On the day Jimi Hendrix passed away at the age of 27, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by diverse genres like soul, rock, pop, and folk. At the top was Diana Ross’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, marking her first major solo hit. Edwin Starr’s “War” was a powerful protest anthem, while Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” brought carefree vibes. The Carpenters’ “Close to You” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” also ranked high, reflecting the musical diversity of the era with socially conscious messages and feel-good tunes.

On the day we lost Ronnie Van Zant (b. Jan 15th, 1948) and Steve Gaines (b. Sept 14th, 1949) of Lynyrd Skynyrd to a devastating plane crash, the Billboard Hot 100 was filled with a mix of disco, soft rock, and pop ballads. Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life” was dominating the top spot, a soft, uplifting ballad that would become one of the biggest hits of the decade. Disco was in full swing, with Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” making an impact, showcasing the genre’s futuristic, electronic sound. Rock was also present with Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop”, while Andy Gibb’s “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” brought a smooth, pop-rock vibe. The chart reflected the growing influence of disco alongside softer pop and rock hits.

On the day Sid Vicious passed away at the age of 21 from a heroin overdose, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by disco, soft rock, and pop. At the top was Chic’s “Le Freak”, a defining disco anthem with its funky basslines and catchy hook. Rod Stewart’s “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” blended rock with disco’s danceable beat, reflecting the genre’s peak popularity. Bee Gees’ “Too Much Heaven” showcased their signature falsetto-driven pop sound, continuing their success from the Saturday Night Fever era. Meanwhile, Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” was gaining traction, blending punk with disco influences, highlighting the cross-genre experimentation of the late ’70s.

On the day John Lennon was murdered outside of his NYC apartment at the age of 40, the Billboard Hot 100 featured a mix of soft rock, pop, and disco-tinged hits. “Lady” by Kenny Rogers held the top spot, a heartfelt ballad written by Lionel Richie that showcased Rogers’ smooth vocals and crossover appeal between country and pop. Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” was a prominent hit, blending rock with a funky, bass-driven groove. John Lennon’s “(Just Like) Starting Over” was climbing the charts, gaining renewed attention following his tragic death that same day. Disco was still hanging on with songs like Diana Ross’s “Upside Down”, though new wave and rock were starting to gain traction.

On the day John Belushi passed away from a speedball overdose at the age of 33, the Billboard Hot 100 featured a mix of pop, rock, and R&B, as the early ’80s saw a shift from disco to more diverse sounds. “Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band held the top spot, a catchy rock tune with a pop edge and new wave influence. The Go-Go’s “We Got the Beat” was rising, showcasing the growing popularity of all-female rock bands and the energetic sound of new wave. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” was gaining momentum, becoming an iconic anthem of rock rebellion. Meanwhile, Stevie Wonder’s “That Girl” added a smooth R&B presence to the chart, blending heartfelt lyrics with his signature melodic style.

On the day Cliff Burton passed away after being thrown out the window from Metallica’s tour bus at the age of 24, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by pop, rock, and R&B, reflecting the polished production styles of the mid-1980s. Huey Lewis and the News’ “Stuck with You” held the top spot, a feel-good pop-rock tune with catchy hooks. Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away,” from the Top Gun soundtrack, was also high on the charts, a sultry, synth-driven ballad that became a defining love song of the decade. Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach” was still riding high, blending pop with social commentary. Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” added an upbeat, danceable R&B flavor. The chart showcased the dominance of big pop anthems, with glossy production and radio-friendly sounds at their peak.

On the day Judith Barsi was brutally murdered by her father at the age of 10, the Billboard Hot 100 featured a mix of pop, R&B, and dance hits, reflecting the vibrant late-’80s music scene. Richard Marx’s “Hold On to the Nights” held the top spot, a soft rock ballad with emotional depth that resonated with listeners. Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” was climbing the charts, blending hard rock with a catchy, pop-metal appeal. George Michael’s “Monkey” showcased his dance-pop sensibility and R&B influence, while Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana” continued his reign on the charts with its rock-infused, edgy sound. The chart reflected the era’s love for powerful ballads, danceable pop, and rock anthems, with superstar artists leading the way.

On the day Freddie Mercury passed away at the age of 45, the Billboard Hot 100 showcased a mix of pop, R&B, and rock, with some early hints of the shift toward the 1990s’ sound. At the top was Michael Bolton’s “When a Man Loves a Woman,” a soulful cover of the Percy Sledge classic, showcasing Bolton’s powerful vocals and bringing the ballad back to prominence. P.M. Dawn’s “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” was climbing the charts, blending pop, hip-hop, and smooth R&B with a unique, dream-like style. Mariah Carey’s “Emotions” continued her dominance with its mix of pop and gospel-inflected vocals, while Prince and the New Power Generation’s “Cream” brought funk-rock vibes to the chart. The music scene was shifting, with new sounds blending pop, R&B, and early hip-hop influences, alongside powerhouse ballads.

On the day River Pheonix passed away from a speedball overdose outside of the Viper Room at the age of 23, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by a blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, reflecting the growing influence of these genres in the early ’90s. Mariah Carey’s “Dreamlover” held the top spot, a breezy, upbeat pop song with a catchy melody that showcased her vocal range. Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” was climbing the charts, a rock-opera ballad with dramatic flair that became an instant hit. SWV’s “Right Here/Human Nature” brought smooth R&B vibes, blending their soulful sound with a sample of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature.” Janet Jackson’s “If” added a fusion of R&B and dance-pop with a bit of edginess. The chart reflected a strong R&B influence with pop and rock power ballads making their mark as well.

On the day Kurt Cobain took his own life at the age of 27, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by pop, R&B, and hip-hop, showcasing the diverse sound of the mid-1990s. Ace of Base’s “The Sign” held the top spot, a catchy, reggae-infused pop hit that became a global phenomenon. R. Kelly’s “Bump n’ Grind” was climbing the charts, offering smooth, sensual R&B with a signature slow-jam feel. Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love” brought powerful vocals and a sweeping ballad that resonated with pop and adult contemporary audiences. Salt-N-Pepa’s “Whatta Man” featuring En Vogue combined hip-hop and R&B with a funky, empowering vibe. The chart reflected the era’s love for danceable pop hits, soulful R&B, and crossover appeal between hip-hop and mainstream music.

On the day Chris Farley passed away from a drug overdose at the age of 33, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by pop ballads, R&B, and hip-hop, reflecting the late ’90s’ mix of emotional anthems and upbeat urban sounds. Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind 1997” was at the top, a heartfelt tribute to Princess Diana that became one of the best-selling singles of all time. LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live” was still charting high, a soaring country-pop ballad that had mass crossover appeal. Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna…” brought smooth R&B with a modern edge, showcasing the rise of youthful R&B artists. Puff Daddy and the Family’s “Been Around the World” featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and Mase was climbing, blending rap with glossy production. The chart reflected the era’s love for emotional ballads, the rising influence of R&B, and the dominance of hip-hop in mainstream pop music.

On the day Phil Hartman was murdered by his wife at the age of 49, the Billboard Hot 100 was filled with a mix of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, reflecting the late ’90s’ continued embrace of these genres. Next’s “Too Close” held the top spot, a smooth R&B track with an infectious groove and playful lyrics that became a major hit. Mariah Carey’s “My All” was climbing the charts, a heartfelt ballad that showcased her signature vocal prowess. Savage Garden’s “Truly Madly Deeply” was still performing well, a soft rock ballad with massive crossover appeal. Puff Daddy’s “Victory” featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes brought high-energy rap with cinematic production. The chart reflected a strong dominance of R&B and hip-hop, while pop ballads continued to resonate with mainstream audiences.

On the day Jonathan Brandis took his own life at the age of 27, the Billboard Hot 100 showcased a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, reflecting the dominance of urban music in the early 2000s. Beyoncé’s “Baby Boy” featuring Sean Paul was at the top, blending R&B with dancehall for a smooth, tropical vibe that resonated across genres. OutKast’s “Hey Ya!” was climbing fast, a genre-bending hit that mixed funk, pop, and hip-hop, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Ludacris’ “Stand Up” was another major hit, representing the growing influence of Southern hip-hop with its energetic and catchy beat. 3 Doors Down’s “Here Without You” provided a rock ballad touch, standing out as one of the few rock hits in a hip-hop/R&B-dominated chart. The chart reflected the urban influence on mainstream music, with pop hits still making their mark.

On the day Steve Irwin passed away after sustaining an injury from a stingray, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, with urban music continuing to lead the charts. Fergie’s “London Bridge” held the top spot, a hip-hop-infused pop track with a club-ready, brash energy that marked her debut as a solo artist. Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” was still charting high, a genre-blending smash hit that combined elements of soul, pop, and hip-hop, quickly becoming a cultural sensation. Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” was climbing, introducing his futuristic, electronic-driven sound that would shape pop music for years to come. Nelly Furtado’s “Promiscuous” featuring Timbaland was another major hit, blending pop, R&B, and dance beats. The chart reflected the dominance of urban-pop crossovers, with bold, danceable tracks leading the way.

On the day Heath Ledger passed away from drug poisoning at the age of 28, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by pop, hip-hop, and R&B, reflecting the late 2000s’ blend of urban and mainstream sounds. Flo Rida’s “Low” featuring T-Pain held the top spot, a massive club hit with a catchy hook and heavy bass, embodying the fusion of hip-hop and pop. Alicia Keys’ “No One” was still high on the charts, a soulful ballad showcasing her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Chris Brown’s “With You” was climbing, blending pop and R&B in a smooth, radio-friendly love song. Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music” brought an upbeat, dance-pop energy with its infectious groove and sample of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” The chart reflected a mix of urban beats, emotional ballads, and danceable pop tracks, with artists like Flo Rida, Alicia Keys, and Rihanna leading the way.

On the day George Carlin passed away from a heart attack at the age of 71, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by a mix of hip-hop, pop, and R&B, with danceable tracks leading the charts. Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” featuring Static Major held the top spot, blending hip-hop with auto-tuned vocals and a smooth, club-ready vibe that made it a summer anthem. Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love” was still performing well, a powerful pop ballad that showcased her vocal range and emotional depth. Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” was climbing fast, bringing a fresh sound to the charts with its orchestral rock and sweeping melody. Rihanna’s “Take a Bow” added a smooth R&B presence, blending heartbreak with her signature style. The chart reflected the growing influence of hip-hop and R&B alongside strong pop ballads and innovative rock, with artists like Lil Wayne, Leona Lewis, and Coldplay leading the charge.

On the day Michael Jackson passed away at age 50, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by a blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, reflecting the mainstream’s growing embrace of urban and dance music. The Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow” held the top spot, an electro-pop anthem with futuristic production and heavy beats that became a defining hit of the year. Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” was still high on the charts, a catchy dance-pop hit that solidified her as a pop phenomenon. Keri Hilson’s “Knock You Down” featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo was climbing, a smooth R&B track with a blend of melodic vocals and rap verses. Pitbull’s “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” brought Latin-influenced beats to the mix, reflecting the growing influence of reggaeton and club music. The chart reflected the dominance of danceable pop and hip-hop fusion, with artists like The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and Pitbull shaping the sound of the summer.

On the day Whitney Houston passed away at the age of 48, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by a mix of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, with electronic dance music (EDM) also making a significant impact. Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” held the top spot, showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional depth in a pop-soul ballad that resonated worldwide. David Guetta’s “Turn Me On” featuring Nicki Minaj was climbing, blending EDM with Minaj’s pop-rap energy, marking the rise of dance beats in mainstream music. Rihanna’s “We Found Love” featuring Calvin Harris was still charting high, a huge dance-pop anthem that became a signature hit for both artists. Flo Rida’s “Good Feeling” added a feel-good, dance-ready vibe with its fusion of pop and hip-hop, while LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” provided an infectious, party-centric energy. The chart reflected the era’s embrace of danceable pop, emotional ballads, and the growing influence of EDM on the mainstream.

On the day Scott Weiland passed away at the age of 48, the Billboard Hot 100 was dominated by a mix of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, with some influences of tropical house and electronic music. Adele’s “Hello” held the top spot, a powerful ballad that marked her much-anticipated return, showcasing her vocal prowess and emotional storytelling. Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” was climbing fast, blending pop with tropical house beats, reflecting the trend of laid-back, danceable tracks in mainstream pop. Drake’s “Hotline Bling” was still charting high, a catchy blend of hip-hop and R&B that became a cultural phenomenon with its meme-worthy music video. The Weeknd’s “The Hills” added a darker, moody R&B vibe, showing his continued dominance on the charts. Shawn Mendes’ “Stitches” was also performing well, bringing acoustic pop with emotional intensity. The chart highlighted a balance between soulful ballads, danceable pop, and the influence of hip-hop and electronic music.

On the day Chris Cornell passed took his own life at the age of 52, the Billboard Hot 100 was filled with a vibrant mix of pop, hip-hop, and Latin influences, reflecting the growing global crossover in mainstream music. Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” (Remix) featuring Justin Bieber held the top spot, a reggaeton-pop fusion that became a worldwide sensation and marked a major moment for Latin music on the global stage. Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like” was also high on the charts, blending smooth R&B with funk and pop, showcasing his signature upbeat style. Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” was dominating the hip-hop landscape, with its hard-hitting beats and sharp lyrics becoming an anthem for the year. Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” was still performing well, an infectious pop track with tropical house influences. The Chainsmokers and Coldplay’s “Something Just Like This” brought EDM-pop energy to the charts. The chart reflected the fusion of pop, hip-hop, and global sounds, with Latin and tropical influences taking center stage.