Today in Madonna History: February 13, 1999

February 13, 2021 By sonicboy19 in 1999, February Tags: Billboard, Demo, Has To Be, Nothing Really Matters, Ray Of Light (Album), Remix Videos, Review, To Have And Not To Hold 5 Comments

On February 13 1999, Madonna’s Nothing Really Matters single was reviewed by Billboard magazine.

The North American two-track single for Nothing Really Matters included the album version of To Have And Not To Hold as its b-side.

Prior to the release of the Ray Of Light album, it was reported that Madonna had fourteen tracks mastered but wanted to cut one, as she felt that thirteen was a lucky number. According to the article, Madonna’s final selection was between two songs: To Have And Not To Hold or Has To Be.

As we all know, Has To Be ended up being cut from the final track list (except in Japan, where it was included as a bonus track).

If you had to choose between including To Have And Not To Hold or Has To Be on Ray Of Light, which song would you include? Keep in mind, your selection should not simply be which individual track you prefer – Madonna would also have had to consider how her choice would affect the overall flow and emotional arc of the album, both musically and lyrically.

Today in Madonna History: February 12, 2000

February 12, 2021 By sonicboy19 in 2000, February Tags: American Pie, Don McLean, Philipp Stölzl, Rupert Everett, The Next Best Thing 1 Comment

On February 12 2000, Madonna’s American Pie video first aired on MTV. The video was directed by Philipp Stölzl, with Madonna’s parts being filmed in London.

What did Don McLean think about Madonna’s cover of his hit song?

“It is a gift for her to have recorded American Pie. I think it is sensual and mystical. I also feel that she’s chosen autobiographical verses that reflect her career and personal history. I have received many gifts from God but this is the first time I have ever received a gift from a goddess.”

Today in Madonna History: February 11, 2014

February 11, 2021 By sonicboy19 in 2014, February Tags: Canada, Hard Candy Fitness, Toronto 1 Comment

On February 11 2014, Madonna personally lead a troupe of select gym-goers through a racy—but not criminally indecent—dancercize routine at the grand opening of Hard Candy Fitness, her new upscale gym in the massive Aura condos at Yonge & Gerrard in downtown Toronto, Canada.

Back in 1990, Toronto cops allegedly threatened to arrest Madge for grabbing her crotch on stage during her Blond Ambition Tour (Madonna refused to capitulate to the “fascist state of Toronto,” and nothing ever came of the threats).

Her attitude toward the city seems to have mellowed since then. While sashaying down the red carpet in fishnets and a black bustier suit from Canadian designers DSquared2, she paused to share her love for the city that snubbed her two decades go. “I think Toronto finally learned to accept me,” she told reporters for the Toronto Star. “I love Toronto.”

Today in Madonna History: February 10, 2008

February 10, 2021 By sonicboy19 in 2008, February Tags: Drowned World, Grammy Awards, Jonas Åkerlund, Live Videos, Paradise (Not For Me), The Confessions Tour 1 Comment

On February 10 2008, Madonna won her 7th Grammy Award. The Confessions Tour film, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, took home the award for Best Long Form Music Video.

It marked Madonna’s fourth Grammy nomination for Best Long Form Music Video, and her second win in the category:

Blond Ambition World Tour Live – Won (1992)
The Girlie Show: Live Down Under – Nominated (1995)
I’m Going To Tell You A Secret – Nominated (2007)
The Confessions Tour – Won (2008)

Today in Madonna History: February 9, 2002

February 9, 2021 By sonicboy19 in 2002, February Tags: Charts, GHV2, Hot Dance Club Play, Megamix, Tracy Young 2 Comments

On February 9 2002, the GHV2 Megamixes peaked at #5 on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Club Play chart in the U.S.

While the Thunderpuss GHV2 Megamix was promoted to mainstream channels, alternate megamixes produced by Tracy Young and Johnny Rocks & Mac Quayle targeted club DJ’s.

Today in Madonna History: February 2, 1985

February 2, 2021 By sonicboy19 in 1985, February Tags: Charts, Hot Dance Club Play, Jellybean Benitez, Sidewalk Talk, Wotupskii!!?! 2 Comments

On February 2 1985, Sidewalk Talk peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart. The song was written by Madonna, who also contributed vocals on the chorus and bridge while the verses were performed by Catherine Buchanan. Madonna gifted the song to producer/remixer/DJ/boyfriend Jellybean Benitez for use on his debut EP, Wotupskii!!?! and it was promoted to clubs by EMI Records in October, 1984. It was eventually issued as a commercial single, peaking at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 on February 1st, 1986.

Sidewalk Talk was arranged by Stephen Bray & Benitez with vocal arrangement by Madonna, according to the album’s liner notes. Madonna’s lyrics to the song recall her early years in New York and some of the challenges she encountered adjusting to big city life.