March 5 has delivered many memorable moments in Top 40 and pop music history. From the recording of classic songs and chart-topping albums to industry milestones and pop culture moments, the date has seen events involving legendary artists and modern superstars alike.
Highlights include the recording of classic hits, chart success for several artists, and even the launch of a celebrity coffee drink by pop superstar Ariana Grande. Here’s a look at some of the biggest music history moments from March 5.
Breakthrough Hits and Album Milestones
Several influential songs and albums were recorded or released on this day.
In 1959, singer and entertainer Bobby Darin recorded his classic hit song “Dream Lover.” The track became one of the defining pop songs of the late 1950s and helped solidify Darin’s status as a major pop star.
In 1991, Christian-pop crossover artist Amy Grant released her ninth studio album Heart in Motion. The album became a huge commercial success and produced her biggest hit, “Baby Baby,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other successful singles included “Every Heartbeat,” “That’s What Love Is For,” and “Good for Me.”
In 2007, indie rock band Arcade Fire released their sophomore album Neon Bible in Europe. The record became a major success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and landing in the Top Five across multiple international charts. The single “Keep the Car Running” also cracked the Top 40 on the Alternative Airplay chart.
In 2012, legendary singer Lionel Richie released his tenth studio album Tuskegee. The album revisited some of his biggest hits—including “Say You, Say Me” and “Endless Love”—with country music collaborations.
In 2021, rock band Kings of Leon released their eighth studio album When You See Yourself. The album debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and featured songs such as “100,000 People” and “The Bandit,” which reached No. 5 on the Alternative Airplay chart.
Cultural Milestones in Music
March 5 has also brought important cultural moments for artists and fans.
In 1962, twins Craig Reid and Charlie Reid were born in Leith, Scotland. They later formed the folk-rock duo The Proclaimers, known for hits like “Letter From America” and the beloved anthem “(I’m Gonna Be) 500 Miles.”
In 1977, Barbra Streisand scored a major hit when “Evergreen,” the love theme from the film A Star Is Born, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks. Decades later, Lady Gaga starred in the 2018 remake alongside Bradley Cooper, introducing the story to a new generation.
In 1981, legendary lyricist E.Y. Harburg—who wrote “Over the Rainbow” for The Wizard of Oz—died in a car accident. The song was originally performed by Judy Garland and later became famous again through a rendition by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwoʻole.
In 2002, reality television took a major step forward when The Osbournes premiered on MTV. The show followed the daily lives of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne and his family and helped inspire future reality shows.
In 2006 “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” from Hustle & Flow wins an Oscar for Best Song, just the 2nd rap song to get the award, after “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. Three 6 Mafia become the first rappers to perform at the ceremony.
In 2009, Michael Jackson announced his planned “This Is It” concert series at London’s O2 Arena. The shows were intended to be his final performances in the city, but they were canceled after his death later that year.
In 2016, producer and performer Pharrell Williams hosted a Masterclass at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music to help raise funds for music scholarships.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some important recordings and live performances also happened on March 5.
In 1963, The Beatles recorded “From Me to You.” When released the following month in the U.K., it became their first No. 1 single on the British charts.
In 1977, singer-songwriter Kate Bush reached No. 1 on the U.K. charts with “Wuthering Heights.” The song was inspired by the classic novel by Emily Brontë and showcased Bush’s unique vocal style.
In 1992, Seattle rock band Soundgarden performed at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle during their Badmotorfinger tour. The concert featured songs like “Rusty Cage” and “Outshined.”
In 2000, Madonna reached No. 1 on the U.K. charts with her cover of “American Pie,” originally written by Don McLean.
In 2017, global superstar Adele performed at The Gabba cricket stadium in Brisbane as part of her Adele Live 2017 tour.
Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Industry Changes and Challenges
The music industry has also experienced dramatic events on March 5.
Before becoming a country legend, Johnny Cash served in the U.S. Air Force as a Morse code operator. In 1953, he reportedly intercepted a coded message revealing the death of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.
In 1963, country star Patsy Cline died in a tragic plane crash at age 30 after performing at a benefit concert. Fellow performers Hawkshaw Hawkins and Cowboy Copas also lost their lives.
In 2013, pop star Justin Bieber apologized to fans after technical issues delayed his concert at London’s O2 Arena.
In 2019, Ariana Grande partnered with Starbucks to launch the Cloud Macchiato, a new coffee drink available at select locations.
In 2020, guitar manufacturer Gibson pledged through its Gibson Gives program to provide guitars to musicians affected by tornado damage in Nashville.
A Memorable Day in Music
From iconic recordings by The Beatles to chart-topping hits by Barbra Streisand and modern milestones from artists like Ariana Grande, March 5 has played a meaningful role in shaping music history.
These moments highlight how music continues to influence culture, inspire new artists, and connect generations of fans around the world.