Feb. 13 in music history has delivered unforgettable debut albums, cultural milestones and headline-making industry moments. From heavy metal pioneers to soul legends and GRAMMY triumphs, this date continues to resonate across genres.
Below is a look at the breakthrough hits, performances and challenges that shaped the music world on Feb. 13.
Breakthrough Hits and Career Milestones
Several major artists reached defining moments on this day.
1969: The Doors earned a certified gold label for “Touch Me” through the Recording Industry Association of America Gold 45 program, solidifying their commercial success.
1970: Black Sabbath released their self-titled debut album, Black Sabbath, on Friday the 13th — a fitting launch for the band that helped define heavy metal.
1978: Dire Straits began recording their self-titled debut album, featuring “Sultans of Swing,” which later peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a classic rock staple.
1981: Phil Collins released his debut solo album, Face Value. The project hit No. 1 in the U.K. and No. 7 in the U.S., while singles “In the Air Tonight” and “I Missed Again” both cracked the Top 40.
1990: The Black Crowes dropped Shake Your Money Maker, which climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and produced hits like “Hard To Handle” and “She Talks to Angels.”
Cultural Milestones in Music
Beyond chart success, Feb. 13 delivered unforgettable pop culture moments.
1983: Marvin Gaye performed a soulful, sultry rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the NBA All-Star Game, redefining how the national anthem could be interpreted at sporting events.
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1996: After dominating the UK charts, Take That announced their breakup, devastating fans across Britain. The group later reunited in 2005.
1997: Michael Jackson welcomed his first son, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince.
2005: 50 Cent guest-starred on The Simpsons episode “Pranksta Rap,” highlighting hip-hop’s mainstream crossover.
2005: Led Zeppelin received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards.
2008: Shakira auctioned a jeweled bra worn on her Oral Fixation Tour for charity, benefiting her Barefoot Foundation.
(Featured Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some of rock’s most memorable recordings and award wins are tied to Feb. 13.
1966: The Rolling Stones made their third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, reinforcing their “bad boys of rock” image in America.
1967: The Beatles released the double A-side single “Penny Lane” and “Strawberry Fields Forever,” two songs later associated with Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
1987: Metallica concluded their Damage, Inc. Tour in Sweden after a tragic year marked by the loss of bassist Cliff Burton.
2011: Arcade Fire won Album of the Year for The Suburbs at the Grammy Awards, surprising many mainstream viewers.
2022: At the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg delivered electrifying performances alongside Mary J. Blige, Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The music industry has also faced controversy and tragedy on this date.
1972: Members of Led Zeppelin were denied entry into Singapore due to their appearance, highlighting strict cultural policies of the era.
2002: Country outlaw pioneer Waylon Jennings passed away at 64, leaving behind a legacy of No. 1 hits and collaborations with icons like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson.
2016: All four members of Viola Beach tragically died in a car accident in Sweden. Their posthumous debut album later reached No. 1 in the UK.
2019: Ryan Adams faced allegations of sexual misconduct, delaying his album Big Colors and impacting his career.
A Day That Shaped Music History
From the ominous debut of Black Sabbath to Marvin Gaye’s unforgettable anthem and the star-studded Super Bowl LVI halftime show, Feb. 13 continues to reflect the evolving sound and spirit of the music industry.
As genres blend and artists push creative boundaries, the milestones of this day remind us how music constantly reinvents itself — while leaving a lasting mark on fans around the world.