September 4 has been a memorable date in music history, with major moments involving Kelly Clarkson, Beyoncé, Simon Cowell, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, the Bee Gees, Oasis and many more.
On Sept. 4, 2002, Kelly Clarkson was crowned the first winner of American Idol, securing 58% of the public vote. Clarkson went on to build a groundbreaking career in music and television, earning three No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and three GRAMMY Awards from 17 nominations.
Simon Cowell sure can pick ’em. Keep reading for more September 4 music history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
It’s fascinating to look back at the decade-defining songs, albums and chart milestones associated with September 4.
1967: The Doors Release “People Are Strange”
The Doors released “People Are Strange,” a song that explores themes of alienation and being an outsider. Written by vocalist Jim Morrison and guitarist Robby Krieger for the band’s second album, Strange Days, the track peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
1976: Fleetwood Mac Reaches No. 1
Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 more than a year after its release. The album was the band’s first to feature Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks following Bob Welch’s departure.
1982: Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” Hits No. 1
The Steve Miller Band’s “Abracadabra” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became the group’s third No. 1 hit—and, of course, has nothing to do with Lady Gaga’s 2025 single of the same name.
2012: Imagine Dragons Release Night Visions
Imagine Dragons released their debut album, Night Visions, featuring the hit singles “Radioactive” and “Demons.” The album helped define the genre-blending sound of pop-rock and alternative music in the early 2010s and established the band as a major commercial force.
Cultural Milestones
Music has a significant cultural impact, and these September 4 events demonstrate the remarkable range of artists and moments associated with the date.
1940: Sonny Charles Is Born
Sonny Charles was born in Blytheville, Arkansas. He became the lead vocalist of the R&B/soul group Checkmates, Ltd., best known for the 1969 hit “Black Pearl,” which reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.
Charles later enjoyed a moderately successful solo career with songs including “Put It in a Magazine” and “Always on My Mind.”
1960: Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil Is Born
Kim Thayil, the lead guitarist of pioneering grunge band Soundgarden, was born in Seattle, Washington. Thayil is a two-time GRAMMY Award winner and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
1971: Paul & Linda McCartney Top the Hot 100
Paul and Linda McCartney’s “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” began a one-week stay at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Released as a single from the couple’s only album, Ram, the song became Paul McCartney’s first solo No. 1 in the United States. It was also his first gold record following the breakup of The Beatles.
1975: Mark Ronson Is Born
Mark Ronson was born in London, England. A ten-time GRAMMY winner, Ronson has produced numerous chart-topping hits both as a solo artist and for performers including Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Robbie Williams, Nas, Lady Gaga, Sam Smith and Miley Cyrus.
1976: The Bee Gees Reach No. 1
The Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing” topped the Billboard Hot 100. The song later became closely associated with the iconic Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, which was released the following year.
1981: Beyoncé Is Born
Beyoncé Giselle Knowles was born in Houston, Texas. Her hometown later inspired her 2024 album Cowboy Carter, further connecting the superstar’s music to her roots.
Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
2004: The X Factor Debuts in the U.K.
Simon Cowell’s music competition show The X Factor debuted in the United Kingdom. The British version would help launch or elevate the careers of artists including Olly Murs, One Direction, Cher Lloyd, Little Mix and Leona Lewis.
2023: Diana Ross Surprises Beyoncé
Diana Ross made a surprise appearance at Beyoncé’s Los Angeles concert. Ross performed her hit “Love Hangover” before leading the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” to honor Beyoncé.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Several major rock acts also have important album milestones connected to September 4.
1970: The Rolling Stones Release Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!
The Rolling Stones released their second live album, Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out!, recorded in Baltimore and New York.
The album made history by becoming the first live album to top the U.K. Albums Chart. In the United States, it peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
2001: System of a Down Release Toxicity
System of a Down released their critically acclaimed second album, Toxicity, helping cement their status as one of the world’s leading alternative metal bands.
The album’s singles “Chop Suey!,” “Toxicity” and “Aerials” all appeared on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 76, No. 70 and No. 55, respectively.
Toxicity itself debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 220,000 copies in its first week.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The music business is constantly evolving, and September 4 has seen its share of legal disputes, losses and major industry developments.
2012: One Direction Wins Band-Name Dispute
One Direction won a legal dispute over the right to use their band name. The U.S. boy band that had sued them subsequently changed its name to Uncharted Shores.
2022: Nirvana Lawsuit Is Dismissed
A California judge dismissed a lawsuit brought against Nirvana by Spencer Elden, who appeared naked on the band’s 1991 Nevermind album cover. Elden had alleged sexual exploitation.
2023: Smash Mouth’s Steve Harwell Dies
Steve Harwell, frontman of rock band Smash Mouth, died of liver failure at age 56.
Harwell first achieved major success with the group’s 1997 single “Walkin’ on the Sun,” from their debut album Fush Yu Mang. The song topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Smash Mouth’s second album, Astro Lounge (1999), propelled the group to international stardom with hits including “All Star” and “Then the Morning Comes.”
2023: Gary Wright Dies
Gary Wright died at age 80 from undisclosed causes. He experienced his musical breakthrough with his third album, The Dream Weaver, released in 1975.
The album peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and produced the hit singles “Dream Weaver” and “Love Is Alive,” both of which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2024: Oasis Adds More Reunion Tour Dates
Oasis announced additional dates for its highly anticipated reunion tour, citing unprecedented fan demand as the reason for the expansion.
September 4 in Music History
From Kelly Clarkson’s historic American Idol victory and Beyoncé’s birthday to landmark releases from The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones and System of a Down, September 4 has produced an impressive collection of music milestones.
And considering how many of these events involve Simon Cowell, perhaps there’s a reason this date has the X Factor.