September 23 has been a memorable date in music history, with major releases, chart-topping singles, legendary performances and milestones involving some of the biggest names in music.
On Sept. 23, 2006, was sitting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “SexyBack.” The song, which drew inspiration from artists including David Bowie, David Byrne and James Brown, became one of the defining hits of Timberlake’s solo career.
“SexyBack” appeared on Timberlake’s second solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, and later earned the GRAMMY Award for Best Dance Recording.
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But Timberlake’s chart-topper was far from the only significant musical event associated with Sept. 23.
Breakthrough Hits and Major Music Milestones
Several influential albums and singles were released or reached important milestones on this date.
John Lennon Released “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night”
In 1974, released “Whatever Gets You Thru The Night” in the United States.
The song became a historic moment in Lennon’s solo career. It remains his only U.S. No. 1 single as a solo artist.
David Bowie Released “Heroes”
In 1977, released “Heroes.”
The song would become one of Bowie’s most influential recordings. Over the years, its themes of love, perseverance and resilience helped establish it as one of the artist’s signature songs.
Steely Dan Released Aja
Also in 1977, released Aja, their sixth studio album.
The GRAMMY-winning record included “Peg,” “Deacon Blues” and “Josie.” It reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 5 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart.
Billy Joel Released The Nylon Curtain
In 1982, released The Nylon Curtain.
The album produced two U.S. Top 40 singles, “Allentown” and “Pressure.” It spent 35 weeks on the Billboard 200 and peaked at No. 7.
Madonna Ruled the Hot 100 With “Music”
In 2000, spent her second consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Music.”
The song, reportedly inspired by a Sting concert, became another major chart success during Madonna’s long-running career.
OutKast Released Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
In 2003, released Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.
The ambitious fifth studio album featured contributions from artists including Killer Mike, Sleepy Brown, Kelis and Norah Jones.
The double album became a major commercial success, spending more than five weeks at No. 1 in the United States.
Jazmine Sullivan Made Her Debut With Fearless
In 2008, released her debut studio album, Fearless.
The album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and produced the U.S. Top 40 singles “Need U Bad” and “Bust Your Windows.”
Fearless also earned at least five GRAMMY Award nominations, establishing Sullivan as an important new voice in R&B.
Cultural Milestones and Famous Birthdays
September 23 has also been a notable date for the birthdays of several music legends.
Ray Charles Was Born in 1930
was born in Georgia on Sept. 23, 1930.
Charles lost his sight at age 7, but went on to become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. His work helped establish the foundations of soul and influenced the development of rock and other popular music genres.
Julio Iglesias Was Born in 1943
Spanish superstar was born in Madrid on Sept. 23, 1943.
The international recording artist has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and has released successful albums including Crazy and 1100 Bel Air Place.
Iglesias is also the father of “Bailando” hitmaker Enrique Iglesias.
Bruce Springsteen Was Born in 1949
was born in New Jersey on Sept. 23, 1949.
Known worldwide as “The Boss,” Springsteen has built an extraordinary recording career that includes 11 No. 1 albums and 12 Top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Jermaine Dupri Was Born in 1972
Producer, songwriter and music executive was born in Asheville, North Carolina, on Sept. 23, 1972.
Dupri’s accomplishments include a GRAMMY Award and the Billboard Otis Redding Excellence Award. He also founded So So Def Recordings and has worked with major artists including Bow Wow, Nelly, Usher and Mariah Carey.
Justin Bieber, Paul McCartney and Other Memorable Moments
September 23 has produced plenty of memorable moments beyond album releases and birthdays.
In 2011, received a unique thank-you gift after selling out the STAPLES Center multiple times. He was treated to a private showing of Titanic followed by a candlelit dinner with his then-girlfriend Selena Gomez.
Two years later, brought Hollywood Boulevard to a standstill.
In 2013, the former Beatle performed a 15-song set for an estimated 10,000 fans. The performance featured Beatles classics as well as songs from his No. 3 album, New.
The concert began on the roof of the El Capitan Theatre before moving downstairs.
Notable Recordings and Performances on September 23
The date has also been associated with some unforgettable recording sessions and live performances.
Elvis Presley Recorded New Material
In 1973, recorded “Are You Sincere?” and “I Miss You” at his residence in Palm Springs, California.
The recordings are another reminder of the extensive body of work Presley produced throughout his career.
Bob Marley Gave His Final Performance
One of the most significant moments in this list occurred in 1980, when performed at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh.
It was Marley’s final concert performance.
The show came near the end of a career that helped bring reggae to audiences around the world.
Guns N’ Roses Played Belgrade
In 2010, performed at the Beogradska Arena in Belgrade, Serbia, as part of their Chinese Democracy Tour.
The tour supported the band’s No. 3 album of the same name and ultimately stretched across North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.
Drake Took His Tour to Jacksonville
Also in 2010, brought his Away From Home Tour to the Moran Theater in Jacksonville, Florida.
His set included songs such as “Best I Ever Had,” “A Night Off” and “The Resistance.”
Demi Lovato Performed in Los Angeles
In 2011, brought An Evening With Demi Lovato to Club Nokia in Los Angeles.
The performance featured songs including “Unbroken,” “Skyscraper” and “My Love Is Like a Star.”
The Chicks Returned to Nashville
In 2023, brought their 2023 World Tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The 22-song setlist included fan favorites such as “Not Ready to Make Nice” and “Cowboy Take Me Away.”
Industry Changes and Challenges
Music history isn’t only about hit records and memorable performances. September 23 has also marked important moments involving artists, bands and the entertainment industry.
Elvis Presley Entered the Country Music Hall of Fame
In 1998, Elvis Presley was inducted posthumously into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
The recognition carried particular significance because of Presley’s deep connection to Tennessee and his early association with the Grand Ole Opry.
White Zombie Announced Their Breakup
Also in 1998, Geffen Records announced that the members of had decided to go their separate ways.
The band’s lineup included Rob Zombie, Sean Yseult, John Tempesta and Jay Yuenger.
White Zombie’s best-known album, Astro-Creep: 2000, reached the Top 30 in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Katy Perry’s Sesame Street Appearance Was Pulled
In 2010, Sesame Street pulled a segment featuring and Elmo after complaints about Perry’s outfit.
Perry later referenced and poked fun at the controversy during an appearance on Saturday Night Live.
Robert Hunter Died in 2019
In 2019, died in San Rafael, California. He was 78.
Hunter was best known for writing lyrics for the .
The band’s In the Dark album reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and included some of their biggest commercial successes.
Why September 23 Matters in Music History
From chart-topping singles and influential albums to legendary birthdays and historic final performances, September 23 has repeatedly appeared throughout the story of popular music.
Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” provides one of the date’s most recognizable modern milestones, but the history goes much deeper.
The date connects artists from vastly different generations and genres, including Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Paul McCartney and many others.
It is also a date associated with both beginnings and endings. New albums arrived, legendary artists were born, major bands called it quits and performers took the stage for the final time.
A Date Filled With Music History
Whether you’re interested in the Billboard charts, classic rock, pop, R&B, country or hip-hop, Sept. 23 offers plenty to explore.
From Elvis Presley recording new material to Bob Marley’s final concert, and from David Bowie’s “Heroes” to Timberlake’s “SexyBack,” the date has left a distinctive mark on music history.