On April 19, 1988, Sonny Bono was sworn in as the new mayor of Palm Springs, California, winning with 4,842 votes—over 2,400 more than his closest competitor. Before entering politics, Bono was famous as one half of the duo Sonny & Cher, known for their hits on Billboard’s Hot 100.
This date also marks significant moments in music history. In 1994, Nas released his debut album, Illmatic, featuring classic tracks that, while not hitting the Top 40, gained immense respect in hip-hop. The album peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. In 1999, The Cranberries released Bury the Hatchet, which reached No. 13 in the U.S. and No. 7 in the U.K., with popular singles that resonated with fans. Fast forward to 2024, Taylor Swift launched The Tortured Poets Department, dominating the Billboard 200 for 17 weeks and selling 1.5 million copies in just three days, featuring multiple Top 10 hits.
Cultural milestones on this date include the birth of Suge Knight in 1965, co-founder of Death Row Records, who played a key role in the careers of artists like Tupac and Snoop Dog. However, he is currently serving a 28-year sentence for manslaughter. In 2009, The Flaming Lips performed at the National Mall in D.C. for Earth Day, alongside other artists.
The music industry has seen its share of changes too. In 1958, the Marquee Club opened in London, hosting legends like The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. Sadly, in 2002, Layne Staley’s body was found in Seattle, marking a tragic moment for fans of the iconic frontman.
