May 15 is an important date in Top 40 history, marked by memorable songs, performances, and key industry moments.
In 1982, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder’s song “Ebony and Ivory” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, promoting racial harmony and staying at the top for seven weeks. Fast forward to 2001, Depeche Mode released their tenth studio album, Exciter, in the U.S., where it peaked at No. 8, following its Top 10 debut in the U.K.
In 2009, Eminem dropped his sixth album, Relapse, featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. It quickly soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and included hits like “Crack a Bottle” and “Beautiful.” That same year, Green Day released 21st Century Breakdown, which also hit No. 1 and earned them a GRAMMY in 2010.
Usher’s “OMG,” featuring will.i.am, topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010, marking Usher’s ninth No. 1 hit and will.i.am’s first as a solo artist. In 2017, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, made history as the first mostly Spanish-language song to reach No. 1 since “Macarena” in 1996.
Beyond chart success, May 15 has cultural significance too. In 1951, Dennis “Fergie” Frederiksen was born, later contributing to Toto’s hit “Africa.” In 1990, Snap! released World Power, bringing Eurodance to the U.S. In 1998, Sonny & Cher received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, celebrating their five Top 10 hits and over 40 million records sold. Lastly, in 2003, country singer June Carter Cash passed away, leaving a lasting legacy in music.
