From major GRAMMY wins to emotional tributes and unforgettable concerts, February 24 has delivered defining moments in music history. Highlights include performances honoring NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, Paul Simon’s Album of the Year victory for Graceland, and Harry Styles electrifying a packed stadium in Australia.
Let’s take a closer look at the breakthrough hits, cultural milestones, and memorable performances that shaped this day in music history.
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Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Several chart-topping songs and albums made their mark on February 24 over the years.
1973: Roberta Flack Tops the Charts
In 1973, Roberta Flack scored a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with her timeless ballad Killing Me Softly With His Song. The track held the top spot for five consecutive weeks and became one of the decade’s most beloved recordings.
1975: Led Zeppelin Releases Physical Graffiti
In 1975, Led Zeppelin released their sixth studio album, Physical Graffiti. Featuring standout tracks like “The Rover” and “Ten Years Gone,” the album quickly climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and also topped the U.K. Albums Chart.
1978: Nick Lowe’s Solo Debut
Nick Lowe dropped his debut solo album, Jesus of Cool, in 1978. The record reached No. 22 in the U.K. and featured the Top 10 single “I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass.”
1998: Train’s First Album
In 1998, Train released their self-titled debut album. While it didn’t break into the Billboard 200 Top 40, it produced the hit single “Meet Virginia,” which peaked at No. 20 on the Hot 100.
1999: Céline Dion’s GRAMMY Triumph
At the 41st Annual GRAMMY Awards, Céline Dion won Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for My Heart Will Go On, the iconic love theme from the blockbuster film Titanic.
2000 Santana’s Grammys
Carlos Santana won 8 Grammys for his Supernatural album which hit No. 1
in 11 countries, including the US. It produced 6 hits, including ‘Smooth’ with
Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas
Cultural Milestones
February 24 has also marked significant cultural and industry-shaping events.
1955: The Birth of Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs, later nicknamed the “Father of Digital Music,” was born in San Francisco. As co-founder of Apple Inc., Jobs revolutionized music distribution through digital platforms, forever changing how fans access music.
1987: Paul Simon Opens the GRAMMYs
At the 29th GRAMMY Awards, Paul Simon opened the show with “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes” alongside Ladysmith Black Mambazo. That same night, Simon won Album of the Year for Graceland.
1992: Kurt Cobain Marries Courtney Love
After meeting in Seattle, Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love married on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Cobain, frontman of Nirvana, and Love later welcomed their daughter, Frances Bean Cobain.
1998: Elton John Knighted
At Buckingham Palace, Elton John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to music and charity, officially becoming Sir Elton John.
2009: Duke Ellington Honored on U.S. Currency
The U.S. Mint released a commemorative quarter featuring Duke Ellington, marking the first time a Black American appeared on a circulating U.S. coin.
Notable Recordings and Performances
1965: The Beach Boys Record “Help Me, Ronda”
The Beach Boys recorded “Help Me, Ronda,” written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love. The song later replaced The Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride” at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
1969: Jimi Hendrix at Royal Albert Hall
The Jimi Hendrix Experience performed at Royal Albert Hall in London. It was the last U.K. performance featuring the band’s original lineup.
1978: Barry Manilow TV Special
Barry Manilow hosted The Second Barry Manilow Special, featuring guest star Ray Charles. The program later won a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Musical Direction.
2023: Harry Styles Sells Out Melbourne
In 2023, Harry Styles performed to nearly 50,000 fans at Marvel Stadium in Australia as part of his Love on Tour.
Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Industry Tributes and Headlines
1992: Elvis Presley Stamp Announcement
The U.S. Postal Service announced a commemorative stamp honoring Elvis Presley. Fans voted between two designs, ultimately selecting a youthful 1950s image of the King of Rock and Roll.
1998: Tommy Lee Arrested
Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe was arrested and later sentenced to six months in jail after pleading no contest to spousal abuse charges involving Pamela Anderson.
2020: Kobe Bryant Memorial Tribute
At the memorial service for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, powerful performances were delivered by Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé, honoring the lives lost in the tragic helicopter crash.
Final Thoughts
February 24 stands out in music history for its powerful blend of celebration and remembrance. From GRAMMY-winning achievements and groundbreaking albums to heartfelt tributes and unforgettable live performances, this date continues to resonate across generations of music fans.