On August 4, 2017, “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee—and boosted by the smash remix with Justin Bieber—became the most-watched YouTube video of all time, reaching nearly 3 billion views just months after its release. The global hit redefined streaming success and cemented its place in pop music history.
Keep reading for more memorable Top 40 music history moments from August 4.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Several landmark albums and singles reached major milestones on this day.
1984: Purple Rain Hits No. 1
Prince’s iconic Purple Rain soundtrack climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard 200, where it remained for 24 consecutive weeks. The album has since sold more than 25 million copies worldwide and remains one of the best-selling movie soundtracks ever released.
1987: Dirty Dancing Soundtrack Arrives
The Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack was released, featuring unforgettable hits including “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” and “Hungry Eyes.” The soundtrack eventually spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on the album charts.
1990: Mariah Carey’s First No. 1
Mariah Carey’s debut single, “Vision of Love,” began a four-week run atop the Billboard Hot 100. The song earned three GRAMMY nominations and won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, launching one of pop music’s most successful careers.
Cultural Milestones
August 4 has also delivered several unforgettable moments that helped shape music history.
1901: Louis Armstrong Is Born
Jazz legend Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans. Throughout his remarkable career, he scored timeless hits including “Hello, Dolly!” and “What a Wonderful World.”
1958: The Billboard Hot 100 Debuts
The Billboard Hot 100 officially launched, becoming the industry’s definitive singles chart. Ricky Nelson’s “Poor Little Fool” became the first song to reach No. 1.
1972: Michael Jackson Releases “Ben”
Michael Jackson released “Ben,” the title track from the film of the same name. It became his first solo No. 1 hit.
1984: Phil Collins Marries Jill Tavelman
Phil Collins married Jill Tavelman. Although the marriage ended in divorce in 1996, the couple welcomed daughter Lily Collins, who later became a successful actress known for Emily in Paris and The Last Tycoon.
1988: Tom Parker Is Born
Tom Parker, future member of The Wanted, was born in Bolton, England. After an unsuccessful audition for The X Factor, he eventually found international success with the band, whose hit “Glad You Came” became a worldwide favorite. Parker passed away from brain cancer in 2022 at age 33.
1994: The Notorious B.I.G. Marries Faith Evans
Hip-hop stars The Notorious B.I.G. and Faith Evans married just weeks after meeting during a Bad Boy Records photo shoot. Their marriage lasted until Biggie’s tragic murder in 1997.
Notable Recordings and Performances
From legendary studio sessions to memorable concerts, August 4 has produced remarkable performances.
1980: John Lennon Returns to the Studio
John Lennon and Yoko Ono began recording Double Fantasy in New York after Lennon’s five-year hiatus from music. Released only months before his death, the album reached No. 1 and later won the GRAMMY Award for Album of the Year.
2010: Paramore Rocks Philadelphia
Paramore energized fans at Festival Pier in Philadelphia during the Honda Civic Tour, performing favorites including “Decode,” “My Only Exception,” and “Let the Flames Begin.” Tegan and Sara served as one of the tour’s supporting acts.
2017: Sabrina Carpenter Performs in Miami
Before becoming a global pop superstar, Sabrina Carpenter performed at The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater during The De-Tour. Her 18-song set included “Can’t Blame a Girl for Trying,” “Feels Like Loneliness,” and “Mirage.”
Photo by Darren McCollester/Getty Images
2024: Lollapalooza Wraps Up
Lollapalooza 2024 concluded with performances from SZA, Megan Thee Stallion, Blink-182, and Hozier, closing another successful four-day festival in Chicago.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Not every August 4 memory has been celebratory. The music industry has also faced tragedy and adversity on this date.
1975: Robert Plant Injured in Car Crash
Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant suffered serious injuries in a car accident in Rhodes, Greece. The incident forced the band to cancel its North American tour while Plant recovered.
1990: New Kids on the Block Concert Robbery
During a New Kids on the Block concert in Canada, armed robbers stole proceeds from the band’s souvenir sales after threatening stadium employees.
2007: Lee Hazlewood Dies
Producer and songwriter Lee Hazlewood died at age 78 from complications of renal cancer. He is best remembered for writing and producing Nancy Sinatra’s classic “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” and collaborating on numerous hit recordings.
2011: Big Sean Arrested
Following a concert in Lewiston, New York, Big Sean was arrested on sexual assault charges. Later that year, prosecutors dropped those charges after he pleaded guilty to second-degree unlawful imprisonment and paid a fine.
2021: Rihanna Becomes the Wealthiest Female Musician
Forbes reported that Rihanna had become the world’s wealthiest female musician, thanks to the combined success of her music career and her thriving beauty and fashion businesses.
August 4 in Top 40 Music History
From “Despacito” becoming YouTube’s biggest phenomenon to Prince’s Purple Rain, Mariah Carey’s breakthrough, and unforgettable performances from artists like Paramore and Sabrina Carpenter, August 4 has left a lasting mark on pop music history. These milestones continue to influence artists and fans around the world, proving that this date remains one of the most memorable on the music calendar.