May 22 is an important date in Top 40 music history. Over the years, the day has delivered chart-topping hits, unforgettable performances, major cultural moments, and industry-changing events. From Diana Ross dominating the charts to Taylor Swift selling out arenas, May 22 has left a lasting mark on pop music.
Here’s a look back at some of the most memorable moments in Top 40 music history on May 22.
Breakthrough Hits and Chart Milestones
Several major artists reached new heights on the Billboard charts on May 22.
Diana Ross Releases Diana (1980)
In 1980, Diana Ross released her eighth studio album, Diana, through Motown Records. The album became a massive success, topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spending more than 50 weeks on the Billboard 200.
The project produced two iconic Top 10 hits:
- “Upside Down”
- “I’m Coming Out”
Both songs became defining records of Ross’ legendary career.
Siouxsie and the Banshees Launch “Spellbound” (1981)
In 1981, Siouxsie and the Banshees released “Spellbound,” a track praised for its innovative guitar work and dark energy. The song reached No. 22 on the U.K. Singles Chart.
It also served as the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album, Juju, which climbed to No. 7 on the U.K. Albums Chart.
Toni Basil Debuts Word of Mouth (1981)
Toni Basil released her debut album, Word of Mouth, in 1981. The album reached No. 22 in the United States and No. 15 in the United Kingdom.
The project featured “Mickey,” Basil’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also peaked at No. 2 on the U.K. Singles Chart and became one of the most recognizable pop songs of the decade.
Janet Jackson Rules the Hot 100 (1993)
Janet Jackson’s smooth and sensual hit “That’s the Way Love Goes” spent its second week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993.
The single stayed at the top for eight weeks and introduced a more laid-back sound that helped redefine Jackson’s image and musical direction.
Usher Scores Another No. 1 (2004)
In 2004, Usher’s “Burn” climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song became the third consecutive Top 10 hit from his blockbuster album Confessions, further cementing Usher’s dominance during the early 2000s.
Eminem Makes History with “Not Afraid” (2010)
Eminem’s “Not Afraid” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2010.
At the time, it became only the 16th song in history to debut atop the chart, showcasing Eminem’s continued influence in mainstream music.
Cultural Moments That Shaped Pop Music
May 22 also delivered several unforgettable moments in music culture.
Jerry Lee Lewis Marriage Scandal (1958)
At London’s Heathrow Airport in 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis revealed that he had married his 13-year-old cousin, Myra Gale Brown.
The scandal shocked the public and forced Lewis to cancel his upcoming U.K. tour, severely damaging his career during one of rock and roll’s biggest eras.
Morrissey Is Born (1959)
Morrissey, future frontman of The Smiths, was born in England on May 22, 1959.
The Smiths became one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s, earning 17 U.K. Top 40 albums, including the No. 1 releases:
- The World Won’t Listen
- Meat Is Murder
Morrissey later enjoyed a successful solo career with hits such as:
- “Let Me Kiss You”
- “The More You Ignore Me, the Closer I Get”
Madonna Premieres I Am Because We Are (2008)
In 2008, Madonna premiered her documentary I Am Because We Are at the Cannes Film Festival.
The film focused on poverty and HIV/AIDS affecting children in Malawi. At the time, Madonna was also in the process of adopting her son, David Banda.
Memorable Performances and Recordings
Several iconic performances and live events also took place on May 22.
The Rolling Stones Perform in California (1965)
The Rolling Stones performed “The Last Time” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” at Ratcliffe Stadium in Fresno, California, during their 1965 North American Tour.
Fleetwood Mac Reunites for MTV Unplugged (1997)
Fleetwood Mac reunited in 1997 to record an MTV Unplugged special.
Fans celebrated the chance to hear acoustic versions of the band’s biggest hits during this special performance.
Taylor Swift Brings the Fearless Tour to Los Angeles (2009)
Taylor Swift performed at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during her wildly successful Fearless Tour.
The setlist included fan favorites such as:
- “Love Story”
- “You Belong With Me”
- “Hey Stephen”
- “Should’ve Said No”
The Fearless Tour lasted 15 months and featured 118 shows attended by more than one million fans worldwide.
Ariana Grande Shines on The Honeymoon Tour (2015)
Ariana Grande thrilled fans in 2015 with performances of:
- “Love Me Harder”
- “Honeymoon Avenue”
- “Break Your Heart Right Back”
The performances were part of The Honeymoon Tour, which supported her album My Everything. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for more than 90 weeks.
Billboard Music Awards Celebrate Prince (2016)
The 2016 Billboard Music Awards took place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Britney Spears opened the show with a medley of her greatest hits, while Madonna and Stevie Wonder paid tribute to Prince with emotional performances of:
- “Nothing Compares 2 U”
- “Purple Rain”
Industry Changes and Difficult Moments
May 22 has also reflected the evolving challenges facing the music industry.
Payola Conviction Changes Radio Promotion (1992)
Independent record promoter Ralph Tashjian became the first person convicted under U.S. payola laws in 1992.
He pleaded guilty to distributing cash and cocaine to radio stations in exchange for airplay, highlighting corruption within the music business.
Manchester Concert Bombing (2017)
In 2017, a bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, killed 22 people and injured dozens more.
The tragedy deeply impacted the music industry and led to increased security measures at concerts and live events worldwide.
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Cancelled (2020)
BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend was scheduled for May 22–24, 2020, in Dundee, Scotland.
The event, featuring artists such as Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, and Camila Cabello, was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
TikTok Reshapes the Music Industry (2022)
By 2022, TikTok’s influence on the music industry had become impossible to ignore.
Artists increasingly used the platform to launch viral hits, while record labels adapted their marketing strategies to keep up with rapidly changing trends.
Taylor Swift Concert Threat Disrupted (2024)
In 2024, Austrian authorities uncovered an alleged terror plot targeting Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna.
Officials arrested two suspects connected to the planned attack, highlighting ongoing security concerns surrounding major live events.
Photo by Sergio Dionisio/Getty Images
The Lasting Legacy of May 22 in Music
May 22 remains a remarkable date in Top 40 music history. From chart-topping singles and legendary performances to cultural milestones and industry-changing events, the day reflects the powerful impact pop music continues to have around the world.