This Week in Billboard Chart History: In 2007, Taylor Swift’s ‘Song’ Became Her First Country No. 1
Eight years ago, Swift took over atop Hot Country Songs with the first of seven leaders on the list. Plus, remembering chart feats by Missy Elliott, Phil Collins and two solo Beatles.
Your weekly recap celebrating significant milestones from more than seven decades of Billboard chart history.
Dec. 21, 2002
On this date in 2002, Missy Elliott wrapped (rapped?) a five-week reign on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs with “Work It.”
Dec. 22, 2007
Then-18-year-old Taylor Swift notches her first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, as “Our Song” begins a six-week command. Before her segue to pop full-time on 1989, she tallied seven No. 1s on Hot Country Songs.
Dec. 23, 1989
Phil Collins starts his longest Billboard Hot 100 reign, as his social commentary ballad “Another Day in Paradise” spends its first of four weeks at No. 1. The song also became the last of 231 No. 1s in the ’80s.
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Dec. 24, 1988
Poison softened its sound to great effect: ballad “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Miley Cyrus covered the song in 2010.
Dec. 25
Who better to wish all a merry Christmas than Dr. Elmo? Awhile back, he stopped by our New York offices to spread cheer, and laughs, with his holiday classic “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”
Dec. 26, 1970
Forty-five years ago today, George Harrison became the first Beatle to top the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo act, as “My Sweet Lord”/”Isn’t It a Pity” rose to No. 1.
Dec. 27, 1980
Almost three weeks after his death, “(Just Like) Starting Over” became John Lennon‘s biggest solo Billboard Hot 100 hit. The song would reign for five weeks, helping fans worldwide grieve the loss of one of the most influential artists of all-time.