Music History

Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs’ “Sugar Shack” reaches No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and stays there for five weeks. It becomes the best-selling U.S. record of 1963, sells more than a million copies, and reaches No. 45 on the UK chart.

The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” reaches No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard chart and spends ten weeks in the Top 40. Producer Phil Spector reportedly demanded 42 takes before accepting the recording.

“Emotions” reaches No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and begins a three-week run at the top. This gives Mariah Carey five consecutive No. 1 singles from the start of her career, surpassing the Jackson 5’s record.

The U.S. albums chart features an unusual top three: Celine Dion’s Falling Into You is No. 1, Kenny G’s The Moment is No. 2, and Marilyn Manson’s Antichrist Superstar is No. 3.

New Zealand singer Lorde reaches No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at age 16 with “Royals.” The song stays at the top for nine weeks and also tops charts in other countries. Lorde makes history as an exceptionally young writer and performer of a U.S. No. 1 hit.