May 22 is a significant date in Top 40 music. In past years, there has been an exciting array of hits, milestones, performances, and changes in the music industry, making it a date to celebrate. Here are some crucial moments that have helped shape pop music.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Several popular artists achieved success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on May 22:
- 1993: Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” spent its second of eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song ushered in a more laid-back, sensual sound from Jackson.
- 2004: Usher’s “Burn” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the third consecutive top-10 single from his album Confessions.
- 2010: Eminem’s Not Afraid debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the 16th song in history to achieve this feat.
Notable Recordings and Performances
May 22 has witnessed historical moments and releases that changed the course of pop music:
- 1997: Fleetwood Mac came together to record an MTV Unplugged special. This was a huge day for the band, allowing fans to hear acoustic renditions of their hits.
- 2016: The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas hosted The Billboard Music Awards with an opening performance by Britney Spears featuring a medley of her smash hits, and Madonna with Stevie Wonder to honor Prince with performances of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Purple Rain.”
Industry Changes and Challenges
Pop music continually evolves, and May 22 has been associated with significant shifts in the industry:
- 1992: Independent record promoter Ralph Tashjian became the first person convicted under the U.S. payola law, pleading guilty to distributing cash and cocaine to radio stations in exchange for airplay.
- 2017: A bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, U.K., killed 22 people and injured dozens. This attack devastated the music community and prompted more security measures at live events.
- 2020: BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend was scheduled in Dundee, Scotland, from May 22-24, with major pop acts such as Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Camila Cabello. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit the world hard in early 2020.
- 2022: The impact of TikTok on the music industry was starting to be recognized. Artists were using TikTok to launch viral music experiences, and record labels were refining their processes because they were ultimately adapting to a fast-changing environment.
- 2024: Austrian authorities uncovered an alleged terror plot to strike Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austria, and arrested two people involved in connection with the attack on the cancelled concerts.
May 22 marks a historical day in Top 40 music, with No. 1 hits, momentous performances, and notable happenings in the industry. These occasions reflect the evolution and importance of American pop culture globally.
