October 23, 1998 marked the emergence of one of pop music’s most dynamic figures: Britney Spears.
Etched in music history as the release date of her debut single, ‘Baby One More Time’ (from her album of the same name), the Max Martin produced cut – originally submitted to and later passed on by R&B supergroup TLC – introduced the world to a 16-year-old Spears. Eventually going to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping its parent project become one of the best-selling debut albums in history by reaching worldwide sales of over 25 million, the tune – unknown to us at the time – would be the beginning of a nearly 20-year-long love affair with the pop princess.
Taking to Instagram, Brit – now 36 – commemorated the milestone by thanking her fans for the journey and reflected fondly on the song that launched her career. Read her heartfelt statement inside:
Relive the video here: