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1963

in Music

Albums

6

Artists

17

Milestones

23

Notable Releases

SINGLE1963

I've Been 'Buked and I've Been Scorned

Mahalia Jackson

Gospel spiritual performed at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, becoming an anthem of the civil rights movement

SINGLE1963

How I Got Over

Mahalia Jackson

Gospel song performed at the March on Washington, showcasing Jackson's ability to connect spiritual music with social justice

ALBUM1963

Live at the Apollo

James Brown

Groundbreaking live album recorded at the Apollo Theater, became an immediate hit reaching number two on the charts and selling over a million copies, staying on charts for 14 months.

SINGLE1963

Blowin' in the Wind

Bob Dylan

Iconic protest song that became an anthem

SINGLE1963

Ring of Fire

Johnny Cash

Hit written by June Carter Cash

Significant Milestones

March on Washington Performance

Achievement
Mahalia Jackson

Jackson performed at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom at Martin Luther King Jr.'s request, singing "I've Been 'Buked and I've Been Scorned" and "How I Got Over" to over 250,000 attendees.

Vienna State Opera Debut

Debut
Luciano Pavarotti

Debuted at Vienna State Opera on 23 February 1963 as Rodolfo, followed by performances as Duca di Mantova in Rigoletto.

Live at the Apollo Released

Achievement
James Brown

Live album self-financed by Brown became an immediate hit, reaching number two on charts and selling over a million copies, establishing him as a major live performer.

First Top Ten Single - Pride and Joy

Debut
Marvin Gaye

Pride and Joy became Gaye's first top ten single on Billboard Hot 100 on July 20, 1963, solidifying his status as a rising star at Motown.

Return to Independent Nigeria

Comeback
Fela Kuti

Kuti returned to newly independent Nigeria, reformed Koola Lobitos, and began training as a radio producer for the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation while performing with Victor Olaiya's All-Stars.

Formation of African Fiesta

Achievement
Tabu Ley

Partnered with guitarist Dr. Nico Kasanda to form African Fiesta, pioneering the fusion of Congolese folk music with Cuban and Latin American rumba.

Family Relocation to California

Achievement
Karen Carpenter

Karen's family moved from Connecticut to Downey, California, setting the stage for her music career development in Southern California.

Musicians from 1963