This Day In Top 40 History: Oct 23

October 23 in Music History: Adele’s “Hello,” Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” and Iconic Hits

October 23 has become one of the most unforgettable dates in music history. From Adele’s record-breaking ballad “Hello” to My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” this date has delivered powerful moments across decades and genres.

Adele’s “Hello” Shatters Records

On October 23, 2015, Adele released “Hello,” a soaring ballad that instantly became a global phenomenon.

The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for 10 consecutive weeks, dominating airwaves and playlists worldwide.

At the 59th GRAMMY Awards, “Hello” won Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance.It also became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time, solidifying Adele’s status as one of the most powerful voices in modern music.

Breakthrough Hits and Milestones

October 23 has also brought a wave of landmark releases and achievements across the music world:

  • 1976: Chicago scored their first No. 1 hit with “If You Leave Me Now.” Despite having 18 previous Top 40 hits, this emotional ballad finally took them to the top, staying there for two weeks.

  • 2005: Arctic Monkeys hit No. 1 in the U.K. with “I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” marking their explosive debut that later carried across the Atlantic.

  • 2006: My Chemical Romance released their third studio album, The Black Parade, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and becoming an emo-rock classic.

2006: Amy Winehouse launched her timeless anthem “Rehab,” which went on to win multiple GRAMMY Awards, including Record of the Year.

2007: Carrie Underwood released her second album, Carnival Ride, which debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. Her single “Last Name” later earned her a GRAMMY Award.

2009: Lady Gaga released the digital version of “Bad Romance,” one of the most iconic songs of the 2000s and a defining track from her debut album The Fame Monster.

Notable Recordings and Performances

October 23 has also seen legendary recording sessions and live performances:

  • 1963: Bob Dylan returned to the studio to record songs for The Times They Are A-Changin’, a defining folk protest album.

  • 1966: The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded their debut single, a cover of “Hey Joe,” which reached No. 6 in the U.K. and introduced Hendrix’s unmatched guitar talent to the world.

  • 2022: Harry Styles kicked off a massive 15-show residency at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles as part of his Love on Tour, solidifying his status as one of today’s biggest live performers.

Final Note

From Adele’s Hello to Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance and Amy Winehouse’s Rehab, October 23 is filled with defining moments that shaped the sound of pop, rock, and soul.

These milestones remind us that music isn’t just about the hits—it’s about the emotions, stories, and artists who connect generations through song.