May 20 is an important date in Top 40 music history. This day has seen many chart-topping hits and memorable events that shaped pop music. Here are some highlights.
Several No. 1 singles were released on this date. In 1980, KISS released their album Unmasked, which included hits but didn’t make the Top 40 in the U.K. In 1989, Paula Abdul’s song began a two-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her second chart-topper. Montell Jordan’s hit held the No. 1 spot for seven weeks in 1995. The Super Furry Animals debuted their album Fuzzy Logic in 1996, reaching No. 23 in the U.K. and producing two Top 20 singles. In 2007, Rihanna’s collaboration with Jay-Z started a 10-week reign at the top of the U.K. Singles Chart and spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, boosting her career. Bob Dylan released his 37th album, Fallen Angels, in 2016, which peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200. Most recently, in 2024, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
May 20 also marks the birthdays of music legends. Cher was born in 1946 and became famous as part of Sonny & Cher and as a solo artist. Busta Rhymes, born in 1972, has had over 10 Top 40 hits, often collaborating with other artists. In 2006, Lordi won the Eurovision Song Contest with their hard rock song, marking Finland’s first win after many years.
Additionally, in 1972, Creedence Clearwater Revival performed at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
