Sept. 2 has seen some memorable moments in pop music history over the years. Hit singles were released, awards were won, legendary performances took place, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opened its doors. Keep reading for more Top 40 history from Sept. 2.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Some of the most iconic artists in music achieved important career milestones on this date.
1981: Prince released his single “Controversy” as the lead track for his upcoming album. The song addressed media speculation surrounding Prince’s gender, sexuality, religion and racial background.
1989: Paula Abdul earned her third No. 1 hit with “Cold Hearted.” The song was accompanied by a memorable music video inspired by the 1983 film Flashdance.
1993: During the grunge era, Pearl Jam won four VMAs at the MTV Video Music Awards for “Jeremy.” Following the success, the band refused to release another music video until 1998.
1995: Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Jackson held the top spot for one week before Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” replaced it.
2014: Johnny Winter’s nineteenth and final album, Step Back, was released just two months after the blues-rock singer’s death. Recorded before his passing, the album featured performances from major artists including Eric Clapton, Tom Malone, Joe Perry and Billy Gibbons. It later won Best Blues Album at the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards and Best Rock Blues Album at the 2015 Blues Music Awards.
Cultural Milestones
Sept. 2 also marks the birthdays of several influential musicians and the opening of one of the most important institutions in rock history.
1957: Steve Porcaro was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He is best known for his work with the GRAMMY-winning rock band Toto, which he formed with his brother Jeff Porcaro. Their brother Mike Porcaro later joined the band as its bassist. Steve Porcaro has also released two solo albums and collaborated with artists including The Pointer Sisters, Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Ross and Al Jarreau.
1958: Fritz McIntyre was born in Birmingham, England. He was part of the original lineup of the acclaimed English pop-soul band Simply Red, playing keyboards and providing backing vocals. He performed on and/or co-wrote material associated with albums including Picture Book (1985), Men and Women (1987), A New Flame (1989), Stars (1991) and Life (1995).
1958: Jerry Augustyniak was born in Sloan, New York. He is the longtime drummer for the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs.
1987: Spencer Smith was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the former drummer and co-founder of Panic! at the Disco and played percussion on the band’s first four albums: A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out (2005), Pretty. Odd. (2008), Vices & Virtues (2011) and Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! (2013)
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1995: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame opened in Cleveland, Ohio, following a dedication ceremony the previous day. Cleveland had successfully lobbied to become the museum’s home because the city was associated with DJ Alan Freed, who is widely credited with popularizing the term “rock and roll.”
2013: Sir Elton John became the first recipient of the BRITs Icon Award, which recognizes artists who have achieved exceptional creativity and critical acclaim. John received the honor at a special ceremony and concert in London.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Sept. 2 has also been connected to memorable recordings, tours and television appearances.
1956: Elvis Presley recorded multiple songs for his debut album, Elvis. “Too Much” later reached No. 2 on the chart, while “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again” peaked at No. 19.
1982: Fleetwood Mac performed in Atlanta, Georgia, as part of their Mirage Tour. Men at Work opened for the band and began their own tour two weeks after the Mirage Tour concluded.
1988: Human Rights Now! opened at Wembley Stadium as a worldwide benefit tour. Sting, Bruce Springsteen and Tracy Chapman were among the headline performers on the 20-show tour.
1994: The then largely unknown college band Hootie & the Blowfish made their television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman, performing their hit single “Hold My Hand.” The band later reunited on the show in 2015 for a one-time performance of the song ahead of Letterman’s retirement.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Sept. 2 has also been marked by the tragic deaths of several beloved figures in pop and rock music.
2009: GRAMMY Award-winning keyboardist and composer Guy Babylon died of a heart attack at age 52. His career took off in 1988 after he joined Elton John’s studio and touring band. He made his recording debut with John on Sleeping with the Past (1989), the artist’s twenty-second album, which topped the UK Albums Chart and featured hits including “Sacrifice” and “Healing Hands.”
2012: Mark Abrahamian, the lead guitarist for Starship, died of a heart attack backstage after performing a concert in Norfolk, Nebraska. He had joined the band in 2000 as a replacement for Erik Torjesen, who had been diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and died from the disease in 2001.
From landmark singles and award-winning albums to benefit concerts and major moments in rock history, Sept. 2 has certainly earned its place in the music history books.