Queen “News of the World” 1977. Today is Brian May’s 70th birthday (b. July 19th, 1947) and News of the World is almost 40 years old (recording began in July ‘77, released October ‘77). May, Queen’s guitarist (ranked as the world’s 2nd, 5th or 26th greatest guitarist of all-time depending upon the publication) and cofounder, is also an extraordinary person: besides being in one of the biggest rock bands in the world, he is a masterful songwriter, builds guitars, holds a PhD in astrophysics, has an asteroid named after him (Asteroid 52665 Brianmay) headed a university, coauthored a book on Victorian stereophotography and is a vigorous animal rights activist. He also has amazing hair.

Brian May composed the monster hits that appear on News of the World. “We Will Rock You,” the pinnacle of rock anthems, and “We Are the Champions” are likely the best known Queen songs and also the most ubiquitous rock songs in history, performed in some manner at every sporting event everywhere ever. Queen’s performance of the two songs at Live Aid in ‘86 was one of the greatest moments of the event. The singles (released with “We Are the Champions” as the A-side) reached #2 in the UK and #4 in the US. May also wrote and sang the bluesy “Sleeping on the Sidewalk” and “All Dead, All Dead.” He composed and sings backing vocals on “It’s Late,” the last single released from the album. The rest of the tracks on News of the World were written by Freddy Mercury, Roger Taylor or John Deacon; the second single from the LP, “Spread Your Wings” by John Deacon, reached #34 in the UK.