Tag Archives: Stephen Bray

Today in Madonna History: October 3, 1987

October 3, 2017 By in 1987, October Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

On October 3 1987, Madonna’s second single from the Who’s That Girl film soundtrack, Causing A Commotion, debuted at #24 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in the USA.

This is what Camille Paglia had to say about the song:

“I recall my stunned admiration as I sat in the theatre in 1987 and first experienced the crashing, descending chords of Madonna’s Causing a Commotion, which opened her dreadful movie Who’s That Girl. If you want to hear the essence of modernity, listen to those chords, infernal, apocalyptic, and grossly sensual. This is the authentic voice of fin de siècle.”

Today in Madonna History: June 28, 1986

June 28, 2017 By in 1986, June Tags: , , , 3 Comments

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On June 28 1986, Madonna’s Papa Don’t Preach debuted at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was released on June 11.

Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine said that “with songs like Papa Don’t Preach, Madonna made the transition from pop tart to consummate artist, joining the ranks of 80s icons like Michael Jackson and Prince.”

Today in Madonna History: May 16, 1988

May 16, 2017 By in 1988, May Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment

On May 16 1988, Madonna’s Spotlight reached a peak of #3 on the Oricon International Singles Chart in Japan. The single was released on 7″ vinyl and 3″ mini CD single by Sire and Warner-Pioneer Japan on April 25 1988.

Spotlight was originally planned to be included on the True Blue album, but was cut from the line-up and eventually appeared on Madonna’s You Can Dance remix album, released on November 17 1988.

The song was written by Madonna, Stephen Bray and Curtis Hudson.  The song was remixed by Shep Pettibone, with additional mixing done by John “Jellybean” Benitez.

Today in Madonna History: February 1, 1986

February 1, 2017 By in 1986, February Tags: , , 2 Comments

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On February 1 1986, John “Jellybean” Benitez’ Sidewalk Talk peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA.

The song was written by Madonna, arranged by Jellybean and Stephen Bray, produced by Jellybean and included the uncredited backing vocals of Catharine Buchanan and Madonna.

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Today in Madonna History: December 22, 1985

December 22, 2016 By in 1985, December Tags: , , 3 Comments

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On December 22 1985, John “Jellybean” Benitez’ Sidewalk Talk (featuring Madonna) debuted at #48 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Disco chart (not to be confused with the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Single Sales chart). The hit dance single peaked at #1 on the Dance/Disco chart on February 2 1986.

Sidewalk Talk was written by Madonna, arranged by Jellybean and Stephen Bray and mixed by Jellybean.

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Today in Madonna History: October 18, 1986

October 18, 2016 By in 1986, October Tags: , 2 Comments

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On October 18 1986, Madonna’s True Blue debuted at #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 Single Sales chart. True Blue spent 10 weeks on the chart, eventually peaking at #4 on November 15.

Today in Madonna History: October 3, 1985

October 3, 2016 By in 1985, October Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment

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On October 3 1985, Geffen Records released Gambler as a single in Europe. It was the second Madonna single released from the Vision Quest soundtrack.

Concerned about potential overexposure, Warner Brothers successfully managed to suppress a North American release of the track, although the music video was serviced to MTV. It was issued as a single in most other major markets – including Japan, Australasia & South America.

Gambler was written by Madonna, produced by Jellybean Benitez and arranged by Stephen Bray. Extended and instrumental remixes by Benitez were also issued commercially outside North America.