List Of 1987 Albums
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This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1987.


Specific locations

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1987 in British music This is a summary of 1987 in music in the United Kingdom, including the official charts from that year. Summary The start of the year saw an important milestone in electronic dance music, when Steve "Silk" Hurley's song "Jack Your Body" became ...
*
1987 in Norwegian music The following is a list of notable events and releases of the year 1987 in Norwegian music. Events April * 10 – The 14th Vossajazz started in Voss, Norway (April 10 – 12). May * 20 – The 15th Nattjazz started in Bergen, Norway (May 20 ...


Specific genres

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1987 in country music This is a list of notable events in country music that took place in the year 1987. Events * June 13 — Randy Travis' " Forever and Ever, Amen" spends three weeks at No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot Country Singles chart. It is the first multi- ...
* 1987 in heavy metal music *
1987 in hip hop music This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 1987. Released albums Highest-charting singles See also *Last article: 1986 in hip hop music This article summarizes the events ...
*
1987 in jazz This is a timeline documenting events of Jazz in the year 1987. Events April * 10 – The 14th Vossajazz started in Voss, Norway (April 10 – 12). May * 20 – The 15th Nattjazz started in Bergen, Norway (May 20 – June 3). June * 5 – Th ...


Events


January–February

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January 3 Events Pre-1600 *AD 69, 69 – The Roman legions on the Rhine refuse to declare their allegiance to Galba, instead proclaiming their legate, Aulus Vitellius, as emperor. * 250 – Emperor Decius orders everyone in the Roman Empire (ex ...
Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin ( ; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the " Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in ''Rolling Stone''s "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". With ...
becomes the first woman inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF), sometimes simply referred to as the Rock Hall, is a museum A museum ( ; plural museums or, rarely, musea) is a building or institution that cares for and displays a collection of artifacts and othe ...
. The other inductees this year consist of The Coasters,
Eddie Cochran Ray Edward Cochran (; October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960) was an American rock and roll musician. Cochran's songs, such as "Twenty Flight Rock", "Summertime Blues", " C'mon Everybody" and " Somethin' Else", captured teenage frustration and desire ...
, Bo Diddley,
Marvin Gaye Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., who also spelled his surname as Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984), was an American singer and songwriter. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo ar ...
, Bill Haley,
Clyde McPhatter Clyde Lensley McPhatter (November 15, 1932 – June 13, 1972) was an American rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll singer. He was one of the most widely imitated R&B singers of the 1950s and early 1960sPalmer, Robert (1981)"Roy Brown, a Pi ...
, Ricky Nelson,
Roy Orbison Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. His music was described by critics as ...
,
Carl Perkins Carl Lee Perkins (April 9, 1932 – January 19, 1998)#nytimesobit, Pareles. was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. A rockabilly great and pioneer of rock and roll, he began his recording career at the Sun Studio, in Memphis, Tennes ...
,
Smokey Robinson William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director. He was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief ...
and
Jackie Wilson Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) was an American singer and performer of the 1950s and 60s. He was a prominent figure in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. Nicknamed "Mr. Excitement", he was considered a mas ...
. *
January 5 Events Pre-1600 *1477 – Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is defeated and killed in a conflict with René II, Duke of Lorraine; Duchy of Burgundy, Burgundy subsequently becomes part of France. 1601–1900 *1675 – Battle of Turckh ...
Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...
, after several months of voice problems, undergoes throat surgery in an Australian hospital. The outcome would hinder his voice permanently and he would soon start singing in a deep register. *
January 16 Events Pre-1600 * 27 BC – Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus is granted the title Augustus by the Roman Senate, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire. * 378 – General Siyaj K'ak' conquers Tikal, enlarging the domain of King Spear ...
Beastie Boys Beastie Boys were an American rap rock group from New York City, formed in 1978. The group was composed of Mike D, Michael "Mike D" Diamond (vocals, drums), Adam Yauch, Adam "MCA" Yauch (vocals, bass), and Ad-Rock, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz (voca ...
become the first act to be censored by ''
American Bandstand ''American Bandstand'', abbreviated ''AB'', is an American music-performance and dance television program that aired in various versions from 1952 to 1989, and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark, who also served as the pro ...
''. *
January 24 Events Pre-1600 * 41 – Claudius is proclaimed Roman emperor by the Praetorian Guard after they assassinate the previous emperor, his nephew Caligula. * 914 – Start of the First Fatimid invasion of Egypt. *1438 – The Cou ...
Steve "Silk" Hurley's innovative "
Jack Your Body "Jack Your Body" is a house music song by Steve "Silk" Hurley, originally released as a single in 1986. It was featured on the album ''Hold on to Your Dream'', released in 1987, under the alias J.M. Silk. History One of the landmark records in t ...
" becomes the first
house music House is a music genre characterized by a repetitive Four on the floor (music), four-on-the-floor beat and a typical tempo of 120 beats per minute. It was created by Disc jockey, DJs and music producers from Chicago metropolitan area, Chicago' ...
record to top the UK singles chart. *
February 6 Events Pre-1600 * 1579 – The Archdiocese of Manila is made a diocese by a papal bull with Domingo de Salazar being its first bishop. 1601–1900 * 1685 – James II of England and VII of Scotland is proclaimed King upon the death of ...
Sonny Bono announces his candidacy for mayor of
Palm Springs, California Palm Springs (Cahuilla: ''Séc-he'') is a desert resort city in Riverside County, California, United States, within the Colorado Desert's Coachella Valley. The city covers approximately , making it the largest city in Riverside County by land a ...
. *
February 14 Events Pre-1600 * 748 – Abbasid Revolution: The Hashimi rebels under Abu Muslim Khorasani take Merv, capital of the Umayyad province Khorasan, marking the consolidation of the Abbasid revolt. * 842 – Charles the Bald and Louis ...
**
Bon Jovi Bon Jovi is an American Rock music, rock band formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey. It consists of singer Jon Bon Jovi, keyboardist David Bryan, drummer Tico Torres, guitarist Phil X, and bassist Hugh McDonald (American musician), Hugh McD ...
's " Livin' on a Prayer" reaches #1 in the USA. It would be 1987's biggest hit song worldwide. **Los Angeles radio station KMET signs off after nineteen years on the air. The station had been a pioneer of underground progressive rock programming. *
February 15 Events Pre-1600 * 438 – Roman emperor Theodosius II publishes the law codex Codex Theodosianus * 590 – Khosrau II is crowned king of Persia. * 706 – Byzantine emperor Justinian II has his predecessors Leontios and Tiberi ...
– '' Video Hits'' premieres on Australian television. *
February 24 Events Pre-1600 * 484 – King Huneric of the Vandals replaces Nicene bishops with Arian ones, and banishes some to Corsica. * 1303 – The English are defeated at the Battle of Roslin, in the First War of Scottish Independence. * 13 ...
– The
29th Annual Grammy Awards The 29th Annual Grammy Awards were held on February 24, 1987, at Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California. They recognized accomplishments by musicians from the previous year. Paul Simon won Album of the Year for ''Graceland'', and Burt Bacha ...
are presented in
Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world' ...
, hosted by Billy Crystal.
Paul Simon Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and actor whose career has spanned six decades. He is one of the most acclaimed songwriters in popular music, both as a solo artist and as half of folk roc ...
's '' Graceland'' wins
Album of the Year Album of the Year, often abbreviated to AOTY, may refer to: Awards * ARIA Award for Album of the Year, Australia * Brit Award for British Album of the Year, UK * Grammy Award for Album of the Year, US * Juno Award for Album of the Year, CA * Lati ...
,
Steve Winwood Stephen Lawrence Winwood (born 12 May 1948) is an English musician, singer, and songwriter whose genres include blue-eyed soul, rhythm and blues, blues rock, and pop rock. Though primarily a keyboard player and vocalist prominent for his disti ...
's "
Higher Love "Higher Love" is a 1986 song by English singer Steve Winwood. It was the first single released from his fourth solo LP, ''Back in the High Life'' (1986). It was written by Winwood and Will Jennings and produced by Russ Titelman and Winwood. The ...
" wins Record of the Year and
Dionne Warwick Marie Dionne Warwick (; born December 12, 1940) is an American singer, actress, and television host. Warwick ranks among the 40 biggest U.S. hit makers between 1955 and 1999, based on her chart history on ''Billboards Hot 100 pop singles cha ...
's cover of "
That's What Friends Are For "That's What Friends Are For" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. It was first recorded in 1982 by Rod Stewart for the soundtrack of the film '' Night Shift'', but it is better known for the 1985 cover version by Dionn ...
", featuring
Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...
, Gladys Knight and
Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris ( Judkins; May 13, 1950), known professionally as Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, who is credited as a pioneer and influence by musicians across a range of genres that include rhythm and blues, Pop musi ...
, wins
Song of the Year Song of the Year may refer to: * Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year * Dove Award for Song of the Year * Golden Melody Award for Song of the Year * Grammis Song of the Year * Grammy Award for Song of the Year * Latin Grammy Awa ...
.
Bruce Hornsby & the Range Bruce Randall Hornsby (born November 23, 1954) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. His music draws from folk rock, jazz, bluegrass, folk, Southern rock, country rock, jam band, rock, heartland rock, and blues rock musical traditions ...
win Best New Artist. *
February 26 Events Pre-1600 *747 BC – According to Ptolemy, the epoch (origin) of the Nabonassar Era began at noon on this date. Historians use this to establish the modern BC chronology for dating historic events. * 364 – Valentinian I is p ...
– The first four
Beatles The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the most influential band of all time and were integral to the developme ...
albums, ''
Please Please Me ''Please Please Me'' is the debut studio album by the English rock band the Beatles. Produced by George Martin, it was released on EMI's Parlophone label on 22 March 1963 in the United Kingdom, following the success of the band's first two sin ...
'', '' With the Beatles'', '' A Hard Day's Night'' and '' Beatles for Sale'' are released on compact disc. Capitol Records decides to release the original UK mixes of the Beatles albums, which means that the first four CDs are released in mono. This marks the first time that many of these mono mixes are available in the US.


March–April

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March 9 Events Pre-1600 *141 BC – Liu Che, posthumously known as Emperor Wu of Han, assumes the throne over the Han dynasty of China. *1009 – First known mention of Lithuania, in the annals of the monastery of Quedlinburg. * 1226 – ...
** U2 releases '' The Joshua Tree,'' an album that launches them into superstar status in the music world. The album would sell over 14 million copies worldwide in 1987 alone and would win the Grammy for "Album of the Year" (at the 1988 ceremony). U2 have two #1 hit songs from this album on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts. **
Carole King Carole King Klein (born Carol Joan Klein; February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been active since 1958, initially as one of the staff songwriters at 1650 Broadway and later as a solo artist. Regarded as one ...
is inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City. **The career that would end in an infamous appearance at The Brit awards and the burning of a million pounds began in Britain, as
The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu The KLF (also known as the Justified Ancients of Mu Mu, the JAMs, the Timelords and other names) are a British electronic band formed in London in 1987. Bill Drummond (alias King Boy D) and Jimmy Cauty (alias Rockman Rock) began by releasing h ...
release their debut single, " All You Need Is Love". *
March 13 Events Pre-1600 *624 – The Battle of Badr, the first major battle between the Muslims and Quraysh. *1567 – The Battle of Oosterweel, traditionally regarded as the start of the Eighty Years' War. *1591 – At the Battle of Tond ...
**
Bob Seger Robert Clark Seger ( ; born May 6, 1945) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. As a locally successful Detroit-area artist, he performed and recorded as Bob Seger and the Last Heard and The Bob Seger System throughout the 1960s, break ...
and the Silver Bullet Band receive a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a historic landmark which consists of more than 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, Californ ...
. **In the US, Bryan Adams' "Heat of the Night" becomes the first single to be commercially released on cassette. Cassette singles become known as
cassingle A cassette single (CS), also known by the trademark cassingle, or capitalised as the trademark Cassette Single, is a music single (music), single supplied in the form of a Compact Cassette. The cassette single was first introduced in 1980 in mu ...
s. * March 27 – Inspired by
The Beatles The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
' 1969
rooftop concert On 30 January 1969, the Beatles performed an impromptu concert from the rooftop of their Apple Corps headquarters at 3 Savile Row, in central London's office and fashion district. Joined by guest keyboardist Billy Preston, the band played a 42 ...
, U2 shoots a music video for the song " Where the Streets Have No Name" on a rooftop in Los Angeles. *
April 23 Events Pre-1600 * 215 BC – A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Lake Trasimene. * 599 – Maya king Uneh Chan of Calakmul attacks rival city-state Palenque in southe ...
Carole King Carole King Klein (born Carol Joan Klein; February 9, 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who has been active since 1958, initially as one of the staff songwriters at 1650 Broadway and later as a solo artist. Regarded as one ...
sues the owner of her record company, Lou Adler, claiming that she is owed more than $400,000 in royalties. King also asks for rights to her old recordings.


May–August

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May 9 Events Pre-1600 * 328 – Athanasius is elected Patriarch of Alexandria. *1009 – Lombard Revolt: Lombard forces led by Melus revolt in Bari against the Byzantine Catepanate of Italy. *1386 – England and Portugal formally rati ...
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
's Johnny Logan wins the
Eurovision Song Contest The Eurovision Song Contest (), sometimes abbreviated to ESC and often known simply as Eurovision, is an international songwriting competition organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), featuring participants representing pr ...
, held in
Brussels Brussels (french: Bruxelles or ; nl, Brussel ), officially the Brussels-Capital Region (All text and all but one graphic show the English name as Brussels-Capital Region.) (french: link=no, Région de Bruxelles-Capitale; nl, link=no, Bruss ...
, Belgium, with the song " Hold Me Now", making him the first artist to win the contest twice. The song tops the charts in Ireland, and peaks at No. 2 in the UK. * June 14 – Madonna starts her
Who's That Girl Tour The Who's That Girl World Tour (billed as Who's That Girl World Tour 1987) was the second concert tour by American singer and songwriter Madonna. The tour supported her 1986 third studio album ''True Blue (Madonna album), True Blue'', as well as ...
in
Osaka is a designated city in the Kansai region of Honshu in Japan. It is the capital of and most populous city in Osaka Prefecture, and the third most populous city in Japan, following Special wards of Tokyo and Yokohama. With a population of 2. ...
, Japan. * June 27
Whitney Houston Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer and actress. Nicknamed "The Voice", she is one of the bestselling music artists of all time, with sales of over 200 million records worldwide. Houston in ...
's second album '' Whitney'' becomes the first album by a female artist to debut at #1 on the ''Billboard'' 200. *
July 4 Events Pre-1600 * 362 BC – Battle of Mantinea: The Thebans, led by Epaminondas, defeated the Spartans. * 414 – Emperor Theodosius II, age 13, yields power to his older sister Aelia Pulcheria, who reigned as regent and proclaim ...
**
Kylie Minogue Kylie Ann Minogue (; born 28 May 1968) is an Australian singer, songwriter and actress. She is the highest-selling female Australian artist of all time, having sold over 80 million records worldwide. She has been recognised for reinve ...
's recording career begins with the release of her
cover version In popular music, a cover version, cover song, remake, revival, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording by a musician other than the original performer or composer of the song. Originally, it referred to a version of a song release ...
of the Little Eva hit '' The Loco-Motion''; the single spends seven weeks at number one in her native Australia and leads to a contract with UK-based record producers Stock Aitken Waterman. **The first joint rock concert between the United States and the Soviet Union is held in Moscow to promote peace.
The Doobie Brothers The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, known for their flexibility in performing across numerous genres and their vocal harmonies. Active for five decades, with their greatest success in the 1970s, ...
,
James Taylor James Vernon Taylor (born March 12, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. A six-time Grammy Award winner, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, havi ...
,
Santana Santana may refer to: Transportation * Volkswagen Santana, an automobile * Santana Cycles, manufacturer of tandem bicycles * Santana Motors, a former Spanish automobile manufacturer Boats * Santana 20, an American sailboat design by W. D. Sch ...
and
Bonnie Raitt Bonnie Lynn Raitt (; born November 8, 1949) is an American blues singer and guitarist. In 1971, Raitt released her self-titled debut album. Following this, she released a series of critically acclaimed roots-influenced albums that incorporated ...
share the bill with Soviet rock group Autograph. *
July 21 Events Pre-1600 * 356 BC – The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is destroyed by arson. * 230 – Pope Pontian succeeds Urban I as the eighteenth pope. After being exiled to Sardinia, he became the ...
– American rock group
Guns N' Roses Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1985. When they signed to Geffen Records in 1986, the band comprised vocalist Axl Rose, lead guitarist Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKa ...
release ''
Appetite for Destruction ''Appetite for Destruction'' is the debut studio album by American hard rock band Guns N' Roses. It was released on July 21, 1987, by Geffen Records. The album was released to little mainstream attention in 1987. It was not until the following ...
'' which, after initial slow sales, will become the best-selling debut album of all time, with more than 18 million copies sold in the US alone to date. * August 1 ** Dave Stewart of
Eurythmics Eurythmics were a British pop duo consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. They were both previously in The Tourists, a band which broke up in 1980. The duo released their first studio album, '' In the Garden'', in 1981 to little succ ...
and
Siobhan Fahey Siobhan Maire Fahey (; born 10 September 1958) is an Irish singer whose vocal range is a light contralto. She was a founding member of the group Bananarama, who have had ten top-10 hits including the US number one hit single "Venus". She later ...
of
Bananarama Bananarama are an English pop duo from London, formed as a trio in 1980 by friends Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Keren Woodward. Fahey left the group in 1988 and was replaced by Jacquie O'Sullivan until 1991, when the trio became a duo. Thei ...
are married in Normandy, France. **
MTV Europe MTV Global (formerly as MTV Europe) is the international version of the American TV channel MTV, a 24-hour music and entertainment TV channel that began broadcasting on August 1, 1987, as part of the worldwide MTV network. Initially, MTV serve ...
is launched. The first video played is " Money for Nothing" by
Dire Straits Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar and backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums and percuss ...
. *
August 3 Events Pre-1600 * 8 – Roman Empire general Tiberius defeats the Dalmatae on the river Bosna. * 435 – Deposed Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Nestorius, considered the originator of Nestorianism, is exiled by Roman Emperor ...
Def Leppard Def Leppard are an English rock band formed in 1976 in Sheffield. Since 1992, the band has consisted of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums, backing vocals), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), a ...
releases ''
Hysteria Hysteria is a term used colloquially to mean ungovernable emotional excess and can refer to a temporary state of mind or emotion. In the nineteenth century, hysteria was considered a diagnosable physical illness in women. It is assumed that ...
'', the longest rock album ever released as a single LP or cassette. * August 27 – The Jello Biafra criminal trial is dismissed after ending in a hung jury in Los Angeles court. Biafra and his manager had been charged with distributing harmful material to minors due to a poster included in the
Dead Kennedys Dead Kennedys are an American punk rock band that formed in San Francisco, California, in 1978. The band was one of the defining punk rock, punk bands during its initial eight-year run. Dead Kennedys' lyrics were usually political in nature, sa ...
' '' Frankenchrist'' album of a painting depicting rows of sexual organs. * August 31
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
releases ''
Bad Bad or BAD may refer to: Common meanings *Evil, the opposite of moral good * Erroneous, inaccurate or incorrect * Unhealthy, or counter to well-being * Antagonist, the threat or obstacle of moral good Acronyms * BAD-2, a Soviet armored troll ...
'', his first studio album since ''
Thriller Thriller may refer to: * Thriller (genre), a broad genre of literature, film and television ** Thriller film, a film genre under the general thriller genre Comics * ''Thriller'' (DC Comics), a comic book series published 1983–84 by DC Comics i ...
'', the best-selling album of all time. The album would produce five number one singles in the US, a record which has not been broken.


September–October

*
September 3 Events Pre-1600 *36 BC – In the Battle of Naulochus, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, admiral of Octavian, defeats Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey, thus ending Pompeian resistance to the Second Triumvirate. * 301 – San Marino, one of the s ...
Fugazi Fugazi (; ) is an American post-hardcore band that formed in Washington, D.C., in 1986. The band consists of guitarists and vocalists Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto, bassist Joe Lally, and drummer Brendan Canty. They are noted for their style-tr ...
plays their first live show (as a three-piece; Guy Picciotto had not joined the band yet) at the Wilson Center in Washington DC. * September 6
Madonna Madonna Louise Ciccone (; ; born August 16, 1958) is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Widely dubbed the " Queen of Pop", Madonna has been noted for her continual reinvention and versatility in music production, songwriting, a ...
ends her
Who's That Girl Tour The Who's That Girl World Tour (billed as Who's That Girl World Tour 1987) was the second concert tour by American singer and songwriter Madonna. The tour supported her 1986 third studio album ''True Blue (Madonna album), True Blue'', as well as ...
in
Florence Florence ( ; it, Firenze ) is a city in Central Italy and the capital city of the Tuscany region. It is the most populated city in Tuscany, with 383,083 inhabitants in 2016, and over 1,520,000 in its metropolitan area.Bilancio demografico an ...
, Italy. *
September 7 Events Pre-1600 * 70 – A Roman army under Titus occupies and plunders Jerusalem. * 878 – Louis the Stammerer is crowned as king of West Francia by Pope John VIII. *1159 – Pope Alexander III is chosen. *1191 – Third Cru ...
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic music, psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philo ...
release '' A Momentary Lapse of Reason'', their first album after the departure of, and legal battle with, bassist
Roger Waters George Roger Waters (born 6 September 1943) is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. In 1965, he co-founded the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Waters initially served as the bassist, but following the departure of singer-so ...
. The subsequent tour grossed around $135 million worldwide, a sum that was only equaled by the earnings of
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
and U2 combined. * September 11 – Reggae musician
Peter Tosh Winston Hubert McIntosh, OM (19 October 1944 – 11 September 1987), professionally known as Peter Tosh, was a Jamaican reggae musician. Along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, he was one of the core members of the band the Wailers (1963 ...
is murdered during a robbery in his home. * September 12
Michael Jackson Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the "King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over a ...
starts the Bad World Tour, supporting his ''Bad'' album. *
September 25 Events Pre-1600 * 275 – For the last time, the Roman Senate chooses an emperor; they elect 75-year-old Marcus Claudius Tacitus. * 762 – Led by Muhammad al-Nafs al-Zakiyya, the Hasanid branch of the Alids begins the Alid Revolt a ...
CBS launches an American version of the long-running UK television show ''
Top of the Pops ''Top of the Pops'' (''TOTP'') is a British Record chart, music chart television programme, made by the BBC and originally broadcast weekly between 1January 1964 and 30 July 2006. The programme was the world's longest-running weekly music show ...
''. It lasts one year. * October 4 – Electronic data gathering completely replaces the old sales diary technique in compiling the UK singles and albums chart. The publication day of new charts is moved from Tuesday to Sunday. *
October 8 Events Pre-1600 * 314 – Constantine I defeats Roman Emperor Licinius, who loses his European territories. * 451 – The first session of the Council of Chalcedon begins. * 876 – Frankish forces led by Louis the Younger preven ...
Chuck Berry receives a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a historic landmark which consists of more than 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, Californ ...
. * October 19
Mötley Crüe Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has sold over 100 million albums ...
release the song "
You're All I Need ''You're All I Need'' is the second studio album by soul musicians Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, released in August 1968 on Motown-subsidiary label Tamla Records. Highlighted by three hit singles written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson ...
" as a single. MTV refuse to play its video because of the level of violence. * October 19
INXS INXS (a word play, phonetic play on "in excess") were an Australian Rock music, rock band, formed as The Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. The band's founding members were bassist Garry Gary Beers, main composer and keyboar ...
releases KICK. * October 30
George Michael George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 25 June 1963 – 25 December 2016) was an English singer and songwriter. He is considered one of the most significant cultural icons of the MTV generation and is one of the best-selling musici ...
releases his first solo studio album, ''
Faith Faith, derived from Latin ''fides'' and Old French ''feid'', is confidence or trust in a person, thing, or In the context of religion, one can define faith as "belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion". Religious people often ...
'', which would win the
Grammy Award The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pres ...
for album of the year and sell 11 million copies in the USA alone. * October 31
The Zorros The Zorros were an Australian rock band, formed in 1979, comprising Nic Chancellor on lead vocals, Darren Smith on lead guitar, Alex Zammit on bass guitar and Greg Pedley on drums. Biography The Zorros were formed in Brunswick as a punk r ...
headline on Halloween for the last-ever show at the Crystal Ballroom, Melbourne's premier Punk/New Wave venue. The Crystal Ballroom has seen almost ten years of intense musical evolution. The venue has chandeliers, stained glass windows, paisley wallpaper and a tiled foyer.


November–December

* November 2
Dokken Dokken is an American glam metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1978. It split up in 1989 and reformed four years later. The band had several hit singles which charted on the Billboard Hot 100, such as " Alone Again", " In My Dreams", and " Burn ...
released ''
Back for the Attack ''Back for the Attack'' is the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band Dokken, released on November 2, 1987, through Elektra Records. A remastered edition featuring a bonus track was reissued in 2009 through Warner Music Japan. It is ...
''. * November 13Sonny and Cher reunite for a performance on ''
Late Night with David Letterman ''Late Night with David Letterman'' is an American late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on NBC, the first iteration of the ''Late Night'' franchise. It premiered on February 1, 1982, and was produced by Letterman's production company ...
''. * November 18CBS Records is sold to the
Sony Corporation , commonly stylized as SONY, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. As a major technology company, it operates as one of the world's largest manufacturers of consumer and professional ...
in a deal worth about $2 billion; the company was renamed
Sony Music Entertainment Sony Music Entertainment (SME), also known as simply Sony Music, is an American multinational music company. Being owned by the parent conglomerate Sony Group Corporation, it is part of the Sony Music Group, which is owned by Sony Entertainment ...
in 1991. *
November 19 Events Pre-1600 * 461 – Libius Severus is declared emperor of the Western Roman Empire. The real power is in the hands of the ''magister militum'' Ricimer. * 636 – The Rashidun Caliphate defeats the Sasanian Empire at the Battle o ...
Cher Cher (; born Cherilyn Sarkisian; May 20, 1946) is an American singer, actress and television personality. Often referred to by the media as the Honorific nicknames in popular music, "Goddess of Pop", she has been described as embodying female ...
returns to the music after five years of absence - time that she took to dedicate herself to the filmmaking business - with the lead single of her second self-titled album (and eighteenth overall), "
I Found Someone "I Found Someone" is the name of a chart single originally written and composed for Laura Branigan by Michael Bolton and Touch keyboardist Mark Mangold. The song was a bigger hit for Cher in 1987, reaching the Top 10. Background Though best k ...
", which peaked at number five in UK and number ten in US. * November 24
ABC ABC are the first three letters of the Latin script known as the alphabet. ABC or abc may also refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Broadcasting * American Broadcasting Company, a commercial U.S. TV broadcaster ** Disney–ABC Television ...
airs ''Rolling Stone Magazine's 20 Years of Rock 'n' Roll'' television special, chronicling the music and the people of the past twenty years to commemorate the 20th anniversary of ''
Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first kno ...
'' magazine. The special includes new interviews as well as vintage performance footage of many rock legends such as
Jimi Hendrix James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most ...
,
The Doors The Doors were an American Rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1965, with vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were among the most controversial and influential ro ...
,
The Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. Active for six decades, they are one of the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era. In the early 1960s, the Rolling Stones pioneered the gritty, rhythmically d ...
,
David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known professionally as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer-songwriter and actor. A leading figure in the music industry, he is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the ...
,
Sex Pistols The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they were one of the most groundbreaking acts in the history of popular music. They were responsible for ...
,
Bruce Springsteen Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer and songwriter. He has released 21 studio albums, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band. Originally from the Jersey Shore, he is an originat ...
and many more. *
December 16 Events Pre-1600 * 714 – Pepin of Herstal, mayor of the Merovingian palace, dies at Jupille (modern Belgium). He is succeeded by his infant grandson Theudoald, while his widow Plectrude holds actual power in the Frankish Kingdom. * 755 ...
John Mellencamp John J. Mellencamp (born October 7, 1951), previously known as Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, and John Cougar Mellencamp, is an American singer-songwriter. He is known for his catchy brand of heartland rock, which emphasizes traditional instrument ...
performs two free shows in the small town of
Chillicothe, Ohio Chillicothe ( ) is a city in and the county seat of Ross County, Ohio, United States. Located along the Scioto River 45 miles (72 km) south of Columbus, Chillicothe was the first and third capital of Ohio. It is the only city in Ross Count ...
after one-fifth of the population signs a petition asking him to play. * December 23 ** Nikki Sixx of the rock band
Mötley Crüe Mötley Crüe is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by bassist Nikki Sixx, drummer Tommy Lee, lead guitarist Mick Mars and lead singer Vince Neil. Mötley Crüe has sold over 100 million albums ...
suffers a heroin overdose, but is revived shortly thereafter. **
Roger Waters George Roger Waters (born 6 September 1943) is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. In 1965, he co-founded the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. Waters initially served as the bassist, but following the departure of singer-so ...
finalizes his departure from British
progressive rock Progressive rock (shortened as prog rock or simply prog; sometimes conflated with art rock) is a broad genre of rock music that developed in the United Kingdom and United States through the mid- to late 1960s, peaking in the early 1970s. Init ...
band
Pink Floyd Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic music, psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philo ...
, after a two-year-long legal dispute over the rights to the band's name and assets. *
December 31 It is known by a collection of names including: Saint Sylvester's Day, New Year's Eve or Old Years Day/Night, as the following day is New Year's Day. It is the last day of the year; the following day is January 1, the first day of the followin ...
– The sixteenth annual ''
New Year's Rockin' Eve ''Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'' (''NYRE'') is an annual New Year's Eve television special broadcast by ABC. The special broadcasts primarily from New York City's Times Square and prominently features coverage of its annual ball drop eve ...
'' special airs on ABC, with appearances by
Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam were an urban contemporary band and one of the first freestyle music groups to emerge from New York City in the 1980s. Cult Jam consisted of vocalist Lisa Lisa (born Lisa Valez), guitarist/ bassist Alex "Spanador" Moseley, ...
,
Los Lobos Los Lobos (, Spanish for "the Wolves") are an American rock band from East Los Angeles, California. Their music is influenced by rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country, zydeco, folk, R&B, blues, brown-eyed soul, and traditional music such as cumbia, ...
,
Barry Manilow Barry Manilow (born Barry Alan Pincus; June 17, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter with a career that spans seven decades. His hit recordings include "Could It Be Magic", " Somewhere Down the Road", " Mandy", "I Write the Songs", " Can ...
, Restless Heart and
The Temptations The Temptations are an American vocal group from Detroit, Michigan, who released a series of successful singles and albums with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. The group's work with producer Norman Whitfield, beginning with the Top ...
.


Also in 1987

* Andreas Kisser replaces Jairo Guedes in Sepultura. *
Prince A prince is a male ruler (ranked below a king, grand prince, and grand duke) or a male member of a monarch's or former monarch's family. ''Prince'' is also a title of nobility (often highest), often hereditary, in some European states. Th ...
cancels '' The Black Album'' just before its release. It becomes officially available in 1994. *
Naxos Records Naxos comprises numerous companies, divisions, imprints, and labels specializing in classical music but also audiobooks and other genres. The premier label is Naxos Records which focuses on classical music. Naxos Musical Group encompasses about 1 ...
is established as a budget
classical music Classical music generally refers to the art music of the Western world, considered to be distinct from Western folk music or popular music traditions. It is sometimes distinguished as Western classical music, as the term "classical music" also ...
CD label by
Klaus Heymann Klaus Heymann (born 22 October 1936) is a German entrepreneur and the founder and head of the Naxos record label. Biography and career Heymann was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and studied Romance languages and English at the Universities of Frank ...
, a German-born resident of
Hong Kong Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ( abbr. Hong Kong SAR or HKSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delt ...
.


Bands formed

*''See Musical groups established in 1987''


Bands disbanded

*''See
Musical groups disestablished in 1987 Musical is the adjective of music. Musical may also refer to: * Musical theatre, a performance art that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance * Musical film and television, a genre of film and television that incorporates into the narr ...
''


Bands reformed

*
The Doobie Brothers The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, known for their flexibility in performing across numerous genres and their vocal harmonies. Active for five decades, with their greatest success in the 1970s, ...
*
Lynyrd Skynyrd Lynyrd Skynyrd ( ) is an American rock music, rock band formed in Jacksonville, Florida. The group originally formed as My Backyard in 1964 and comprised Ronnie Van Zant (lead vocalist), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Ju ...
*
Prism Prism usually refers to: * Prism (optics), a transparent optical component with flat surfaces that refract light * Prism (geometry), a kind of polyhedron Prism may also refer to: Science and mathematics * Prism (geology), a type of sedimentary ...


Albums released


January–March


April–June


July–September


October–December


Release date unknown

*'' 2X4'' – Guadalcanal Diary *''
25 Years Celebration ''25 Years Celebration'' is a double album by The Dubliners. Recorded in 1987 and charted in the UK at No.43 and No.1 in Ireland. The album released following a special '' Late Late Show'' appearance by the group, ''25 Years Celebration'' feature ...
'' –
The Dubliners The Dubliners were an Folk music of Ireland, Irish folk band founded in Dublin in 1962 as The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group, named after its founding member; they subsequently renamed themselves The Dubliners. The line-up saw many changes in personn ...
*''Akwaba Beach'' –
Mory Kanté Mory Kanté (29 March 195022 May 2020) was a Guinean vocalist and player of the kora harp. He was best known internationally for his 1987 hit song "Yé ké yé ké", which reached number-one in Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, and Spain. The ...
*''
All Our Love ''All Our Love'' is an album by the soul quartet Gladys Knight & The Pips, released in 1987. It was the group's last studio album before the Pips retired and Knight embarked on a solo career. The album peaked at No. 39 on the ''Billboard'' 200. I ...
'' - Gladys Knight & the Pips *''
Angel with a Lariat ''Angel with a Lariat'' is the second album by k.d. lang and the Reclines, released in 1987. This was the first release outside of Canada. Track listing #"Turn Me Round" (Ben Mink) – 3:13 #"High Time for a Detour" (lang, Mink) – 4:09 #"Diet ...
'' –
k.d. lang and the Reclines Kathryn Dawn Lang (born November 2, 1961), known by her stage name k.d. lang, is a Canadian pop (music), pop and country music, country singer-songwriter and occasional actress. Lang has won Juno Awards and Grammy Awards for her musical perfor ...
*''
Annihilate This Week ''Annihilate This Week'' is a single by American hardcore punk band Black Flag. It contains songs from'' Who's Got the 10½?'' The cover, which features numerous items of drug paraphernalia, was banned in some record stores. Track listing Side ...
'' (EP) – Black Flag *'' At My Window'' – Townes Van Zandt *''
Babble Babble may refer to: * ''Babble'' (That Petrol Emotion album), 1987 album by That Petrol Emotion * ''Babble'' (Coyne & Krause album), 1979 album by Kevin Coyne And Dagmar Krause * Babble (band), a later incarnation of the Thompson Twins * Babb ...
'' –
That Petrol Emotion That Petrol Emotion were a London-based Northern Ireland-originating band with an American vocalist, Steve Mack. It featured the O'Neill brothers from celebrated Derry pop-punk band The Undertones plus ex-members of fellow Derry bands Bam Bam and ...
*''
Back Again in the DHSS ''Back Again in the DHSS'' is the second album by UK rock band Half Man Half Biscuit, released in 1987. The album was released after the band had split up, and comprised John Peel, Peel Sessions along with some new songs. "Dickie Davies Eyes" ...
'' -
Half Man Half Biscuit Half Man Half Biscuit are an English rock band, formed in 1984 in Birkenhead, Merseyside. Known for their satirical, sardonic, and sometimes surreal songs, the band comprises lead singer and guitarist Nigel Blackwell, bassist and singer Neil Cr ...
*''
Ballot Result ''"Ballot Result"'' is a posthumous live album by Minutemen. Production Following '' 3-Way Tie (For Last)'', Minutemen decided to do a live album entitled, ''Three Dudes, Six Sides, Half Studio, Half Live''. The group printed ballots which th ...
'' –
Minutemen Minutemen were members of the organized New England colonial militia companies trained in weaponry, tactics, and military strategies during the American Revolutionary War. They were known for being ready at a minute's notice, hence the name. Mi ...
*''Between Two Worlds'' –
Patrick O'Hearn Patrick John O'Hearn (born September 6, 1954) is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and recording artist. Known primarily as a bass guitarist and keyboardist, O'Hearn came to prominence with Frank Zappa and co-founded the early 1980s ...
*'' Bennett/Berlin'' – Tony Bennett *'' The Best of A Flock of Seagulls'' – A Flock of Seagulls *''The Best of Dalida, Vol. 2'' – Dalida (compilation) *''
Bird Dog Pointing dogs, sometimes called bird dogs, are a type of gundog typically used in finding game. Gundogs are traditionally divided into three classes: retrievers, flushing dogs, and pointing breeds. The name ''pointer'' comes from the dog's i ...
'' – The Verlaines *''The Blanton-Webster Years'' –
Duke Ellington Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his eponymous jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based ...
*'' Brave Words'' –
The Chills The Chills are a New Zealand rock band that formed in Dunedin in 1980. The band is essentially the continuing project of singer/songwriter Martin Phillipps, who is the group's sole constant member. For a time in the 1990s, the act was billed a ...
*''Brenda K. Starr'' –
Brenda K. Starr Brenda Joy Kaplan (born October 14, 1966), known by her stage name Brenda K. Starr, is an American singer and songwriter. She is well known originally in R&B, dance and pop but now mostly in salsa-based music. She is also well known for her 198 ...
*'' By the Light of the Moon'' –
Los Lobos Los Lobos (, Spanish for "the Wolves") are an American rock band from East Los Angeles, California. Their music is influenced by rock and roll, Tex-Mex, country, zydeco, folk, R&B, blues, brown-eyed soul, and traditional music such as cumbia, ...
*''
The Camera Never Lies ''The Camera Never Lies'' is a jazz vocal album by Michael Franks (musician), Michael Franks, released in 1987 by Warner Bros. Records. Track listing Personnel * Michael Franks (musician), Michael Franksbanjo, guitar, mandolin, vocals * Ra ...
'' – Michael Franks *''The Champion'' – Carman (singer) *'' The Cowboy Way'' – Riders in the Sky *''D & K'' –
DeGarmo and Key DeGarmo & Key was a Christian rock band/duo formed in 1977 by Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key. The group is notable for having the first Christian rock album nominated for a Grammy award and the first American Christian group to have a video entered ...
*'' Daddy's Highway'' – The Bats *''
Dancing with Strangers ''Dancing with Strangers'' is the ninth studio album by British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released in 1987. It became Rea's first major success in the UK, peaking at No. 2 behind Michael Jackson's ''Bad'', and spent 46 weeks in the charts be ...
'' –
Chris Rea Christopher Anton Rea ( ; born 4 March 1951) is an English rock and blues Blues is a music genre and musical form which originated in the Deep South of the United States around the 1860s. Blues incorporated spirituals, work songs, fie ...
*''
Dawn Dawn is the time that marks the beginning of twilight before sunrise. It is recognized by the appearance of indirect sunlight being scattered in Earth's atmosphere, when the centre of the Sun's disc has reached 18° below the observer's horizo ...
'' – Current 93 *'' Dead Zone: The Grateful Dead CD Collection (1977-1987)'' –
Grateful Dead The Grateful Dead was an American rock music, rock band formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California. The band is known for its eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, Folk music, folk, country music, country, jazz, bluegrass music, bluegrass, ...
*''
Desire Desires are states of mind that are expressed by terms like "wanting", "wishing", "longing" or "craving". A great variety of features is commonly associated with desires. They are seen as propositional attitudes towards conceivable states of aff ...
'' – Toyah *'' Diminuendo'' –
Lowlife A low-life (or lowlife) is a term for a person who is considered morally unacceptable by their community. Examples of people society often labels low-lives include aggressive panhandlers, bullies, criminals, drug dealers, freeloaders, hobos, ...
*'' Drive by Shooting'' (EP) –
Henry Rollins Henry Lawrence Garfield (born February 13, 1961), known professionally as Henry Rollins, is an American singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, and presenter. After performing in the short-lived hardcore punk band State of Alert in 1980, Rolli ...
*''
Emergency Broadcast The Emergency Broadcast System (EBS), sometimes called the Emergency Broadcasting System or the Emergency Action Notification System (EANS), was an emergency warning system used in the United States. It replaced the previous CONELRAD system an ...
'' –
White Heart White Heart, also listed as Whiteheart, was an American contemporary Christian music and pop-rock band which formed in 1982. White Heart's discography includes thirteen albums, the most recent of which was released in 1997. Original members Bill ...
*''
Escape from Noise ''Escape from Noise'' is the fourth studio album by Negativland. It marked the band's first release on an established independent record label, SST Records. On the album, they continued to develop their experimental style, as well as incorporating ...
'' – Negativland *''
Exiles Exile is primarily penal expulsion from one's native country, and secondarily expatriation or prolonged absence from one's homeland under either the compulsion of circumstance or the rigors of some high purpose. Usually persons and peoples suf ...
'' – Dan Fogelberg *'' Eye of the Hurricane'' – The Alarm *''
Frozen Ghost Frōzen Ghōst was a Canadian rock band formed in 1985 in Toronto by Arnold Lanni and Wolf Hassel, who were previously with the band Sheriff. The band received a Juno Award for " Most Promising Group of the Year" in 1987. The group placed fi ...
'' –
Frozen Ghost Frōzen Ghōst was a Canadian rock band formed in 1985 in Toronto by Arnold Lanni and Wolf Hassel, who were previously with the band Sheriff. The band received a Juno Award for " Most Promising Group of the Year" in 1987. The group placed fi ...
*''
Gluey Porch Treatments ''Gluey Porch Treatments'' is the debut album by American rock band Melvins, released in 1987 through Alchemy Records. The original release was vinyl only. The album was later released on cassette tape with the '' Six Songs'' EP through Boner Re ...
'' –
Melvins Melvins (sometimes The Melvins) are an American rock band formed in 1983 in Montesano, Washington. Their early work was key to the development of both grunge and sludge metal. Initially, they performed as a trio but later also sometimes appeare ...
*''Green Eggs and Crack'' –
Too Much Joy Too Much Joy is an American alternative rock music group, that formed in the early 1980s in Scarsdale, New York. Members The original members were Tim Quirk (vocals), Jay Blumenfield (guitar, vocals), Sandy Smallens (bass, vocals) and Tommy Vi ...
*''
Hai Hai ''Hai Hai'' is the second solo album by ex-Supertramp singer/guitarist/keyboardist Roger Hodgson, released in September 1987. Co-produced by future No Doubt and Black Crowes producer Jack Joseph Puig, and recorded at Hodgson's 48-track home stud ...
'' – Roger Hodgson *''
Hot Animal Machine ''Hot Animal Machine'' is the debut solo album by Henry Rollins which served as a precursor to the Rollins Band. It is only available now in the same 2-in-one package as ''Drive by Shooting''. Notable for a number of cover songs; Suicide's "Gho ...
'' –
Henry Rollins Henry Lawrence Garfield (born February 13, 1961), known professionally as Henry Rollins, is an American singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, and presenter. After performing in the short-lived hardcore punk band State of Alert in 1980, Rolli ...
*''Huevos'' – Meat Puppets *''
Hot Number ''Hot Number'' is a studio album by the American blues rock band the Fabulous Thunderbirds, released in 1987. It peaked at No. 49 on the ''Billboard'' 200. The band supported the album by touring with Crosby, Stills & Nash. Production Recorded in ...
'' – The Fabulous Thunderbirds *''
I Predict 1990 ''I Predict 1990'' is the title of the fourth release and third full-length album by singer-songwriter Steve Taylor. Lyrically, the album explores actions that exploit others to various ends from multiple perspectives. ''CCM'' magazine found that ...
'' –
Steve Taylor Roland Stephen Taylor (born December 9, 1957) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, music executive, film maker, assistant professor, and actor. A figure in what has come to be known as Christian alternative rock, Taylor enjoyed ...
*'' If I Were Your Woman'' –
Stephanie Mills Stephanie Dorthea Mills (born March 22, 1957) is an American singer and songwriter. She rose to stardom as "Dorothy" in the original seven-time Tony Award winning Broadway run of the musical ''The Wiz'' from 1974 to 1979. The song " Home" from t ...
*'' In Dreams: The Greatest Hits'' –
Roy Orbison Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. His music was described by critics as ...
– compilation *''I Prefer The Moonlight'' –
Kenny Rogers Kenneth Ray Rogers (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Rogers was particularly popular with country audiences but also charted mo ...
*''Kane Roberts'' – Kane Roberts (
Alice Cooper Alice Cooper (born Vincent Damon Furnier, February 4, 1948) is an American rock singer whose career spans over five decades. With a raspy voice and a stage show that features numerous props and stage illusions, including pyrotechnics, guillot ...
guitarist's solo debut) *'' Law of the Fish'' – The Radiators *'' Life Time'' –
Rollins Band Rollins Band was an American rock band formed in Van Nuys, California. The band was active from 1987 to 2006 and was led by former Black Flag vocalist Henry Rollins. They are best known for the songs "Low Self Opinion" and " Liar", which both e ...
*'' Life's a Bitch'' –
Raven A raven is any of several larger-bodied bird species of the genus ''Corvus''. These species do not form a single taxonomic group within the genus. There is no consistent distinction between "crows" and "ravens", common names which are assigned t ...
*''
Live and Loud!! ''Live and Loud!!'' and ''Live and Rockin are series of live albums released by the British label Link Records. The label started releasing live albums by punk bands under the name ''Live and Loud!!'' in 1987 and released them through 1992. In 19 ...
'' –
Sham 69 Sham 69 are an English punk rock band that formed in Hersham in Surrey in 1975. They were one of the most successful punk bands in the United Kingdom, achieving five top 20 singles, including "If the Kids Are United" and "Hurry Up Harry". The ...
– Live *''Live At The Ritz'' – Ronnie Wood & Bo Diddley – Live *''
Lone Star State of Mind ''Lone Star State of Mind'' was the fifth studio album released by Nanci Griffith, and her first album for MCA Records. Griffith's music took a turn from her original folk music base into more commercially viable country music. For this album, she ...
'' – Nanci Griffith *''Lubricated Goat Plays the Devil's Music (debut)'' –
Lubricated Goat Lubricated Goat are an Australian noise rock band which originally formed in 1986 by multi-instrumentalist Stu Spasm. They achieved brief notoriety in November 1988 for appearing nude on the ABC TV program ''Blah Blah Blah'', wearing only their ...
*'' Maggots: The Record'' –
Plasmatics The Plasmatics were an American punk rock, hardcore punk and heavy metal band formed by Rod Swenson and Wendy O. Williams in New York City in 1977. They were a controversial group known for chaotic, destructive live shows and outrageous theat ...
*''Menjaring Matahari'' –
Ebiet G. Ade Haji Abid Ghoffar bin Aboe Dja’far or better known as Ebiet G. Ade (born in Wonodadi, Banjarnegara, Central Java, Indonesia on 21 April 1955) is an Indonesian singer-songwriter and guitarist of Javanese descent. Early life Ebiet G. Ade was b ...
*'' Mirador'' – Magnum *''Official Version'' –
Front 242 Front 242 is a Belgian electronic music group that came into prominence during the 1980s. Pioneering the style they called electronic body music, they are a profound influence on the electronic and industrial music genres. History Formation Fr ...
*'' One Thousand Years of Trouble'' –
Age of Chance Age of Chance were a British alternative rock- dance crossover band from Leeds, England, active from 1983 to 1991. They were perhaps most known for their mutant metallic cover of Prince's "Kiss" which topped the UK Indie Chart in 1986, and peak ...
*'' Out of Silence'' – Yanni *'' Où veux tu qu'je r'garde'' - Noir Désir *'' Pain of Mind'' - Neurosis *''
Players Players may refer to: Art, entertainment, and media * ''Players'' (1979 film), a film starring Ali MacGraw * ''Players'' (2012 film), a Bollywood film * ''Players'' (Dicks novel), a novel by Terrance Dicks, based on the television series ''Doc ...
'' – Too Short *''
Pontiac Pontiac may refer to: *Pontiac (automobile), a car brand *Pontiac (Ottawa leader) ( – 1769), a Native American war chief Places and jurisdictions Canada * Pontiac, Quebec, a municipality **Apostolic Vicariate of Pontiac, now the Roman Catholic D ...
'' –
Lyle Lovett Lyle Pearce Lovett (born November 1, 1957) Lyle Lovett Pageat Allmusic – Lovett's Genre and Styles. Retrieved February 2, 2007 is an American singer, songwriter, actor and record producer. Active since 1980, he has recorded 13 albums and relea ...
*'' Poem of the River'' –
Felt Felt is a textile material that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing fibers together. Felt can be made of natural fibers such as wool or animal fur, or from synthetic fibers such as petroleum-based acrylic or acrylonitrile or wood ...
*''
Post-Mersh Vol. 1 The discography for the Minutemen, an American punk rock band, includes four studio albums, eight extended plays, one live album and seven compilations. Formed in 1980 by guitarist D. Boon and bassist Mike Watt, the Minutemen signed to the Califor ...
'' – Minutemen *''
Post-Mersh Vol. 2 The discography for the Minutemen (band), Minutemen, an American punk rock band, includes four studio albums, eight extended plays, one live album and seven compilations. Formed in 1980 by guitarist D. Boon and bassist Mike Watt, the Minutemen (ban ...
'' – Minutemen *''Powder Keg'' - Charlie Daniels *''Romeo at Juilliard'' – Don Dixon *'' Saddle Pals'' – Riders in the Sky *''
Safety In Numbers Safety in numbers is the hypothesis that, by being part of a large physical group or mass, an individual is less likely to be the victim of a mishap, accident, attack, or other bad event. Some related theories also argue (and can show statistica ...
'' – David Van Tieghem *''
See How We Are ''See How We Are'' is the sixth studio album by American rock band X, released in 1987 by Elektra Records. It was their first album without founding guitarist Billy Zoom, who was replaced by ex- Blasters guitarist Dave Alvin for the album's rec ...
'' – X *'' Shaka Zulu'' – Ladysmith Black Mambazo *''Silence'' –
Stephan Eicher Stephan Eicher (born 17 August 1960) is a Swiss singer. He sings in a variety of languages, including French, German, English, Italian, Swiss German and Romansh, sometimes using different languages in the same song. Eicher's success started ...
*''Simply Shadows'' –
The Shadows The Shadows (originally known as the Drifters) were an English instrumental rock group, who dominated the British popular music charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s, in the pre- Beatles era. They served as the backing band for Cliff Richard ...
*''Songs from the Stage and Screen'' – Michael Crawford *''The Sound of Music'' – The dB's *''
Soy Así ''Soy Así'' (I am like this) is 23rd studio album recorded by Mexican performer José José, It was released by RCA Ariola in 1987 (see 1987 in music). It was written and produced by Spanish producer Rafael Pérez-Botija. This album became th ...
'' –
José José José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz (17 February 1948 – 28 September 2019), known professionally as José José, was a Mexican singer and actor. Born into a family of musicians, José began his musical career in his early teens playing guitar and sin ...
*'' Speed Metal Symphony'' – Cacophony *''
Starting Up ''Starting Up'' is the fourth solo album by Roy Wood, who played most of the instruments and sang most of the vocals throughout, in addition to writing and producing the album. The album was released in February 1987. The track "On Top of the Wor ...
'' – Roy Wood *''Stereoland'' –
The Modern Art The Modern Art (sometimes spelled Mødern Art) was a psychedelic rock band formed by Gary Ramon in the 1980s. It had a loose lineup that never played gigs but did see the release of two studio albums and a number of self-produced cassettes. Ramo ...
*''Stinkfist'' – Clint Ruin and Lydia Lunch *'' Strange Cargo'' –
William Orbit William Mark Wainwright (born 15 December 1956),"William Orbit." ''Contemporary Musicians''. Vol. 30. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale, 2000. Retrieved via ''Biography in Context'' database, 7 May 2017. Available onlinvia ''Encyclopedia.com'' known ...
*'' Swing Street'' –
Barry Manilow Barry Manilow (born Barry Alan Pincus; June 17, 1943) is an American singer and songwriter with a career that spans seven decades. His hit recordings include "Could It Be Magic", " Somewhere Down the Road", " Mandy", "I Write the Songs", " Can ...
*'' Taj'' -
Taj Mahal The Taj Mahal (; ) is an Islamic ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1631 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan () to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mu ...
*'' The Talking Animals'' –
T-Bone Burnett Joseph Henry "T Bone" Burnett III (born January 14, 1948) is an American record producer, guitarist and songwriter. He rose to fame as a guitarist in Bob Dylan's band during the 1970s. He has received multiple Grammy awards for his work in film ...
*''
This Means War! ''This Means War!'' is the ninth studio album of the Christian rock band, Petra (band), Petra. It was released in 1987. In this album, the band started to refine their movement into a more hard rock/arena rock sound, still retaining keyboard syn ...
'' – Petra (band) *''Too Late To Cry'' –
Alison Krauss Alison Maria Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer and musician. She entered the music industry at an early age, competing in local contests by the age of 8 and recording for the first time at 14. She signed with ...
*'' The Tribe'' –
Bernie Taupin Bernard John Taupin (born 22 May 1950) is an English songwriter, singer and visual artist. He is best known for his long-term collaboration with musician Elton John, a songwriting partnership that is one of the most successful in history. Tau ...
*''
Trouble Over Here ''Trouble Over Here'' (also titled ''Trouble Over Here, Trouble Over There'') is a studio album by American go-go band Trouble Funk, released in 1987 by Island Records. Track listing Personnel * Chester "T-Bone" Davis – lead guitar * Tony ...
'' - Trouble Funk *'' VI'' –
Circle Jerks Circle Jerks (stylized as Ciʀcle JƎʀᴋs) are an American hardcore punk band, formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California. The group was founded by former Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris and Redd Kross guitarist Greg Hetson. To date, Circle ...
*'' Wasted...Again'' – Black Flag *''Whistlin' in the Dark'' –
Bryan Duncan Bryan Edward Duncan (born March 16, 1953) is an American contemporary Christian music artist. He is known for being lead singer of the group Sweet Comfort Band, solo career, and involvement with the Nehosoul Band. He is currently involved with ...
*''Whitecross'' – Whitecross *'' Wildest Dreams'' –
Saga is a series of science fantasy role-playing video games by Square Enix. The series originated on the Game Boy in 1989 as the creation of Akitoshi Kawazu at Square (video game company), Square. It has since continued across multiple platforms, ...
*''
Young and Free ''Young and Free'' is the third studio album by the English all-female heavy metal band Rock Goddess. It was recorded in 1985 and was released in 1987 by the small French label JID exclusively in France, after the expiration of their recordi ...
'' – Rock Goddess


Biggest hit singles

The following songs achieved the highes
chart positions
in the charts of 1987.


Top 40 Chart hit singles


Other Chart hit singles


Notable singles


Other Notable singles


Published popular music

* "Last Midnight" w.m.
Stephen Sondheim Stephen Joshua Sondheim (; March 22, 1930November 26, 2021) was an American composer and lyricist. One of the most important figures in twentieth-century musical theater, Sondheim is credited for having "reinvented the American musical" with sho ...
* "
Children Will Listen The first season of '' Desperate Housewives'', an American television series created by Marc Cherry, commenced airing in the United States on October 3, 2004, concluded May 22, 2005, and consisted of 23 episodes. It tells the story of Mary Alice Y ...
" w.m.
Stephen Sondheim Stephen Joshua Sondheim (; March 22, 1930November 26, 2021) was an American composer and lyricist. One of the most important figures in twentieth-century musical theater, Sondheim is credited for having "reinvented the American musical" with sho ...
* "
Rhythm Is Gonna Get You "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" is a song written by Enrique "Kiki" Garcia and Gloria Estefan, and released by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine in 1987 as the lead single from the album '' Let It Loose'' (and the European version of the album '' ...
" w.m.
Gloria Estefan Gloria Estefan (; born Gloria María Milagrosa Fajardo García; born 1 September 1957) is a Cuban-American singer, actress, and businesswoman. Estefan is a seven-time Grammy Award winner, a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, and has been ...
& E. E. Garcia * "
(I've Had) The Time of My Life "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" is a 1987 song composed by Franke Previte, John DeNicola, and Donald Markowitz. It was recorded by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, and used as the theme song for the 1987 film ''Dirty Dancing''. The song has won ...
" w.m. Franke Previte, Donald Markowitz & John DeNicola


Classical music

*
Pascal Bentoiu Pascal Bentoiu (22 April 1927 – 21 February 2016) was a Romanian modernist composer. Life and career Bentoiu studied harmony, counterpoint and composition with Mihail Jora and piano with Theophil Demetriescu. He spent three years res ...
– Symphony No. 8 ("Imagini"), Op. 30 *
John Cage John Milton Cage Jr. (September 5, 1912 – August 12, 1992) was an American composer and music theorist. A pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments, Cage was one of the leading fi ...
– ''
As Slow as Possible ''Organ2/ASLSP'' (''As Slow as Possible'') is a musical piece by John Cage and the subject of one of the longest-lasting musical performances yet undertaken. Cage wrote it in 1987 for organ, as an adaptation of his 1985 composition ''ASLSP'' fo ...
'' *
Mario Davidovsky Mario Davidovsky (March 4, 1934 – August 23, 2019) was an Argentine-American composer. Born in Argentina, he emigrated in 1960 to the United States, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He is best known for his series of compositions ca ...
– Quartet for flute, violin, viola and violoncello * James Dillon - ''Helle Nacht'', large orchestra (90 players) * Joël-François Durand – ''Lichtung'' *
Petr Eben Petr Eben (22 January 1929 – 24 October 2007) was a Czech composer of modern and contemporary classical music, and an organist and choirmaster. His life Born in Žamberk in northeastern Bohemia, Eben spent most of his childhood and early ad ...
– ''Job'', for organ *
Philip Feeney Philip, also Phillip, is a male given name, derived from the Greek (''Philippos'', lit. "horse-loving" or "fond of horses"), from a compound of (''philos'', "dear", "loved", "loving") and (''hippos'', "horse"). Prominent Philips who popularize ...
– ''Mémoire imaginaire'' (ballet) *
Morton Feldman Morton Feldman (January 12, 1926 – September 3, 1987) was an American composer. A major figure in 20th-century classical music, Feldman was a pioneer of indeterminate music, a development associated with the experimental New York School ...
**''Samuel Beckett, Words and Music'', for 2 flutes, vibraphone, piano, violin, viola, and cello **''For Samuel Beckett'', for 23 instruments **''Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello'' *
Brian Ferneyhough Brian John Peter Ferneyhough (; born 16 January 1943) is an English composer. Ferneyhough is typically considered the central figure of the New Complexity movement. Ferneyhough has taught composition at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg and ...
- Third String Quartet *
Lorenzo Ferrero Lorenzo Ferrero (; born 1951) is an Italian composer, librettist, author, and book editor. He started composing at an early age and has written over a hundred compositions thus far, including twelve operas, three ballets, and numerous orchestral ...
**''Ostinato'' **''Non parto, non resto'' * Malcolm Forsyth – ''Songs from the Qu'appelle Valley'' * Karel Goeyvaerts – '' Aanloop en kreet'' (Run and Cry), for symphony orchestra and chorus *
Henryk Górecki Henryk Mikołaj Górecki ( , ; 6 December 1933 – 12 November 2010) was a Polish composer of contemporary classical music. According to critic Alex Ross, no recent classical composer has had as much commercial success as Górecki. He became a l ...
-
Totus Tuus was routinely used to sign off letters written in Latin, meaning "all yours", often abbreviated as "t.t." (a variation was ). In recent history was used by Pope John Paul II as his personal motto to express his personal Consecration to Mary b ...
, Op. 60 *
Sofia Gubaidulina Sofia Asgatovna Gubaidulina (russian: Софи́я Асгáтовна Губaйду́лина, link=no , tt-Cyrl, София Әсгать кызы Гобәйдуллина; born 24 October 1931) is a Soviet-Russian composer and an established ...
**String Quartet No. 2 **String Quartet No. 3 *
Toshio Hosokawa is a Japanese composer of contemporary classical music. He studied in Germany but returned to Japan, finding a personal style inspired by classical Japanese music and culture. He has composed operas, the oratorio ''Voiceless Voice in Hiroshima' ...
- ''Ferne Landschaft I'' *
György Kurtág György Kurtág (; born 19 February 1926) is a Hungarian classical composer and pianist. He was an academic teacher of piano at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music from 1967, later also of chamber music, and taught until 1993. Biography György ...
**''Kafka-Fragmente'' for soprano and violin **''Requiem for a Friend'' to Poems by Rimma Dalos * Helmut Lachenmann - ''Staub'' for orchestra * Francisco Llácer PlaRicercare Concertante *
Philippe Manoury Philippe Manoury (born 19 June 1952) is a French composer. Biography Manoury was born in Tulle and began composition studies at the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris with Gérard Condé and Max Deutsch. He continued his studies from 1974 to 197 ...
- ''Jupiter'' for flute and live electronics, op. 15a * Nicholas Maw – ''Odyssey'' * Conlon Nancarrow - String Quartet #3 * Luigi Nono **''1° Caminantes…..Ayacuch''o, for alto, flute, small and large chorus, organ, orchestra and live electronics **''2° No hay caminos, hay que caminar.....Andrej Tarkowskij'', for seven ensembles **''Post-prae-ludium No. 1 per Donau'', for tuba and live electronics **''Découvrir la subversion. Hommage à Edmond Jabès'', for alto, narrator, flute, tuba, French horn and live electronics *
Per Nørgård Per Nørgård (; born 13 July 1932) is a Danish composer and music theorist. Though his style has varied considerably throughout his career, his music has often included repeatedly evolving melodies—such as the infinity series—in the vein o ...
- Violin Concerto No. 1 ''Helle Nacht'' *
Henri Pousseur Henri Léon Marie-Thérèse Pousseur (23 June 1929 – 6 March 2009) was a Belgian classical composer, teacher, and music theorist. Biography Pousseur was born in Malmedy and studied at the Academies of Music in Liège and in Brussels from 1947 to ...
– ''Traverser la forêt'' * Wolfgang Rihm **''Klangbeschreibung I'' **''Klangbeschreibung II'' **''Klangbeschreibung III'' * Kaija Saariaho - ''Nymphéa'', for string quartet and electronics * Somei Satoh - ''Stabat Mater'' * Ahmed Adnan Saygun – Cello Concerto *
Byambasuren Sharav Byambasuren Sharav ( mn, Бямбасүрэнгийн Шарав, ') (13 November 1952 – 15 July 2019) was a Mongolian composer and pianist. Life Sharav was born in Jargaltkhaan Sum in Khentii Province. He learned as a child from his father t ...
– Symphony No. 2 * Juan Maria Solare – ''Doce variaciones 1987'' (for piano) * Toru Takemitsu **''All in Twilight'' **''I Hear the Water Dreaming'' **''Signals from Heaven'' *
Joan Tower Joan Tower (born September 6, 1938)http://www.schirmer.com/default.aspx?TabId=2419&State_2872=2&ComposerId_2872=1605 Biography on Schirmer is a Grammy-winning contemporary American composer, concert pianist and conductor. Lauded by ''The New York ...
– ''Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman No. 1 '' *
Galina Ustvolskaya Galina Ivanovna Ustvolskaya (russian: Гали́на Ива́новна Уство́льская , 17 June 1919 – 22 December 2006), was a Russian composer of classical music. Early years Born in Petrograd, Ustvolskaya studied from 1937 to 1 ...
- Symphony No. 4 - ''Prayer'', for contralto, piano, trumpet and tam-tam * Kevin Volans - String Quartet No. 2 ''Hunting: Gathering'' * Iannis Xenakis **''Ata'', for orchestra **''À r. (Hommage à Ravel)'', for piano **''Jalons'', for piccolo, oboe, bass clarinet, doublebass clarinet, contrabassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, harp, string quintet **''Kassandra'', for baritone/psalterion and percussion **''XAS'', for saxophone quartet **''Taurhiphanie'', 2-track **''Tracées'', for orchestra


Opera

*
John Adams John Adams (October 30, 1735 – July 4, 1826) was an American statesman, attorney, diplomat, writer, and Founding Fathers of the United States, Founding Father who served as the second president of the United States from 1797 to 1801. Befor ...
– ''
Nixon in China ''Nixon in China'' is an opera in three acts by John Adams with a libretto by Alice Goodman. Adams's first opera, it was inspired by U.S. president Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to the People's Republic of China. The work premiered at the Houston G ...
'' * Friedrich Cerha – ''Der Rattenfänger (The Pied Piper)'' *
Michael Nyman Michael Laurence Nyman, Order of the British Empire, CBE (born 23 March 1944) is an English composer, pianist, libretto, librettist, musicologist, and filmmaker. He is known for numerous film soundtrack, scores (many written during his length ...
– '' Vital Statistics'' * Judith Weir – '' A Night at the Chinese Opera'', 8 July, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, England


Jazz


Musical theater

*''
Abyssinia The Ethiopian Empire (), also formerly known by the exonym Abyssinia, or just simply known as Ethiopia (; Amharic and Tigrinya: ኢትዮጵያ , , Oromo: Itoophiyaa, Somali: Itoobiya, Afar: ''Itiyoophiyaa''), was an empire that historica ...
'', with music by Ted Kociolek and lyrics by James Racheff –
Off-Broadway An off-Broadway theatre is any professional theatre venue in New York City with a seating capacity between 100 and 499, inclusive. These theatres are smaller than Broadway theatres, but larger than off-off-Broadway theatres, which seat fewer tha ...
production at the CSC Repertory Theater *'' Up on the Roof'' by Simon Moore and
Jane Prowse Jane Prowse writes and directs theatre and television. Her play, '' A Round-Heeled Woman'', is a stage adaptation of Jane Juska's book ''A Round-Heeled Woman: My Late-Life Adventures in Sex and Romance''. The play starred multi-award winning ac ...
—Portsmouth, UK production *''
Roza Roza may refer to: People Last name *Fernando Luiz Roza (b. 1985), Brazilian soccer player *Lita Roza (1926–2008), British singer First name *Roza Anagnosti (born 1943) Albanian actress *Roza Baglanova (1922–2011), Soviet/Kazakh opera ...
'', with music by Gilbert Bécaud and lyrics and book by Julian More based on Romain Gary's novel ''
La vie devant soi ''The Life Before Us'' (1975; French: ''La vie devant soi'') is a novel by French author Romain Gary who wrote it under the pseudonym of "Emile Ajar". It was originally published in English as ''Momo'' translated by Ralph Manheim, then re-publis ...
'' – Broadway production opened at the Royale Theatre and closed after only 10 days * '' Anything Goes'' – Broadway revival * ''
Bless the Bride ''Bless the Bride'' is a musical with music by Vivian Ellis and a book and lyrics by A. P. Herbert, the third of five musicals they wrote together. The story is about an English girl who elopes with a debonair French actor; he goes off to serve ...
'' – West End revival * ''
Cabaret Cabaret is a form of theatrical entertainment featuring music, song, dance, recitation, or drama. The performance venue might be a pub, a casino, a hotel, a restaurant, or a nightclub with a stage for performances. The audience, often dining or d ...
'' (
Kander and Ebb Kander and Ebb were a highly successful American songwriting team consisting of composer John Kander (born March 18, 1927) and lyricist Fred Ebb (April 8, 1928 – September 11, 2004). Known primarily for their stage musicals, which include ''Cab ...
) – Broadway revival * '' Dreamgirls'' – Broadway revival * ''
Into the Woods ''Into the Woods'' is a 1987 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tale A fairy tale (alternative names include fairytale, fairy story ...
'' – Broadway production opened at the
Martin Beck Theatre The Al Hirschfeld Theatre, originally the Martin Beck Theatre, is a Broadway theater at 302 West 45th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1924, it was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh in a Moorish and ...
and ran for 765 performances * ''
Les Misérables ''Les Misérables'' ( , ) is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862, that is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. In the English-speaking world, the novel is usually referred to by its original ...
'' – Broadway production opened at
The Broadway Theatre The Broadway Theatre (formerly Universal's Colony Theatre, B.S. Moss's Broadway Theatre, Earl Carroll's Broadway Theatre, and Ciné Roma) is a Broadway theatre, Broadway theater at 1681 Broadway (Manhattan), Broadway (near 53rd Street (Manhatta ...
and ran for a total of 6680 performances, the second-longest run of any Broadway musical after ''
Cats The cat (''Felis catus'') is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from the wild members of t ...
'' * ''
Oil City Symphony ''Oil City Symphony'' is a musical with a book by Mike Craver, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, and Mary Murfitt and songs by various composers. It is a recreation of a recital by four middle-aged amateur musicians who have reunited in the auditorium o ...
'' – off-Broadway production ran for 626 performances * '' Stardust'' musical by Mitchell Parish opens at Biltmore Theater NYC for 102 performances * '' Starlight Express'' (
Andrew Lloyd Webber Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber (born 22 March 1948), is an English composer and impresario of musical theatre. Several of his musicals have run for more than a decade both in the West End and on Broadway. He has composed 21 musicals, ...
and Richard Stilgoe) – Broadway production opened at the
Gershwin Theatre The Gershwin Theatre (originally the Uris Theatre) is a Broadway theatre, Broadway theater at 222 West 51st Street (Manhattan), 51st Street, on the second floor of the Paramount Plaza office building, in the Midtown Manhattan neighborhood of New ...
and ran for 761 performances


Musical films

* ''
Aria In music, an aria (Italian: ; plural: ''arie'' , or ''arias'' in common usage, diminutive form arietta , plural ariette, or in English simply air) is a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without instrumental or orchestral accompanime ...
'' * ''
Dirty Dancing ''Dirty Dancing'' is a 1987 American romantic drama dance film written by Eleanor Bergstein, produced by Linda Gottlieb, and directed by Emile Ardolino. Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, it tells the story of Frances "Baby" Houseman ...
'' * ''
Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll ''Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll'' is a 1987 documentary film directed by Taylor Hackford that chronicles two 1986 concerts celebrating rock and roll musician Chuck Berry's 60th birthday. A soundtrack album was released in October 1987 on the MCA lab ...
'' * ''
Hearts of Fire ''Hearts of Fire'' is a 1987 American musical drama film starring Bob Dylan, Fiona Flanagan (billed only as "Fiona") and Rupert Everett. The film was essentially a vehicle for Dylan based on his success as a rock musician. It received poor revie ...
'' * '' La Bamba'' * ''
Mr. India Mr. or Mister India may refer to: Pageants * Rubaru Mister India, a national Indian beauty pageant in India that sends its winners to Mister International, Mister Global, Mister Model International and other international competitions * Mister Indi ...
'' * ''
Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare ''Rock 'n' Roll Nightmare'' is a 1987 Canadian direct-to-video horror film directed by John Fasano, and stars heavy metal musician Jon Mikl Thor, Jillian Peri and Teresa Simpson. Plot Hoping to record some new music, the band Triton travels t ...
'' * '' Sign o' the Times'' * '' Testimony''


Births

*
January 2 Events Pre-1600 * 69 – The Roman legions in Germania Superior refuse to swear loyalty to Galba. They rebel and proclaim Vitellius as emperor. * 366 – The Alemanni cross the frozen Rhine in large numbers, invading the Roman Empi ...
Syesha Mercado Syesha Raquel Mercado (born January 2, 1987) is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and model. Mercado was the third-place finalist on the American Idol (season 7), seventh season of ''American Idol''. Prior to ''Idol'', Mercado was on ''The ...
, American singer and actress *
January 7 Events Pre-1600 *49 BC – The Senate of Rome says that Caesar will be declared a public enemy unless he disbands his army. This prompts the tribunes who support him to flee to Ravenna, where Caesar is waiting. * 1325 – Alfonso IV ...
Sirusho Siranush Harutyunyan ( hy, Սիրանուշ Հարությունյան; born 7 January 1987), known professionally as Sirusho ( hy, Սիրուշո), is an Armenian singer and songwriter. She received her first award when she was nine years old fo ...
, Armenian singer *
January 9 Events Pre-1600 * 681 – Twelfth Council of Toledo: King Erwig of the Visigoths initiates a council in which he implements diverse measures against the Jews in Spain. *1127 – Jin–Song Wars: Invading Jurchen soldiers from the J ...
Paolo Nutini, British singer *
January 12 Events Pre-1600 * 475 – Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople, and his general, Basiliscus gains control of the empire. *1528 – Gustav I of Sweden is crowned King of Sweden, having already reigned s ...
**
Sunday Sunday is the day of the week between Saturday and Monday. In most Western countries, Sunday is a day of rest and a part of the weekend. It is often considered the first day of the week. For most observant adherents of Christianity, Sunday ...
(Jin Bo-ra), Korean pop singer (
TSZX The Grace The Grace (stylized as 天上智喜 The Grace; abbreviated as CSJH, CSJH The Grace) is a South Korean a cappella girl group formed by SM Entertainment in 2005, with four members: Lina, Dana, Sunday and Stephanie. They are known as Tenjochiki ...
) ** Naya Rivera, American actress and singer (d.
2020 2020 was heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to global Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, social and Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disruption, mass cancellations and postponements of events, COVID- ...
) *
January 16 Events Pre-1600 * 27 BC – Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus is granted the title Augustus by the Roman Senate, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire. * 378 – General Siyaj K'ak' conquers Tikal, enlarging the domain of King Spear ...
Jake Epstein Jacob Lee Epstein (born January 16, 1987) is a Canadian actor and singer. He played Craig Manning, a musician with bipolar disorder, on '' Degrassi: The Next Generation''. He also played Will in the First National Tour of '' American Idiot'', an ...
, Canadian actor and singer *
January 18 Events Pre-1600 * 474 – Seven-year-old Leo II succeeds his maternal grandfather Leo I as Byzantine emperor. He dies ten months later. * 532 – Nika riots in Constantinople fail. * 1126 – Emperor Huizong abdicates the Chi ...
Stefan Filipović, Montenegrin pop singer *
January 19 Events Pre-1600 * 379 – Emperor Gratian elevates Flavius Theodosius at Sirmium to ''Augustus'', and gives him authority over all the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire. * 649 – Conquest of Kucha: The forces of Kucha surrender ...
– Rahma Riad, Iraqi singer *January 22 – Angel Olsen, American folk and indie rock singer *January 27 ** Katy Rose, American singer, songwriter, producer, musician and actress ** Ashley Grace (musician), Ashley Grace, American singer-songwriter (Ha*Ash) *January 31 – Marcus Mumford, British singer, songwriter, musician and producer *February 1 – Heather Morris, American actress, dancer, singer and model *February 2 ** Heather Bright, American pop singer, songwriter, DJ and record producer. ** Victoria Song, Chinese pop singer (f(x) (band), f(x)) *February 3 – Elvana Gjata, Albanian singer *February 5 – Darren Criss, American actor, singer and songwriter *
February 6 Events Pre-1600 * 1579 – The Archdiocese of Manila is made a diocese by a papal bull with Domingo de Salazar being its first bishop. 1601–1900 * 1685 – James II of England and VII of Scotland is proclaimed King upon the death of ...
– Raiden (DJ), DJ Raiden, Korean DJ and producer *February 7 ** Kerli, Estonian singer and songwriter ** Monika Brodka, Polish singer *February 10 ** Choi Si Won, Korean actor and pop singer ** Poli Genova, Bulgarian singer and TV presenter *February 12 – O'Ryan (singer), O'Ryan (Browner), American R&B singer *February 17 – Lee Bo-ram, K-pop singer (SeeYa) *February 23 – Ab-Soul, American rapper (Black Hippy) *
February 24 Events Pre-1600 * 484 – King Huneric of the Vandals replaces Nicene bishops with Arian ones, and banishes some to Corsica. * 1303 – The English are defeated at the Battle of Roslin, in the First War of Scottish Independence. * 13 ...
– Kim Kyu-jong, Korean pop singer (SS501) *February 25 – Eva Avila, Canadian singer-songwriter *March 1 – Kesha, American singer-songwriter, author, activist, musician *March 4 – Aja Volkman, American singer, songwriter, and musician, *
March 9 Events Pre-1600 *141 BC – Liu Che, posthumously known as Emperor Wu of Han, assumes the throne over the Han dynasty of China. *1009 – First known mention of Lithuania, in the annals of the monastery of Quedlinburg. * 1226 – ...
– Bow Wow (rapper), Bow Wow, American Hip-Hop artist, actor *March 10 ** Emeli Sandé, Scottish singer and songwriter ** Mod Sun, American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and rapper, Member of Four Letter Lie and Scary Kids Scaring Kids (Dated and Worked with Avril Lavigne, worked with Travis Barker, Bella Thorn, Tana Mongeau, Dove Cameron, Megan Fox, Becky G and blackbear) *March 12 – Hiroomi Tosaka, Japanese singer *March 20 – Jonas Rivanno, Indonesian actor, model and singer *March 26 – Yui (singer), YUI, Japanese pop singer * March 27 – Polina Gagarina, Russian singer, songwriter, actress, and model *March 31 – Jeff Montalvo (Seven Lions), American electronic music producer *April 3 – ** Park Jung-min (singer), Park Jung-min, Korean pop singer (SS501) ** Rachel Bloom, American actress, comedian, singer, writer, producer, songwriter, and mental health activist *April 9 **Jesse McCartney, American singer, songwriter, musician, voice actor and actor **Jazmine Sullivan, American singer *April 10 – Hayley Westenra, New Zealand soprano singer *April 11 **Lights (musician), Canadian singer and songwriter **Joss Stone, English soul singer-songwriter *April 12 – Brendon Urie, American vocalist and musician *April 15 – Iyaz, British Virgin Islands singer *April 17 – Jacqueline MacInnes Wood, Canadian actress, disc jockey, singer and television host *April 18 – Samantha Jade, Australian singer and actress *April 20 − Anna Rossinelli, Swiss singer-songwriter *April 21 − Anastasia Prikhodko, Ukrainian folk rock and traditional pop singer *
April 23 Events Pre-1600 * 215 BC – A temple is built on the Capitoline Hill dedicated to Venus Erycina to commemorate the Roman defeat at Lake Trasimene. * 599 – Maya king Uneh Chan of Calakmul attacks rival city-state Palenque in southe ...
– Laura Mvula, British recording artist, songwriter and pianist. *April 30 – Nikki Webster, Australian pop singer/businesswoman/actress *May 2 – Nana Kitade, Japanese singer *May 4 – Anjeza Shahini, Albanian singer *May 7 – Asami Konno, Japanese singer *May 13 ** Hunter Parrish, American actor and singer ** Candice King, American actress and singer ** Charlotte Wessels, Dutch singer-songwriter (Delain, Phantasma, Kamelot) *May 15 ** Ammo (musician), American record producer and songwriter ** Jennylyn Mercado, Filipina actress, singer, television personality *May 16 – Can Bonomo, Turkish-Jewish singer *May 18 – Luisana Lopilato, an Argentine actress, singer and model (Michael Buble) *May 21 – Hit-Boy, American record producer, rapper, singer and songwriter *May 24 – Jimena Barón, Argentine actress and singer *May 29 – Ak'Sent, American rapper *June 2 – Matthew Koma, American songwriter-singer, DJ, record producer (Married to Hilary Duff) *June 8 – Ty Segall, American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and record producer *June 10 – Dotter (singer), Dotter, Swedish singer-songwriter *June 16 – Diana DeGarmo, ''American Idol'' contestant, singer ** Ali Stroker, American musician, singer, actress and advocate *June 17 – Kendrick Lamar, American rapper and songwriter (Black Hippy) *June 19 – Miho Fukuhara, Japanese singer and actress (Sweetbox) *June 21 ** Khatia Buniatishvili, Georgian pianist ** Kim Ryeowook, Korean pop singer (Super Junior) *June 23 – Caitlin Rose, American country singer * June 27 – Tomoya Kanki, Japanese musician (One Ok Rock) *July 1 – Yoga Lin, Taiwanese pop singer, One Million Star, Season 1 winner *
July 4 Events Pre-1600 * 362 BC – Battle of Mantinea: The Thebans, led by Epaminondas, defeated the Spartans. * 414 – Emperor Theodosius II, age 13, yields power to his older sister Aelia Pulcheria, who reigned as regent and proclaim ...
– Jah Prayzah, Zimbabwean musician *July 6 – Kate Nash, English pop singer-songwriter and musician *July 9 – Rebecca Sugar, American animator, director, screenwriter, producer, and songwriter *July 11 – Shigeaki Kato, Japanese singer and actor (News (band), NEWS and K.K.Kity) *July 13 – Eva Rivas, Russian-Armenian singer *July 14 – **Drew Fortier, American musician, songwriter, filmmaker, and actor **Dan Reynolds (musician), Dan Reynolds, American singer-songwriter, activist (Imagine Dragons and Egyptian (band), Egyptian) ** Peter Vives, Spanish actor, singer and classical pianist *July 17 **Chloe Lowery, American singer-songwriter **Jeremih, American recording artist and producer *July 19 – Nicola Benedetti, Scottish violinist *July 23 – Felipe Dylon, Brazilian singer *July 25 **Alan Dawa Dolma (better known as "Alan"), Chinese singer **Jax Jones, English singer, producer and DJ **Gor Sujyan, Armenian rock singer, lead singer of Dorians (band), Dorians *July 26 – Evelina Sašenko-Statulevičienė, Lithuanian jazz singer of Polish-Ukrainian descent *July 30 – Elise Estrada, Canadian singer * August 2 ** Nayer, American pop singer ** Jessie Daniels, American actress, songwriter, and musician *
August 3 Events Pre-1600 * 8 – Roman Empire general Tiberius defeats the Dalmatae on the river Bosna. * 435 – Deposed Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Nestorius, considered the originator of Nestorianism, is exiled by Roman Emperor ...
– Kim Hyung-jun, South Korean singer and DJ *August 6 – Aditya Narayan, Bollywood actor and singer *August 9, Noonie Boa, Swedish singer, songwriter and record producer. * August 19 - John Ryan (musician), also known as John the Blind and JRY, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist (Niall Horan, Sabrina Carpenter, One Direction, De;ta Goodrem) *August 21 – Kim Kibum, Korean actor and pop singer *August 24 – Daichi Miura, Japanese singer-songwriter, dancer, and choreographer *September 1 – Dann Hume, New Zealand musician, music producer, mix engineer and songwriter (Amy Shark) ** Sevdaliza, Irish Dutch singer-songwriter and record producer *
September 7 Events Pre-1600 * 70 – A Roman army under Titus occupies and plunders Jerusalem. * 878 – Louis the Stammerer is crowned as king of West Francia by Pope John VIII. *1159 – Pope Alexander III is chosen. *1191 – Third Cru ...
– Evan Rachel Wood, American singer and actress *September 8 - Wiz Khalifa, American rapper and singer *September 13 - Snoh Aalegra, Swedish singer based in Los Angeles *September 16 – Sarah Hay, American ballerina and actress *September 19 - Sam Ellis (songwriter), Canadian singwriter and record producer *September 23 – Skylar Astin, American actor and singer *September 26 – Rosie Munter, Swedish vocalist and dancer *September 28 **Hilary Duff, American singer, songwriter, author and actress (Married to Matthew Koma, Sister of Haylie Duff, Sutton Foster) **Chloë Hanslip, English violinist *September 29 – Gryffin, American musician, DJ, record producer. *October 3 – Starley (singer), Australian singer and songwriter *October 7 – Lauren Mayberry, Scottish singer, songwriter, writer and journalist (Chvrches) *October 17 – Stephanie (South Korean singer), Stephanie (Kim Bo-kyung), American-born Korean pop singer (
TSZX The Grace The Grace (stylized as 天上智喜 The Grace; abbreviated as CSJH, CSJH The Grace) is a South Korean a cappella girl group formed by SM Entertainment in 2005, with four members: Lina, Dana, Sunday and Stephanie. They are known as Tenjochiki ...
) *October 18 – Zac Efron, American actor, dancer, singer, musical star *October 28 – Frank Ocean, American singer-songwriter *October 29 – Tove Lo, Swedish singer-songwriter, dancer and activist *November 3 – Courtney Barnett, Australian singer/songwriter/musician *November 4 ** Tim Douwsma, Dutch singer ** T.O.P (singer), T.O.P, Korean rapper *November 5 – Kevin Jonas, American musician (Jonas Brothers) *November 10 – Charles Hamilton (rapper), Charles Hamilton, American rapper and producer * November 24 – Sermstyle, English singer-songwriter, remixer, record producer and DJ *November 25 – Dolla (rapper), Dolla, American rapper *November 29 – Cashmere Cat, Norwegian DJ, record producer, musician and turntablist (Ariana Grande) *November 30 – Dougie Poynter, English bass guitarist (McFly) *December 1 – Vance Joy, Australian musician *December 2 – Teairra Mari, American R&B singer-songwriter, dancer, model and actress *December 7 – Aaron Carter, American pop singer *December 15 - Lady Leshurr, British Hip hop grime dancehall rapper, singer, songwriter and producer *December 18 – Ayaka, Japanese pop singer *December 20 – Barrie-James O'Neill, Scottish singer-songwriter, worked with Lana Del Rey *December 25 – Julian Lage, American jazz guitarist *December 27 – Yui Okada, Japanese pop singer


Deaths

*January 6 – Jaidev, Bollywood composer, 67 *January 10 – Marion Hutton, singer and actress, 67 *January 15 – Ray Bolger, ''Wizard of Oz'' actor, 83 (cancer) *January 30 – Harold Loeffelmacher, musician and bandleader (Six Fat Dutchmen), 81 *February 2 **Spike Hughes, jazz double bass player, composer and journalist, 78 **Alfred Lion, record executive and co-founder of Blue Note Records, 78 *February 4 – Liberace, US pianist, 67 (AIDS-related) *February 8 – Tony Destra, glam metal drummer, 32 (car accident) *February 18 – Dmitri Kabalevsky, composer *February 23 – Zeca Afonso, folk musician, 57 *March 3 – Danny Kaye, actor, singer, dancer and comedian, 76 *March 6 – Eddie Durham, jazz musician, 80 *March 7 – Evelyn Dove, singer, 85 *March 15 – Don Gant, singer/songwriter, record producer, 44 (complications following boating accident) *March 18 – Elizabeth Poston, composer, 82 *March 20 – Rita Streich, coloratura soprano, 66 *March 21 **Dean Paul Martin, singer and actor, 35 (plane crash) **Robert Preston (actor), Robert Preston, actor and singer, 68 *March 28 – Maria von Trapp, subject of ''The Sound of Music'', 82 *March 29 – Felix Prohaska, conductor *April 2 – Buddy Rich, jazz drummer, 69 (brain tumor) *April 7 – Carlton Barrett, reggae drummer (Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Wailers), 36 (murdered) *April 14 – Karl Höller, composer, 79 *May 2 – Larry Clinton, US bandleader and songwriter, 75 *May 3 – Dalida, singer, actress and Miss Egypt, Miss Egypt 1954, 54 (suicide) *May 4 – Paul Butterfield, blues vocalist and harmonica player, 44 (drug overdose) *May 5 – Allen Jones (record producer), Allen Jones, record producer (heart attack)Bar-Kays: Bio
Accessed 22 July 2014 *May 13 **Signe Amundsen, operatic soprano, 87 **Ismael Rivera, salsa composer and singer, 55 (heart attack) *May 14 – Rita Hayworth, dancer and film star, 68 *May 24 – Hermione Gingold, actress and singer *May 26 – Robert Wilkins, blues guitarist and singer, 91 *May 29 – Phyllis Tate, avant-garde composer, 76 *June 3 – Andrés Segovia, guitar virtuoso, 94 *June 18 – Kid Thomas Valentine, jazz trumpeter & bandleader, 91 *June 21 – Abram Chasins, pianist and composer, 84 *June 22 **Fred Astaire, dancer, actor and singer, 88 **Frank Rehak, jazz trombonist *June 25 – Boudleaux Bryant, Hall of Fame songwriter, 67 *June 26 **Henk Badings, composer, 80 **Gábor Rejtő, cellist, 70 *July 1 – Snakefinger, guitarist, 38 (heart attack) *July 7 **Tibor Frešo, composer, 69 **Germaine Thyssens-Valentin, pianist, 85 *July 10 – John H. Hammond, John Hammond, producer and musician, 76 *July 15 – Pete King (British musician), Pete King, drummer (After The Fire, BAP (German band), BAP), 28 (testicular cancer) *July 25 – Alex Sadkin, saxophonist and record producer, 37 or 38 (motor accident) *July 26 – Joe Liggins, R&B, jazz and blues pianist, 72 *August 2 – David A. Martin (musician), David Martin, bassist (Sam the Sham), 50 (heart attack) *August 12 – Sally Long, Ziegfeld Follies star, 85 *August 14 – Vincent Persichetti, composer, 72 * August 27 **Bruce Holder, violinist, conductor and composer, 82 **Scott La Rock, hip-hop DJ and producer, 25 (shot) *
September 3 Events Pre-1600 *36 BC – In the Battle of Naulochus, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, admiral of Octavian, defeats Sextus Pompey, son of Pompey, thus ending Pompeian resistance to the Second Triumvirate. * 301 – San Marino, one of the s ...
Morton Feldman Morton Feldman (January 12, 1926 – September 3, 1987) was an American composer. A major figure in 20th-century classical music, Feldman was a pioneer of indeterminate music, a development associated with the experimental New York School ...
, composer, 51 (pancreatic cancer) * September 11
Peter Tosh Winston Hubert McIntosh, OM (19 October 1944 – 11 September 1987), professionally known as Peter Tosh, was a Jamaican reggae musician. Along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, he was one of the core members of the band the Wailers (1963 ...
, reggae musician, 42 (shot and killed in a house invasion/robbery) *September 21 – Jaco Pastorius, jazz bassist, 35 (brain damage resulting from fight) *September 23 – Bob Fosse, dancer, choreographer and director of musicals, 60 (heart attack) *September 29 – Sebastian Peschko, pianist, 77 *October 3 – Hans Gál, composer, 97 *October 13 – Kishore Kumar, singer, actor, filmmaker, writer, musician and composer, 58 *October 14 – Rodolfo Halffter, composer, 86 * October 19 – Jacqueline du Pré, English cellist, 42 (multiple sclerosis) *October 28 – Woody Herman, US jazz clarinetist and bandleader, 74 *November 12 – Cornelis Vreeswijk, Swedish singer-songwriter, 50 (liver cancer) *November 16 – Zubir Said, composer, 80 *November 22 – Verna Arvey, librettist and pianist *November 23 – Joseph Beer, composer, 79 *December 5 – Pappy Daily, country music entrepreneur and record producer, 85 *December 8 – Annelies Kupper, operatic soprano, 81 *December 10 – Jascha Heifetz, violinist *December 12 – Clifton Chenier, zydeco singer and accordionist, 62 *December 18 – Conny Plank, record producer, 47 *December 21 – John Spence (musician), John Spence, ska musician, 18 (suicide) *December 22 – Luca Prodan, rock musician, 34 (cirrhosis of the liver) *Unknown – Emani Sankara Sastry, veena player and composer, 65


Awards

*The following artists are inducted into the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF), sometimes simply referred to as the Rock Hall, is a museum A museum ( ; plural museums or, rarely, musea) is a building or institution that cares for and displays a collection of artifacts and othe ...
: The Coasters,
Eddie Cochran Ray Edward Cochran (; October 3, 1938 – April 17, 1960) was an American rock and roll musician. Cochran's songs, such as "Twenty Flight Rock", "Summertime Blues", " C'mon Everybody" and " Somethin' Else", captured teenage frustration and desire ...
, Bo Diddley,
Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin ( ; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the " Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in ''Rolling Stone''s "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". With ...
,
Marvin Gaye Marvin Pentz Gay Jr., who also spelled his surname as Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984), was an American singer and songwriter. He helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo ar ...
, Bill Haley (musician), Bill Haley, B. B. King,
Clyde McPhatter Clyde Lensley McPhatter (November 15, 1932 – June 13, 1972) was an American rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll singer. He was one of the most widely imitated R&B singers of the 1950s and early 1960sPalmer, Robert (1981)"Roy Brown, a Pi ...
, Ricky Nelson,
Roy Orbison Roy Kelton Orbison (April 23, 1936 – December 6, 1988) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician known for his impassioned singing style, complex song structures, and dark, emotional ballads. His music was described by critics as ...
,
Carl Perkins Carl Lee Perkins (April 9, 1932 – January 19, 1998)#nytimesobit, Pareles. was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. A rockabilly great and pioneer of rock and roll, he began his recording career at the Sun Studio, in Memphis, Tennes ...
,
Smokey Robinson William "Smokey" Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and former record executive director. He was the founder and front man of the Motown vocal group the Miracles, for which he was also chief ...
, Big Joe Turner, Muddy Waters, and
Jackie Wilson Jack Leroy Wilson Jr. (June 9, 1934 – January 21, 1984) was an American singer and performer of the 1950s and 60s. He was a prominent figure in the transition of rhythm and blues into soul. Nicknamed "Mr. Excitement", he was considered a mas ...


Grammy Awards

*Grammy Awards of 1987


Country Music Association Awards

*1987 Country Music Association Awards


Eurovision Song Contest

*Eurovision Song Contest 1987


Glenn Gould Prize

*R. Murray Schafer (laureate)


Charts

*List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 1987 (U.S.)


See also

* :Record labels established in 1987, Record labels established in 1987


References

{{Reflist 1987 in music, 1987, Music 20th century in music Music by year