May 12 is an important date in music history, known for chart-topping hits, memorable performances, and industry changes. Here’s a look at some key moments that have shaped this day over the years.
In 1998, Lenny Kravitz released his fifth studio album, “5,” which reached No. 28 in the U.S. and No. 18 in the U.K. The standout single from this album was “,” which hit No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart and climbed to No. 12 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Fast forward to 2007, Maroon 5 made headlines when their single “,” jumped from No. 64 to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the biggest leap to the top spot. In 2017, Kendrick Lamar’s album “DAMN.” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and later won the Pulitzer Prize for Music, a first for a non-jazz or classical work. That same year, Paramore released “After Laughter,” which reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, featuring hits like “,” “,” “,” and “.” Harry Styles also made waves with his self-titled debut album, which topped both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.
On the cultural side, May 12 has seen some unforgettable moments. Burt Bacharach was born in 1928, known for hits like “,” and collaborations with stars like Aretha Franklin. In 1971, Mick Jagger married Bianca Pérez-Mora Macías in France, though their marriage ended in divorce in 1979. Rami Malek, born in 1981, gained fame for his role as Freddie Mercury in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” winning an Oscar in 2019. Finally, in 2010, Lady Gaga made her debut on Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list, solidifying her status beyond just a pop icon.
