On January 17, 1993, the America’s Reunion on the Mall kicked off the pre-inauguration festivities for former U.S. President Bill Clinton. This concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., featured a star-studded lineup, including the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, and the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson.
January 17 is also a significant date in Top 40 music history, marked by several key album releases:
– 1966: Simon & Garfunkel released their second album, *Sounds of Silence*, which peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. The title track hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
– 1969: Aretha Franklin launched her album *Soul ’69*, which reached No. 1 on the R&B Albums chart, though its tracks didn’t achieve major commercial success.
– 2020: Mac Miller’s first posthumous album, *Circles*, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and included hits like “Good News” and “Blue World.”
– 2020: Eminem released his 11th studio album, *Music to Be Murdered By*, which debuted at No. 1, marking his tenth consecutive chart-topping record. It featured hits like “Godzilla” and “Darkness.”
– 2020: Halsey’s third album, *Manic*, reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200, with the hit “Without Me” topping the Hot 100.
Cultural moments also stand out on this date:
– 2000: The 27th American Music Awards took place in Los Angeles, featuring performances by Mariah Carey, Nas, and Joe, with winners like Shania Twain and Lauryn Hill.
– 2001: Jason Newsted left Metallica after years of touring, having contributed to hits like “Enter Sandman” and “The Unforgiven.”
With a historic concert and many album releases, January 17 has made a lasting impact on Top 40 music history.
