Category: Chart Toppers

Welcome to Day 13 of my spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, and with that it’s time to get to today’s song choice. Known for its smooth and sexy sound, “Let’s Stay Together” is a classic R&B ballad performed by soul sensation, Al Green. Considered as one of his signature hits, this single went on to claim the #1 spot as the best R&B song for the year 1972. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, February 13th 1972, it was the #1…

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Welcome to Day 12 of my musical spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH. Today’s popular song choice, “Rock with You”, was produced by Quincy Jones and recorded by the late king of pop, Michael Jackson. Considered as one of the last hits of the “disco era”, this track was placed on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, February 12th 1980, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use…

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As our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues, today’s song choice was written by Ne-Yo and recorded by American R&B singer, Mario. In 2006, it earned a grammy nomination for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”. The song’s massive popularity propelled it to top the charts in many countries around the world, including The Netherlands, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada. On this very day, February 11th 2005, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use…

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As we march forward with BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s modern classic was written by Mark Ronson and performed by BRUNO MARS. Known for its catchy and upbeat sound, reminiscent to the funk & disco era, “Uptown Funk” was a massive commercial success. It topped many charts world wide, and in 2016, the track’s widespread appeal helped it win several Grammy Awards, including “Record of the Year” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”. On this very day, February 10th 2015, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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As I continue my spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, the song “Creep” was recorded by American R&B girl group, TLC. The lyrics within portray the singing trio as women who cheat on their unfaithful lovers (and find affection elsewhere). Certified platinum in the U.S., it won a Billboard Music Award for “Top R&B Song”, and in 1996, TLC won the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, February 9th 1995, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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It’s Day Eight of BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring a song that was recorded by legendary soul singer, Dionne Warwick (and a few iconic friends). The lyrics within convey a message of friendship and support, emphasizing the idea that friends are there for each other during difficult times. In 1987, the song’s massive success, helped it win two Grammy Awards for “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, February 8th 1986, it was the #1 song in America, topping…

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Welcome to Day Seven of BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring today’s ballad that was recorded by American R&B singer, Toni Braxton. This emotional track has sold over 10 million copies worldwide (and nearly 3 million in the U.S. alone), making it one of the best selling singles of all-time. In 1997, it won the award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards show. On this very day, February 7th 1997, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please…

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Day Six of BLACK HISTORY MONTH features a classic funk song that highlights a catchy and upbeat melody, with a driving bassline and funky guitar riffs. The urban legend (associated with this song) revolves around a high-pitched scream that can be heard in the background during the instrumental break. According to legend, the scream is that of a woman being murdered in the studio. However, this is widely regarded as a myth, and the scream is thought to have been a sound effect or a member of the band. The…

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Day five of BLACK HISTORY MONTH features a classic Motown song that was first recorded by American girl group, the Shirelles (whose version became a major hit in the U.S., and beyond). Rolling Stone magazine placed it on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, and Billboard magazine placed it at #3 on their list of the “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs”. On this very day, February 5th 1961, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please…

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As we continue our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s song, “Together Again” was an R&B-Dance track was recorded by American pop singer, Janet Jackson. The lyrics within explore themes of love, loss, and the hope of being reunited with a loved one (in the afterlife). According to co-writer, Jimmy Jam, this song had a deeper meaning (for Jackson) because it was about a friend she lost to AIDS. Certified platinum in the U.S., the song received positive reviews globally, and topped the charts in Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, and…

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues with a popular seventies track that was recorded by American disco-funk band, Rose Royce. With over 2 million copies sold (in the U.S. alone) it was platinum certified, and in 1977 the “Car Wash” soundtrack went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best Score Soundtrack Album”. In 2004, the song was covered by Christina Aguilera (and Missy Elliott), who released their version as a single for the soundtrack of “Shark Tale”. On this very day, February 3rd 1977, it was the #1 song in America,…

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Continuing our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s R&B-pop track was recorded by American girl group, Destiny’s Child. The lyrics within celebrate women who are not just financially (but emotionally independent as well). It encourages women (of all races) to take pride in their ability to support themselves (and not rely on others for validation). Ultimately, it became an anthem for female empowerment and gained widespread popularity. It topped the charts in many countries world wide, and was also included in the Guinness Book of World Records, for longest-running #1 song…

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Beginning today, it’s time to kick off BLACK HISTORY MONTH (and the integral way it has affected the music industry as a whole). With that said, let’s jump right into it with an artist who epitomizes black history. The song I’ve decided to kick things off with is an iconic funk-rock track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, the legendary, Stevie Wonder. In 1974, this song earned two Grammy awards, including “Best R&B Song” and “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. Years later, in the year 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed…

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“Flowers” is a song that was recorded by American pop singer, Miley Cyrus. The lyrics within express the narrator’s acceptance of being independent (and no longer feeling the need to rely on others). Its massive success helped it receive several nominations, including  “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, it was nominated for “Video of the Year”, “Best Pop Video” and “Best Cinematography”. On this very day, January 31st 2023, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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Co-written by lead singer, Michael Hutchence, “Need You Tonight” is a popular eighties song recorded by Australian rock band, INXS. Known for its distinctive guitar riff, funky bassline, and seductive lyrics, it blends elements of rock, funk, and new wave, creating a sound that is both energetic and danceable. The success of “Need You Tonight” solidified INXS’s status as one of the prominent bands of the late 1980s, and the song remains one of the band’s most iconic and recognizable tracks. On this very day, January 30th 1988, it was…

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