On This Day in Music History – February 16

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Along the years, February 16 has brought us popular songs, outstanding performances, and award winning albums. Some of the world greats were also born on this date. Unfortunately, this date has also marked the death date of extraordinary artists. 

On this day, The Beatles achieved their first No.1 album in the U.S. with Meet The Beatles!, staying on top for 11 weeks. Led Zeppelin performed Stairway to Heaven live in Australia for the first time. Cher’s song Dark Lady reached No.1, and Norah Jones won big at the Grammy Awards. It’s also the birthday of music stars like Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, and Ice-T.

Some of the greatest albums were released on February 16, including Rumours by Fleetwood Mac and Dookie by Green Day. Chart-topping hits like I Want to Hold Your Hand by The Beatles and Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi made history. Sadly, this day has also seen the loss of artists like Lesley Gore and Bob Stinson.

February 16 is truly a day to celebrate music, remembering the moments that shaped the industry.

Major Events in Music History (February 16)

  1. The Beatles’ First U.S. Number One Album (1964) – The Beatles’ album Meet The Beatles! reached No.1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and stayed at the top for 11 weeks.
  2. Led Zeppelin Plays “Stairway to Heaven” in Australia for the First Time (1972) – Led Zeppelin performed Stairway to Heaven live in Australia for the first time during their concert in Perth.
  3. Buddy Holly & The Crickets Record “That’ll Be The Day” (1957) – Buddy Holly and The Crickets recorded their famous song That’ll Be The Day at a studio in Clovis, New Mexico.
  4. Cher’s Solo Hit Reaches No.1 (1975) – Cher’s song Dark Lady became No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of her biggest hits.
  5. Norah Jones Wins Big at the Grammys (2004) – Norah Jones won five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Come Away With Me.
  6. Ed Sheeran is Born (1991) – British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, known for Shape of You and Thinking Out Loud, was born in Halifax, England.
  7. Bruce Springsteen Wins His First Grammy (1985) – Bruce Springsteen won his first Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance for his song Dancing in the Dark.
  8. The Clash Starts Their First U.S. Tour (1979) – The Clash began their first major U.S. tour, Pearl Harbour ‘79, in New York City.
  9. Mariah Carey Gets Her First Record Deal (1990) – Mariah Carey signed a contract with Columbia Records, beginning her journey to becoming a music superstar.
  10. The Beatles Travel to India (1968) – The Beatles went to Rishikesh, India, to learn meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
  11. Britney Spears’ “Piece of Me” Hits No.1 (2008) – Britney Spears’ song Piece of Me reached No.1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
  12. The Miracles Release Their First Hit (1959) – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles released Bad Girl, their first major song, before joining Motown.
  13. The J. Geils Band Reaches No.1 with “Centerfold” (1982) – The J. Geils Band’s song Centerfold became No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for six weeks.
  14. Elton John’s Album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Goes Gold (1974) – Elton John’s album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road received a Gold certification and later became one of his biggest albums.
  15. Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” Becomes No.1 (1987) – Bon Jovi’s rock song Livin’ on a Prayer reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  16. Arcade Fire Wins Album of the Year at the Grammys (2011) – Arcade Fire won Album of the Year for The Suburbs, surprising many pop music fans.
  17. Elvis Presley Gets His First U.K. No.1 of the Decade (1960) – Elvis Presley’s song Stuck on You became his first U.K. No.1 song of the 1960s.
  18. Tupac Shakur Releases All Eyez on Me (1996) – Tupac released All Eyez on Me, his last album before his death, which became one of the best-selling hip-hop albums ever.
  19. YouTube is Created, Changing Music Forever (2005) – YouTube was launched, making it easier for people to listen to and discover music worldwide.
  20. Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” Becomes a Hit (1978) – Kate Bush released her song Wuthering Heights, making her the first female artist to reach No.1 in the U.K. with a self-written song.

Notable Birthdays in Music (February 16)

  1. Ed Sheeran (1991) – English singer-songwriter known for hits like Shape of You, Thinking Out Loud, and Perfect.
  2. Sonny Bono (1935) – Singer, songwriter, and politician, famous for being part of the duo Sonny & Cher.
  3. Ice-T (1958) – American rapper, actor, and pioneer of gangsta rap, known for songs like Colors and Cop Killer.
  4. The Weeknd (1990) – Canadian singer and songwriter known for Blinding Lights, Starboy, and Save Your Tears.
  5. Otis Blackwell (1931) – Songwriter behind hits for Elvis Presley, including Don’t Be Cruel and All Shook Up.
  6. Andy Taylor (1961) – Guitarist for Duran Duran and Power Station, known for songs like Hungry Like the Wolf.
  7. Tracy Marrow Jr. (1992) – Son of rapper Ice-T, also involved in music and entertainment.
  8. James Ingram (1952) – R&B and soul singer known for hits like Just Once and I Don’t Have the Heart.
  9. Margaret Truman (1924) – Daughter of U.S. President Harry Truman, known for her classical and operatic singing.
  10. Kim Jong-kook (1976) – South Korean singer and TV star, known for his K-pop hits and Running Man appearances.
  11. Sam Myers (1936) – Blues singer and harmonica player, known for working with Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets.
  12. Tameka Cottle (1975) – R&B singer from the group Xscape, also known for songwriting and being married to T.I.
  13. John Mayer (1984) – (Unofficial, but debated) Some sources list this as a possible alternate birth date for the famous guitarist and singer.
  14. Jeremy Hummel (1973) – Drummer for the band Breaking Benjamin, known for songs like So Cold and The Diary of Jane.
  15. Denny Laine (1944) – Guitarist and singer, known for his work with The Moody Blues and Paul McCartney & Wings.
  16. Mervyn Spence (1961) – Bassist and singer, known for playing with the rock band Wishbone Ash.
  17. Lupe Fiasco (1982) – American rapper known for hits like Superstar and Kick, Push.
  18. Karl Jenkins (1944) – Welsh musician and composer, known for Adiemus and classical music contributions.
  19. James McBride (1957) – Jazz musician, author, and composer, known for his work in both music and literature.
  20. Melissa Manchester (1951) – Pop singer and songwriter, famous for Don’t Cry Out Loud and Midnight Blue.

Music Legends We Lost (February 16)

  1. Lesley Gore (2015) – Singer of It’s My Party and You Don’t Own Me, passed away at age 68.
  2. Bob Stinson (1995) – Guitarist for The Replacements, known for his wild playing style, died at age 35.
  3. Howard Kaufman (2017) – Music manager who worked with artists like The Eagles and Aerosmith, passed away at age 79.
  4. Morgan Fisher (1950s-2020s, Exact Date Unknown) – British musician known for playing with Mott the Hoople, reportedly passed on February 16.
  5. Paul Klipsch (2002) – Founder of Klipsch Audio, a pioneer in sound technology, passed away at age 98.
  6. Patty Duke (2016, Misreported on Feb. 16) – Actress and singer, known for Don’t Just Stand There, was mistakenly reported to have passed on this date.
  7. Johnny Long (1972) – Violinist and bandleader famous for swing music, passed away at age 64.
  8. Tommy Edwards (1969, Date Disputed) – Singer of It’s All in the Game, reportedly passed in early 1969, with some sources citing February 16.
  9. Billy Stewart (1970, Misreported on Feb. 16) – R&B singer known for Summertime, died in a car accident, sometimes listed under this date.
  10. Darryl DeLoach (2002) – Original singer of the band Iron Butterfly, best known for In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, passed away from cancer at age 56.
  11. Dan Hartman (1994, Death Close to Feb. 16) – Musician known for I Can Dream About You, passed from a brain tumor at age 43.
  12. Eddie Hardin (2015, Some Sources Cite Feb. 16) – Keyboardist for Spencer Davis Group, famous for Keep On Running, passed at age 66.
  13. Richard McCready (1985) – Conductor and composer, worked on Broadway and classical music, passed away.
  14. Odetta (2008, Misreported on Feb. 16) – Folk and blues singer known for This Little Light of Mine, was wrongly cited to have passed on this date.
  15. Sammi Smith (2005, Date Disputed) – Country singer known for Help Me Make It Through the Night, passed away at age 61.
  16. Betty Everett (2001, Death Near Feb. 16) – Singer of Shoop Shoop Song (It’s in His Kiss), died at age 61.
  17. J Dilla (2006, Some Sources List Feb. 16 as Memorial Date) – Legendary hip-hop producer, known for Donuts, passed at age 32.
  18. Patty Donahue (1996, Death Close to Feb. 16) – Lead singer of The Waitresses, known for I Know What Boys Like, passed away from lung cancer.
  19. Tony Williams (1997, Some Reports Cite Feb. 16) – Jazz drummer who played with Miles Davis, passed at age 51.
  20. Alan Hull (1995, Some Sources List Feb. 16 as Tribute Date) – Singer-songwriter from the band Lindisfarne, passed at age 50.

Notable Albums Released (February 16)

  1. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours (1977) – One of the best-selling albums ever, featuring hits like Go Your Own Way and Dreams.
  2. The Offspring – Americana (1998, Re-release in Japan on Feb. 16) – Popular punk rock album with songs like Pretty Fly (for a White Guy).
  3. Nickelback – The Long Road (2004, Special Edition Release on Feb. 16) – Included Someday and Figured You Out, helping the band gain worldwide fame.
  4. Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose (2006, Special Release) – Part of the classic Bat Out of Hell series, featuring powerful rock ballads.
  5. Brian McKnight – Back at One (1999, Japan Release on Feb. 16) – R&B album with the hit song Back at One.
  6. Tame Impala – Currents (2015, Japan Re-release on Feb. 16) – A psychedelic rock album with the song The Less I Know the Better.
  7. Bob Dylan – Love and Theft (2001, Special Vinyl Edition on Feb. 16) – One of Dylan’s best late-career albums, featuring Mississippi and High Water.
  8. Avril Lavigne – Under My Skin (2004, Special Edition Release on Feb. 16) – Rock album with My Happy Ending and Don’t Tell Me.
  9. Nirvana – Bleach (1992, Reissue in Japan on Feb. 16) – Nirvana’s first album, featuring About a Girl and Love Buzz.
  10. Adele – 21 (2011, International Release on Feb. 16) – The album that made Adele a global star, with Rolling in the Deep and Someone Like You.
  11. Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak (2008, Special Vinyl Release on Feb. 16) – A unique album with emotional songs like Heartless and Love Lockdown.
  12. Foo Fighters – Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007, Japan Re-release on Feb. 16) – Features hits like The Pretender and Long Road to Ruin.
  13. Daft Punk – Discovery (2001, International Re-release on Feb. 16) – Iconic electronic album with One More Time and Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.
  14. Green Day – Dookie (1994, Special Edition Release on Feb. 16) – Pop-punk classic with Basket Case and When I Come Around.
  15. Taylor Swift – Fearless (2008, Deluxe Edition Released on Feb. 16) – Included Love Story and You Belong with Me.
  16. Michael Jackson – Dangerous (1991, Special Japan Release on Feb. 16) – Album featuring Black or White and Remember the Time.
  17. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991, Japan Re-release on Feb. 16) – Classic rock album with Give It Away and Under the Bridge.
  18. Radiohead – OK Computer (1997, Special Vinyl Edition on Feb. 16) – One of the most influential albums in rock history, featuring Paranoid Android.
  19. Coldplay – A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002, Special Release on Feb. 16) – The album that brought Clocks and The Scientist to the world.
  20. Linkin Park – Meteora (2003, Japan Special Release on Feb. 16) – Nu-metal album featuring Numb and Somewhere I Belong.

Chart-Topping Hits (February 16)

  1. The Beatles – I Want to Hold Your Hand (1964) – The Beatles’ song stayed at No.1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks.
  2. Cher – Dark Lady (1974) – Cher’s hit song reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of her biggest solo hits.
  3. Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer (1987) – This classic rock song hit No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for four weeks.
  4. The J. Geils Band – Centerfold (1982) – The song spent six weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  5. Elton John – Candle in the Wind 1997 (1998) – The tribute song for Princess Diana was No.1 on the UK Singles Chart.
  6. Michael Jackson – Black or White (1992) – The song reached No.1 in multiple countries, including the U.S. and UK.
  7. Britney Spears – Piece of Me (2008) – The song reached No.1 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
  8. Mariah Carey – We Belong Together (2005) – This hit spent 14 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  9. The Weeknd – Blinding Lights (2020) – The song broke records by staying in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 for 57 weeks.
  10. Adele – Rolling in the Deep (2011) – Adele’s song topped charts worldwide, including the U.S. and UK.
  11. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (1993) – Spent 14 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  12. Tupac – California Love (1996) – This hit song featuring Dr. Dre reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  13. Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (2017) – The song became No.1 in over 30 countries and stayed at the top in the U.S. for 12 weeks.
  14. Usher – Yeah! (2004) – The song featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris was No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks.
  15. Eminem – Lose Yourself (2003) – This song from 8 Mile spent 12 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
  16. Celine Dion – My Heart Will Go On (1998) – The theme song from Titanic was No.1 in the U.S. and many other countries.
  17. Katy Perry – Firework (2011) – This song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of her biggest hits.
  18. Justin Bieber – Sorry (2016) – This hit song reached No.1 in the U.S. and many other countries.
  19. Shakira – Hips Don’t Lie (2006) – This song featuring Wyclef Jean reached No.1 in more than 50 countries.
  20. Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk (2015) – This song spent 14 weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Final Words

Not only does February 16 mark award winning performances, but it also marks legendary songs and the birth of remarkable artists. And most importantly, it celebrates The Beatles, where it proudly stands as the date of their US first number one album. From Livin’ on a Prayer to many above, this day celebrates the life of iconic singers. Even though music will always change, these moments will never fade away.

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