This Week in Billboard Chart History: In 1983, Michael Jackson Thrilled Again With ‘Beat It’
The King of Pop reigned quickly after previously leading with "Billie Jean." Plus, remembering feats by Kris Kross, Blondie & Sean Paul.
Your weekly recap celebrating significant milestones from more than seven decades of Billboard chart history.
April 24, 1961
Going to back to the early roots of rock, Del Shannon‘s classic “Runaway” began a four-week reign on the Billboard Hot 100, fueled in part by its memorable Musitron instrumental bridge. Elvis Presley, the Beatles and the Beach Boys are among the acts that have covered the song, as has supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, which included Beatle George Harrison and Tom Petty … who himself name-checks “Runaway” in his 1989 hit “Runnin’ Down a Dream.”
April 25, 1992
Rap duo Kris Kross kicked off its eight-week reign on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Jump.”
April 26, 2014
Three years ago today: Jason Derulo topped the Pop Songs chart with “Talk Dirty,” featuring 2 Chainz.
April 27, 1963
Little Peggy March began a three-week reign on the Billboard Hot 100 with “To Know Him Is to Love Him.” She was 15 years and one month old when the song reached the summit, making her the youngest female to ever notch a Hot 100 No. 1. “I am surprised that the record still stands,” March has marveled to Billboard. “A lot of singers in the ’60s were teenagers; I was just the youngest. I imagine that one day my record will be broken, and I will hand over the crown. I would love to be a part of the celebration when and if it happens.”
April 28, 1979
Blondie‘s debut Billboard Hot 100 entry “Heart of Glass” became it first No. 1. The group would later lead with “Call Me,” “The Tide Is High” and “Rapture.”
April 29, 2006
Rising “Temperature”: Sean Paul scored his third of four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s. He’d return to the top more than 10 years later, as featured on Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” last year.
April 30, 1983
A week after Dexy’s Midnight Runners ended Michael Jackson‘s seven-week command of the Billboard Hot 100 with “Billie Jean,” the King of Pop returned to the throne with next Thriller single “Beat It,” which would lead for three weeks.