Historic events this week from Prince, Stevie Nicks, ZZ Top, KISS and Billy Joel
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AUGUST 4, 1984: PURPLE RAIN IS #1
A little over a month after its release, Prince‘s Purple Rain made its way to #1 on the Billboard 200. Featuring the #1 hits “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy”, the classic album would spend an astounding 22 straight weeks at #1.
The landmark album earned Prince & the Revolution two Grammys, and an Oscar for Best Original Song Score for Prince.
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AUGUST 6, 1981: STEVIE NICKS RELEASES BELLA DONNA
Stevie Nicks scored a #1 album with the release of her solo debut, Bella Donna.
The album has sold over 6 million copies worldwide thanks to strong singles like “Leather and Lace” featuring Don Henley, “Edge of Seventeen” .and “Stop Dragging My Heart Around” featuring Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
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AUGUST 7, 1996: ELIMINATOR CERTIFIED DIAMOND
ZZ Top‘s biggest album, Eliminator, is a stunner. Expanded use of synthesizers brought a New Wave sound that appealed to a wider audience.
Eliminator has gone 10x Platinum in the US thanks to the hits “Gimme All Your Lovin’”, “Got Me Under Pressure”, “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man.”
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AUGUST 9, 1995: KISS UNPLUGGED
The original members of KISS reunited for the band’s MTV Unplugged show. It was the first time the original lineup performed without makeup; not counting Ace Frehley‘s wedding in ’76.
Ace Frehley & Peter Criss‘ appearance on MTV Unplugged went over so well, they officially rejoined the band in ’96.
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AUGUST 10, 1993: BILLY JOEL RELEASES RIVER OF DREAMS
Billy Joel‘s 12th album went 5x Platinum and became his fourth and final US #1 album. River of Dreams earned Joel Grammy nominations for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male.
He released an album of classical compositions in 2001, but 1993’s River of Dreams remains his most recent rock album.
