On September 7, A Look Back at Top 40 History
On September 7, 2016, The Chainsmokers and Halsey achieved a significant milestone as their song “Closer” topped the charts by reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This techno ballad held its position for an impressive 12 consecutive weeks, demonstrating its immense popularity not just in the United States but also in various other countries. Notably, “Closer” became the first song ever to maintain a spot in the Hot 100 Top 5 for a remarkable 26 weeks, solidifying its status as a massive hit.
Throughout history, musicians have made breakthroughs and achieved significant milestones on September 7, showcasing the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. In 1957, Sam Cooke’s “You Send Me” skyrocketed to success, claiming the top spot on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. Flash forward to 1985, where for the first time during the rock era, the top three songs on the Hot 100 chart were all movie soundtracks, including hits like “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)” by John Parr, “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis & the News from Back to the Future, and “We Don’t Need Another Hero” by Tina Turner featured in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.
The year 1997 marked a significant return for Fleetwood Mac, as their live album The Dance, featuring iconic tracks like “The Chain” and “Silver Springs,” claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart after a decade-long hiatus. Fast forward to 2008, where Britney Spears achieved success with her music video “Piece of Me,” earning her three MTV Video Music Awards and peaking at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Not all moments in the music industry are celebratory, however. September 7 has also seen significant losses and challenges. In 1996, Tupac Shakur tragically passed away after being involved in a drive-by shooting following a physical altercation. His legacy as an artist has continued to resonate with fans around the world. In 2018, the music world mourned the loss of Mac Miller due to an accidental drug overdose. The young rapper had multiple entries on the Billboard Hot 100, including “The Way,” a collaboration with Ariana Grande that spent 26 weeks on the charts.
The events of September 7 encompass the triumphs, tragedies, and challenges that define the lives of those in the spotlight. These milestones provide fans with a deeper understanding of the artists behind their favorite songs and the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.