Music History Today: January 14, 2022

January 14, 1989: Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" peaked at Number 7 on Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart.

After the release of Bad in August of 1987, “Smooth Criminal” was the album’s seventh single, released on November 14, 1988.

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It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart but never reached No. 1 on either. It did, however, reach No. 1 in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain. 

Read more: American Songwriter

January 14, 1956: Dean Martin held the top spot on the US chart for the next five weeks with "Memories Are Made of This."

"Memories Are Made of This" was written by Terry Gilkyson, Richard Dehr, and Frank Miller in 1955. 

Dean Martin

It was first issued by Mindy Carson with Ray Conniff's Orchestra and The Columbians. That version reached No. 53 on Billboard's Top 100 chart. The most popular version of the song was recorded by Dean Martin in 1955. 

Read more: Wikipedia

January 14, 1967: At number 72, Sonny & Cher entered the US music chart with "The Beat Goes On."

“The Beat Goes On” uses “beat” as a metaphor to represent life in general. 

Sonny & Cher

The main message it carries is that life, just like a rhythm keeps moving along with all its challenges and does not necessarily stop for anyone. 

Read more: Song Meanings & Facts

January 14, 1978: "You're In My Heart (The Final Acclaim)" by Rod Stewart made it to number 4 in the US.

Rod Stewart sang a portion of his 1977 hit “You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)” to surprise a fan battling brain cancer. The recorded video titled “Sir Rod Stewart fulfills one man’s last wish—sings him his favorite song,” was posted on Twitter by Good News Movement (GNM) and opens with a brief message from Stewart to Gary. 

Read more: American Songwriter

January 14, 1995: Real McCoy became a One-Hit Wonder in America with their Top 3, "Another Night." 

"Another Night" was a minor hit in in Europe in the Summer of 1993. The promotional efforts of BMG Canada took the single to No.1 on the Canadian charts in the Spring of 1994. It caught the attention of Clive Davis who was interested in bringing another European music project to the US market after becoming successful with the Swedish pop group Ace of Base.  

Read more: Wikipedia

Smooth Criminal
Michael Jackson