January 8 has left a lasting imprint on music history, marking career-defining releases, legendary birthdays, unforgettable performances, and major industry moments.
Olivia Rodrigo’s Breakthrough (2021)
On January 8, 2021, Olivia Rodrigo released her debut single “drivers license,” the lead single from her album Sour. The song quickly surged to No. 1 on both the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 100, making Rodrigo the youngest solo artist to top both charts simultaneously.
The success of “drivers license” launched one of pop music’s most impressive modern debuts. She went on to earn five additional Top 10 hits in the U.S., including:
“good 4 u”
“deja vu”
“traitor”
“vampire”
“bad idea right?”
Notable Birthdays & Milestones on January 8
1935: Elvis Presley Is Born
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, on January 8, 1935. The King of Rock ’n’ Roll became one of the most influential artists of all time, earning dozens of Top 10 hits, including:
“Heartbreak Hotel”
“Hound Dog”
“Suspicious Minds”
Credit: Filmfare
1947: David Bowie Is Born
David Bowie was born in London, England, on January 8, 1947. Known for iconic No. 1 hits such as:
“Let’s Dance”
“Fame”
Bowie also released his final album, Blackstar, on January 8, 2016. The album debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., becoming his first chart-topping album there.
1989: Richard Marx Marries Cynthia Rhodes
Singer-songwriter Richard Marx, who scored nine Top 10 hits including “Right Here Waiting,” married actress and singer Cynthia Rhodes. The couple later divorced in 2014 but remained close while co-parenting their three sons.
2018: Kendrick Lamar’s Championship Performance
Kendrick Lamar headlined the College Football Playoff National Championship halftime show in Atlanta, delivering standout performances of:
“DNA.”
“HUMBLE.”
“LOYALTY.”
He closed the show with his collaboration “All the Stars” alongside SZA.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Industry & Cultural Moments on January 8
1973: Elvis Presley Files for Divorce
On his 38th birthday, Elvis Presley filed for divorce from Priscilla Presley after six years of marriage.
1991: Steve Clark of Def Leppard Dies
Steve Clark, guitarist for Def Leppard, passed away at age 30 from an accidental overdose, marking a tragic loss for the rock world.
2014: Reather Dixon Turner Passes Away
Reather Dixon Turner of The Bobbettes died at age 69. The group was best known for their groundbreaking hit “Mr. Lee,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Final Thoughts
From chart-breaking debuts to legendary births and unforgettable performances, January 8 has truly shaped Top 40 and popular music history across generations.