May 24 is a significant date in Top 40 music history. This day has seen hit songs, cultural events, concerts, and key moments in the music industry. Let’s look at some of the important happenings on May 24 and their impact on popular music.
In 1988, Van Halen released their eighth studio album, OU812, featuring hits like “When It’s Love.” This was their second album with Sammy Hagar as the lead vocalist after David Lee Roth left. The album quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and stayed there for about a month. In 1997, Hanson’s debut single “MMMBop” began a three-week run at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, launching the band into global fame. That same year, the Spice Girls’ debut album, Spice, also reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making them the third all-female act to achieve this milestone in the U.S.
In 2005, Common’s sixth album, Be, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It featured collaborations with stars like Kanye West and John Legend and earned four GRAMMY nominations. Fast forward to 2021, Olivia Rodrigo’s song “Good 4 U” topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking her second No. 1 hit.
May 24 has also seen major cultural events. Bob Dylan was born on this day in 1941, and he has had a massive impact on music over his six-decade career. In 1970, Fleetwood Mac played their last concert with founding member Peter Green. In 1983, the synth-pop duo Yaz disbanded to pursue solo careers. Garth Brooks married Sandy Mahl in 1986, and in 2003, Paul McCartney performed his first concert in Russia at Red Square, drawing a crowd of around 20,000.
