors.
- 10 Dec Jascha Heifetz, renowned violinist, dies at 86: Jascha Heifetz, a Russian-born American violinist celebrated for his technical proficiency and musical interpretation, died on December 10, 1987, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 86 years old. Heifetz had been hospitalized since October 16 for treatment of injuries sustained from a fall in his home in Beverly Hills. The immediate cause of death was not reported. source: britannica.com
- 15 Dec Les Misérables opens at Shubert Theatre in Boston: On December 15, 1987, the First National Tour of 'Les Misérables' opened at Boston's Shubert Theatre, marking the musical's first performance in the city. The tour continued its run in Boston until June 25, 1988, before moving to other cities across the United States. source: ibdb.com
- 24 Dec BOØWY announces disbandment at Shibuya Public Hall: On December 24, 1987, Japanese rock band BOØWY announced their disbandment at Shibuya Public Hall, three and a half months after releasing their final album, 'PSYCHOPATH', on September 5, 1987. The album achieved high sales and included the band's first number-one single, 'MARIONETTE'. source: discovery-japan.me
- 26 Dec Les Misérables opens at National Theatre of Iceland in Reykjavik: On December 26, 1987, the musical 'Les Misérables' premiered at the National Theatre of Iceland in Reykjavik, marking its first performance in Iceland. source: brainyhistory.com
What happened in 1987?
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