Almost three decades ago, Cher made music history in the US charts. On March 13, 1999, at the age of 52, she reached the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 with her hit single “Believe.” This milestone made her the oldest female artist at the time to achieve this feat.
Cher’s four-week reign at No. 1 with “Believe” marked the beginning of the era of the “Cher effect.” This iconic pop track, known for its memorable chorus asking, “Do you believe in life after love?” was one of the first mainstream songs to utilize Auto-Tune for a distinct vocal sound.
At the time of her chart-topping success with “Believe,” Cher was the oldest female artist to reach No. 1, a record previously held by Louis Armstrong when his song “Hello, Dolly!” topped the charts in 1964 when he was 62 years old.
Cher’s reign as the oldest female artist at No. 1 lasted for almost 25 years until Brenda Lee, at the age of 78, surpassed her record in December 2023 with her holiday classic “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Cher’s remarkable career spans across seven decades, with hits on Billboard charts from the 1960s through the 2020s. She is one of the few artists, alongside The Rolling Stones, to achieve this feat. From the ’60s to the 2000s, Cher has consistently topped various music charts with her timeless hits.
In the modern era, Cher’s influence in the music industry remains undeniable. Her track “DJ Play a Christmas Song” was a standout in 2023, reaching the top of the Dance/Electronic Song Sales chart, marking her seventh consecutive decade achieving chart-topping success.
Cher’s impact on the music industry is unparalleled, making her a legendary figure with an enduring legacy. With her groundbreaking achievements and timeless hits, she continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of music.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.