October 29 holds a special place in music history, with major announcements, chart-topping hits, memorable performances, and milestones from some of the biggest names in entertainment.
On this day in 2013, the Jonas Brothers announced they would no longer continue as a band, bringing an end to a successful run that included millions of album sales, a Disney Channel television series, and a feature film. Fortunately for fans, the trio reunited in 2019.
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But the Jonas Brothers’ announcement is only one of the memorable events associated with October 29. From Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s iconic duet to record-breaking achievements by Taylor Swift and Adele, the date has delivered plenty of noteworthy moments in pop music.
Here’s a look back at the songs, albums, artists, and performances that helped shape October 29 in music history.
Breakthrough Hits and Music Milestones on October 29
October 29 has marked the release of influential albums, major chart achievements, and memorable singles across pop, rock, country, and hip-hop.
1982: Pat Benatar Releases Get Nervous
Pat Benatar released her fourth studio album, Get Nervous, on October 29, 1982. The album peaked at No. 4 in the United States and produced three Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100: “Little Too Late,” “Shadows of the Night,” and “Looking for a Stranger.”
The record further established Benatar as one of the defining rock artists of the early 1980s.
1983: Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Sets a Chart Record
Pink Floyd’s landmark album The Dark Side of the Moon reached another historic milestone on October 29, 1983, when it set a record for the most weeks spent on the Billboard albums chart.
The album’s remarkable longevity reflected its lasting appeal. Since its release, the record has become one of the most enduring and commercially successful albums in rock history.
1983: Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Top the Charts
Country music legends Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton reached No. 1 with their celebrated duet “Islands in the Stream.”
Written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, the song crossed genre boundaries and became one of the most recognizable duets of the 1980s. Its enduring popularity has made it a staple of country and pop music alike.
2010: Cheryl Cole Releases Messy Little Raindrops
British singer Cheryl Cole released her second studio album, Messy Little Raindrops, on October 29, 2010.
Featuring guest appearances from Travie McCoy, will.i.am, and August Rigo, the album reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. It also produced the UK chart-topping single “Promise This.”
The release continued Cole’s success as a solo artist following her rise to fame with Girls Aloud.
2013: Toby Keith Releases Drinks After Work
Country star Toby Keith released Drinks After Work on October 29, 2013.
The album featured songs including “Little Miss Tear Stain” and “Call a Marine.” It reached No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Top Country Albums chart, adding another commercial success to Keith’s extensive catalog.
2014: One Direction Announces “Night Changes”
One Direction announced “Night Changes” as the second single from their fourth studio album, Four, on October 29, 2014.
Released two weeks later, the song became a fan favorite and was the group’s final single featuring Zayn Malik before his departure from the band.
The track remains an important part of One Direction’s musical legacy.
2015: Adele’s “Hello” Breaks a Vevo Record
Adele made headlines in October 2015 when the music video for “Hello” surpassed 100 million views on Vevo faster than Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball.”
The achievement highlighted the extraordinary anticipation surrounding Adele’s return to music. “Hello” went on to become a global hit and one of the defining songs of her career.
2021: Ed Sheeran Releases =
Ed Sheeran released his fifth studio album, =, on October 29, 2021.
The album topped both the UK Official Albums Chart and the Billboard 200. It also featured the hit singles “Shivers” and “Bad Habits,” both of which reached the upper levels of major charts.
With its blend of pop, acoustic influences, and polished production, = continued Sheeran’s run of international success.
2021: Megan Thee Stallion Drops Something for Thee Hotties
Megan Thee Stallion released Something for Thee Hotties on October 29, 2021.
The 21-track project included “Megan’s Piano,” “Megan Monday Freestyle,” and “God’s Favorite.” It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, giving fans a collection that showcased her freestyling, lyrical confidence, and distinctive style.
2022: Taylor Swift Makes UK Chart History
Taylor Swift achieved a major chart milestone in October 2022, surpassing Madonna’s record for the fastest female artist to earn nine No. 1 albums in the United Kingdom.
Swift reached the milestone just one week after releasing her tenth studio album, Midnights. The achievement underscored her extraordinary commercial success and the anticipation surrounding each new release.
Cultural Milestones and Artist Birthdays
Beyond hit records and chart positions, October 29 also celebrates the birthdays of notable entertainers and remembers significant moments in music and popular culture.
1961: Randy Jackson Is Born
Randy Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana, on October 29, 1961.
A member of the famous Jackson family, he was part of The Jacksons, the group associated with classic hits such as “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” He joined the group after his brother Jermaine departed.
His place in the family’s musical legacy connects him to one of the most influential dynasties in American pop music.
1972: Tracee Ellis Ross Is Born
Tracee Ellis Ross was born Tracee Joy Silberstein on October 29, 1972. She is the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross and music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein.
Ross built an acclaimed acting career, earning recognition for her leading roles in television series including Girlfriends and Black-ish. Her work has established her as a prominent figure in television and entertainment beyond her family’s musical legacy.
1976: The Script’s Mark Sheehan Is Born
Mark Sheehan, guitarist and co-founder of Irish pop-rock band The Script, was born on October 29, 1976.
The band became internationally known for songs such as “Breakeven,” “For the First Time,” and “Hall of Fame.” Sheehan helped shape the group’s signature blend of pop hooks, rock instrumentation, and emotionally driven lyrics.
He died in April 2023 at age 46 following a brief illness.
1987: Tove Lo Is Born
Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo, born Ebba Tove Elsa Nilsson, was born in Stockholm on October 29, 1987.
Known for her candid songwriting and alternative-pop sound, she earned international recognition with songs including “Habits (Stay High)” and “Talking Body.” She also collaborated with Nick Jonas on “Close.”
Her distinctive approach to pop music has helped her build a devoted international following.
1987: David Bowie Takes the Glass Spider Tour to Australia
On October 29, 1987, David Bowie kicked off the Oceania leg of his Glass Spider Tour with a performance in Brisbane, Australia.
The tour supported his seventeenth studio album, Never Let Me Down. Known for its ambitious staging and theatrical presentation, the Glass Spider Tour reflected Bowie’s continuing interest in combining music, visual spectacle, and performance art.
2009: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
New York City’s Madison Square Garden hosted a series of concerts celebrating the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th anniversary in late October 2009.
The performances began on October 29 and continued on October 30, bringing together influential artists including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The anniversary concerts celebrated the musicians whose work helped shape the history of rock, soul, and popular music.
2014: T-Pain’s Tiny Desk Performance Goes Viral
T-Pain surprised audiences when his Tiny Desk concert was released in 2014.
Known for his use of Auto-Tune, the singer and rapper performed three songs without the vocal effect. The performance quickly attracted attention, showcasing his natural singing ability and challenging assumptions about his musicianship.
The viral moment became one of the most memorable performances in the Tiny Desk concert series.
2019: Ed Sheeran Tops a Celebrity Wealth Ranking
In October 2019, Ed Sheeran was named the richest celebrity under the age of 30 in a published UK wealth ranking.
Actor Daniel Radcliffe and singer Harry Styles followed him in second and third place, respectively. The ranking reflected Sheeran’s extraordinary commercial success across music sales, streaming, touring, and songwriting.
Notable Concerts and Live Performances on October 29
October 29 has also featured memorable concerts from artists representing different generations of pop and rock music. These performances offered fans a chance to hear major hits live while celebrating some of the biggest tours of their time.
2004: Green Day Performs on the American Idiot Tour
Green Day played a 20-song set at Philadelphia’s Liacouras Center on October 29, 2004.
The performance included songs such as “Holiday” and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” from American Idiot, the band’s hugely successful album. The record reached No. 1 and helped propel Green Day into a new phase of mainstream popularity.
The tour became a defining period for the band, combining politically charged songwriting with energetic live performances.
2005: Gwen Stefani Brings the Harajuku Lovers Tour to Michigan
Gwen Stefani performed at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan on October 29, 2005, as part of her Harajuku Lovers Tour.
Her set included the chart-topping hit “Hollaback Girl,” along with “Wind It Up” and other songs from her solo catalog. The tour featured more than 40 North American concerts and showcased Stefani’s colorful fashion, theatrical presentation, and pop-rock sound.
The performances helped establish her identity as a solo star beyond her work with No Doubt.
2007: Miley Cyrus Brings the Best of Both Worlds Tour to Seattle
Miley Cyrus’ Best of Both Worlds Tour stopped at Seattle’s KeyArena on October 29, 2007.
Performing as both herself and her popular Disney Channel character Hannah Montana, Cyrus entertained audiences with songs including “See You Again.” She also performed “Ready, Set, Don’t Go” with her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
The tour became a major cultural event for younger audiences, reflecting the growing influence of Disney Channel stars on mainstream music and live entertainment.
Why October 29 Matters in Music History
From the Jonas Brothers’ unexpected breakup announcement in 2013 to Taylor Swift’s record-breaking chart success in 2022, October 29 offers a snapshot of how the music industry continues to evolve.
The date connects generations of artists, from Pink Floyd and David Bowie to Adele, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ed Sheeran. It also highlights the many ways musicians leave their mark, whether through chart-topping singles, enduring albums, viral performances, or unforgettable concerts.
Whether you’re revisiting Midnights, listening to “Islands in the Stream,” or watching T-Pain’s acoustic Tiny Desk performance, these moments offer a reminder of music’s lasting power.
October 29 is more than a date on the calendar. It’s another chapter in the ever-evolving story of popular music.