May 29 has delivered unforgettable moments in pop music history, from groundbreaking chart success to cultural movements that reshaped the industry. Across decades, this date has witnessed legendary recordings, major artist milestones, historic performances, and industry-changing events that continue to influence music today.
Breakthrough Hits and Career Milestones
Several artists reached new heights on May 29 with albums and singles that defined their careers.
LL Cool J Releases Bigger and Deffer (1987)
In 1987, LL Cool J released his sophomore album Bigger and Deffer. The project climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album featured standout singles like “I Need Love” and “I’m Bad,” both of which reached the Top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Janet Jackson Tops the Charts (1993)
Janet Jackson earned another major milestone when “That’s the Way Love Goes” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993. The track became her third consecutive and sixth overall chart-topping single. It also marked a creative shift toward a smoother and more mature R&B sound.
Florence + the Machine Release How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
Florence + the Machine released their third studio album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, in 2015. The album became the band’s first No. 1 record on the Billboard 200 and also topped the charts in the United Kingdom. The project later earned five GRAMMY nominations and produced successful singles including “What Kind of Man” and “Ship to Wreck.”
Lady Gaga Launches Chromatica (2020)
Lady Gaga released her sixth studio album, Chromatica, in 2020. The project debuted at No. 1 in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album featured the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single “Rain On Me” with Ariana Grande, along with additional hits such as “Stupid Love” and “Sour Candy.”
Cultural Milestones That Shaped Pop Music
Beyond the charts, May 29 has also delivered moments that impacted entertainment and pop culture worldwide.
Bing Crosby Records “White Christmas” (1942)
Bing Crosby recorded “White Christmas” in 1942, which went on to become the best-selling single of all time across all genres.
GRAMMY Awards Celebrate Music Excellence (1962)
The fourth annual GRAMMY Awards took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles in 1962. Judy Garland’s Judy at Carnegie Hall won multiple honors, including Album of the Year and Best Album Cover. Other winners included Mahalia Jackson, Ray Charles, and Andre Previn.
Mel B of the Spice Girls Is Born (1975)
Melanie “Mel B” Brown was born in Leeds, England, in 1975. As a member of the Spice Girls, she helped deliver global hits like “Wannabe,” “2 Become 1,” and “Say You’ll Be There.” She later achieved solo success with the U.K. No. 1 single “I Want You Back” featuring Missy Elliott.
Duran Duran’s Rio Peaks in the U.K. (1982)
Duran Duran’s iconic album Rio reached No. 2 on the U.K. Albums Chart in 1982. The project became a defining release for the New Romantic movement and showcased the group’s emphasis on visual style and theatrical presentation.
Warner Music
Elvis Presley’s First Grandchild Is Born (1989)
Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough welcomed Riley Keough in 1989, making her Elvis Presley’s first grandchild. The family later expanded with Benjamin Keough and twins Harper and Finley Lockwood.
Jeff Buckley’s Tragic Disappearance (1997)
Singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley disappeared while swimming in the Wolf River in Memphis in 1997. At the time of his death, Buckley was widely celebrated for his critically acclaimed album Grace, which later became one of the most influential alternative records of the 1990s.
#TheShowMustBePaused Movement Begins (2020)
Following the killing of George Floyd, music executives and artists launched the #TheShowMustBePaused initiative in 2020. The movement encouraged the music industry to pause business operations and reflect on racial injustice, accountability, and systemic inequality.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Prince Performs His First European Concert (1981)
Prince played his first European concert at Paradiso in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1981. The performance included songs such as “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Still Waiting,” and “Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad?”
Kendrick Lamar and SZA Perform in San Francisco (2025)
Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their Grand National Tour to Oracle Park in San Francisco in 2025. The show featured more than 50 songs, including “Not Like Us,” “All the Stars,” “Kill Bill,” and “Gloria.”
Industry Changes and Challenges
May 29 also marks several events that changed the direction of the music business.
Queen’s “We Are the Champions” Controversy (1992)
In 1992, students at Sacred Heart School in Clifton, New Jersey, were reportedly prohibited from performing Queen’s “We Are the Champions” during graduation ceremonies. According to reports, concerns centered around the band’s connection to Freddie Mercury, who had died from AIDS-related complications the previous year. The controversy later helped renew interest in the song.
Napster Launches and Changes Music Distribution (1999)
Napster officially launched in 1999 and transformed digital music sharing forever. The platform disrupted traditional distribution models, leading to major financial losses for record labels while simultaneously paving the way for modern digital streaming and artist-driven distribution methods.
Marvin Junior of The Dells Dies (2013)
Marvin Junior, lead vocalist of The Dells, died from kidney failure in 2013 at age 77. The group became known for classic hits including “Oh, What a Night” and “Stay in My Corner.”
The Legacy of May 29 in Pop Music
From timeless holiday recordings and chart-topping albums to social justice movements and industry disruption, May 29 remains a significant date in pop music history. These moments continue to tell the story of music’s evolution while highlighting the artists and events that shaped generations of listeners.