TopPop

Sad news, Tito Jackson past away at the age of 70. He was the eldest brother of Michael. Together with Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael he formed The Jackson 5 / The Jacksons. The group quickly had worldwide success with hits such as "I Want You Back", "ABC'" and "I'll Be There". Check out our channel for lots of video's of The Jacksons. What's your favorite Jackson 5 / The Jacksons song? If your favorite is not on the list, leave it in the comments. R.I.P. Tito.

3 days ago | [YT] | 423

TopPop

Today, September 12, marks the 45th anniversary of the release of the first ever rap song that made it to number 1, “Rapper's Delight.” The Sugar Hill Gang consisted of three Bronx rappers Master Gee, Big Bank Hank en Wonder Mike, but it was Sylvia Robinson, CEO and founder of Sugar Hill Records, who made it all possible. She was determined to record the song with rap music that was then moving from the voiceless on the streets of New York to the rest of the world. Did you know that Sugarhill Gang raps on the bassline of Chic's song Good Times? Check it out! Nile Rodgers was anything but happy with this and filed a lawsuit with co-author Bernard Edwards, which led to a settlement. Sylvia was also the one behind the Grand Master Flash hit-song "The Message" from 1982. We have two versions of "Rapper's Delight" on our Toppop-channel, one recorded for Top 50 Rock Planet and this one recorded in a swimming pool in Scheveningen in The Netherlands, first broadcast on February 4, 1980.

1 week ago | [YT] | 213

TopPop

On September 11, 1987, reggae pioneer Peter Tosh is tragically shot and killed during a robbery at his home in Kingston, Jamaica. Three suspects are arrested in connection with the crime. Born Winston Hubert Macintosh on October 19, 1944, Tosh first rose to fame as a founding member of Bob Marley & The Wailers. He later made his mark as a solo artist, notably topping the charts with the 1979 hit "(You Gotta Walk) Don’t Look Back," a duet with Mick Jagger. Beyond his musical success, Peter Tosh was also a key figure in promoting the Rastafarian Movement, using his music to spread its religious and cultural messages. His life was tragically cut short, and on June 22, 1988, Dennis Lobban was sentenced to death by a Jamaican court for Tosh’s murder. It was revealed that Lobban had fired the fatal shot.

1 week ago | [YT] | 198

TopPop

Electric Light Orchestra’s remarkable classic conceptalbum “Eldorado” was released 50 years ago in the U.S.A.! We have a great video of “Can’t Get It Out of My head” on our Toppop-channel recorded in Forshaw Heath Social Centre Hall in Birmingham in February 1975. Take a look! So what's your all-time favorite ELO-song? If not in the list, add yours in the comments, we are looking forward to your choices...

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 574

TopPop

He's back! Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music has released a new single today: ‘Star’. It's part of the new boxset 'Retrospective', which will be released on October 25 and contains 81 songs. Here's a little quiz, which song is not an original Roxy Music song but a cover.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 326

TopPop

Today we remember Willy DeVille who unfortunately died on August 6, 2009, today 15 years ago. He would have been 75 years today. Willy (born William Paul Borsey Jr.) was singer and leader of Mink DeVille (1974–1986), a rock band known for its association with early punk rock bands at New York's CBGB nightclub and for being a showcase for the music of Willy DeVille. The band recorded six albums in the years 1977 to 1985. This is a great song of him. More songs on our channel.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 142

TopPop

Kim Wilde releases a new single today entitled “Trail Of Destruction”. The song will be included on her new album “Closer”, which is a kind of sequel to her 1988 album “Close”, which contains hits such as “You Came”. Kim was a regular guest with us in the “Toppop”-studio and sang “Kids In America”, “View from a Bridge”, “You Keep me Hanging On”, "Another Step” (with Junior) and also gave an interview to Bas Westerweel (search for interview Kim Wilde Bas Westerweel). What is your favorite Wilde-song? Or leave one in the comments.

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 383

TopPop

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the release of 'The Hostage' by Donna Summer. The track was written by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, with the latter also serving as producer. Moroder worked with the Queen of Disco for the rest of her career. What is your favorite Donna Summer song and why? Not on the list, add it in the comments. Also check out our playlist with Donna's hits.

1 month ago | [YT] | 595

TopPop

Legendary gitarist Mark Knopfler turns 75 this August 12. Happy anniversary Mark!

Born in 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, Knopfler began his musical journey in the late '70s when he founded Dire Straits. Their breakthrough came with the iconic song "Sultans of Swing," highlighting his distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and unique voice. The band's success steadily grew, culminating in the groundbreaking album "Brothers in Arms" (1985), which sold over 30 million copies and featured classics like "Money for Nothing" and "Walk of Life." In addition to his work with Dire Straits, Knopfler has built an impressive solo career with albums like "Golden Heart" and "Sailing to Philadelphia". Watch our Toppop-recording of "Private Investigations".

1 month ago | [YT] | 201

TopPop

On August 9, 1980 The Police concluded the recording of their album "Zenyatta Mondatta" at Wisseloord Studios in Hilversum, Netherlands. The album entered the charts in October and features tracks such as "Don't Stand So Close To Me" and "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da". We had The Police several times in our studio. They performed for instance “Roxanne”, at Toppop, the song which started their career. The song has been covered many times, but which artist didn’t cover “Roxanne”? Do you know?

1 month ago | [YT] | 295