Chapter 01 — Today in music
On a day like today June 18
1942
Paul McCartney is born, melody made flesh
On June 18, 1942, James Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool — probably the most gifted melodist of the 20th century. From 'Yesterday' to 'Hey Jude', his instinct made the Beatles the definitive cultural phenomenon, and his bass playing redefined the instrument in pop. Sixty years on he still tours the world as if history weighed nothing at all.
Paul McCartney
1961
Alison Moyet is born, a blues voice caught inside synth-pop
On June 18, 1961, Alison Moyet was born in Essex — the powerful contralto who formed Yazoo with Vince Clarke and proved cold synthesizers could house a burning blues voice. 'Only You' and 'Don't Go' remain peaks of soulful synth-pop. Her solo career confirmed the obvious: that throat would have triumphed in any decade, with any technology.
Alison Moyet
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