February 10 has been a powerhouse date in music history, marking pivotal moments that span the entire spectrum of genres and decades.
In 1956, Little Richard laid down the ferocious vocals of “Long Tall Sally,” a track that would become a foundational piece of rock and roll history. The song’s raw energy and Richard’s electric performance helped kick the genre into overdrive.
A dozen years later, The Beatles made a major business move by handing over their affairs to Apple Corps, a company they founded to give artists more freedom. It was an attempt to merge creativity with commerce on their own terms, at a time when music industry power was tightly controlled by traditional labels.
On this same date in 1971, Carole King unveiled “Tapestry.” What followed was a seismic shift in singer-songwriter storytelling. The album became an enduring staple, cherished for its vulnerability and unmatched melodic craft.
The hard rock scene got a seismic jolt on February 10, 1978, when Van Halen released their debut album. Packed with Eddie Van Halen’s blistering guitar solos and David Lee Roth’s high-voltage showmanship, the album set a new benchmark for rock excess and technical prowess.
In 1987, the pop charts were shaken by Exposé’s debut “Exposure,” a danceable and polished showcase that helped define the freestyle genre in mainstream American pop. Their harmonies and club-ready beats marked a pivotal moment for Latina women in pop.
Michael Jackson returned to the public eye on February 10, 1993, when he sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a candid and revealing interview. It was a cultural flashpoint, with Jackson addressing everything from his vitiligo diagnosis to his limited cosmetic surgeries, pulling back the curtain on his elusive persona.
Finally, 1999 marked the end of an era for musicians and gearheads when Musician magazine announced it was ceasing publication. After 21 years of insightful interviews and deep gear dives, its closure left a hole in serious music journalism.