1991 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1991 Music Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 05 Jan Broadway Musical Closes: The musical 'Oh, Kay!' concluded its run at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City after 77 performances, marking the end of its Broadway engagement.
- 06 Jan Gypsy Musical Closes on Broadway: The Broadway musical 'Gypsy' concluded its run at St. James Theater in New York City after an impressive 477 performances, showcasing the enduring appeal of this classic musical.
- 20 Jan Les Miserables Opens in Los Angeles: The renowned musical 'Les Miserables' begins its performance run at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.
- 24 Jan Les Misérables opens in Montreal: The musical adaptation of 'Les Misérables' opened in Montreal, bringing Victor Hugo's classic novel to life on stage. This production contributed to the global popularity of the musical, which has since been performed worldwide. source: lesmis.com
- 28 Jan 18th American Music Awards ceremony: The 18th American Music Awards took place on January 28, 1991, celebrating the achievements of artists in the music industry. The event featured performances and awards across various genres, highlighting popular music of the time. source: americanmusicawards.com
- 30 Jan US Music Chart Topper: On January 30, 1991, "The First Time" by Surface was the number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Feb 33rd Annual Grammy Awards held in New York City: The 33rd Annual Grammy Awards took place on February 20, 1991, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Hosted by Garry Shandling, the ceremony recognized musical achievements from the previous year, with Quincy Jones leading the night by winning six awards, including Album of the Year for 'Back on the Block'. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 Feb James Brown Released from Prison: Legendary musician James Brown is released from prison, marking a personal milestone in his tumultuous life.
- 02 Mar Death of Serge Gainsbourg: French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg passed away on March 2, 1991, at the age of 62. He was known for his provocative style and contributions to French music, leaving a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. source: britannica.com
- 08 Mar 17th People's Choice Awards: The 17th People's Choice Awards took place on March 8, 1991, celebrating the favorite movies, television shows, and music of the year as voted by the public. This event highlighted popular culture and audience preferences during that time. source: imdb.com
- 09 Mar Les Misérables opens in Brisbane: The musical 'Les Misérables' premiered in Brisbane, Australia, on March 9, 1991. This production was part of a global tour and received positive reviews for its performances and staging. source: theguardian.com
- 11 Mar Janet Jackson signs major record deal: On March 11, 1991, Janet Jackson signed a significant record deal that marked a pivotal moment in her music career. This deal was instrumental in the production of her subsequent albums and solidified her status in the music industry. source: billboard.com
- 16 Mar Tragic plane crash kills Reba McEntire's band members: On March 16, 1991, a plane crash in San Diego claimed the lives of several members of Reba McEntire's band. This tragic event shocked the country music community and led to widespread mourning. source: billboard.com
- 21 Mar Leo Fender, guitar pioneer, passes away: Leo Fender, the influential American guitar manufacturer and inventor, passed away on March 21, 1991. He is best known for creating iconic electric guitars such as the Fender Stratocaster and Telecaster, which have shaped the sound of modern music. source: britannica.com
- 31 Mar Will Rogers Follies Musical Premiere: The musical 'Will Rogers Follies' premieres in New York City, bringing the life and times of the famous American humorist to the Broadway stage.
- 10 Apr Birth of AJ Michalka: AJ Michalka, an American actress and singer, was born on April 10, 1991, in Torrance, California. She is best known for her role in the Disney Channel series 'Phineas and Ferb' and as one half of the musical duo Aly & AJ. source: imdb.com
- 11 Apr Miss Saigon Broadway premiere: The musical 'Miss Saigon' premiered on Broadway at the Broadway Theatre in New York City on April 11, 1991. The production, directed by Nicholas Hytner, ran for 4,092 performances before closing on January 28, 2001. source: ibdb.com
- 14 Apr Oh, Kay! Broadway Closure: The musical 'Oh, Kay!' ended its performance run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater in New York City.
- 15 Apr Secret Garden Broadway Premiere: The musical 'Secret Garden' opened at the St. James Theater in New York City, beginning a successful run that would last 706 performances and become a notable Broadway production.
- 16 Apr Matador musical premieres in London: The musical 'Matador' premiered in London, showcasing a blend of drama and music centered around the world of bullfighting. The production received attention for its unique theme and artistic presentation. source: theguardian.com
- 27 Apr Lucifer's Child musical closes on Broadway: The musical 'Lucifer's Child' concluded its run on Broadway on April 27, 1991, after receiving mixed reviews. The production was notable for its ambitious themes and elaborate staging, though it struggled to attract a large audience. source: broadwayworld.com
- 28 Apr Gypsy Opens on Broadway: The musical 'Gypsy' opened at the Marquis Theater in New York City, beginning a run of 105 performances. This revival of the classic musical continued the show's legacy of exploring the world of vaudeville and show business.
- 09 May Death of Rudolf Serkin: Renowned pianist Rudolf Serkin passed away on May 9, 1991. He was celebrated for his interpretations of classical music and his contributions to the art form. source: nytimes.com
- 11 May Roxette's 'Joyride' tops US music charts: On May 11, 1991, Roxette's single 'Joyride' reached the top position on the US music charts, marking a significant achievement for the Swedish pop duo. source: billboard.com
- 13 May Jazz cornetist Jimmy McPartland passes away: Jimmy McPartland, a renowned jazz cornetist, passed away on May 13, 1991. He was known for his contributions to jazz music and had a significant impact on the genre throughout his career. source: nytimes.com
- 19 May 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story' closes on Broadway: The musical 'Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story' concluded its Broadway run at the Sam S. Shubert Theatre on May 19, 1991, after 225 performances. The show, which opened on November 4, 1990, celebrated the life and music of rock and roll legend Buddy Holly. source: jkstheatrescene.com
- 24 May Wilhelm Kempff Dies: Wilhelm Kempff, a renowned German classical pianist known for his exceptional interpretations of Beethoven and Brahms, passes away. Kempff was a highly respected musician who made significant contributions to classical music performance in the 20th century.
- 29 May Les Misérables opens in New Zealand: The musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' premiered in New Zealand on May 29, 1991. This production was part of a global phenomenon that brought the story of redemption and revolution to audiences worldwide, showcasing powerful performances and memorable music. source: lesmis.com.au
- 09 Jun Bruce Springsteen's Wedding: Rock legend Bruce Springsteen married his longtime backup singer Patty Scialfa, a personal milestone in the musician's life.
- 10 Jun 25th Music City News Country Awards: The 25th Music City News Country Awards are held, with Ricky Van Shelton being a notable recipient, highlighting the country music scene of the early 1990s.
- 11 Jun Cromwell Everson, South African composer, dies: Cromwell Everson, a South African composer known for his contributions to classical music, passed away on June 11, 1991, in Durban, Natal, South Africa. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Jun Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves theatrical release: The film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' was released in theaters on June 14, 1991. The movie stars Kevin Costner as Robin Hood and features a musical score by Bryan Adams. source: imdb.com
- 16 Jun Fiddler on the Roof Closes on Broadway: The iconic musical 'Fiddler on the Roof', starring Topol, concluded its run at the Gershwin Theater in New York City after 241 performances.
- 21 Jun US Billboard chart topper: On June 21, 1991, the Billboard Hot 100 chart featured 'I Want It That Way' by the Backstreet Boys as the number one song. This marked a significant moment in pop music history, reflecting the boy band phenomenon of the 1990s. source: billboard.com
- 23 Jun Weird Al Yankovic Recording: Weird Al Yankovic recorded 'Babalu Music'.
- 09 Jul A Little Night Music Opens in NYC: The New York City Opera presents Stephen Sondheim's musical 'A Little Night Music' at the New York State Theater, commencing a limited 7-performance run.
- 12 Jul Paula Abdul's 'Rush Rush' tops US charts: On July 12, 1991, Paula Abdul's single 'Rush Rush' reached the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her music career, solidifying her status as a pop icon of the early 1990s. source: billboard.com
- 13 Jul Bryan Adams' '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' dominates UK charts: On July 13, 1991, Bryan Adams' '(Everything I Do) I Do It for You' topped the UK Singles Chart. The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time, showcasing Adams' popularity in the early '90s. source: officialcharts.com
- 20 Jul Earl Robinson passes away: Earl Robinson, an American composer and singer known for his contributions to folk music and social activism, passed away on July 20, 1991. source: nytimes.com
- 27 Jul Rock musician Jani Lane marries model Bobbie Brown: On July 27, 1991, Jani Lane, the lead singer of the rock band Warrant, married model Bobbie Brown. The couple's relationship was highly publicized, particularly due to Brown's appearance in the band's music video for 'Cherry Pie.' source: billboard.com
- 28 Jul Gypsy Musical Closes: The Broadway musical 'Gypsy' concluded its run at the Marquis Theater in New York City after 105 performances, marking the end of a notable theatrical production.
- 02 Aug Rick James arrested on sexual assault charges: On August 2, 1991, musician Rick James and his girlfriend Tanya Hijazi were arrested in Los Angeles on charges of holding 24-year-old Frances Alley hostage for up to six days. They were accused of forcing her to perform sexual acts and burning her legs and abdomen with a hot crack cocaine pipe during a week-long cocaine binge. James faced multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Aug Billy Preston faces legal troubles: On August 8, 1991, musician Billy Preston was reported to be facing legal troubles related to financial issues. This event drew attention to the challenges faced by artists in the music industry. source: billboard.com
- 10 Aug "A Little Night Music" Broadway performance concludes: The Broadway production of "A Little Night Music" concluded its run on August 10, 1991. The musical, composed by Stephen Sondheim, was well-received and is known for its intricate score and storytelling. source: playbill.com
- 31 Aug Jan Berry Marries Gertie Filip: Jan Berry of the musical duo Jan & Dean got married to Gertie Filip on this date.
- 03 Sep Dottie West's tragic passing: Country music star Dottie West passed away on September 3, 1991, following a car accident in Tennessee. She was known for her influential contributions to country music and had a successful career spanning several decades. source: rollingstone.com
- 04 Sep The Most Happy Fella musical revival: On September 4, 1991, a revival of the musical 'The Most Happy Fella' opened on Broadway. The production was notable for its rich score and engaging story, contributing to the ongoing legacy of American musical theater. source: broadwayworld.com
- 17 Sep Death of renowned violinist Zino Francescatti: Zino Francescatti, a celebrated French violinist, passed away on September 17, 1991. His contributions to classical music and performances worldwide left a lasting legacy. source: britannica.com
- 24 Sep Nirvana releases 'Nevermind' album: Nirvana's second studio album, 'Nevermind,' was released on September 24, 1991, marking a significant moment in the grunge music scene. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Sep REM Chart Performance: Alternative rock band REM's song 'Shiny Happy People' peaked at #10 on the music charts.
- 03 Oct 25th Country Music Association Awards: The 25th annual Country Music Association Awards ceremony was held on October 3, 1991, celebrating achievements in country music. source: cmaworld.com
- 06 Oct Death of Igor Talkov, Russian singer and dissident artist: Igor Talkov, a prominent Russian singer and dissident artist, died on October 6, 1991. His music and activism made him a significant figure in the cultural landscape of post-Soviet Russia, and his death was widely mourned. source: bbc.com
- 12 Oct Statler Brothers Show Debuts: The popular country music group Statler Brothers premiered their television show on The Nashville Network (TNN), expanding their media presence.
- 17 Oct Tennessee Ernie Ford passes away: Tennessee Ernie Ford, the beloved American singer and television host, passed away on October 17, 1991. He was known for his deep baritone voice and hits like 'Sixteen Tons,' leaving a lasting legacy in American music. source: nytimes.com
- 19 Oct Mariah Carey's 'Emotions' Tops US Charts: On October 19, 1991, Mariah Carey's album "Emotions" reached the top position on the US charts, showcasing her vocal prowess and solidifying her status as a leading artist in the music industry. source: billboard.com
- 20 Oct Lisa Hartman and Clint Black Wedding: Actress Lisa Hartman married country music singer Clint Black in a notable celebrity wedding that garnered media attention.
- 22 Oct US Billboard number one hit: On October 22, 1991, the Billboard Hot 100 chart saw a new number one hit, marking a significant moment in the music industry. The song's popularity reflected the musical trends of the early 1990s. source: nytimes.com
- 23 Oct Les Misérables Opens in Paris: The renowned musical 'Les Misérables' opens at the historic Mogador Theatre in Paris, continuing its global success and cultural impact.
- 25 Oct Bill Graham passes away: Renowned rock concert promoter Bill Graham, known for his influential role in the music industry, passed away on October 25, 1991. He was instrumental in organizing concerts for major artists and was a significant figure in the San Francisco music scene. source: rollingstone.com
- 28 Oct UK Music Chart Topper: Bryan Adams' '(Everything I Do) I Do It For You' was the number one song in the United Kingdom on this date.
- 30 Oct Clint Black Marries Lisa Hartman: Country music singer Clint Black, aged 34, married actress Lisa Hartman in a notable celebrity wedding.
- 02 Nov Jermaine Jackson Releases Controversial Song About Michael: Jermaine Jackson released "Word to the Badd!!" a provocative song targeting his brother Michael Jackson, revealing tensions within the famous musical family.
- 08 Nov Carol Burnett Show premieres on CBS: The Carol Burnett Show made its debut on CBS on November 8, 1991, marking a significant moment in television history. The show featured a mix of comedy sketches and musical performances, showcasing Burnett's talent and charm. source: tvguide.com
- 11 Nov Vic Reeves & The Wonder Stuff hit UK number one: On November 11, 1991, the collaboration between Vic Reeves and The Wonder Stuff reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. This song became a significant hit, showcasing the unique blend of comedy and music that characterized Reeves' style. source: bbc.co.uk
- 22 Nov Disney releases Beauty and the Beast: Disney's animated film 'Beauty and the Beast' premiered in theaters, becoming a critical and commercial success. It was notable for its animation and music, and it later received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. source: disney.com
- 23 Nov Freddie Mercury announces HIV status: Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with HIV, a significant moment in the awareness of the disease. His announcement brought attention to the AIDS crisis and its impact on the music community. source: bbc.com
- 24 Nov KISS drummer Eric Carr dies from heart cancer: Eric Carr, the drummer for the rock band KISS, passed away on November 24, 1991, at the age of 41 due to heart cancer. He had been with the band since 1980, replacing Peter Criss, and was known for his energetic performances and the 'Fox' persona he created. Carr's death occurred on the same day as Queen's lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading to a significant loss in the rock music community. source: washingtonpost.com
- 27 Nov Peter Pan musical opens in NYC: A revival of the musical 'Peter Pan' opened at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City on November 27, 1991, running for 48 performances. source: broadwayworld.com
- 04 Dec The Judds' Farewell Concert: Country music's iconic mother-daughter duo, The Judds, performed their final concert at Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, marking the end of a significant musical partnership.
- 06 Dec Les Misérables Stage Production: The renowned musical 'Les Misérables' opened at the Circustheater in Scheveningen, Netherlands, continuing its global popularity and theatrical success.
- 08 Dec Nick & Nora Broadway Performance: The Broadway musical 'Nick & Nora' opened at the Marquis Theater in New York City, scheduled for a brief 9-performance run.
- 09 Dec 2nd Billboard Music Awards held: The 2nd Billboard Music Awards took place on December 9, 1991, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California. The event was hosted by Paul Shaffer and broadcast on Fox. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Dec Michael Jackson's 'Black or White' Tops Charts: Michael Jackson's hit single 'Black or White' was the number one song in the United States on December 14, 1991, showcasing the artist's continued musical dominance during this period.
- 15 Dec Broadway musical 'Nick & Nora' closes after nine performances: The musical 'Nick & Nora,' based on Dashiell Hammett's 'The Thin Man,' opened on December 8, 1991, at the Marquis Theatre in New York City. Despite extensive previews and a star-studded cast, the show received poor reviews and closed on December 15, 1991, after only nine performances. source: broadwayworld.com
- 19 Dec A Christmas Carol Musical Opens: The musical adaptation of 'A Christmas Carol' begins its run at the Eugene O'Neill Theater in New York City, offering 14 performances of the classic holiday story.
- 23 Dec Death of Ernst Krenek, Notable Composer: Austrian-American composer Ernst Krenek passed away in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 91. Known for his significant work 'Orpheus and Eurydike', Krenek was an influential figure in 20th-century classical music, contributing to modernist and avant-garde musical styles.
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