December 14 has played a significant role in Top 40 history. On this day in 1968, Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100. This was Gaye’s first No. 1 in the U.S. and became Motown Records’ best-selling single for years. It’s widely regarded as the most celebrated version of the song.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Several bands have made waves on December 14 with album releases. In 1979, The Clash released their third album, *London Calling*, which climbed into the Top 10 in the U.K. and the Top 40 in the U.S. This album featured hits like the title track, which peaked at No. 11 in the U.K., and “Train in Vain,” which made it into the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1984, Foreigner released *Agent Provocateur*, their fifth studio album. It topped the U.K. Albums chart and broke into the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. The album included “I Want To Know What Love Is,” their only No. 1 hit in both the U.K. and U.S., and “That Was Yesterday,” which reached the Top 30 in the U.K.
Cultural Milestones
Music fans remember key events from December 14. In 1969, The Jackson 5 debuted on *The Ed Sullivan Show*, performing their first No. 1 hit, “I Want You Back.” Michael Jackson wowed the audience, including Diana Ross. In 1980, fans held vigils for John Lennon after his tragic death a week earlier.
Industry Changes
Sadly, December 14 has also seen the loss of notable figures. In 1963, Dinah Washington passed away at 39 from an accidental overdose. She was known for hits like “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes.” In 2006, Ahmet Ertegun, co-founder of Atlantic Records, died at 83 after a fall at a Rolling Stones concert. He helped launch many Top 40 artists.
