July 20 is a significant day in history, marked by events like Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, Carlos Santana’s birth, and the debut of *Die Hard*. It’s also a big day for rock music, with many important milestones.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
July 20 has seen some major moments on the U.S. music charts:
– 1978: The Rolling Stones topped the Billboard 200 with *Some Girls*, holding the No. 1 spot for two weeks.
– 1985: Phil Collins’ *No Jacket Required* was at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, after peaking at No. 1, and had been on the chart for 20 weeks.
– 1987: While Whitney Houston was No. 1, rock bands like U2, Motley Crue, and Whitesnake were also in the top 5.
Cultural Milestones
Music impacts more than just charts. Here are some notable moments:
– 2009: Jackson Browne settled his lawsuit against Senator John McCain for using his song “Running On Empty” without permission.
– 2011: Photos of The Beatles’ first U.S. concert sold for over $360,000 at auction.
– 2016: Elton John announced new grants from his AIDS Foundation to support local organizations in HIV prevention.
Industry Changes and Challenges
July 20 has also seen the loss of music legends:
– 2015: Wayne Carson passed away at 72, known for hits like “Always on My Mind.”
– 2024: Sandy Posey died at 80, remembered for her own music and backup vocals for Elvis Presley.
July 20 reminds us that music history is shaped by chart-toppers and the stories behind them.
