-
Billboard debuts its Hot 100 chart. Ricky Nelson's "Poor Little Fool" boasts the first No. 1 record. http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100#/charts/hot-100
-
-
The Beatles release their break-through concept album, Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. http://www.thebeatles.com/#/songs
-
The Beatles break up. By the end of the year, each member had released a solo album.
-
1982
Michael Jackson releases Thriller, which sells more than 25 million copies, becoming the biggest-selling album in history. http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/michael-jackson-songs -
Legendary crooner Frank Sinatra dies of a heart attack at age 82. http://www.sinatra.com/
