On December 21, 1983, just weeks before their 1984 album release, Van Halen dropped “Jump,” the lead single from the album. The song topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for five weeks and made it into the Top 5 in countries like Canada and Ireland, becoming the band’s biggest hit. “Jump” also appeared in ads and movies, including Dexter Fletcher’s Eddie the Eagle.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
If you’re on the hunt for new music, check out these albums released on December 21:
– 1993: Jodeci released their second album, *Diary of a Mad Band*. Like their first album, *Forever My Lady*, it debuted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and the single “Cry for You” hit No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart and made the Top 20 on the Hot 100.
– 1999: DMX launched his third album, *…And Then There Was X*, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The hit “Party Up (Up in Here)” reached No. 27 on the Hot 100.
– 2009: Young Money Entertainment released its first compilation album, *We Are Young Money*, featuring stars like Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Tyga, and Drake. The album peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, and the single “BedRock” climbed to No. 2 on the Hot 100.
Cultural Milestones
December 21 has seen some memorable moments in music history:
– 1969: The Supremes performed their last show with Diana Ross on the Ed Sullivan Show, singing their hit “Someday We’ll Be Together.” This marked the start of Ross’s solo career.
– 1970: Elvis Presley visited the White House and gifted President Nixon an engraved Colt .45 pistol, impressing Nixon enough to give Elvis a BNDD badge in return.
– 2005: Elton John and David Furnish had a civil ceremony in Windsor, as same-sex marriage was not yet legal in England. They later married on the same day same-sex marriage was legalized in 2014.
These events show how December 21 has shaped the music world and the lives of artists like Elton John, Diana Ross, and Elvis Presley. Stay tuned for more Top 40 history tomorrow!
