July 29 is a standout date in Top 40 and Adult Contemporary music history, packed with major pop milestones. From Lil Nas X’s record-breaking “Old Town Road” to Beyoncé’s acclaimed album Renaissance, this day is full of chart achievements. Iconic artists like Madonna, NSYNC, and Matchbox Twenty also made their mark on July 29.
Over the years, this date has seen the release of some unforgettable tracks. In 1985, Madonna’s “Into the Groove” hit No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, boosting her Like a Virgin album sales despite not being a single in the U.S. In 1997, Matchbox Twenty’s “Push” entered the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying their place in late ’90s radio. Ironically, this song gained renewed popularity in 2023 when Ryan Gosling featured it in the Barbie movie. In 2000, NSYNC released “It’s Gonna Be Me,” their first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Fast forward to 2019, and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” became the longest-running No. 1 in U.S. chart history, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 17 weeks. In 2022, Beyoncé released her seventh solo album, Renaissance, which debuted at No. 1 and earned her four GRAMMYs.
July 29 is also significant for cultural milestones. Geddy Lee of Rush was born in 1953, influencing artists across genres. In 1987, Madonna performed in St. Paul, Minnesota, during her Who’s That Girl world tour, one of the highest-grossing tours of the ’80s. In 2001, Michelle Branch released her debut album, The Spirit Room, featuring the hit “Everywhere,” a teen anthem of the early 2000s.
