Super Bowl Halftime Shows Ranked, 1967-2022

Super Bowl Halftime Shows: 1967-2022

Image from Mashable.com Rihanna performed at the halftime show for Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023. She delivered a hit-driven setlist of a dozen songs: Bitch Better Have My Money / Where Have You Been? / Only Girl in the World / We Found Love / Rude Boy / Work / Wild Thoughts / Pour It Up / All of the Lights / Run This Town / Umbrella / Diamonds Click here to see full performance on YouTube. While it’s too early to weigh in on where her performance stands compared to past Super Bowls, this page does offer a ranking of every previous halftime show. More than 100 lists have been aggregated to create this ranking. Click here to see other media-based lists, such as best videos and best music books of all time. Check out Dave’s Music Database podcast: The Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows. Premiere: February 15, 2022 at 7pm CST. Check out new episodes every Tuesday. 1. Prince (2007). No one was surprised that the Purple One delivered a kick-ass show, but covers of “Proud Mary,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You” were surprising. What left everyone in awe, however, was Prince’s apparent God-like power to summon just the right weather to accompany a set list that ended with “Purple Rain.” Setlist: We Will Rock You / Let’s Co Crazy / Baby I’m a Star / Proud Mary / 1999 / All Along the Watchtower / Best of You / Purple Rain Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 2. U2 (2002). In the wake of 9/11, U2 was one of the biggest voices decrying the horrific attacks and eulogizing those lost. During a stirring performance of “Where the Streets Have No Name”, a banner behind the band listed the victims. Setlist: Beautiful Day / MLK / Where the Streets Have No Name Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 3. Michael Jackson (1993). As is so often the case with The King of Pop, this was a benchmark. It served as the standard for other shows to follow. With only a 12-minute set, MJ introduced the Super Bowl to the astonishing concept that a big-name, internationally-recognized pop artist could wow an audience more than marching bands, cheesy song-and-dance numbers. Setlist: Jam / Why You Wanna Trip on Me / Billie Jean / Black or White / Another Part of Me / We Are the World / Heal the World Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 4. Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (2009). Personally, I’d be ecstatic to give The Boss the halftime show every year. He knows how to work crowds into frenzies, if not with his preacher-like introductions than with his adrenalin-fueled performances. That slide into the camera crotch-first could have ended things before they even got going, but Bruce powered on, seemingly unharmed. Setlist: Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out / Born to Run / Working on a Dream / Glory Days Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 5. Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child (2013). Beyoncé was a guest with Coldplay in 2016 (See #21), but this time got the stage all to herself. She was a big enough name that she didn’t need a slew of guest appearances, but she did have a very welcome reunion with Destiny’s Child bandmates Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Setlist: Run the World (Girls) / Love on Top / Crazy in Love / End of Time / Baby Boy / Bootylicious (Destiny’s Child) / Independent Women (Destiny’s Child) / Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (Destiny’s Child) / Halo Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 6. The Kings of Rock and Pop (2001). This was an odd mix of artists suggesting the halftime committee wasn’t convinced Aerosmith would have enough appeal on their own (they absolutely would have) so they added N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly to the mix. Then again, the all-star version of “Walk This Way,” complete with Spears’ cleavage-baring Aerosmith T-shirt, was memorable. Also, the opening sketch with Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock was worth the price of admission. Setlist: Bye Bye Bye (‘N Sync) / I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Aerosmith) / It’s Gonna Be Me (‘N Sync) / Jaded (Aerosmith) / Walk This Way (Aerosmith with ‘N Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly) Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 7. Paul McCartney (2005). In the wake of “Nipple Gate” (see #9), the powers-that-be behind the Super Bowl halftime shows opted to go with a safe, well-known classic rocker. There is arguably no bigger musician on the planet than this ex-Beatle and he provided a Beatle-centric set list completely free of any “wardrobe malfunctions.” Setlist: Drive My Car / Get Back / Live and Let Die / Hey Jude Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 8. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, et al (2004). No one remembers now, but this was actually another overstuffed show with too many performers. Instead, this one gave us the most infamous moment in Super Bowl halftime history when Justin Timberlake sang to Janet Jackson that he would have her naked by the end of the song “Rock Your Body” and then proceeded to tear off part of her costume, exposing her breast. Setlist: The Way You Move (Spirit of Houston and Ocean of Soul marching bands) / All of You (Janet Jackson) / Bad Boy for Life (P. Diddy) / Diddy (to the tune of “Mickey”) / Hot in Herre (Nelly) / Mo Money Mo Problems (P. Diddy) / Bawitdaba (Kid Rock) / Cowboy (Kid Rock) / Rhythm Nation (Janet Jackson) / Rock Your Body (Justin Timberlake with Janet Jackson) Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 9. Lady Gaga (2017). Setlist: God Bless America / This Land Is Your Land / Poker Face / Born This Way / Telephone / Just Dance / Million Reasons / Bad Romance Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 10. Diana Ross (1996). Doing a medley of her hits on a stage surrounded by hundreds of performers looked a little too much like some of the pre-Michael Jackson shows, but it was hard to deny her diva status when she departed in a helicopter. Setlist: Stop! In the Name of Love / You Keep Me Hangin’ On / Baby Love / You Can’t Hurry Love / Why Do Fools Fall in Love / Chain Reaction / Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand / Ain’t No Mountain High Enough / I Will Survive / Take Me Higher Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 11. Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar (2022). The announced all-star hip-hop lineup also included a surprise guest appearance from 50 Cent. Setlist: Dr. Dre with Snoop Dogg “The Next Episode” / Dr. Dre with Snoop Dogg “California Love” / 50 Cent “In Da Club” / Mary J. Blige “Family Affair” / Mary J. Blige “No More Drama” / Kendrick Lamar “M.a.a.d City” / Kendrick Lamar “Alright” / Kendrick Lamar with Eminem “Forgot About Dre” / Eminem “Lose Yourself” / Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg with Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, & 50 Cent “Still Dre” Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 12. The Rolling Stones (2006). The opening montage suggesting The Rolling Stones and the NFL had gone hand in hand over the years was a little odd. However, there was no arguing with picking what some have called the greatest rock and roll band of all time to keep viewers eyes peeled to the set for halftime, even if the band could long ago have applied for their AARP memberships in America. Besides, Jagger proved he could still prance about on stage like someone half his age. Setlist: Start Me Up / Rough Justice / (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction Click here to see full performance on YouTube. 13. Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Bad Bunny, J. Balvin, Emme, Muniz (2020) 14. Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliott, Arizona State University Sun Devil Marching Band (2015) 15. Madonna with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A, and Cee-Lo Green (2012) 16. Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers (2014) 17. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (2008) 18. Coldplay with Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, Gustavo Dudamel, University of California Marching Band, Youth Orchestra L.A. (2016) 19. Shania Twain, No Doubt, Sting (2003) 20. The Who (2010) 21. Salute to Motown’s 40th Anniversary: Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Queen Latifah, Grambling State University Band; 1998) 22. Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing: Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Chaka Khan, KISS, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Savion Glover (1999) 23. The Weeknd (2021) 24. Rockin’ Country Sunday: Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, The Judds (1994) 25. Black Eyed Peas with Usher and Slash (2011) 26. The Blues Brothers Bash: The Blues Brothers, ZZ Top, James Brown, Catherine Crier (1997) 27. Justin Timberlake, the Tennessee Kids, University of Minnesota Marching Band (2018) 28. Something Grand: Chubby Checker, The Rockettes, 88 grand pianos, the Mighty CSUN Matador Wall of Sound (1988) 29. Tapestry of Nations: Phil Collins Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton, 80-person choir, Edward James Olmos (2000) 30. Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi, Georgia State University Marching Band (2019) 31. University of Arizona, Grambling State University, & University of Michigan Marching Bands (1967) 32. Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye: Pattil LaBelle, Indiana Jones & Marion Ravenwood, Teddy Pendergrass, Tony Bennett, Arturo Sandoval, Miami Sound Machine (1995) 33. Salute to New Orleans & 40th Anniversary of Peanuts: Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw, Irma Thomas, Nicholls State University Marching Band, Southern University Marching Band, USL Marching Band (1990) 34. Salute to Louis Armstrong: Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing, Al Hirt, & USMC Drill Team (1972) 35. Grambling State University Marching Band (1968) 36. Disney’s Salute to Superstars of Silver Screen: University of Florida and Florida State University Marching Bands (1984) 37. Tribute to Duke Ellington: Mercer Ellington, Grambling State University Marching Band (1975) 38. A Salute to the 1960s and Motown: Up with People (1982). 39. From Paris to Paris of America: Tyler Apache Belles Drill Team, Apache Band, Pete Fountain, Al Hirt (1984) 40. America Thanks: Florida A&M University (1969) 41. Small World Tribute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl: New Kids on the Block, Disney characters, Warren Moon, 2000 local children, audience card stunt (1991) 42. Winter Magic and Salute to 1992 Winter Olympics: Gloria Estefan, Brian Boitano, Dorothy Hamill (1992) 43. Salute to Hollywood’s 100th Anniversary: George Burns, Mickey Rooney, Grambling State University Marching Band, Disney characters, Southern California-area High School drill teams with dancers (1987) 44. KaleidoSUPERscope: Los Angeles Drill Team (1983) 45. Mardi Gras Festival: Southern University Marching Band, Helen O’Connell (1981) 46. A Salute to the Big Band Era: Up with People, Grambling State University Marching Bands (1980) 47. Salute to the Caribbean: Ken Hamilton, various Caribbean bands (1979) 48. Tribute to Mardi Gras: Carol Channing, Southern University Marching Band (1970) 49. Southeast Missouri State Marching Band (1971) 50. 200 Years and Just a Baby – A Tribute to America’s Bicentennial: Up with People (1976) 51. Happiness Is: University of Michigan Marching Band, Woody Herman, Andy Williams (1974) 52. World of Children’s Dreams: United States Air Force Tops in Blue (1985) 53. Beat of the Future: Up with People (1986) 54. Be-Bop Bamboozled in 3-D: Elvis Presto, South Florida-area dancers and performers with 3-D effects (1989) 55. A Musical America: University of Texas Marching Band, Judy Mallett – Miss Texas 1973 (1974) 56. It’s a Small World: Los Angeles Unified All-City Band & audience card stunt (1977) Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: media-based lists Dave’s Music Database (2/4/2012). “The 5 worst Super Bowl halftime shows” Wikipedia “List of Super Bowl Halftime Shows” First posted 2/2/2013; last updated 2/13/2023.

The Top 100 Motown Songs

Motown: Top 100 Songs

On January 12, 1959, Berry Gordy launched Tamla Records after borrowing $800 from his relatives. The label evolved into Motown. In celebration of the historic event, the DMDB presents this list of the top 100 songs in the history of Motown. The list was generated by looking at song’s status in Dave’s Music Database, which is determined by rankings on best-of lists, awards, chart appearances, sales, and airplay. Appearances on Motown specific lists and CD compilations is figured into the mix as well. Here are the results: Click here to see other genre-specific song lists. Spotify Podcast: Check out the Dave’s Music Database podcast episode Remembering Barrett Strong: 10 of His Best which references songs on this list. Premiere: February 1, 2023. New episodes based on Dave’s Music Database lists are posted every Tuesday at 7pm CST. DMDB Top 1%: 1. Marvin Gaye “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1968) 2. Stevie Wonder “Superstition” (1972) 3. The Temptations “My Girl” (1964) 4. Marvin Gaye “What’s Going On” (1971) 5. Lionel Richie & Diana Ross “Endless Love” (1981) 6. Martha & the Vandellas “Dancing in the Street” (1964) 7. Four Tops “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” (1966) 8. The Jackson 5 “I Want You Back” (1969) 9. Boyz II Men “I’ll Make Love to You” (1994) 10. Marvin Gaye “Let’s Get It On” (1973) 11. Lionel Richie “All Night Long (All Night)” (1983) 12. The Supremes “Stop! In the Name of Love” (1965) 13. The Supremes “Baby Love” (1964) 14. The Miracles “The Tracks of My Tears” (1965) 15. Boyz II Men “End of the Road” (1992) 16. Stevie Wonder “I Just Called to Say I Love You” (1984) 17. The Supremes “Where Did Our Love Go” (1964) 18. Diana Ross “Upside Down” (1980) 19. The Commodores “Three Times a Lady” (1978) 20. The Jackson 5 “I’ll Be There” (1970) 21. The Supremes “You Can’t Hurry Love” (1966) 22. The Jackson 5 “ABC” (1970) 23. The Temptations “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” (1972) 24. The Commodores “Brick House” (1977) 25. Four Tops “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” (1965) 26. Stevie Wonder “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” (1973) 27. The Temptations “Just My Imagination Running Away with Me” (1971) 28. Rick James “Super Freak” (1981) 29. Edwin Starr “War” (1970) 30. The Marvelettes “Please Mr. Postman” (1961) 31. Lionel Richie “Say You Say Me” (1985) 32. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1967) 33. The Miracles “The Tears of a Clown” (1970) 34. Mary Wells “My Guy” (1964) 35. Martha & the Vandellas “Heat Wave” (1963) 36. The Temptations “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” (1966) 37. Lionel Richie “Hello” (1984) 38. The Contours “Do You Love Me?” (1962) 39. Four Tops “Baby I Need Your Loving” (1964) DMDB Top 2%: 40. Stevie Wonder “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” (1970) 41. Little Stevie Wonder “Fingertips (Part 2)” (1963) 42. The Supremes “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” 1966) 43. Thelma Houston “Don’t Leave Me This Way” (1976) 44. Stevie Wonder “Living for the City” (1973) 45. Junior Walker & the All Stars “Shotgun” (1965) 46. Marvin Gaye “Got to Give It Up (Part 1)” (1977) 47. Stevie Wonder “Higher Ground” (1973) 48. The Miracles “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me” (1962) 49. Marvin Gaye “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology Song)” (1971) 50. Stevie Wonder “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” (1965) 51. The Supremes “Someday We’ll Be Together” (1969) 52. Marvin Gaye “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You” (1964) 53. Boyz II Men “On Bended Knee” (1994) 54. Diana Ross “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970) 55. The Miracles “Shop Around” (1960) 56. Martha & the Vandellas “Nowhere to Run” (1965) 57. The Supremes “Love Child” (1968) 58. Barrett Strong “Money (That’s What I Want)” (1960) 59. Lionel Richie “Truly” (1982) 60. Stevie Wonder “Sir Duke” (1977) 61. The Commodores “Easy” (1977) 62. Eddie Kendricks “Keep on Truckin’ (Part 1)” (1973) DMDB Top 5%: 63. Jimmy Ruffin “What Becomes of the Broken Hearted” (1966) 64. Stevie Wonder “My Cherie Amour” (1969) 65. Diana Ross “Love Hangover” (1976) 66. The Isley Brothers “This Old Heart of Mine” (1966) 67. Smokey Robinson “Being with You” (1981) 68. The Temptations “I Can’t Get Next to You” (1969) 69. The Supremes “Come See about Me” (1964) 70. The Temptations “Ball of Confusion” (1970) 71. The Commodores “Still” (1979) 72. Diana Ross “I’m Coming Out” (1980) 73. Gladys Knight & the Pips “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (1967) 74. The Supremes “I Hear a Symphony” (1965) 75. Steve Wonder “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” (1980) 76. The Miracles “Ooo Baby Baby” (1965) 77. Boyz II Men “Motownphilly” (1991) 78. Michael Jackson “Ben” (1972) 79. Stevie Wonder “Part-Time Lover” (1985) 80. The Temptations “The Way You Do the Things You Do” (1964) 81. Stevie Wonder “I Wish” (1976) 82. Commodores “Sail On” (1979) 83. Rockwell with Michael Jackson “Somebody’s Watching Me” (1984) 84. The Supremes “Back in My Arms Again” (1965) 85. Rick James “Give It to Me Baby” (1981) 86. The Temptations “Cloud Nine” (1968) 87. Stevie Wonder “For Once in My Life” (1968) 88. The Miracles “I Second That Emotion” (1967) 89. Martha Reeves & the Vandellas “Jimmy Mack” (1967) 90. Marvin Gaye “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” (1971) 91. Diana Ross “Touch Me in the Morning” (1973) 92. Diana Ross “Do You Know Where You’re Going To (Theme from Mahogany)” (1975) 93. The Jackson 5 “The Love You Save” (1970) 94. Four Tops “Bernadette” (1967) 95. The Miracles “Love Machine” (1975) 96. Stevie Wonder “I Was Made to Love Her” (1967) 97. Dazz Band “Let It Whip” (1982) 98. The Supremes Reflections” (1967) 99. The Temptations “I Wish It Would Rain” (1968) 100. Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston “It Takes Two” (1966) Resources/Related Links: Dave’s Music Database: “Other Genre/Category Song Lists” DMDB Music Maker Encyclopedia Entries for: First posted 1/14/2012; last updated 2/1/2023.

Lionel Richie/Commodores: Top 50 Songs

Lionel Richie/Commodores Top 50 Songs

Lionel Richie was born June 20, 1949 in Tuskegee, Alabama. As a freshman at Tuskegee Institute in 1968, he met the other members of what was to become the Commodores. The group signed with Motown in 1972 and became hugely successful on the pop and R&B charts. In 1980, Richie penned “Lady” for Kenny Rogers and it was a huge crossover hit. The following year, “Endless Love,” his duet with Diana Ross, was even bigger. It paved the way for his solo career, which he launched in 1982. Richie became one of chart history’s most successful crossover artists, landing #1 songs on the pop, R&B, adult contemporary charts and even the country chart (if you count “Lady”). His 1983 album, Can’t Slow Down, won the Grammy for Album of the Year. “Endless Love” is featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era, 1954-1999. Click here to see other acts’ best-of lists. Spotify Podcast: Check out the Dave’s Music Database podcast episode The Best of Lionel Richie based on this list. Premiere: May 24, 2022 at 7pm CST. New episodes based on Dave’s Music Database lists are posted every Tuesday at 7pm CST.

Awards (Lionel Richie):

Awards (Commodores):

Top 50 Songs Dave’s Music Database lists are determined by song’s appearances on best-of lists as well as chart success, sales, radio airplay, streaming, and awards. Songs are solo hits by Richie unless marked otherwise. Songs which hit #1 on various charts are noted. (Click for codes to charts.) DMDB Top 1%: 1. Endless Love (with Diana Ross, 1981) #1 US, #1 AC, #1 RB 2. We Are the World (written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, recorded by U.S.A. for Africa) #1 US, #1 AC, #1 RB 3. Lady (written by Lionel Richie, recorded by Kenny Rogers, 1980) #1 US, #1 AC, #1 CW 4. All Night Long (All Night) (1983) #1 US, #1 AC, #1 RB 5. Three Times a Lady (Commodores, 1978) #1 US, #1 AC, #1 RB 6. Brick House (Commodores, 1977) 7. Say You Say Me (1985) #1 US, #1 AC, #1 RB 8. Hello (1984) #1 US, #1 AC, #1 RB DMDB Top 2%: 9. Truly (1982) #1 US, #1 AC DMDB Top 5%: 10. Easy (Commodores, 1977) #1 RB 11. Still (Commodores, 1979) #1 US, #1 RB 12. Sail On (Commodores, 1979) 13. Stuck on You (1984) #1 AC 14. You Are (1983) #1 AC DMDB Top 10%: 15. Lady (You Bring Me Up) (Commodores, 1981) 16. Dancing on the Ceiling (1986) 17. Running with the Night (1983) 18. Night Shift (Commodores, 1985) 19. Penny Lover (1984) #1 AC 20. My Love (1983) #1 AC 21. Machine Gun (Commodores, 1974) 22. Love Will Conquer All (1986) #1 AC DMDB Top 20%: 23. Oh No (Commodores, 1981) 24. Sweet Love (Commodores, 1975) 25. Just to Be Close to You (Commodores, 1976) #1 RB 26. Ballerina Girl (1986) #1 AC 27. Deep River Woman (with Alabama, 1986) 28. Do It to Me (1992) #1 RB 29. Se La (1986) 30. Don’t Wanna Lose You (1996) 31. Too Hot ta Trot (Commodores, 1977) #1 RB 32. Wonderland (Commodores, 1979) 33. Old-Fashion Love (Commodores, 1980) Beyond the DMDB Top 20%: 34. Slippery When Wet (Commodores, 1975) #1 RB 35. Heroes (Commodores, 1980) 36. Fancy Dancer (Commodores, 1976) 37. Flying High (Commodores, 1978) 38. Only You (Commodores, 1983) 39. I Call It Love (2006) 40. Why You Wanna Try Me (Commodores, 1981) 41. Angel (2000) 42. My Destiny (1992) 43. I Feel Sanctified (Commodores, 1974) 44. This Is Your Life (Commodores, 1975) 45. Goin’ to the Bank (Commodores, 1986) 46. Animal Instinct (Commodores, 1985) 47. Janet (Commodores, 1985) 48. Painted Picture (Commodores, 1982) 49. Just for You (2004) 50. Zoom (Commodores, 1977) Resources and Related Links: DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Lionel Richie DMDB Encyclopedia entry for Commodores Dave’s Music Database: “Acts’ Profile Pages and Best-of Lists” First posted 6/20/2017; updated 5/24/2022.