January 20 has delivered some truly memorable moments in Top 40 music history, blending iconic performances with major career milestones.
On January 20, 2021, Lady Gaga brought the crowd to its feet with a powerful performance of the U.S. National Anthem during the inauguration of former U.S. President Joe Biden and the nation’s first female Vice President, Kamala Harris.
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Following Gaga’s stirring performance, Jennifer Lopez took the stage and delivered a beautiful rendition of “This Land Is Your Land,” seamlessly weaving in lyrics from her hit song “Let’s Get It Loud.” The evening continued with performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Katy Perry, Bruce Springsteen, and John Legend, during the nationally televised Celebrating America concert.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
January 20 has been a key date for career-defining releases and chart-topping albums in Top 40 music history.
1964: The Beatles launched Meet The Beatles!, their first release through Capitol Records. The album soared to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and spent an impressive 74 weeks on the chart. It also produced multiple hits, including “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” which topped the Hot 100, and “I Saw Her Standing There,” which peaked at No. 14.
1975: Bob Dylan released his fifteenth studio album, Blood on the Tracks. The record peaked at No. 1 in the U.S. and No. 4 in the U.K., becoming one of the most acclaimed albums of his career. Its single “Tangled Up in Blue” also cracked the Top 40 on the Hot 100.
1983: Def Leppard unveiled their third studio album, Pyromania. The LP cracked the Top Five on the Billboard 200 and spawned several Hot 100 hits. Standout tracks included “Photograph,” which reached No. 12, and “Rock of Ages,” which climbed to No. 16.
2015: The Decemberists released What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World, their seventh studio album. Featuring tracks like “Make You Better” and “Philomena,” the record debuted inside the Top 10 in the U.S.
Industry Changes and Challenges
January 20 has also been marked by controversial moments, losses, and major industry headlines.
1982: During a concert at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa, a teenage fan threw a bat onto the stage while Ozzy Osbourne was performing. Believing it to be a rubber prop, Osbourne bit off its head. He was later rushed to a hospital for a rabies shot, creating one of rock’s most infamous moments.
2012: Legendary singer Etta James died in Riverside, California, after battling leukemia. She also suffered from kidney problems and dementia. Over her career, James placed more than five Top 40 singles on the Hot 100, including “Tell Mama,” “All I Could Do Was Cry,” and “My Dearest Darling.”
2021: On his final day in office, President Donald Trump pardoned more than 140 Americans, including rapper Lil Wayne, who had been facing up to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to federal weapons charges.
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January 20 has proven to be a significant day for Top 40 artists and music history. From the release of career-defining albums to unforgettable live performances—such as Lady Gaga’s appearance at Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration—this date continues to leave a lasting mark on pop music culture.