February
Jammin' by Bob Marley
6th February 1945 is Bob Marley's birthday. This track is what he's all about - the music!
Bring Him Back Home by Hugh Masekela
11th February 1990 was the date Nelson Mandela was finally freed from imprisonment after 27 years. This is what Hugh Masekela was hoping for in this song written 4 years before Mandela's release.
Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin
Rhapsody in Blue was first heard as part of an 'Experiment in Modern Music' show on 12th February 1924. It was originally called 'American Rhapsody' until changed on suggestion by his brother Ira. It's a rare fusion of jazz and orchestral music. Check out the cool clarinet glissando at the start!
Pick Up the Pieces by Average White Band
This track reached No.1 in the US Charts on 22nd February 1975, over half a year after it was released. Despite being written by the Scottish band, it only reached No.6 in the UK.
In the Hall of the Mountain King from 'Peer Grynt' by Edvard Grieg
Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Grynt was premiered in Christiania (now called Oslo) in Norway on 24th February 1876. This is just one movement - check out some of the others online!