This Day in Top 40 History: July 9
July 9th has been packed with unforgettable moments in Top 40 history. From the rise of genre-blending stars to industry shakeups that changed how we hear and share music, this…
July 9th has been packed with unforgettable moments in Top 40 history. From the rise of genre-blending stars to industry shakeups that changed how we hear and share music, this date has seen it all. Whether it's chart-topping hits or behind-the-scenes turning points, July 9th has helped shape the sound of popular music in big ways.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
A number of artists reached major milestones on July 9th:
- 1983: The Police were No. 1 with “Every Breath You Take,” a haunting ballad that would go on to become one of the most played songs in radio history.
- 1994: All-4-One's “I Swear” held strong at No. 1 during its 11-week run, showing just how powerful a slow jam could be in the '90s.
- 2004: Usher had two songs in the top 10—“Confessions Part II” and “Yeah!”—with his album Confessions cementing his dominance in R&B.
- 2011: Katy Perry's “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)” joined her four other No. 1 singles from Teenage Dream, tying Michael Jackson's record for most No. 1s off a single album.
Cultural Milestones
Some of July 9th's chart moments also reflected major shifts in musical taste and culture.
- 1977: Donna Summer's “I Feel Love” was climbing the charts with a groundbreaking electronic sound. It laid the foundation for modern dance and EDM.
- 1988: Bobby McFerrin's “Don't Worry, Be Happy” was gaining popularity with its no-instruments, no-problem vibe — offering a lighthearted moment during politically tense times.
- 2016: Twenty One Pilots' “Ride” broke into the Top 5, showing the mainstream rise of genre mashups and a new wave of alt-pop stars.
Notable Recordings and Performances
A few July 9th moments in the studio and on stage made lasting impressions:
- 1985: Buzz was building for Live Aid. On July 9th, the world was watching as artists like Queen and Madonna prepared for one of the biggest concerts of all time.
- 1991: Tom Petty released Into the Great Wide Open, adding another solid chapter to his legacy with heartland rock and radio-ready storytelling.
- 2021: Olivia Rodrigo's “Good 4 U” held strong at No. 1, blending punk-pop with Gen Z angst and continuing her explosive debut year.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Beyond the music, July 9th also had key shifts in how the business side of the industry worked.
- 1999: Napster was launched. File sharing was about to shake the music world — changing how fans accessed songs and how artists got paid.
- 2005: Billboard started to show digital downloads in their charts. The chart rankings started to look very different.
July 9th is a date full of music that shaped the charts, and the culture. We saw Donna Summer's electronic revolution and Usher had two songs in the top 10. We also saw Katy Perry tie Michael Jackson with the most No. 1s from a single record.
