1999 Best-Selling Single Was a No. 1 Hit on Valentine’s Day 27 Years Ago
- - 1999 Best-Selling Single Was a No. 1 Hit on Valentine’s Day 27 Years Ago
Madz DizonFebruary 15, 2026 at 11:16 PM
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Twenty-seven years ago, on Feb. 14, 1999, Lenny Kravitz achieved a career milestone: his electrifying single “Fly Away” hit number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The riff-driven rock anthem, released in May 1998 as part of his fifth studio album 5, captivated listeners with its carefree energy and soaring vocals.
“Fly Away” wasn’t just another single; it became a defining track of Kravitz’s late ’90s rock era. Selling over 123,000 copies in its first week in the UK, the song cemented his status as a global rock icon. According to Fandom, it also topped charts in Iceland and broke into the top ten in countries including Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.
Lenny Kravitz performs onstage during the Roots Picnic at The Mann at Fairmount Park.Photo by Julia Beverly/WireImage (Photo by Julia Beverly/WireImage)
In the U.S., it dominated both the Mainstream Rock and Modern Rock/Alternative charts.
The track’s success was boosted by a popular Peugeot 206 TV advertisement in the UK, giving it crossover appeal beyond traditional rock audiences.
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“Fly Away” also marked Kravitz’s first of four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance from 1999 to 2002. In winning the award, Kravitz solidified his reputation not only as a talented singer but as a gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer.
Reflecting on his ongoing passion for music, Kravitz said in a recent interview about his role in the NBA on NBC:
“I have been a fan of basketball and the NBA since I was a kid. I celebrate their support of sports, music, and culture. I am looking forward to this special moment.”
Lenny Kravitz in 2026: Still Rocking Hard
At 61, Kravitz continues to dominate the stage. His 2026 world tour, following his Blue Electric Light era, has taken him across Mexico, Europe and the U.S., blending festival shows and headline arena performances. Setlists frequently feature hits like “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” “American Woman,” and of course, “Fly Away.”
While no official 2026 album has been confirmed, Kravitz has teased new material during live shows and social media updates, hinting that he remains creatively unstoppable.
Even beyond music, Kravitz continues to shine in fashion and film. He is a style icon, a former actor in The Hunger Games as Cinna, and an enduring figure in entertainment culture.
More than two decades after its release, “Fly Away” exemplifies Kravitz’s unique blend of authentic rock energy, soulful vocals and memorable guitar work. Its 27th anniversary on Valentine’s Day reminds fans why the song remains a favorite and a radio classic.
Related: Lenny Kravitz Shares the Sweetest Reaction to Marla Gibbs’ ‘The Jeffersons’ Cast Photo
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 16, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pop Culture section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
