This Day in Top 40 History: March 18

From long-awaited album releases to chart-topping Top 40 hits from country stars, March 18 marks an interesting day in music history. Gwen Stefani finally launched a solo album after a long hiatus, stars canceled shows due to illness, and the music industry experienced its share of ups and downs.

Breakthrough Hits and Milestones

These events and births on March 18 catapulted Top 40 music into history:

1979: Adam Levine, frontman for the Grammy-winning band Maroon 5, was born in Los Angeles, California. The musician also serves as a coach on the popular musical TV show, The Voice, bringing himself and the band newfound fame.
2016: After her split with Gavin Rosedale of the band Bush, pop star Gwen Stefani released her first solo album since 2016, This Is What the Truth Feels Like. Stefani has since married country superstar Blake Shelton.
2023: Morgan Wallen landed 36 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking the record for the most simultaneously chartered songs held by Taylor Swift with 27. All tracks came from his One Thing at a Time album.
2023: Adele performed at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of her Weekends With Adele residency.

Notable Recordings and Performances

We give a nod to these interesting March 18 performances:

2013: Ed Sheeran performed at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
2019: Nicki Minaj performed at the Manchester Arena in the U.K. alongside stars such as Juice WRLD, Lady Leshurr, and Ms Banks. To the audience's surprise, Minaj picked a fan from the audience to experience the wild excitement of an onstage performance.

Industry Changes and Challenges

The following events highlight how the Top 40 music industry has adapted:

2017: Superstar Katy Perry received the National Equality Award at the Human Rights Campaign Gala for supporting LQBTQ rights. She concluded her speech by saying, "I'll never cease to be a champion, an ally, a spotlight, and a loving voice for all LGBTQ-identifying people."
2020: Organizers announced the cancellation of the Glastonbury Festival due to COVID-19 restrictions. Artists due to feature at the event included Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, and Paul McCartney.
2024: Pop star Nicki Minaj apologized for canceling her show due to an unexpected illness. She was too sick to perform, and her doctors ordered her not to perform.

We are always amazed and inspired by the Top 40 artists who continue to make amazing music and perform for their loyal fans. March 18 had many notable achievements in the music industry.

Adam Levine Adele Gwen Stefani

Yvette DelacruzWriter