On October 17, 1989, Selena released her self-titled debut album, blending cumbia with regional Mexican music. The album reached No. 7 on the Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart. Tragically, just six years later, Selena’s life was cut short when the former president of her fan club murdered her. Her influence lives on through artists like Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and Beyoncé, who have all named her as an inspiration.
This date also marks the release of some iconic songs. In 1970, The Jackson 5 began a five-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “I’ll Be There,” their fourth chart-topper that year. In 1989, Billy Joel released his album Storm Front, featuring the hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” which topped the Billboard 200. Fast forward to 2015, and Fetty Wap’s debut album hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200, showcasing hits like “Trap Queen” and “679.”
Cultural milestones on this day include the birth of Eminem in 1972 and the release of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Street Survivors in 1977, just days before a tragic plane crash. In 2006, Stevie Wonder received a lifetime achievement award from the National Civil Rights Museum and performed a medley of his hits. In 2017, Demi Lovato’s documentary about her life and struggles premiered on YouTube. Most recently, in 2023, Chappell Roan kicked off her Midwest Princess Tour in Brooklyn, riding the wave of her rising popularity with songs like “Good Luck, Babe!” and “Pink Pony Club.”
These events show the highs and lows of the music industry, from success to challenges. In 1995, Sting’s accountant was sentenced to six years for embezzling over $9 million from him. In 2000, George Michael made headlines by bidding on John Lennon’s piano in a fan-friendly way.
