Events in Music History in 2009

Musical Finale

Jan 11 John Du Prez and Eric Idle's musical "Spamalot", based on the film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," and starring Tim Curry and Davis Hyde Pierce, closes at the Shubert Theatre, NYC, after 1,575 and 3 Tony Award wins

"We Are One"

Jan 18 "We Are One" concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington prior to Barack Obama's inauguration attracts an estimated crowd of 400,000; performers include: Beyoncé, Jon Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Stevie Wonder

Folk Singer, Songwriter and Activist Pete Seeger

Blame It

Jan 26 "Blame It (On the Alcohol)" single released by Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain (Billboard Song of the Year 2009)

Jan 26 "I Run to You" single by Lady Antebellum is released (Grammy Award Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal 2009, Billboard Song of the Year 2009)

"Working On A Dream"

Jan 27 Columbia Records releases Bruce Springsteen's 16th studio album "Working On A Dream", made with the E Street Band

RuPaul's Drag Race" Premieres

Feb 2 "RuPaul's Drag Race" hosted by RuPaul premieres on Logo TV

"Violin Concerto"

Feb 6 "Violin Concerto", by Jennifer Higdon premieres, in Indianapolis, Indiana (Pulitzer Prize for Music 2010) [1]

51st Grammy Awards

Feb 8 51st Grammy Awards: Best Album "Raising Sand" and Record of the Year "Please Read The Letter", both by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss win

Country Singer and Musician Alison Krauss

Rihanna Cancels

Feb 8 Singer Rihanna cancels performance at the Grammys after being assaulted by boyfriend Chris Brown

Stevie Wonder Receives Gershwin Prize

Feb 25 American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder receives Library of Congress Gershwin Prize at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Billy Corgan Testifies

Mar 10 Billy Corgan testifies in front of Congress, on behalf of the musicFIRST Coalition, in support of H.R. 848, the Performance Rights Act

Mar 31 "Boom Boom Pow" single released by The Black Eyed Peas (Grammy Award for Best Music Video 2010, Billboard Song of the Year 2009)

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Apr 4 24th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees: Jeff Beck; Little Anthony and the Imperials; Metallica; Run-D.M.C.; Bobby Womack; Wanda Jackson; Bill Black; DJ Fontana; and Spooner Oldham

44th Academy of Country Music Awards

Apr 5 44th Academy of Country Music Awards: Carrie Underwood & Brad Paisley win

Phil Spector Found Guilty

Apr 13 US record producer Phil Spector is found guilty of second-degree murder of actress Lana Clarkson in 2003

May 16 54th Eurovision Song Contest: Alexander Rybak for Norway wins singing "Fairytale" in Moscow

Glee Premieres

May 19 TV musical show "Glee" starring Jane Lynch, Michael Morrison, Lea Michele and an ensemble cast premieres on Fox

Jun 7 63rd Tony Awards: "Billy Elliot the Musical" (musical) and "God of Carnage" (play) win

43rd CMT Music Awards

Jun 17 8th CMT Video Music Awards: Taylor Swift and Brad Paisley win

Jun 24 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, England opens: Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, and Blur headline; other performers include Fleet Foxes, Tom Jones, Spinal Tap, Lady Gaga, and The Script

She Wolf

Jul 13 "She Wolf", the lead single from Shakira's eighth album, premieres

Tik Tok

Aug 7 “Tik Tok” single released by Kesha (Billboard Song of the Year 2010)

Aug 11 "Need You Now" album released by Lady Antebellum (Billboard Album of the Year 2010)
Aug 24 "Love Like Crazy" single released by Lee Brice (Billboard Song of the Year 2010)

Oasis Splits Up

Aug 28 British pop-rock band Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher quits the band, citing inability to be with his brother Liam

Sep 13 26th MTV Video Music Awards: Beyoncé, Taylor Swift & T.I. f/ Rihanna win

NCIS LA Premieres

Sep 22 Crime drama "NCIS LA" starring Chris O'Donnell, LL Cool J, and Daniela Ruah premieres on CBS

Farm Aid 22

Oct 4 Farm Aid 22 held in Maryland Heights, Missouri; performers include Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz, and Wilco [1]

Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist Dave Matthews

The List

Oct 6 Manhattan Records releases "The List", the twelfth studio album by singer Rosanne Cash, with song selections culled from a list of 100 titles that her father compiled and gave her when she decided to pursue a career in music.; the album features guest appearances by Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Tweedy, Elvis Costello, and Rufus Wainwright