Behind the Billboard Hits

1956, Hound Dog (Elvis)

Did you know that before Elvis made "Hound Dog" a hit, it was originally recorded by blues singer Big Mama Thornton in 1952. Elvis's version brought rock 'n' roll to mainstream America, and his energetic performance made it an instant sensation. Fun fact: The song's producer insisted Elvis record it in just one take—adding to its raw, electrifying feel.

1963, She Loves You (The Beatles)

Released in 1963, "She Loves You" quickly became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the UK charts for six weeks and eventually becoming the best-selling single in the UK for 14 years. Its "yeah, yeah, yeah" hook was iconic, helping propel The Beatles to global fame and kickstarting "Beatlemania."

1977, Stayin' Alive (Bee Gees)

The funky beat that made this song a disco anthem was created using a drum loop—a rare technique at the time. The Bee Gees sang in falsetto to match the high-energy vibe of the track, making it an instant classic.

Fun fact: The song wasn't initially meant to be a hit. It was recorded as part of the soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever but quickly overshadowed the movie itself!

1983, Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)

Michael Jackson based this song on the real-life experiences of his brothers, who had obsessive female fans during their Jackson 5 days. The character Billie Jean symbolizes the unwanted attention and complications of fame. Fun fact: The song's iconic bassline came to Jackson while he was driving. He was so engrossed in it that he didn’t notice his car was on fire until someone pulled up to warn him!

1986, Greatest Love of All (Whitney Houston)

When Whitney Houston released “Greatest Love of All” in 1986, it soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, staying there for three weeks! With its powerful lyrics and Whitney's breathtaking vocals, the song quickly became an anthem for self-love and empowerment, cementing Whitney's pop diva status.