August 28 music history is packed with memorable performances, breakthrough albums, chart-topping hits, cultural milestones, and surprising moments involving some of the biggest names in popular music.
On Aug. 28, 1963, Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and many other artists performed at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Baez and Dylan’s participation was expected. Both were foundational figures in the era’s counterculture and were well known for their protest songs, including Dylan’s iconic “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
Keep reading for more Top 40 history from August 28.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
August 28 has been associated with several important chart achievements and album releases.
1971: John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” Peaks at No. 2
“Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver peaked at No. 2 on the charts on Aug. 28, 1971. Widely regarded as Denver’s breakthrough hit, the beloved country-pop classic was kept from the No. 1 position by the Bee Gees’ “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?”
2001: Mary J. Blige Releases No More Drama
Mary J. Blige released her fifth studio album, No More Drama, on Aug. 28, 2001.
The album reached No. 2 in the U.S. and sold more than 290,000 copies during its opening week. Its biggest single, “Family Affair,” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The title track also became a Top 20 hit, peaking at No. 15.
2015: The Weeknd Releases Beauty Behind the Madness
The Weeknd released his sophomore studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness, on Aug. 28, 2015. The album featured guest appearances from Labrinth, Lana Del Rey, and Ed Sheeran.
The record topped the Billboard 200 and went on to spend more than 400 weeks on the chart. Two of its singles, “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2015: Halsey Releases BADLANDS
Halsey’s debut studio album, BADLANDS, also arrived on Aug. 28, 2015.
The album peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and earned positive reviews from critics for its cohesiveness and emotional authenticity. It produced notable tracks including “Hold Me Down,” “New Americana,” and “Colors.” However, none of those songs reached the Top 40 of the Hot 100.
Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images
2020: Katy Perry Releases Smile
Katy Perry released her sixth studio album, Smile, on Aug. 28, 2020.
In an unusual promotional twist, Perry released the album alongside a video game called Katy’s Quest.
Cultural Milestones
August 28 has also produced some fascinating moments in music history, including an encounter that reportedly helped influence The Beatles’ experimentation with psychedelic sounds.
1964: Bob Dylan Introduces The Beatles to Marijuana
After a show in New York on Aug. 28, 1964, Bob Dylan supplied marijuana to The Beatles.
It was the first time Dylan had met the group, and it was reportedly also the first time The Beatles had tried marijuana. Dylan was surprised to learn that the band had not previously experienced the drug.
The encounter is often cited as an important moment in The Beatles’ cultural and musical evolution.
1965: Shania Twain Is Born
Shania Twain was born Eileen Regina Edwards on Aug. 28, 1965, in Ontario, Canada.
With more than 100 million records sold worldwide, Twain became one of the best-selling artists in music history. Her accomplishments include three consecutive albums—The Woman in Me, Come On Over, and Up!—earning Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Twain is also a five-time GRAMMY Award winner and has scored seven No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
1981: Jake Owen Is Born
Country star Jake Owen was born in Winter Haven, Florida, on Aug. 28, 1981.
Owen has earned 12 Top 10 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart, including the No. 1 singles “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and “Alone With You.” He has also won awards from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.
1988: Kylie Minogue Makes Her Mark
A new pop star emerged on Aug. 28, 1988, when Kylie Minogue’s debut album, Kylie, helped establish her as an international sensation.
The album became the biggest-selling album by a female artist in the U.K. at the time.
2021: Billie Eilish Reaches No. 1 With Happier Than Ever
Billie Eilish reached No. 1 with her sophomore album, Happier Than Ever, on Aug. 28, 2021.
The album topped charts around the world and earned seven GRAMMY Award nominations.
Notable Recordings and Performances
From record-breaking tours to unforgettable awards-show moments, Aug. 28 has featured plenty of memorable performances.
1984: The Jacksons’ Reunion Tour Makes History
The Jacksons’ reunion tour became the most successful tour of all time at the time, selling more than one million tickets.
That record has since been surpassed, with Taylor Swift becoming the artist associated with the current record.
2003: Madonna and Britney Spears Kiss at the MTV VMAs
During the opening performance of the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Madonna and Britney Spears shared a much-discussed kiss.
Madonna later kissed Christina Aguilera as well, although the broadcast quickly cut to Justin Timberlake’s shocked reaction.
2010: Green Day Brings Its Tour to Colorado
Green Day took its 21st Century Breakdown Tour to the Comfort Dental Amphitheater in Greenwood Village, Colorado, on Aug. 28, 2010.
The 36-song setlist featured several of the band’s biggest hits, including “Wake Me Up When September Ends” and “Holiday.”
The tour ultimately included more than 110 shows across the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and Europe.
2018: Drake Performs on the Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour
While on the Aubrey & The Three Migos Live! Tour, Drake performed hits including “Started From the Bottom,” “In My Feelings,” and “God’s Plan.”
The tour, co-headlined by Migos, eventually grossed more than $70 million. It featured more than 40 shows and supporting performers including Cardi B, Post Malone, and Meek Mill.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Not every story in music history is about a hit record or a successful concert. August 28 has also been associated with unusual, difficult, and sometimes tragic moments.
1966: The Beatles Get Stuck After a Dodger Stadium Show
After performing at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 28, 1966, The Beatles planned to leave in an armored truck.
However, the exit gate was locked. The group was forced to reverse toward the Dodger dugout and ended up waiting there for hours while the crowds of fans dispersed.
1970: Elvis Presley Faces a Threat
A security guard received a tip that Elvis Presley could be harmed during his four-week residency at a Las Vegas hotel in 1970.
The threats were taken seriously, but Presley ultimately completed the run of shows without being harmed.
2005: Art Garfunkel Is Arrested
Art Garfunkel, known for classics such as “All I Know” and “I Only Have Eyes for You,” was taken into custody for marijuana possession in 2005.
It was his second drug-related arrest in nearly two years, and he faced a $200 fine.
2009: DJ AM Dies at 36
Adam “DJ AM” Goldstein died on Aug. 28, 2009, at the age of 36.
His death was attributed to an accidental drug overdose. Goldstein was also known as a member of Crazy Town, whose song “Butterfly” spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2009: Oasis Announces Its Breakup
After 18 years together, Oasis announced on Aug. 28, 2009, that the band was disbanding.
Noel Gallagher announced the news on the band’s website. The group remained apart for years before reuniting in 2025.
August 28 Has Made Music History
From Bob Dylan and Joan Baez performing at the March on Washington to The Beatles’ first encounter with marijuana, Aug. 28 has produced some remarkable moments in music history.
The date has also brought major albums from The Weeknd, Halsey, Mary J. Blige, Katy Perry, and Billie Eilish, while artists such as Shania Twain, Jake Owen, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Drake, Green Day, and Oasis have all contributed to its musical legacy.
Some fans were devastated by Oasis’ decision to split, while others were excited to play Katy Perry’s new video game. Either way, August 28 has certainly been a memorable day for music fans.