Top 40 History: February 12
On this day, February 12, some significant events in the history of popular music took place. Motown celebrated its first million-selling single, while Adele made history by winning five GRAMMY awards. Rock stars also found themselves embroiled in various legal challenges that captivated the public’s attention. Additionally, pop sensation Rihanna delivered a memorable performance at the Super Bowl halftime show, attracting one of the largest viewing audiences in the history of the event.
This date marked the release of several breakthrough hits and albums, as well as the achievement of various milestones. In 1977, Barbra Streisand’s “A Star Is Born” claimed the top spot on the charts in the U.S. In 1981, Rush released their eighth studio album, “Moving Pictures,” which reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and produced hit singles like “Limelight” and “Tom Sawyer.” Another notable release was XTC’s “English Settlement” in 1982, which reached No. 5 on the UK Albums chart and spawned the hit song “Senses Working Overtime.” In 1990, MC Hammer’s third album, “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em,” achieved great success with multiple Top 20 hits, including the iconic “U Can’t Touch This.” Beyoncé made history in 2006 by becoming the first woman to have both a No. 1 song and star in a No. 1 movie simultaneously. Moreover, Adele’s remarkable sweep at the 59th GRAMMY Awards in 2017 solidified her status as one of music’s biggest stars.
In the realm of cultural milestones, some artists used their platform to address social issues and change perceptions within the industry. Gucci Mane, born in 1980, collaborated with various artists to create several Top 40 hits, while Mike Posner’s “I Took A Pill In Ibiza” became a chart-topping success in 2015. Snoop Doggy Dogg and Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs attempted to quell the East Coast-West Coast rap rivalry, which tragically claimed the life of Tupac Shakur. In 2015, Weird Al Yankovic’s stint as a guest editor for Mad magazine added a humorous twist to its satirical content. Notably, Rihanna’s show-stopping performance at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2023, where she revealed her pregnancy, remains one of the most-watched halftime shows to date.
Several significant recordings and performances also took place on February 12 throughout history. From Blondie and Tom Petty’s live show in 1977 to David Bowie receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997, these events highlighted the diverse talent in the music industry. Soundgarden’s release of “By Crooked Steps” in 2013 and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band’s memorable performance at the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2012 further showcased the breadth of musical artistry captured in these moments.
Furthermore, the industry has not been without its challenges. From legal battles involving The Rolling Stones in 1967 to Aretha Franklin’s court case for breach of contract in 2003, and Roger Isley’s prison sentence for tax evasion in 2008, these incidents underscore the complexities and pitfalls that artists face in their careers. The passing of Al Jarreau in 2017 marked the end of a prolific music career, while Glenn Tipton’s retirement from touring due to Parkinson’s disease in 2018 signified a changing of the guard within Judas Priest. Trugoy the Dove’s death in 2023 served as a reminder of the impact that influential artists like him have had on the music landscape.
From Super Bowl extravaganzas to legal entanglements for rock legends, the events of February 12 reflect the dynamic evolution of the music industry and its enduring influence on popular culture.