Today in Music History: Remembering Karl Mueller
July 27, 2015
History Highlight:
Today in 1962, bassist Karl Mueller was born in Minneapolis. In the early 1980s, Mueller, together with friends Dave Pirner and Dan Murphy, formed the band Loud Fast Rules, which would eventually become Soul Asylum. The band achieved mainstream success with its 1992 breakthrough, Grave Dancers Union, which peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200. In 2004, Mueller was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and he passed away in June 2005. Since that time, Mueller's wife, Mary Beth, along with a number of friends, have organized the Kill Kancer benefit. At its heart is the Karl Fund, which is committed to fighting cancer and supporting the community through research at the University of Minnesota, neighborhood projects and local events.
Also, Today In:
1958 - Fans of rock 'n' roll music were warned that listening to music on the car radio could cost them more money. Researchers from the Esso petroleum company said the rhythm of rock music could cause the driver to be foot-heavy on the pedal, making them waste fuel.
1968 - Cass Elliot released her first solo single following the breakup of The Mamas and Papas. "Dream a Little Dream of Me" had been around since 1931 and had been recorded by Frank Sinatra, Frankie Laine and many others. Cass's version would be the most successful when it peaked at No. 12 on the U.S. chart.
1974 - John Denver started a two-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "Annie's Song," the singer's second U.S. No. 1. The song was a tribute to Denver's wife and was written in 10 minutes while he was on a ski lift.
1976 - After a four-year legal fight, John Lennon was awarded his so-called green card, allowing him permanent residence in the U.S.
1985 - Paul Young went to No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with his version of the Daryl Hall song, "Every Time You Go Away."
1991 - Bryan Adams started a seven-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart with "(Everything I Do), I Do It For You"'; meanwhile, Jesus Jones rested at No. 2 with "Right Here, Right Now," unable to shift Bryan Adams from the No. 1 position.
1997 - The Men in Black soundtrack album started a two-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. album chart.
Birthdays:
Juliana Hatfield is 48.
Pete Yorn is 41.