1990 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1990 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 10 Jan Les Misérables opens at Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore: On January 10, 1990, the musical 'Les Misérables' opened at the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland, as part of its first national tour. The production ran from January 6 to March 10, 1990, in Baltimore, before continuing its tour to other cities. source: ibdb.com
- 20 Jan 47th Golden Globe Awards held on January 20, 1990: The 47th Golden Globe Awards ceremony took place on January 20, 1990, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The event honored the best in film and television for 1989, with 'Born on the Fourth of July' winning Best Motion Picture – Drama and 'Driving Miss Daisy' winning Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. source: digitalhit.com
- 22 Jan 17th Annual American Music Awards held at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles: The 17th Annual American Music Awards took place on January 22, 1990, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Anita Baker, Alice Cooper, Gloria Estefan, and The Judds, the event recognized the most popular artists and albums from 1989. Notably, Milli Vanilli won three awards, including Favorite New Artist in both the pop-rock and soul-rhythm & blues categories, and Favorite Pop-Rock Single for "Girl You Know It's True." source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Feb 40th Berlin International Film Festival: The 40th Berlin International Film Festival was held from February 9 to 20, 1990, in West Berlin, Germany. The festival opened with "Steel Magnolias" by Herbert Ross, shown out of competition. The Golden Bear was awarded ex aequo to "Music Box" directed by Costa-Gavras and "Larks on a String" directed by Jiří Menzel. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Feb 32nd Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles: The 32nd Annual Grammy Awards took place on February 21, 1990, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Garry Shandling, the ceremony recognized musical achievements from the previous year. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Mar James Lomas, British actor born on March 1, 1990: James Lomas, born James Jacob-Lomas on March 1, 1990, in Sheffield, England, is a British actor best known for originating the role of Billy Elliot in the West End production of 'Billy Elliot the Musical'. He won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2006, becoming one of the youngest recipients of the award. Lomas began his dance training at the Sharon Berry School of Theatre Dance in Sheffield at age 12 and attended Ecclesfield School in Chapeltown. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Mar Death of German conductor Karl Münchinger: Karl Münchinger, a prominent German conductor known for his work with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra and his interpretations of Bach's music, passed away in Stuttgart on March 13, 1990. source: encyclopedia.com
- 14 Mar 4th Soul Train Music Awards held in Los Angeles: The 4th annual Soul Train Music Awards took place on March 14, 1990, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, 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 and the British group Soul II Soul, each securing three awards, and Quincy Jones, who received the Heritage Award for Career Achievement. source: upi.com
- 20 Mar Depeche Mode's in-store signing event leads to chaos in Los Angeles: On March 20, 1990, Depeche Mode held a record-signing event at The Wherehouse store in Los Angeles to promote their album 'Violator.' An estimated 17,000 to 20,000 fans gathered, overwhelming security and leading to the band's early departure after just over an hour. The Los Angeles Police Department dispatched approximately 100 officers in riot gear to manage the crowd, which resulted in minor injuries and property damage. The incident significantly boosted the band's profile in the U.S. source: latimes.com
- 22 Mar Les Misérables opens in Boston on March 22, 1990: The acclaimed musical 'Les Misérables' opened at the Shubert Theatre in Boston on March 22, 1990, as part of its first national tour. The production ran until June 30, 1990, captivating audiences with its powerful storytelling and memorable score. source: ibdb.com
- 31 Mar Premiere of 'The Black Rider' at Thalia Theater in Hamburg, Germany: 'The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets,' a musical collaboration between director Robert Wilson, musician Tom Waits, and writer William S. Burroughs, premiered on March 31, 1990, at Hamburg's Thalia Theater. The play is based on the German folktale 'Der Freischütz' and features music composed by Waits. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Apr Aspects of Love Broadway premiere: 'Aspects of Love' premiered on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 8, 1990. The musical, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart, is based on David Garnett's 1955 novel. It ran for 377 performances before closing on March 2, 1991. source: broadwayworld.com
- 12 Apr Kurt Masur appointed as New York Philharmonic's music director: On April 11, 1990, Kurt Masur, then conductor of East Germany's Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, was named the New York Philharmonic's music director for a five-year term starting in the 1992-93 season, coinciding with the orchestra's 150th anniversary. During the 1990-91 season, Masur was to conduct two subscription weeks and oversee artistic planning. source: latimes.com
- 22 Apr Truly Blessed opens on Broadway at Longacre Theatre: 'Truly Blessed,' a musical celebrating Mahalia Jackson, opened on April 22, 1990, at the Longacre Theatre in New York City. The production ran for 33 performances, closing on May 20, 1990. The show featured music, lyrics, and writing by Esther Marrow, who also portrayed Mahalia Jackson in the original cast. source: ibdb.com
- 25 Apr 25th Academy of Country Music Awards held in Los Angeles: The 25th Academy of Country Music Awards took place on April 25, 1990, at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Hosted by The Judds, Alabama, George Strait, and Tammy Wynette, the ceremony honored achievements in country music. Clint Black emerged as the night's standout, securing four awards, including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. Kathy Mattea was recognized as Top Female Vocalist, and The Judds received Top Vocal Duet honors. source: upi.com
- 28 Apr A Chorus Line closes on Broadway after 6,137 performances: On April 28, 1990, 'A Chorus Line' concluded its historic 15-year run at the Shubert Theatre in New York City, marking the end of the longest-running Broadway show at that time with 6,137 performances. The final performance was a benefit event attended by the original 1975 cast and producer Joseph Papp, celebrating the musical's significant impact on theater history. source: deseret.com
- 23 May Pretty Woman movie release date: The romantic comedy film 'Pretty Woman' was released in the United States on March 23, 1990. Directed by Garry Marshall and starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, the film became a significant box office success, grossing over $463 million worldwide. It also received critical acclaim, with Roberts earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. source: rottentomatoes.com
- 02 Jun Partners in Kryme's 'Turtle Power' reaches number 13 on Billboard Hot 100: On June 2, 1990, 'Turtle Power' by Partners in Kryme peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, featured in the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' movie, also achieved significant success internationally, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart for four weeks in July and August 1990. Additionally, it peaked at number four in Ireland and number seven in New Zealand. source: officialcharts.com
- 03 Jun 44th Tony Awards held at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre: The 44th Annual Tony Awards, honoring Broadway excellence, took place on June 3, 1990, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York City. Hosted by Kathleen Turner, the ceremony recognized outstanding achievements in theatre for the 1989–1990 season. Notably, 'City of Angels' won Best Musical, and 'The Grapes of Wrath' won Best Play. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Jun 24th TNN/Music City News Country Awards held in Nashville: The 24th TNN/Music City News Country Awards took place on June 4, 1990, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted by Jimmy Dean and Barbara Mandrell, the ceremony honored top country music artists, with Ricky Van Shelton winning Entertainer of the Year and Album of the Year for "Killin' Time." Patty Loveless received Female Artist of the Year, and The Statler Brothers were named Vocal Group of the Year. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Jun Federal judge declares 2 Live Crew's 'As Nasty as They Wanna Be' album obscene: On June 6, 1990, U.S. District Judge Jose Gonzalez ruled that the Miami-based rap group's album 'As Nasty as They Wanna Be' violated community obscenity standards in Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach counties, Florida. This marked the first time a musical recording was deemed obscene by a federal court. The ruling led to arrests of band members and a local record store owner for selling the album, sparking debates over free speech and censorship. source: washingtonpost.com
- 09 Jun Red Hot + Blue album released: The 'Red Hot + Blue' album, featuring contemporary artists reinterpreting Cole Porter's songs, was released on September 25, 1990. It sold over a million copies worldwide and raised nearly $1 million for the activist group ACT UP, marking one of the first major AIDS benefits in the music industry. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Jun 2 Live Crew members arrested on obscenity charges in Florida: On June 10, 1990, members of the rap group 2 Live Crew were arrested in Broward County, Florida, after performing songs from their album "As Nasty as They Wanna Be," which had been declared obscene by a federal judge four days earlier. The arrests sparked national debates on free speech and censorship in music. source: washingtonpost.com
- 13 Jun Les Misérables opens at Southern Alberta Jubilee Centre in Calgary: On June 13, 1990, the acclaimed musical 'Les Misérables' premiered at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Centre in Calgary, marking a significant cultural event in the city. The production was part of a Canadian tour that included stops in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. The Calgary engagement ran from June 9 to July 7, 1990. source: geocities.ws
- 16 Jun Roxette's 'It Must Have Been Love' tops Billboard Hot 100: On June 16, 1990, Roxette's 'It Must Have Been Love' reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the Swedish duo's first U.S. chart-topping single. The song, originally featured in the film 'Pretty Woman,' held the top position for two consecutive weeks. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jun Nelson Mandela's historic visit to Yankee Stadium: On June 21, 1990, Nelson Mandela, recently released from 27 years in prison, addressed a crowd of approximately 55,000 at Yankee Stadium. The event featured musical performances and concluded with Mandela donning a Yankees cap and jacket, declaring, "You know who I am. I am a Yankee." This visit was part of his 11-day U.S. tour following his release. source: mlb.com
- 22 Jun Glastonbury Festival 1990 showcases diverse musical talent: The 1990 Glastonbury Festival, held from June 22 to 24, featured a wide array of artists across genres, including The Cure, Happy Mondays, Sinéad O'Connor, De La Soul, Ry Cooder, Aswad, and World Party. The event attracted 70,000 attendees, with tickets priced at £38. Notably, the festival was renamed to Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts to reflect its diverse attractions. £100,000 was raised for CND and local charities. However, the festival concluded with confrontations between security and New Age Travellers, resulting in 235 arrests and £50,000 worth of damage. source: bbc.com
- 26 Jun k.d. lang faces radio boycotts over anti-meat ad: In 1990, singer k.d. lang's participation in a "Meat Stinks" campaign led to boycotts by several radio stations in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Montana, and Nebraska. These stations ceased playing her music in response to her anti-meat advertisement, which criticized meat production practices and promoted vegetarianism. The controversy highlighted tensions between animal rights activism and agricultural communities. source: tampabay.com
- 03 Jul 2 Live Crew faces obscenity charges in Florida: On July 3, 1990, three members of the rap group 2 Live Crew were arrested in Broward County, Florida, on obscenity charges after performing songs from their album "As Nasty as They Wanna Be." The album had been declared obscene by a federal judge on June 6, 1990, leading to legal actions against the group and associated parties. source: ew.com
- 04 Jul 2 Live Crew releases 'Banned in the U.S.A.' album: On July 24, 1990, 2 Live Crew released their fourth studio album, 'Banned in the U.S.A.', which addressed the obscenity charges against their previous album, 'As Nasty as They Wanna Be'. The album featured the title track, 'Banned in the U.S.A.', and was the first to bear the RIAA's Parental Advisory warning sticker. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Jul First 'Three Tenors' Concert in Rome: On July 7, 1990, José Carreras, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti performed together for the first time at Rome's Baths of Caracalla, conducted by Zubin Mehta. This concert, held on the eve of the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final, was broadcast to a global audience of approximately 800 million and became the best-selling classical album of all time.
- 12 Jul Les Misérables opens at National Theatre in Washington, D.C.: On July 12, 1990, the musical 'Les Misérables' opened at the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. This production was part of the First National Tour, which began on July 6, 1990, and continued through October 13, 1990. The tour featured performances at various venues across the United States, including the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. source: ibdb.com
- 16 Jul Judas Priest civil trial begins over alleged subliminal messages: On July 16, 1990, a civil trial commenced in Reno, Nevada, where the families of two young men who died by suicide in 1985 alleged that subliminal messages in Judas Priest's 1978 album 'Stained Class' incited the acts. The plaintiffs claimed the song 'Better by You, Better than Me' contained hidden phrases like 'do it' and 'let's be dead.' The band denied these allegations, asserting no subliminal messages were present. The trial concluded on August 24, 1990, with the judge dismissing the case, stating that the alleged subliminal message was a coincidental convergence of a guitar chord with an exhalation pattern. source: upi.com
- 21 Jul Roger Waters stages 'The Wall – Live in Berlin' concert: On July 21, 1990, Roger Waters, former member of Pink Floyd, organized a monumental performance of 'The Wall' in Berlin's Potsdamer Platz, eight months after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The event featured guest artists like Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, and The Scorpions, and was broadcast live to 52 countries, symbolizing unity and marking a significant moment in music history. source: dw.com
- 25 Jul Les Misérables opens at Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver: On July 25, 1990, the acclaimed musical 'Les Misérables' opened at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, marking a significant cultural event in the city. The production was part of a broader North American tour that included stops in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. This engagement in Vancouver was part of the musical's extensive touring schedule during that period. source: brainyhistory.com
- 27 Jul Bobby Day, rock and roll musician, dies: Bobby Day, known for his 1958 hit "Rockin' Robin," died of cancer on July 27, 1990, at age 60 in Los Angeles, California. He was also a songwriter, penning "Little Bitty Pretty One" and "Over and Over." source: deseret.com
- 03 Aug A Little Night Music opens at New York State Theatre: On August 3, 1990, the New York City Opera's production of 'A Little Night Music' opened at the New York State Theatre in New York City. The production, directed by Scott Ellis and choreographed by Susan Stroman, featured a cast including Sally Ann Howes as Desiree Armfeldt and George Lee Andrews as Fredrik Egerman. The run concluded on November 7, 1990, after 11 performances. source: broadwayworld.com
- 13 Aug Curtis Mayfield paralyzed after stage accident in Brooklyn: On August 13, 1990, during a concert at Wingate Field in Brooklyn, New York, a lighting scaffold was toppled by a strong gust of wind, striking Curtis Mayfield from behind and breaking his neck. The 48-year-old soul singer was paralyzed from the neck down and remained in serious condition at Kings County Hospital. Despite the injury, Mayfield continued his music career, releasing his final album, 'New World Order,' in 1996. source: washingtonpost.com
- 24 Aug Judge dismisses subliminal message lawsuit against Judas Priest: On August 24, 1990, Washoe District Judge Jerry Whitehead dismissed a $6.2 million product liability lawsuit against the heavy metal band Judas Priest. The suit alleged that subliminal messages in their 1978 album "Stained Class" led to the suicides of two young men in 1985. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove the existence of intentional subliminal messages or their causation of the suicides. Additionally, CBS Records was fined $40,000 for withholding original master recordings during the trial. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Aug Stevie Ray Vaughan dies in helicopter crash: On August 27, 1990, blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, along with four others, died in a helicopter crash near East Troy, Wisconsin, shortly after performing at Alpine Valley Music Theatre. The Bell 206B helicopter, piloted by Jeff Brown, crashed into a ski hill in dense fog, resulting in all five passengers' deaths. The National Transportation Safety Board attributed the accident to controlled flight into terrain due to the pilot's failure to gain sufficient altitude in poor visibility. source: washingtonpost.com
- 12 Sep Les Misérables musical premieres at Cirkus Theatre in Stockholm: On September 12, 1990, the musical 'Les Misérables' premiered at the Cirkus Theatre in Stockholm, Sweden. This production featured a Swedish cast, including Tommy Körberg as Jean Valjean and Myrra Malmberg as Éponine. The show ran from 1991 to 1992, and a recording of this performance is available from Footlight Records in the U.S. source: theatre-musical.com
- 15 Sep Wilson Phillips' 'Release Me' tops US Billboard Hot 100: On September 15, 1990, 'Release Me' by Wilson Phillips reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the group's second consecutive chart-topping single. The song held the top position for two weeks, further solidifying their success in the pop music scene. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Sep Death of Hermes Pan, renowned Hollywood choreographer: Hermes Pan, an acclaimed American dancer and choreographer, passed away on September 19, 1990, in Beverly Hills, California, at the age of 80. He was best known for his collaborations with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on numerous 1930s movie musicals, including 'Top Hat' and 'Swing Time'. Pan won an Academy Award in 1938 for his dance direction in 'Damsel in Distress' and an Emmy in 1961 for 'Astaire Time: An Evening with Fred Astaire'. source: britannica.com
- 28 Sep Marvin Gaye receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame: On September 27, 1990, Marvin Gaye was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1500 Vine Street. The ceremony was attended by over 400 fans and notable figures, including Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, and Mary Wilson. Gaye's children accepted the award on his behalf, commemorating his significant contributions to music. source: latimes.com
- 29 Sep Nelson's '(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection' reaches number one on Billboard Hot 100: On September 29, 1990, '(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection' by the American rock band Nelson topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking the band's only number-one single. The song was written by band members Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, along with Marc Tanner, and was featured on their album 'After the Rain'. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Sep Tobi Atkins born in Sydney, Australia: Tobi Atkins, an Australian actor and musician, was born on September 30, 1990, in Sydney, Australia. He is best known for his role as Henry Hunter on the Australian television series 'Home and Away'. source: famousbirthdays.com
- 03 Oct 2 Live Crew obscenity trial verdict: On October 3, 1990, a jury acquitted three members of the rap group 2 Live Crew—Luther Campbell, Mark Ross, and Christopher Wongwon—of obscenity charges related to their live performance of songs from their album "As Nasty as They Wanna Be." The trial centered on whether the performance violated Florida's obscenity laws. The jury deliberated for about two hours before returning a not guilty verdict, concluding that the performance did not meet the legal definition of obscenity. This case was part of a broader legal battle over the album's content, which had been declared obscene by a federal judge in June 1990. The acquittal was seen as a significant victory for free speech and artistic expression. source: upi.com
- 05 Oct Rosanne Cash releases 'Interiors' album: On October 5, 1990, Rosanne Cash released her seventh studio album, 'Interiors', marking her debut as a producer. The album features introspective songs, with Cash writing or co-writing all tracks, and includes the single 'What We Really Want', which reached number 39 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. source: washingtonpost.com
- 08 Oct 24th Country Music Association Awards held on October 8, 1990: The 24th annual Country Music Association Awards took place on October 8, 1990, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Hosted by Reba McEntire and Randy Travis, the ceremony honored outstanding achievements in country music. Notable winners included Garth Brooks, who received the Horizon Award, and the Kentucky Headhunters, who won Album of the Year for "Pickin' on Nashville."
- 13 Oct Target Center opened in Minneapolis on October 13, 1990: Target Center, a multi-purpose arena in downtown Minneapolis, opened on October 13, 1990. It has since become the home of the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx. The arena has hosted numerous events, including concerts, family shows, and sporting events. source: targetcenter.com
- 20 Oct 2 Live Crew obscenity trial verdict: The jury reached a verdict in the obscenity trial of the hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, finding the album 'As Nasty As They Wanna Be' to be legally obscene. This case was significant in the discussion of censorship and artistic expression in music. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Oct Michael Feinstein Concert Closes: Michael Feinstein's concert at the Golden Theatre in New York City concluded after a 30-performance run, marking the end of a notable musical engagement.
- 01 Nov Oh, Kay! Musical Opens in NYC: The musical 'Oh, Kay!' debuts at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City, running for 77 performances and contributing to the Broadway theatrical landscape.
- 04 Nov Broadway musical 'Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story' opens in NYC: On November 4, 1990, the Broadway musical 'Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story' premiered in New York City. The show celebrates the life and music of rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly, featuring his iconic songs and the impact he had on the music industry. source: broadwayworld.com
- 07 Nov "Those Were The Days" musical opens in NYC: The musical revue "Those Were The Days," featuring songs from the 1940s and 1950s, opened on November 7, 1990, at the Edison Theatre in New York City. source: playbill.com
- 15 Nov Milli Vanilli Lip-Sync Scandal: Music industry shock as producers publicly acknowledge that Milli Vanilli, who won the 1990 'Best New Artist' Grammy Award, did not actually sing on their album, leading to a major controversy and the revocation of their Grammy.
- 16 Nov Milli Vanilli Grammy Scandal: On November 16, 1990, the Grammy Award won by Milli Vanilli was revoked after it was revealed that the duo did not sing on their album. This scandal had a significant impact on the music industry and public perception of authenticity. source: rollingstone.com
- 19 Nov Milli Vanilli's Grammy Award Revoked: On November 19, 1990, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences rescinded Milli Vanilli's Grammy Award for Best New Artist after revelations that the duo did not perform the vocals on their album 'Girl You Know It's True'. This marked the first time a Grammy was revoked in the award's history. source: latimes.com
- 26 Nov First Billboard Music Awards: The inaugural Billboard Music Awards were held, with Janet Jackson emerging as a notable winner, highlighting her significant musical influence in 1990.
- 29 Nov Shogun - The Musical Opens: Paul Chihara and John Driver's musical adaptation of James Clavell's novel 'Shogun' premiered at the Marquis Theater in New York City, running for 72 performances and bringing the epic story to the stage.
- 02 Dec Death of renowned American composer Aaron Copland: On December 2, 1990, Aaron Copland, the renowned American composer known for works such as "Appalachian Spring" and "Fanfare for the Common Man," passed away. His death marked the loss of one of the most influential figures in American classical music. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Dec Death of Pavlos Sidiropoulos: Pavlos Sidiropoulos, a prominent Greek singer and songwriter who significantly influenced Greek rock music, passed away. Born in 1948, he was known for his innovative musical style and cultural contributions.
- 28 Dec David Archuleta Birth: David Archuleta, an American singer known for his runner-up performance on American Idol, was born in Miami, Florida, marking the beginning of a future musical career.
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