May 22 is an important date in Top 40 music history, filled with memorable hits, milestones, and performances. Over the years, this day has seen significant moments that shaped pop music.
In 1980, Diana Ross released her eighth studio album, “Diana,” which topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart and spent over 50 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 2. The album produced two Top 10 hits on the Hot 100. The following year, Siouxsie and the Banshees released “Spellbound,” showcasing innovative guitar work. Although it peaked at No. 22 on the U.K. Singles Chart, it was the lead single from their album “Juju,” which reached No. 7.
In 1981, Toni Basil debuted with “Word of Mouth,” landing at No. 22 in the U.S. and No. 15 in the U.K. This album featured her only No. 1 single on the Hot 100, “Mickey.” Fast forward to 1993, Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” spent its second week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, introducing a more relaxed sound. In 2004, Usher’s “Yeah!” hit No. 1, marking his third consecutive top 10 single from “Confessions.” In 2010, Eminem’s “Not Afraid” debuted at No. 1, becoming the 16th song to do so.
Culturally, May 22 has also seen its share of unforgettable moments. In 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis revealed his marriage to his 13-year-old cousin, causing a scandal that led to the cancellation of his U.K. tour. Morrissey, the frontman of The Smiths, was born in 1959 and later achieved success with hits like “Everyday Is Like Sunday.” In 2008, Madonna’s documentary “I Am Because We Are” premiered at Cannes, focusing on the struggles of Malawian children while she was adopting her son, David Banda.
