This Day in Top 40 History: August 27
Aug. 27 stands out as a landmark day in the music industry. The date shows the unpredictability of the music industry in several important ways. Breakthrough Hits and Milestones Aug….
Aug. 27 stands out as a landmark day in the music industry. The date shows the unpredictability of the music industry in several important ways.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Aug. 27 has delivered major chart breakthroughs in pop and R&B history:
- 1988: George Michael earned his fourth U.S. No. 1 hit with "Monkey." Its success helped to establish him as a dominant late '80s pop force.
- 1991: Pearl Jam released Ten. Their debut album became one of grunge's defining works.
- 1994: Boyz II Men started a 14-week run at No. 1 with "I'll Make Love To You." The R&B ballad tied the record for longest stay atop the U.S. charts before being dethroned by their own follow-up, "On Bended Knee."
- 2012: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis released "Thrift Shop." A playful ode to secondhand fashion, the single went on to top the Hot 100 and redefine indie hip-hop's place on pop radio.
Cultural Milestones
This date has seen amazing cultural events that brought artists and fans together:
- 1965: The Beatles met Elvis Presley at his Bel Air home. It was a historic meeting between the Fab Four and the King of Rock and Roll.
- 1986: Tina Turner received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Turner's honor highlighted her transformation from band frontwoman to global icon.
- 2008: The Democratic National Convention brought music and politics together. Kanye West, Rage Against The Machine, John Legend, and others performed in Denver as the 2008 election campaign took center stage.
- 2017: Kendrick Lamar won Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards. His visuals for "HUMBLE." stood out as one of the most acclaimed videos of the decade. That same night, Taylor Swift debuted the polarizing video for "Look What You Made Me Do," which dominated headlines.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some performances and releases tied to Aug. 27 still carry a powerful legacy:
- 1990: Stevie Ray Vaughan played his final show. The blues guitarist closed a concert in Wisconsin with Eric Clapton before dying tragically in a helicopter crash hours later.
- 2013: Miley Cyrus sparked controversy at the MTV VMAs because of her provocative performance with Robin Thicke. There was immediate backlash from the Parents Television Council.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Aug. 27 highlights the hardships of musicians dealing with their fame. Issues with personality and fame are exemplified on this date.
- 2007: Kevin Federline sought legal fees from Britney Spears while claiming a discrepancy between Spears' $737,868 monthly income and his own.
- 2018: Former Spice Girl Mel B entered rehab for alcohol and sex addiction after a messy divorce. This led to bigger discussions about the stress of being famous.
Aug. 27 is a day that reflects the triumphs and challenges of pop music. Elvis and The Beatles shared a living room, Tina Turner showed off her star power, and Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift stirred up a cultural storm MTV VMAs. Aug. 27 is undoubtedly a day when pop culture history is made loud and clear.
