On July 20, 1999, The Rolling Stones capped off one of the most successful concert runs in music history. After nearly two years on the road, the legendary rock band announced a staggering $377 million gross from their world tour. They performed for more than five million fans, and only 20 shows on the entire tour failed to sell out.
That remarkable achievement is just one of many memorable events that make July 20 an important day in music history. From classic song releases and landmark albums to unforgettable concerts and notable birthdays, here’s a look back at the biggest moments.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Several songs and albums released on July 20 went on to shape popular music for decades.
The Lovin’ Spoonful Release “Do You Believe in Magic?” (1965)
The Lovin’ Spoonful released “Do You Believe in Magic?” in the United States. The feel-good anthem climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the defining songs of the folk-rock era. The song enjoyed a second life in 1978 when Shaun Cassidy took his cover version into the Top 40.
Bob Dylan Changes Rock Music (1965)
Bob Dylan released “Like a Rolling Stone,” a groundbreaking single that challenged the conventions of pop music with its six-minute running time and poetic lyrics. The song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the most influential recordings ever made.
Journey Release Escape (1981)
Journey released Escape, the album that introduced the world to “Don’t Stop Believin'” along with hits like “Who’s Crying Now” and “Open Arms.” It became the band’s biggest commercial success and remains one of the best-selling rock albums of all time.
Cultural Milestones
July 20 has also produced several historic moments that helped shape the music industry.
- 1940: Billboard magazine published its first singles chart, marking a major step in measuring popular music.
- 1961: The Beatles, then performing as The Beat Brothers, announced their first recording contract.
- 1965: Frank Sinatra took part in a handprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Birthdays
1964 – Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell was born in Seattle, Washington. As the powerful voice behind Soundgarden and Audioslave, he became one of rock’s most respected vocalists. He also enjoyed a successful solo career with songs including “Patience” and “Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart.”
1966 – Stone Gossard
Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard was born in Seattle. Before helping launch Pearl Jam, he performed with Green River and Mother Love Bone, making him one of the pioneers of the Seattle grunge movement. He entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Pearl Jam in 2017.
1999 – Pop Smoke
Rapper Pop Smoke was born in Brooklyn, New York. He became one of drill music’s biggest stars with hits including “Dior,” “What You Know Bout Love,” and “Got It On Me.” His career was tragically cut short following his death in 2020 at age 20.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some of music’s most memorable live performances also took place on July 20.
Bruce Springsteen Launches the Born to Run Tour (1975)
Bruce Springsteen opened his Born to Run Tour in Providence, Rhode Island. Backed by the E Street Band, the tour helped establish the energetic live performances that would define his career.
Duran Duran Meet Princess Diana (1983)
Following a London benefit concert, Duran Duran met Diana, Princess of Wales, one of the band’s most famous fans.
Santana Celebrate 20 Years (1986)
Seventeen current and former members of Santana reunited in San Francisco to celebrate the band’s 20th anniversary with a special concert.
Drake and Future Bring Down the House (2016)
During the Summer Sixteen Tour, Drake and Future performed more than 40 songs at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. The show featured fan favorites from their collaborative mixtape What a Time to Be Alive alongside solo hits and medleys.
Taylor Swift’s Reputation Stadium Tour (2018)
Taylor Swift thrilled fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with performances of “I Did Something Bad,” “Bad Blood,” and “Gorgeous.” Her Reputation Stadium Tour ultimately grossed more than $345 million, making it one of the highest-grossing tours of its era.
Garth Brooks Rocks Boise (2019)
Garth Brooks entertained a packed crowd at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho, performing classics including “Unanswered Prayers,” “Two Piña Coladas,” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” His stadium tour eventually surpassed $200 million in revenue while selling nearly three million tickets.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Music history also remembers July 20 for significant losses and turning points.
- 1969: R&B singer Roy Hamilton died at age 40 after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage. His best-known hits included “I Need Your Lovin'” and “You Can Have Her.”
- 1974: The inaugural Bucolic Frolic rock festival debuted at Knebworth, England, featuring Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Doobie Brothers, and others. Tickets cost just £2.75.
- 1986: The biographical film Sid and Nancy premiered in London, chronicling the turbulent relationship between Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen.
- 2011: Newly discovered photographs from The Beatles’ first U.S. concert sold at auction for more than $360,000.
- 2017: Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington died, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians around the world.
Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images
A Remarkable Day in Music History
From The Rolling Stones’ record-breaking tour earnings to the release of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” and Journey’s Escape, July 20 has produced countless unforgettable moments across rock, pop, hip-hop, and country music.
Whether you’re still singing “Don’t Stop Believin'”, remembering legendary performers, or appreciating how much live music has evolved over the decades, July 20 remains one of the most fascinating dates in music history.