On July 30, 2021, 19-year-old Billie Eilish released her critically acclaimed sophomore album, Happier Than Ever. Recorded alongside her brother and longtime collaborator FINNEAS, who played every instrument on the album, the project showcased the siblings’ unique creative partnership. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured hit singles including “Therefore I Am,” “Your Power,” and the explosive title track, “Happier Than Ever.”
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Keep reading for more memorable Top 40 music history from July 30.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Every legendary hit has a beginning, and July 30 has seen its share of unforgettable musical achievements.
- 1977: Andy Gibb scored his first U.S. No. 1 hit with “I Just Want to Be Your Everything.” The Bee Gees’ younger brother would go on to earn three Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers.
- 1996: A Tribe Called Quest released their fourth studio album, Beats, Rhymes and Life, featuring contributions from Consequence, Tammy Lucas, and Faith Evans. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and included the hit “Stressed Out.”
- 2001: The Strokes introduced themselves with their landmark debut album, Is This It, featuring fan favorites “Hard to Explain,” “Someday,” and “Last Nite.”
- 2002: Bruce Springsteen released The Rising, his emotional response to the September 11 attacks. The album spent two weeks atop the Billboard 200 and included standout songs such as “Lonesome Day,” “You’re Missing,” and “Into the Fire.”
- 2006: Shakira’s worldwide smash “Hips Don’t Lie,” featuring Wyclef Jean, began a four-week reign at No. 1 on the U.K. Singles Chart, becoming one of the best-selling singles by a female artist this century.
- 2021: Prince’s posthumous album Welcome 2 America debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, introducing fans to previously unreleased recordings.
Cultural Milestones
Music and culture often go hand in hand, and these July 30 moments helped shape both.
- 1958: Influential singer-songwriter Kate Bush was born in London. Her groundbreaking career includes classics such as “Wuthering Heights” and “Running Up That Hill,” the latter enjoying a remarkable resurgence decades after its release.
- 1965: The Rolling Stones released Out of Our Heads, becoming their first album to top the U.S. album charts.
- 1983: The Police’s timeless hit “Every Breath You Take” completed its fourth week at No. 1 during what would become an eight-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100.
- 1997: Producer, songwriter, and artist FINNEAS was born in Los Angeles. Beyond his successful solo career, he became one of modern pop’s most celebrated producers through his work with sister Billie Eilish.
- 2003: Legendary producer Sam Phillips, founder of Sun Records and the man credited with discovering Elvis Presley, passed away in Memphis. His influence also helped launch the careers of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison.
- 2021: Bleachers released their third studio album, Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night, marking the band’s first new album in four years.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Several unforgettable recordings and concerts also took place on this day.
- 1955: Johnny Cash recorded “Folsom Prison Blues,” one of the defining songs of his legendary career. The live version later became even more successful than the original recording.
- 1987: David Bowie launched the American leg of his spectacular Glass Spider Tour in Philadelphia, featuring one of the largest and most elaborate stage productions ever assembled.
- 1991: Lynyrd Skynyrd performed classics including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “Saturday Night Special” during their tour supporting Lynyrd Skynyrd 1991, their first studio album following the tragic 1977 plane crash.
- 1992: Michael Jackson thrilled fans at London’s Wembley Stadium during his Dangerous World Tour, performing hits including “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Man in the Mirror.”
- 2003: Justin Timberlake appeared at Molson Canadian Rocks for Toronto, the largest concert ever held in Canada, where his pop performance drew a mixed reaction from a predominantly rock audience.
- 2023: Beyoncé brought her record-breaking Renaissance World Tour to MetLife Stadium, performing favorites including “Love on Top,” “PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA,” and “Run the World (Girls).” The tour ultimately grossed more than $579 million across 56 shows.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The music industry has continually evolved, and July 30 has witnessed several noteworthy developments.
- 1986: Variety reported that RCA Records dropped John Denver following the release of his anti-war song “What Are We Making Weapons For?”
- 2014: Following a campaign supported by musicians, the United Kingdom lifted its ban on steel-string guitars in prison cells, expanding inmates’ access to music education and creative expression.
- 2016: Jack White sent a working turntable into space, where it played a vinyl record for approximately 80 minutes before returning safely to Earth.
Did You Know?
Sting wrote The Police’s signature hit, “Every Breath You Take,” in the middle of the night while staying in Jamaica. The song went on to become one of the most recognizable and successful singles in popular music history, proving that inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments.