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Debut Albums Rocket 10 Rock Hall Acts to No. 1
9 Nov
Summary
- Bad Company's debut album topped Billboard 200 in 1974
- 3 artists reached No. 1 with first solo albums after group success
- The Beatles' debut Capitol album topped chart, but not their first U.S. release
On November 8, 2025, Bad Company joined an exclusive club, becoming the 10th artist whose debut album had topped the Billboard 200 to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The band's self-titled debut reached No. 1 in September 1974, dethroning Stevie Wonder's Fulfillingness' First Finale.
Three of the acts on this list reached the top spot with their first solo albums, after successful group tenures. Paul McCartney's debut solo album hit No. 1 in 1970, following six years of unprecedented success with The Beatles. Stevie Nicks and George Michael also topped the chart in 1981 and 1988, respectively, after previous group work.
While The Beatles' debut Capitol album, Meet the Beatles!, did indeed top the Billboard 200 for 11 weeks, it was not their first U.S. release. Introducing... The Beatles, on Vee Jay, had been released 10 days earlier and peaked at No. 2 behind Meet the Beatles!.
