January 30 has delivered iconic birthdays, chart-topping releases, and unforgettable cultural moments throughout Top 40 history.
On Jan. 30, 1951, Phil Collins was born in London, England, to June and Greville Collins. Over the decades, Collins built one of pop music’s most enviable careers. He placed two albums at No. 1 on the Billboard 200—No Jacket Required and …But Seriously—and earned at least seven No. 1 singles in the U.S., including classics like “Another Day in Paradise” and “Two Hearts.”
Other notable artists born on Jan. 30 include Kid Cudi, best known for “Day ’N’ Nite,” and Jefferson Airplane co-founder Marty Balin. If you’re looking to explore more defining moments in Top 40 history, you’re in the right place.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
January 30 has also been a key release date for several notable albums and singles:
1995: Simple Minds released their tenth studio album, Good News From The Next World. While it missed the Top 40 on the Billboard 200, it reached No. 2 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart and produced two U.K. Top 20 hits: “She’s a River” and “Hypnotised.”
1996: Ministry issued their sixth studio album, Filthy Pig. Singles such as “The Fall,” “Reload,” “Brick Windows,” and “Lay Lady Lay” helped the album peak at No. 19 in the U.S.
2007: Norah Jones released her third studio album, Not Too Late. While tracks like “Wish I Could,” “Wake Me Up,” and “Not My Friend” didn’t crack the Top 40, the album itself hit No. 1 in both the U.S. and the U.K.
2017: Bruno Mars launched “That’s What I Like,” a single from his album 24K Magic. The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, stayed on the chart for over 50 weeks, and helped push the album into the U.S. Top Five. (cover pic Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Cultural Milestones
Several noteworthy cultural moments tied to Top 40 history also occurred on Jan. 30:
1994: Natalie Cole performed the national anthem at Super Bowl XXVIII in Atlanta, Georgia, adding elements of “America the Beautiful” to her rendition.
2025: The FireAid benefit concert was held at the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome in Los Angeles to support victims of the California wildfires. Performers included Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and Rod Stewart.
Industry Changes and Challenges
January 30 has also marked pivotal—and sometimes tragic—moments in music history:
1972: During a protest in Derry, Northern Ireland, British soldiers fired on unarmed civilians in an event later known as “Bloody Sunday.” Thirteen people were killed. The tragedy inspired Paul McCartney to write “Give Ireland Back to the Irish” for Wings, which reached the Top 30 in both the U.S. and the U.K.
2013: Patty Andrews passed away in Northridge, California, at age 94. As a member of The Andrews Sisters, she helped score more than 40 Top 10 singles.
After witnessing decades of landmark releases, cultural moments, and unforgettable artists, January 30 remains a significant date in Top 40 history.