This Day in Top 40 History: July 29
July 29 continues to stand out in Top 40 and Adult Contemporary music history for delivering major pop milestones. From Lil Nas X making Billboard history with “Old Town Road”…
July 29 continues to stand out in Top 40 and Adult Contemporary music history for delivering major pop milestones. From Lil Nas X making Billboard history with "Old Town Road" to Beyoncé's Renaissance release, this date is jam-packed with chart achievements—literally! Madonna, NSYNC, and Matchbox Twenty all had their own hit achievements on July 29th. Add in a few landmark birthdays and influential performances, and this day proves to be a pretty epic date on the pop calendar.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Throughout the years, July 29 has seen the release of some of the most recognizable tracks in Top 40 and AC history, as well as chart achievements that helped define the careers of major artists.
- 1985: Madonna's "Into the Groove" hit No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. Though not originally released as a single in the U.S., its popularity led to heavy radio play and boosted her Like a Virgin album sales.
- 1997: Matchbox Twenty's "Push" entered the Billboard Hot 100, beginning its climb that would help solidify the band's spot in late '90s Top 40 radio. Ironically, this song gained traction again the very same week in 2023 when used by Ryan Gosling in the Barbie movie.
- 2000: NSYNC released "It's Gonna Be Me," which would go on to become the group's first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a defining track of 2000s pop.
- 2019: "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X became the longest-running No. 1 in U.S. chart history, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 17 weeks and breaking records held by "Despacito" and "One Sweet Day."
- 2022: Beyoncé released her seventh solo album, Renaissance, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album earned nine GRAMMY nominations, won four awards, and helped Beyoncé become the most awarded person in GRAMMY history.
Cultural Milestones
Pop culture and AC history often intersect, and July 29 has played host to key birthdays and tour moments that influenced fans and future artists alike.
- 1953: Geddy Lee of Rush was born. While Rush is rooted in progressive rock, their influence and Lee's recognition as a vocalist and musician have impacted artists across genres, including pop and AC.
- 1987: Madonna was in the middle of her Who's That Girl world tour. It would become one of the highest-grossing tours of the 1980s and further cement her status as a pop icon. On July 29th she performed in St. Paul, Minnesota, as part of her U.S. leg of the tour.
- 2001: Michelle Branch released her debut album, The Spirit Room, led by the Top 40/AC hit "Everywhere," which would become a teen pop anthem of the early 2000s.
Notable Recordings and Performances
July 29 has also been a day for performances and recordings that defined an era, with appearances that showcased the strength of AC and Top 40 artists.
- 1973: Helen Reddy recorded "Leave Me Alone (Ruby Red Dress)," which would become another hit in her string of feminist-forward anthems dominating both AC and pop charts.
- 2005: After winning American Idol, Kelly Clarkson still had a lot to prove to America that she was a talent worth discovering. She performed "Since U Been Gone" live at the MuchMusic Video Awards, a performance showcasing her vocal power. This performance was pivotal in her crossover into rock-leaning Top 40 territory.
Whether it's a viral hit from Lil Nas X, Beyoncé redefining dance-pop with Renaissance, or NSYNC and Madonna dominating the early 2000s and '80s, respectively, July 29 remains a snapshot of how Top 40 and AC music reflect their cultural moment. Major tours and debut albums, along with GRAMMY milestones and shakeups on the Billboard chart, prove July 29th contributes to the genre's ongoing evolution and enduring influence.
