On September 24, 2011, Maroon 5 overtook Adele on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Moves Like Jagger,” featuring Christina Aguilera. The infectious single became one of the band’s signature hits and added another major chart success to Maroon 5’s growing catalog.
Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images
The group would go on to deliver several other major hits, including “Payphone” and “One More Night.”
But Maroon 5’s chart achievement is only one part of the story. From landmark album releases and legendary recordings to unforgettable performances and pop-culture moments, September 24 has been an important date for music fans across generations.
Breakthrough Hits and Major Album Milestones
Several influential albums arrived on September 24, giving the date a notable place in music history.
1981: Kool & the Gang Release Something Special
Kool & the Gang released Something Special, their 13th studio album, on September 24, 1981.
The album reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and produced two Top 20 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Take My Heart” and “Get Down On It.”
The release helped maintain the group’s strong presence on the pop and R&B charts.
1991: Bryan Adams Releases Waking Up the Neighbors
September 24, 1991, saw the release of Bryan Adams’ sixth studio album, Waking Up the Neighbors.
The album spent 75 weeks on the Billboard 200 and peaked at No. 6. It also produced six Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100.
Among those songs were “Can’t Stop This Thing We Started,” “There Will Never Be Another Tonight” and “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You.”
The latter became one of Adams’ biggest career hits, spending seven weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100.
1991: Nirvana Releases Nevermind
One of the most important albums of the 1990s also arrived on September 24, 1991.
Nirvana released Nevermind, an album that transformed the band’s career and helped push alternative rock into the mainstream.
The record eventually sold more than 10 million copies in the United States and featured two of Nirvana’s best-known songs: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come as You Are.”
1991: Red Hot Chili Peppers Release Blood Sugar Sex Magik
September 24, 1991, was an especially significant day for rock music.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released Blood Sugar Sex Magik, an album that became one of the defining releases of their career.
The record sold more than 10 million copies and produced major singles including “Under the Bridge,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Give It Away,” which earned a GRAMMY Award.
1996: Weezer Releases Pinkerton
Weezer released its 10-track sophomore album, Pinkerton, on September 24, 1996.
The album reached No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and eventually became closely associated with songs such as “El Scorcho,” “Pink Triangle” and “The Good Life.”
2012: Mumford & Sons Release Babel
Mumford & Sons added another major release to September 24’s musical history in 2012.
The British folk-rock group released Babel, its second studio album. The record became the fastest-selling album in the U.K. that year and further established the band’s international popularity.
Cultural Milestones From September 24
Music history isn’t limited to album releases and chart positions. September 24 has also been connected to major moments involving musicians and pop culture.
1941: Linda McCartney Is Born
Linda Louise Eastman, better known as Linda McCartney, was born in New York on September 24, 1941.
She later married former Beatles member Paul McCartney and became a member of Wings. The band produced several major hits, including the chart-topping “Band on the Run.”
Linda McCartney also became known for her photography, musicianship and work alongside Paul.
1962: Elvis Presley and the Royal Variety Performance
Elvis Presley received an invitation to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in the United Kingdom in 1962.
His manager declined the opportunity because of Elvis’ movie commitments. Concerns surrounding Elvis’ immigration status were also reportedly part of the situation.
The episode remains an interesting footnote in the King’s international career.
1971: Peter Salisbury Is Born
Peter Salisbury was born in South West England on September 24, 1971.
He later became a founding member and drummer of The Verve. The British band achieved major success with albums including Urban Hymns and Forth, both of which reached No. 1 in the U.K.
1999: Britney Spears Appears on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
Britney Spears made a memorable television appearance on Sabrina, the Teenage Witch in 1999.
During the episode “No Place Like Home,” Spears danced with Sabrina, adding another pop-culture moment to her rapidly growing career.
2023: Taylor Swift Attends an NFL Game
Taylor Swift made headlines in September 2023 when she attended an NFL game to support Travis Kelce.
Her appearance generated enormous attention and was followed by increased interest in Kelce’s jersey and the game’s television audience.
The moment became another example of the enormous cultural reach of contemporary pop stars.
Notable Recordings and Performances
September 24 has also produced memorable recordings and live performances from some of music’s biggest names.
1957: Elvis Presley Releases “Jailhouse Rock”
Elvis Presley released “Jailhouse Rock” on September 24, 1957.
The song quickly became one of his signature recordings and eventually became Presley’s ninth No. 1 hit.
Its combination of rock ‘n’ roll energy and memorable imagery helped establish “Jailhouse Rock” as a lasting part of his musical legacy.
1964: The Supremes Make Their TV Debut
The Supremes appeared on The Steve Allen Show for the first time in 1964.
The group performed “Where Did Our Love Go,” one of their major early hits.
The appearance helped showcase the Motown trio to a national television audience during one of the most successful periods of their career.
1990: AC/DC Releases The Razors Edge
AC/DC released The Razors Edge on September 24, 1990.
The band’s 11th studio album reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included the enduring rock hit “Thunderstruck.”
The album became an important commercial success for the Australian rock group.
2003: Dave Matthews Band Performs in Central Park
Dave Matthews Band played its largest concert to that point in New York City’s Central Park on September 24, 2003.
The performance was recorded and later released as The Central Park Concert, giving fans an official recording of the landmark show.
2015: Ariana Grande Performs in Raleigh
Ariana Grande brought her Honeymoon Tour to PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 2015.
Her set included songs such as “Love Me Harder,” “Honeymoon Avenue” and “Hands on Me.”
The tour supported My Everything, Grande’s No. 1 album and one of the major releases of her early career.
2018: Drake Brings His Tour to New Orleans
Drake performed at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans in 2018 as part of the Aubrey & The Three Migos Live! Tour.
The rapper delivered a 33-song set that included major hits such as “God’s Plan,” “Nice for What” and “Work,” his collaboration with Rihanna.
Industry Changes and Challenges
September 24 has also marked difficult moments and unusual milestones in the music industry.
1997: Larry Hall Dies at 57
Larry Hall died of cancer on September 24, 1997, at age 57.
Born in Hamlett, Ohio, Hall was best known for his one Top 40 hit, “Sandy.” The song reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
2009: Ozzy Osbourne Passes His Driving Test
Ozzy Osbourne announced in 2009 that he had finally passed his driving test after decades of attempts.
The milestone reportedly came after 19 failed attempts. To celebrate, the Black Sabbath frontman purchased a Ferrari.
The car was later involved in a crash in 2010, adding an unexpected chapter to the story.
2014: George Hilliard Dies at 73
George Hilliard died at age 73 in 2014.
He was best known as the lead vocalist of The Tymes, a group that scored several Top 40 hits in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
Among the band’s best-known recordings was “So Much in Love,” which topped the U.S. pop chart and reached No. 21 on the U.K. Singles Chart.
2024: Cat Glover Dies at 62
Dancer and performer Cat Glover died in 2024 at age 62.
According to accounts of her career, Glover began dancing at a very young age and later became closely associated with Prince.
She contributed to Prince’s 1987 film Sign o’ the Times and appeared in connection with his 1988 Top 10 hit “Alphabet St.”
Why September 24 Matters in Music History
From rock and pop to R&B and folk, September 24 has produced an unusually wide range of musical milestones.
The date connects artists from different generations, including Elvis Presley, The Supremes, Bryan Adams, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, Maroon 5, Ariana Grande, Drake and Taylor Swift.
It also highlights how music history extends beyond chart rankings. Album releases, television appearances, major concerts, cultural moments and personal milestones can all shape an artist’s legacy.
Whether you’re a fan of Adam Levine and Maroon 5, the alternative-rock sound of Nirvana and Weezer, the folk influences of Mumford & Sons, or classic performers such as Elvis Presley, September 24 offers plenty to remember.