This Day in Music

On this day in music, May 19, 1984, Legend, a compilation of hits from Bob Marley and the Wailers, began a 12-week run at the top of the British album chart. Released to mark the third anniversary of Marley’s death, the collection featured the reggae pioneer’s ten Top 40 UK singles, plus additional favorites, including “Get Up, Stand Up,” “One Love/People Get Ready,” and “I Shot the Sheriff.” The LP quickly became one of the highest-selling albums ever in the UK, while it remains the world’s best-selling reggae record.

In 1978, British rockers Dire Straits released their debut single, “Sultans of Swing.” Initially recorded as a demo in the summer of 1977, the song gained traction on London radio stations and soon led to a record deal. Re-recorded for the band’s self-titled album, “Sultans of Swing” became one of Dire Straits’ signature hits, landing in the Top 5 in the US, South Africa, and Canada and the Top Ten in the UK and Australia.

In 1990, Madonna scored her eighth No.1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Vogue.” Inspired by New York’s underground “vogueing” dance scene, the song became an instant favorite with fans around the globe, as it topped the charts in more than 30 countries.

In 1973, Stevie Wonder topped the Billboard Hot 100 for the third time with “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” The now-classic ballad, which appeared on Wonder’s 15th album, Talking Book, earned the soul star a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

In 1979, Supertramp’s Breakfast In America began a six-week run at the top of the Billboard 200. The British band’s sixth album, which marked their sole chart-topper in the US, spawned several jaunty and enduring hits, including the Ivor Novello-winning “The Logical Song,” “Take the Long Road Home,” and “Goodbye Stranger.”

BORN ON MAY 19

1932: Alma Cogan
1945: Pete Townshend (The Who)
1948: Grace Jones
1949: Dusty Hill (ZZ Top)
1952: Joey Ramone (The Ramones)
1968: Paul Hartnoll (Orbital)
1972: Jenny Berggren (Ace of Base)
1992: Sam Smith