This Day in Top 40 History: July 5
You never know when you might witness a piece of music history. On July 5, 1975, Pink Floyd debuted their album Wish You Were Here at the Knebworth Festival. The…
You never know when you might witness a piece of music history. On July 5, 1975, Pink Floyd debuted their album Wish You Were Here at the Knebworth Festival. The album is now certified Gold in the U.S. and the U.K. Keep reading for more Top 40 history from July 5.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
July 5 featured many popular songs, albums, and artists, including:
- 1954: In Memphis, Tennessee, history was made when Elvis Presley professionally recorded his first song, "That's All Right." While the song did not top the Top 100 chart, it did reach No. 1 in sales and is in the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.
- 1986: Janet Jackson's third album, Control, achieved No. 1. The album had five Top 5 singles, cementing Jackson's place in the pop music industry.
Cultural Milestones
These performances and milestones from July 5 altered the music culture:
- 1997: The Lilith Fair, which was an all-female tour founded by Sarah McLachlan, had its first show. The tour grossed an astonishing $16 million and featured artists such as Fiona Apple, Paula Cole, Sheryl Crow, and the Indigo Girls.
- 2003: After a six-year hiatus, the Lollapalooza tour returned with headliner Jane's Addiction. Despite a lackluster response, the tour continued and eventually became the influential multi-day festival it is today.
- 2023: Adele spoke out about audience behavior after multiple instances of show-goers throwing objects at her, Bebe Rexha, Harry Styles, Pink, and Lil Nas X. Her remarks prompted discussions concerning proper concert etiquette.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Live performances allow fans to feel connected to their favorite artists. Notable concerts from July 5 include:
- 1969: The Rolling Stones performed for free in a tribute concert for their bandmate, Brian Jones at London's Hyde Park. 250,000 people filled the park to watch the show and to witness Mick Taylor's debut as the band's new guitarist.
- 2003: Johnny Cash appeared at the Carter Family Fold for the last live performance of his career. Cash performed a range of chart-topping songs, including "Ring of Fire" and "Folsom Prison Blues."
- 2014: The Grateful Dead's surviving members played their final show as a group in Chicago. Over 70,000 fans flocked to Soldier's Field to enjoy the farewell concert.
The events of July 5 have left an indelible mark on the music industry over the years. From the rebirth of Lollapalooza to the sentimental farewell from Johnny Cash, July 5 holds something memorable for music fans of all decades and genres.
