Today in music history: December 15 – WiLD 94.1
The Grateful Dead made a triumphant return to the stage on December 15, 1986, following Jerry Garcia’s recovery from a diabetic coma. Their performance at the Oakland Coliseum Arena commenced with the iconic track “Touch of Grey,” which had dominated the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and secured a spot at No. 9 on the Hot 100. Besides this memorable comeback, December 15th has witnessed various significant events in the history of the Top 40, including album releases and notable ceremonies.
Several breakthrough albums released on December 15th have given rise to Top 40 hits over the years. In 1992, Dr. Dre released his debut solo album, “The Chronic,” under Death Row Records and Interscope Records. This influential project achieved No. 3 on the Billboard 200, spending over 90 weeks on the chart and yielding hit tracks such as “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang.” In 2014, Nicki Minaj unveiled her third studio album, “The Pinkprint,” featuring collaborations with prominent artists like Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, and Drake. Debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, the album produced Top 40 hits such as “Pills N Potions,” “Anaconda,” and “The Night Is Still Young.” Eminem’s ninth studio album, “Revival,” was released on December 15, 2017. It instantly claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200, making it his eighth consecutive No. 1 release. The album’s single “Walk on Water,” featuring Beyoncé, scaled the Top 20 on the Hot 100.
The Top 40 cultural landscape has also been marked by significant moments on December 15th. In 1984, singer Olivia Newton-John exchanged vows with dancer Matt Lattanzi, and their daughter, Chloe Rose Lattanzi, was born in 1986. However, the couple ultimately parted ways in 1995. In 1990, musician Rod Stewart tied the knot with supermodel Rachel Hunter, only to part ways in 1999 and finalize their divorce in 2006. Celine Dion wrapped up her acclaimed A New Day… residency in Las Vegas at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in 2007 after a successful five-year run consisting of over 700 performances featuring some of her greatest hits.
Despite the celebratory events, December 15th has also been marked by somber moments within the music industry. In 1988, James Brown, famous for hits like “I Got You (I Feel Good),” was sentenced to over six years in prison for assault and evading the police. He served nearly half of his term before release in 1991. On December 15, 2001, Rufus Thomas passed away from heart failure at 84. Thomas, known for tunes like “Do the Funky Chicken” and “Walking the Dog,” reached No. 1 on the R&B chart in the U.S. with his song “Do the Push and Pull.”
With a mix of celebratory and heartbreaking events marking December 15th, it’s no wonder music enthusiasts keep this date firmly in their memories.