Top 40 History: April 4th – 95.7 BEN FM
April 4 has been a significant date in the history of the Top 40 charts, with various memorable events taking place. From controversial moments involving Madonna to the continued success of Justin Bieber and the announcement of New Kids on the Block’s reunion on The Today Show, this day has seen a variety of milestones. Artists like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Halsey have all experienced breakthrough hits and achievements on April 4 over the years. Montell Jordan’s debut album, “This Is How We Do It,” produced hits like the title track that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. P!nk’s debut album, “Can’t Take Me Home,” delivered successful singles like “Most Girls” and “You Make Me Sick.” Halsey’s music video for “Now or Never,” featuring graphic scenes, came out on this day as well. Ed Sheeran, known for his hit “Shape of You,” performed in Taiwan as part of his ÷ Tour, showcasing his rising star power on the global stage.
In terms of cultural milestones, April 4 has seen notable events throughout history. Clive Davis, a music industry icon, was born on this day and played a significant role in shaping the careers of artists like Billy Joel and Whitney Houston. Dave Hill, a member of Slade, achieved success with the band on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Jill Scott, a three-time GRAMMY winner, made her mark on the music scene with hits like “A Long Walk.” Additionally, April 4 marked the day when Pepsi-Cola dropped Madonna’s ad due to complaints about religious imagery in her music video for “Like a Prayer.” Furthermore, the reunion of New Kids on the Block on The Today Show in 2008 created a buzz in the music industry, signaling a comeback for the popular boy band.
On the performance front, various pop stars have had significant shows on April 4 over the years. From The Spice Girls kicking off their U.K. tour to Harry Styles captivating audiences in Italy, this date has witnessed diverse and memorable performances. The announcement of The Jonas Brothers performing at Yankee Stadium and Justin Timberlake headlining a music festival in Mexico also added excitement to this day in music history.
Industry changes and challenges have also marked April 4 in the music world. The Rolling Stones’ performance in India in 2003 despite heavy rain showcased their enduring popularity. However, not all events have been smooth, with controversies arising, such as the scattering of Jerry Garcia’s ashes without the knowledge of his family. As with any industry, the music business has its ups and downs, with artists facing various challenges and successes on this historic day. April 4 stands out as a profound date in the annals of Top 40 music history.