This Week in Billboard Chart History: Britney Spears ‘Hit’ Number ‘One’ for the First ‘Time’
In 1999, Spears' debut smash topped the Hot 100. Plus, remembering chart feats by Stevie Wonder, Madonna and the Beatles.
Your weekly recap celebrating significant milestones from more than seven decades of Billboard chart history
Jan. 26, 1991
Sting crowns Alternative Songs with the first single from his album The Soul Cages, as “All This Time” hits No. 1.
Jan. 27, 1973
Powered by its iconic clavinet riff, Stevie Wonder‘s “Superstition” dances to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s his second leader and first since his debut hit “Fingertips – Pt 2” ruled almost 10 years earlier.
Jan. 28, 1984
The Queen of Pop’s reign was underway, as Madonna‘s first Billboard Hot 100 entry, “Holiday,” peaked at No. 16 (for the first of two weeks). The song began her run of her first 27 Hot 100 hits all reaching the top 20 (through 1993) … 25 of which climbed to the top 10.
Jan. 29, 2000
Australian pop duo Savage Garden began a four-week command of the Billboard Hot 100 with “I Knew I Loved You.” The ballad also topped Adult Contemporary for a whopping 17 weeks.
Jan. 30, 1999
Almost two months after 17th birthday, Britney Spears notched her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, as her introductory smash, “…Baby One More Time,” reached the pinnacle.
Jan. 31, 1981
Blondie‘s “The Tide Is High” was as high on the Billboard Hot 100 as possible, rising to No. 1.
Feb. 1, 1964
One of the most historic dates in Billboard Hot 100 history: The Beatles score their first No. 1, as “I Want to Hold Your Hand” rises 3-1 in just its third chart week, as Beatlemania sweeps the U.S. It’s the first of the Fab Four’s record 20 Hot 100 toppers.