September 3 is an important date in music history, with major album releases, chart breakthroughs, memorable performances and milestones involving some of music’s biggest names.
On this day in 2021, emerging star Tate McRae released a remix of her song “that way” featuring Jeremy Zucker. The slow, lo-fi track became a duet and found moderate success, although McRae’s major breakthrough would come with her 2023 album Think Later.
Photo by Derek White/Getty Images
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
September 3 has seen numerous chart breakthroughs and important releases over the years.
1990: George Michael released his second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. Following the enormous success of Faith, released three years earlier, the album debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. It was reissued in the UK in October 2017 and once again reached No. 1.
1991: Canadian progressive-rock legends Rush released their fourteenth studio album, Roll the Bones. The album included the singles “Dreamline,” “Roll the Bones,” and “Ghost of a Chance.” It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread critical acclaim.
2001: Jamiroquai released their fifth studio album, A Funk Odyssey, in the UK through Sony Soho Square. The album reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 6 on the UK R&B Albums Chart. It arrived in the United States a week later, eventually peaking at No. 44 on the Billboard 200.
2006: Justin Timberlake and Timbaland brought “SexyBack” to the top of the UK charts. The international hit went on to win the GRAMMY Award for Best Dance Recording and became one of the year’s biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100.
2021: Lady Gaga released Dawn of Chromatica, a remix album featuring collaborations with international artists and emerging performers. The project reached No. 1 on the U.S. Top Dance Albums chart.
2021: Heavy-metal pioneers Iron Maiden released their seventeenth studio album, Senjutsu, through Parlophone and BMG. The album reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It was also named among the best albums of 2021 by publications including Rolling Stone, Kerrang!, and Loudwire.
2021: Emerging pop star Tate McRae released a remix of her song “that way” featuring Jeremy Zucker. The slow, lo-fi track was transformed into a duet and achieved moderate success. McRae’s major breakthrough would come later with her 2023 album Think Later.
Cultural Milestones
September 3 has also been significant for the lives and careers of influential musicians.
1942: Al Jardine was born in Lima, Ohio. A co-founder of the Beach Boys, Jardine played guitar and provided vocals for the legendary group. He famously sang lead on songs including “Then I Kissed Her” and “Help Me, Rhonda.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beach Boys in 1988.
1955: Steve Jones was born in Shepherd’s Bush, London. He rose to fame as the guitarist for the English punk-rock band the Sex Pistols until the group split in 1978. Jones later performed and collaborated with artists including Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Thin Lizzy, and Billy Idol.
1960: Perry Bamonte of The Cure was born in London. He joined the band in 1990, playing keyboards and guitar following the departure of keyboardist Roger O’Donnell. Bamonte made his recording debut with The Cure on the band’s ninth album, Wish, released in 1992. The album became the group’s most commercially successful record, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
1968: Ringo Starr rejoined The Beatles after taking a two-week hiatus. He returned to the group as the band continued work on what would become The White Album.
2009: Friends, family members, and loved ones gathered to remember Michael Jackson at his funeral. More than 200 guests attended the ceremony, including Elizabeth Taylor and Macaulay Culkin.
Notable Recordings and Performances
September 3 has also produced memorable live-music moments that demonstrate the enduring power of music and performance.
2002: The Rolling Stones launched their 40th anniversary Licks Tour at Boston’s FleetCenter. The worldwide tour featured more than 100 performances and was attended by approximately 2.5 million fans.
2022: Foo Fighters took the stage for a star-studded tribute to their late drummer Taylor Hawkins. Artists including Queen, Kesha, Paul McCartney, and Liam Gallagher joined the band during the performance. It marked the Foo Fighters’ first performance since Hawkins’ death.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Music history is not only about hit records and celebrated performances. September 3 has also marked the deaths, personal milestones, and unexpected events that have shaped the industry.
1970: Alan Wilson, known affectionately as “Blind Owl,” died at the age of 27 from a barbiturate overdose that has been regarded by many as a suicide. Wilson was the co-founder, guitarist, and primary songwriter of blues-rock group Canned Heat, known for songs including “Going Up the Country” and “On the Road Again.”
1992: David Bowie and his wife, Iman, appeared on the cover of Architectural Digest as part of a feature about their home on Mustique. Bowie became the first person to appear on the magazine’s cover in four years.
2017: Walter Becker died at age 67 from esophageal cancer. Becker was the co-founder, guitarist, bassist, and co-songwriter of Steely Dan, which he formed with Donald Fagen in the early 1970s. The influential jazz-rock duo was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
2022: The Beatles: Get Back won five Emmy Awards. The documentary series revisited the band’s 1969 recording sessions that ultimately produced the album Let It Be.
September 3: A Day of Music History
The events of September 3 in music history demonstrate the remarkable breadth of popular music. The date connects legendary rock bands, influential pop stars, groundbreaking albums, chart-topping singles, major live performances, and cultural milestones.
From George Michael and Rush to Lady Gaga, Iron Maiden, Tate McRae, The Beatles, and the Rolling Stones, September 3 offers another reminder that music history is constantly being shaped by the artists, songs, albums, performances, and moments that resonate with audiences across generations.