Billboard
Today in Billboard History – 30 years ago today, Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Dec. 7, 1991
Michael Jackson scores his 12th of 13 career Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s, as “Black or White” reaches the top in just its third week on the chart.
Today in Billboard History
Sept. 2, 1995
Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone” becomes the first song to debut at No. 1 on the Hot 100. The ballad was written and produced by R. Kelly.
Today in Billboard History
Aug. 27, 2011
Katy Perry scores a fifth Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.),” from her album “Teenage Dream.” The set joins Michael Jackson’s “Bad” (1987-88) as the only sets to generate five Hot 100 No. 1s each.
Today in Billboard History
Aug. 25, 2001
The appeal of the King of Pop knows no boundaries: Alien Ant Farm’s amped-up cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” (originally a No. 7 Billboard Hot 100 pop hit in 1989) began a four-week rule over Alternative Songs.
Today In Billboard History
April 30, 1983
MJ-mania was in full effect: a week after Dexy’s Midnight Runners end Michael Jackson’s seven-week command of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Billie Jean,” the King of Pop returns to the throne with “Beat It.”
April 16, 1983
The first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 from Michael Jackson’s monster album “Thriller” spends its seventh and final week atop the chart.
