On February 16, 1990, The Weeknd (born Abel Tesfaye) entered the world in Ontario, Canada. He began pursuing music at 17 after dropping out of high school — a bold move that would eventually reshape modern R&B and pop.
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The Weeknd has earned five No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, including Starboy and Hurry Up Tomorrow. He has also scored multiple No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, such as The Hills and Can’t Feel My Face.
Other notable birthdays on this date include Sonny Bono of Sonny & Cher, known for “I Got You Babe,” and Danielle Haim of HAIM.
🚀 Breakthrough Hits Released on February 16
Several artists have dropped major singles on this date:
1999 – Jordan Knight – “Give It to You”
Knight released “Give It to You,” the lead single from his self-titled debut. Co-written by Robin Thicke, the track showcased a smooth falsetto and bold, sensual lyrics. It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart.
2018 – Sean Paul – “Mad Love”
Sean Paul released “Mad Love,” featuring Becky G and David Guetta. Praised for its infectious rhythm and bilingual flair, the song peaked at No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart.
🎤 Cultural Milestones in Top 40 History
1999 – Rolling Stones Day in Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton declared “Rolling Stones Day” to honor The Rolling Stones and their decades of hits, including “Paint It, Black” and “Honky Tonk Women.” Dayton had a unique connection to the band — he once worked as their bodyguard.
2007 – Britney Spears Shaves Her Head
After struggling with intense media scrutiny and personal challenges, Britney Spears shaved her head at a Los Angeles salon. In her memoir, The Woman in Me, she later described the act as a form of reclaiming control after years of public pressure.
2011 – Lady Gaga Makes Chart History
Lady Gaga’s Born This Way became the 1,000th No. 1 song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. She called the milestone “a tremendous honor, the greatest of my career.”
⚖️ Industry Changes and Challenges
1990 – Ike Turner Sentenced
A Superior Court judge sentenced Ike Turner to four years in prison on drug-related charges. Due to time already served, he became eligible for parole after 18 months.
1999 – Ol’ Dirty Bastard Arrested
Russell Tyrone Jones, known professionally as Ol’ Dirty Bastard, was arrested in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Reports stated he was wearing a bulletproof vest, which violated the terms of his prior legal restrictions.
2015 – Leslie Gore Dies at 68
Leslie Gore passed away in New York City at age 68. She was best known for her Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “It’s My Party,” along with other Top 10 songs including “She’s a Fool,” “Judy’s Turn to Cry,” and “You Don’t Own Me.”
Why February 16 Matters in Music History
From chart-topping birthdays and historic No. 1 milestones to unforgettable cultural moments, February 16 stands as a significant date in Top 40 history. Whether celebrating The Weeknd’s global success or Lady Gaga’s record-breaking achievement, this day reflects the evolving landscape of pop music.