July 10 has delivered some of pop music’s biggest moments. From chart-topping hits and landmark album releases to unforgettable performances and industry-changing events, this summer date has left a lasting mark on music history.
Here’s a look at the biggest moments that happened on July 10.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Several career-defining releases and chart achievements made July 10 a memorable day for music fans.
1972: Harry Nilsson Releases Son of Schmilsson
Harry Nilsson released his eighth studio album, Son of Schmilsson. The album reached No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and produced the Top 30 hit “Spaceman.”
1976: “Afternoon Delight” Reaches No. 1
Starland Vocal Band climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Afternoon Delight.” Its smooth harmonies and playful lyrics made it one of the defining soft rock hits of the 1970s.
1990: The Time Releases Pandemonium
The Time released its fourth studio album, Pandemonium. The record featured “Dreamland” and “Chocolate” and reached the Top 40 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
1999: Christina Aguilera Scores Her First No. 1
Christina Aguilera earned her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 with “Genie in a Bottle.” The breakthrough single launched her career and established her as one of pop music’s biggest new stars.
2010: Katy Perry Rules the Charts
Katy Perry’s “California Gurls,” featuring Snoop Dogg, became her second No. 1 single from Teenage Dream. The summer anthem celebrated her California roots and became one of the year’s biggest hits.
Cultural Milestones
Music also made headlines beyond the charts on July 10.
1976: Cher and Gregg Allman Welcome a Son
Cher and Gregg Allman welcomed their son, Elijah Blue Allman, in California. He later became a musician and founded the rock band Deadsy.
1989: The Monkees Receive a Hollywood Star
The Monkees were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony reunited Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, and Peter Tork for the first time since the late 1960s.
1993: Bob Seger Gets Married
Bob Seger married Juanita Dorricott. The couple remains together and has two children.
1997: Spice Girls Dominate MTV
The Spice Girls continued their rise with “Say You’ll Be There.” Their success helped popularize the “girl power” movement and influenced pop culture, fashion, and female-led music.
2000: Coldplay Releases Parachutes in the UK
Coldplay released Parachutes in the United Kingdom. The album introduced the band’s emotional alternative rock sound and helped redefine modern adult contemporary music.
Notable Recordings and Performances
July 10 also featured memorable recording sessions and live performances.
1972: Paul McCartney and Wings Record “Hi, Hi, Hi”
Paul McCartney and Wings recorded “Hi, Hi, Hi.” Despite controversy surrounding the song, it became another successful rock single for McCartney.
1981: The Rolling Stones Play RFK Stadium
The Rolling Stones performed at RFK Stadium during their Tattoo You Tour. The concert highlighted the band’s enduring popularity with generations of fans.
2013: Ellie Goulding Releases “Burn”
Ellie Goulding released “Burn” to UK radio. The song became her first UK No. 1 single and achieved international crossover success.
2025: Billie Eilish Performs in London
During her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, Billie Eilish performed at London’s O2 Arena. The set included “CHIHIRO,” “everything i wanted,” “Happier Than Ever,” and “BIRDS OF A FEATHER.”
Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
2025: Kendrick Lamar and SZA Bring Their Tour to Birmingham
Kendrick Lamar and SZA brought their Grand National Tour to Villa Park in Birmingham, England. Fans enjoyed performances of hits including “Kill Bill,” “King Kunta,” and “All the Stars.”
Industry Changes and Challenges
Several important industry events also occurred on July 10.
1979: Chuck Berry Sentenced for Tax Evasion
Chuck Berry received a four-month prison sentence after being convicted of tax evasion involving more than $110,000 in unpaid taxes.
1986: Jerry Garcia Enters a Diabetic Coma
Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia fell into a diabetic coma. He recovered after several days, but the band canceled upcoming concerts while he continued recuperating.
1989: Billboard Updates Adult Contemporary Charts
Billboard expanded its Adult Contemporary chart methodology by placing greater emphasis on radio airplay. The change better reflected listener habits and helped modernize chart rankings.
1997: Wanda Day Dies
Wanda Day, a founding member of 4 Non Blondes, died from a drug overdose in Salt Lake City. She had left the band several years earlier amid personal struggles and creative differences.
2001: Napster Shuts Down
Napster shut down its file-sharing service following court rulings. The closure became a major turning point in digital music distribution and transformed the music industry’s business model.
July 10’s Lasting Legacy
From Christina Aguilera’s breakthrough hit and Katy Perry’s summer anthem to Coldplay’s debut success and major industry changes, July 10 remains an important date in music history.
These milestones showcase how artists, songs, and industry developments continue to shape Top 40 and Adult Contemporary music while leaving a lasting impact on generations of listeners.