On July 22, 2006, Johnny Cash’s American V: A Hundred Highways reached No. 1 on the album charts. Released nearly three years after his death, the album became only the second Johnny Cash record to top the charts.
His first chart-topping album was At San Quentin, released more than 30 years earlier. American V showcased Cash’s unmistakable voice and proved that his music continued to resonate with fans long after his passing.
Read on to discover more unforgettable moments that made July 22 a memorable day in music history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
1977: Elvis Costello Debuts with My Aim Is True
Elvis Costello released his debut album, My Aim Is True, introducing audiences to one of rock’s most influential singer-songwriters. The album remains a landmark release in both rock and punk music.
1989: Martika’s “Toy Soldiers” Reaches No. 1
Martika’s hit single “Toy Soldiers” climbed to the top of the U.S. charts. The song’s success caught Prince’s attention, leading to a collaboration on her next project.
2003: KISS Teams Up with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
KISS released Symphony Alive IV, a live album recorded with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The project reached No. 18 on the U.S. album chart and showcased a unique blend of hard rock and orchestral music.
Cultural Milestones
1947: Don Henley Is Born
Don Henley was born in Gilmer, Texas. As a founding member and lead vocalist of The Eagles, he helped create classics including “Hotel California” and “One of These Nights.” Henley also enjoyed a successful solo career with hits such as “Dirty Laundry,” “All She Wants to Do Is Dance,” and “The End of the Innocence.”
1961: Keith Sweat Is Born
Born in Harlem, New York, Keith Sweat became one of the pioneers of New Jack Swing alongside Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown, and Teddy Riley. His biggest hits include “I Want Her,” “Twisted,” and “I Give All My Love to You.”
1967: Pink Floyd Performs in Scotland
Pink Floyd played Aberdeen’s famous Beach Ballroom, a venue renowned for its unique spring-loaded dance floor and long history of legendary performances.
1971: John Lennon Films Imagine
John Lennon and Yoko Ono continued filming their iconic Imagine movie. One memorable scene captured Lennon performing the timeless title track while seated at his famous white piano.
1992: Selena Gomez Is Born
Selena Gomez was born in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images
After beginning her career as a child actress in Barney & Friends and later starring in Wizards of Waverly Place, she became one of pop music’s biggest stars with more than 20 U.S. Top 40 hits, including “Lose You To Love Me.”
2019: “Bohemian Rhapsody” Hits One Billion YouTube Views
Queen’s legendary “Bohemian Rhapsody” became the first music video created before 1990 to surpass one billion YouTube views, proving its enduring popularity across generations.
Notable Recordings and Performances
2011: Soundgarden’s Reunion Tour Rolls On
Soundgarden performed a 25-song set at The Forum in Inglewood, California. Fans enjoyed favorites including “Black Hole Sun,” “Burden in My Hand,” and “Blow Up the Outside World.”
2014: Katy Perry Brings The Prismatic World Tour to Pittsburgh
Katy Perry entertained fans at Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center with hits including “Teenage Dream,” “Roar,” and “Wide Awake.” The concert was part of her massive Prismatic World Tour, which featured more than 140 shows worldwide.
2023: Taylor Swift’s Seattle Concert Makes History
Taylor Swift’s performance at Seattle’s Lumen Field became one of the most talked-about concerts of The Eras Tour. The crowd generated enough energy to register seismic activity comparable to a 2.3-magnitude earthquake, highlighting the incredible enthusiasm surrounding the record-breaking tour.
Industry Changes and Challenges
1969: Aretha Franklin Arrested Following Traffic Incident
Aretha Franklin was arrested in Highland Park, Michigan, on charges of disorderly conduct following a traffic-related confrontation involving police officers.
2000: Oasis Wembley Broadcast Goes Off the Rails
During Oasis’ second Wembley Stadium performance on the Standing on the Shoulders of Giants Tour, Liam Gallagher’s unpredictable behavior disrupted both the concert and its live broadcast to millions of viewers.
2015: Study Links Music Preferences and Thinking Styles
Researchers released a study suggesting that musical tastes may be connected to personality traits, including empathy and analytical thinking.
2025: Ozzy Osbourne Passes Away at 76
Just weeks after his final performance with Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne died at the age of 76. He left behind an extraordinary legacy as both Black Sabbath’s frontman and a successful solo artist, with classics including “Crazy Train” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
A Remarkable Day in Music History
From Johnny Cash earning a posthumous No. 1 album to Elvis Costello’s influential debut and Taylor Swift’s record-setting concert, July 22 has delivered unforgettable moments across generations of music.
These milestones remind us that music’s greatest impact often extends far beyond its original release. Whether it’s a legendary performance, a breakthrough album, or an artist’s lasting legacy, the events of July 22 continue to shape the soundtrack of music history.