February 11 in music history has brought both heartbreaking tragedy and unforgettable triumph. From Whitney Houston’s shocking death to The Beatles’ first live U.S. concert, this date has shaped the industry in powerful ways.
Let’s take a closer look at the chart-topping hits, cultural milestones, iconic performances, and major industry moments that make February 11 unforgettable.
Breakthrough Hits and Chart Milestones
Several major songs and albums reached important milestones on February 11.
1989: Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for three consecutive weeks. The single became one of the defining pop hits of the late ’80s.
1997: Erykah Badu released her debut album Baduizm. The album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Its breakout single, “On & On,” climbed to No. 12 on the Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, cementing Badu’s neo-soul legacy.
2007: Justin Timberlake won two GRAMMY Awards. “My Love” earned Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, while “SexyBack” took home Best Dance Recording.
2013: Foals released their third studio album, Holy Fire. It peaked at No. 2 on the U.K. Albums Chart and produced the Top 30 U.K. single “My Number.” Tracks like “Inhaler” and “Late Night” boosted the album’s commercial success.
Cultural Milestones That Shaped Music
February 11 has also delivered defining cultural moments.
1964: The Beatles performed their first U.S. concert at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C., in front of 8,000 screaming fans. Due to a snowstorm, the band traveled by train from New York. Beatlemania was officially in full force.
1979: Brandy was born in McComb, Mississippi. A church choir singer at age 2, she later became an R&B powerhouse with at least four Top Five U.S. albums, including Full Moon and Never S-A-Y Never.
1981: Kelly Rowland was born in Atlanta, Georgia. She would go on to achieve global success as a member of Destiny’s Child.
1998: The handwritten lyrics to “Candle in the Wind 1997” by Bernie Taupin and Elton John were sold to the Lund Foundation, benefiting disadvantaged children.
1998: Khalid was born in Fort Stewart, Georgia. His debut single “Location” reached No. 16 on the Hot 100 in 2016. He later scored additional Top 20 hits, including “Talk,” “Better,” and “Love Lies” with Normani.
2023: Harry Styles dominated the BRIT Awards, winning Artist of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year, Best Pop/R&B Act, and Song of the Year. The former One Direction member continues to influence global pop culture.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some unforgettable recordings and live performances also took place on this day.
1963: The Beatles recorded all 14 tracks of their debut album Please Please Me in a single day at Abbey Road Studios in London.
1984: John Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses” climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song offered commentary on the realities of American life.
1985: At the BRIT Awards, Sade won Best British Album, Prince won Best International Solo Artist, and The Police received the Outstanding Contribution award.
2011: Taylor Swift performed at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena (now KSPO Dome) in Seoul during her Speak Now World Tour, delivering hits like “Back to December” and “You Belong With Me.”
2024: Usher headlined the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, joined by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Lil Jon, and Ludacris for a high-energy performance of “Yeah!”
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
2025: Paul McCartney surprised fans with a last-minute concert at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. Announced just hours before showtime, the set included Beatles classics like “Hey Jude” and “Got To Get You Into My Life.”
Industry Changes and Challenges
February 11 has also marked significant industry changes and losses.
1965: Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox in Westminster, London. Former Beatles manager Brian Epstein served as best man, with John Lennon and George Harrison among the guests.
2012: Whitney Houston tragically died on the eve of the 54th GRAMMY Awards. The global superstar accidentally drowned in a bathtub, sending shockwaves through the music world.
2020: Paul English, longtime drummer and manager for Willie Nelson, passed away at 87. Known for helping shape the outlaw country sound with his minimalist drumming style, English left a lasting impact on country music.
A Day of Legacy and Impact
From Whitney Houston’s heartbreaking passing to The Beatles launching Beatlemania in America, February 11 in music history reflects both loss and legacy. It is a day filled with chart-topping achievements, cultural breakthroughs, and unforgettable performances that continue to influence artists and fans worldwide.
Music history proves that even in tragedy, the power of song endures.