Feb. 19 has delivered unforgettable performances, major chart milestones, and even shocking industry controversies. From high-flying pop spectacles to landmark legal battles, this date holds a unique place in Top 40 history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
1985: Mick Jagger Goes Solo
Mick Jagger released She’s The Boss, his debut solo album in the U.S. The project peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the U.K. Official Albums chart. The lead single, “Just Another Night,” reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. “Lucky in Love” also cracked the U.S. Top 40.
2004: Pink Launches the Try Tour
Pink kicked off her Try Tour in Dublin, Ireland, delivering an athletic aerial performance of “Get the Party Started” that became one of her signature live trademarks.
2016: Lake Street Dive Tops Rock Charts
The band released Side Pony, which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart and reached No. 29 on the Billboard 200. Tracks like “Call Off Your Dogs” and “I Don’t Care About You” found success on Adult Alternative Airplay.
2017: Ariana Grande on the Dangerous Woman Tour
Grande performed in Manchester, New Hampshire, during her Dangerous Woman Tour. The multiplatinum star is widely known for her smash hit “Side to Side.”
Photo by Getty Images/Dave Hogan for One Love Manchestero.
2025: Glass Animals Tour of Earth
Glass Animals are set to play their first show at KT Zepp Yokohama in Japan as part of their Tour of Earth. The band is best known for the global hit “Heat Waves.”
Cultural Milestones
1940: Smokey Robinson Is Born
Born in Detroit, Michigan, Smokey Robinson founded The Miracles and became one of Motown’s most influential figures. Known as the “King of Motown,” he penned thousands of songs and earned at least 37 Top 10 hits, including “Being With You” and “Just to See Her.”
1974: American Music Awards Debut
Created by Dick Clark, the American Music Awards debuted with winners chosen by fans — a major shift from industry-voted awards.
2014: Beyoncé at the Brit Awards
Beyoncé dazzled audiences at London’s O2 Arena during the Brit Awards with a high-energy performance enhanced by fireworks and elaborate lighting.
2022: Bad Bunny in Dallas
The Latin superstar performed at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. With 14 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart, Bad Bunny helped push reggaeton and Latin trap into the global mainstream.
Notable Recordings and Performances
2017: Justin Bieber in Mexico City
Bieber performed for a second consecutive night at Foro Sol, thrilling thousands of fans.
2022: Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia Tour
Dua Lipa brought her Future Nostalgia Tour to Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and she performed hits like “New Rules,” “Break My Heart,” and “One Kiss.”
2023: Ed Sheeran Wraps Australian Run
Sheeran completed a three-night stand at Suncorp Stadium in Queensland during his +–=÷x Tour, drawing massive crowds.
Industry Changes and Challenges
1980: Bon Scott Dies at 33
The AC/DC frontman died in London from acute alcohol poisoning. Scott’s gritty vocals helped define the band’s early success, including “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.”
1981: George Harrison Plagiarism Case
Harrison was ordered to pay $587,000 after a court ruled that “My Sweet Lord” subconsciously plagiarized The Chiffons’ 1963 hit “He’s So Fine.”
1982: Ozzy Osbourne Arrested in Texas
Osbourne was arrested in San Antonio after allegedly urinating on the Alamo Cenotaph monument following a night of drinking.
2003: Johnny Paycheck Dies at 64
The country star passed away in Nashville. His signature hit, “Take This Job and Shove It,” topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
The Lasting Impact of Feb. 19 on Top 40 Music
From Smokey Robinson’s birth to Pink’s gravity-defying performances and Beyoncé’s international award show dominance, Feb. 19 reflects the evolution of Top 40 music across generations.
Artists like Bad Bunny, Ariana Grande, and Pink continue pushing pop music forward — blending genres, elevating stage production, and expanding global influence — ensuring that Feb. 19 remains a memorable date in music history.