"…Baby One More Time" reigned in Spears' first Hot 100 visit. Plus, remembering feats by Blondie, The Beatles & Timbaland.
Your weekly recap celebrating significant milestones from more than seven decades of Billboard chart history.
Jan. 30, 1999
Almost two months after her 17th birthday, Britney Spears notched her first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, as her introductory smash, "...Baby One More Time," reached the pinnacle. At the same time, her album of the same name soared in at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for its first of six weeks on top. Meanwhile, the single marked the first of Max Martin's 22 Hot 100 No. 1s as a writer.
Jan. 31, 1981
Blondie's "The Tide Is High" was as high on the Billboard Hot 100 as possible, rising to No. 1.
Feb. 1, 1964
One of the most historic dates in Billboard Hot 100 history: The Beatles scored their first No. 1, as "I Want to Hold Your Hand" jumped 3-1 in just its third chart week, as Beatlemania swept the U.S. It became the first of the Fab Four's record 20 Hot 100 toppers.
Feb. 2, 2008
The combination of an R&B/hip-hop studio wizard and a pop/rock group resulted in a No. 1 hit, as Timbaland's "Apologize," featuring OneRepublic, began a six-week rule on Adult Pop Songs.
Feb. 3, 1973
Elton John scored his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, as "Crocodile Rock," his ode to classic pop and early rock & roll, spent its first of three weeks in charge. He's added eight more leaders since.
Feb. 4, 1978
Cue John Travolta's dance moves: On this date in 1978, the Bee Gees took over atop the Billboard Hot 100 with "Stayin' Alive."
Feb. 5, 1983
An '80s classic topped the Billboard Hot 100, as Toto's "Africa" ascended 2-1.
