On August 26, 2017, Kendrick Lamar’s fourth album, DAMN., reached No. 1 for the second time that year. Like all of Lamar’s work, it was a huge success and set the stage for his future hit, “Not Like Us.”
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Some No. 1 hits show popular trends and cultural impact:
– 1975: Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy” topped the Billboard Hot Country charts and later hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
– 1995: Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose,” featured in Batman Forever, climbed to No. 1, thanks in part to director Joel Schumacher.
– 2023: Oliver Anthony debuted at No. 1 with “Rich Men North of Richmond,” becoming the first artist to start at the top without prior chart history.
Cultural Milestones
Certain musicians have a lasting cultural impact:
– 1968: The Beatles released “Hey Jude,” which quickly reached No. 1 and became the longest-running hit of the year.
– 1970: Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland studio opened, hosting recordings from legends like John Lennon and Stevie Wonder.
– 1978: Frankie Valli’s “Grease” hit No. 1, serving as the title track for the blockbuster film.
Notable Recordings and Performances
These artists showed their dedication through major tours:
– 2007: The Rolling Stones finished their A Bigger Bang World Tour in London, earning over $560 million.
– 2014: Kate Bush performed live for the first time since 1979 with a series of shows in London.
– 2019: Ed Sheeran wrapped up his ÷ (Divide) tour, setting a record with $775 million in earnings over 255 shows.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The music industry is always evolving:
– 1987: Sonny Bono announced his run for mayor of Palm Springs, later becoming a Congressman.
– 2006: Taylor Hicks’ “Do I Make You Proud?” dropped off the Hot 100 just eight weeks after hitting No. 1, setting a record for the shortest stay at the top.
