This Day in Music History — May 29
Some dates quietly pass through music history.
May 29 preferred to make noise.
Across decades, the date delivered landmark recordings, chart milestones, unforgettable performances, and moments involving artists who would leave permanent marks on popular music. From rock legends and soul icons to modern superstars, May 29 has accumulated a surprisingly impressive musical résumé.
One of the most significant moments came in 1971 when The Rolling Stones began a two-week run at No. 1 in the United States with Sticky Fingers. The album featured classics including "Brown Sugar," "Wild Horses," and "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," and is widely regarded as one of the band's greatest releases. The iconic Andy Warhol-designed cover became almost as famous as the music itself.
May 29 also delivered a major birthday in rock history.
In 1953, Danny Elfman was born. While many know him today as the composer behind countless film scores, Elfman first rose to prominence as the frontman of Oingo Boingo before becoming one of Hollywood's most successful composers.
The date also marked a major achievement for one of country music's biggest stars.
In 1999, Shania Twain continued her dominance of country and pop charts as Come On Over remained one of the best-selling albums in the world. The album would eventually become the best-selling country album of all time and one of the highest-selling studio albums ever released by a female artist.
Other May 29 moments include:
• 1942 — Bing Crosby recorded the wartime classic "White Christmas."
• 1965 — The Beach Boys entered the charts with "California Girls."
• 1977 — Rod Stewart began a run at No. 1 with "I Don't Want to Talk About It."
• 2003 — Led Zeppelin received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
• 2014 — Maya Angelou's influence on generations of musicians and songwriters was celebrated following news of her passing earlier that week.
Music history rarely follows a predictable script.
Sometimes a date gathers chart-toppers, innovators, composers, and cultural icons into one place.
And May 29 seems particularly good at doing exactly that.
