On August 20, 1983, the legendary Rolling Stones made headlines—and sent shockwaves through the music industry—by signing what was then the largest recording contract in history: a staggering $28 million deal with CBS Records.

At a time when record labels were cautiously measuring star power, this contract marked an extraordinary leap of faith—and a bold statement of confidence—in the enduring appeal of one of rock’s founding acts.

By the early 1980s, the Rolling Stones had already cemented their legacy over two decades of groundbreaking albums and electrifying performances. Yet even for artists of their stature, a contract of this magnitude was unheard of. It wasn’t simply about money—it was a symbol of the Stones’ ongoing relevance and market power in an increasingly competitive pop landscape.

Contemporaneous media coverage in Billboard and Rolling Stone framed the deal as a watershed moment: a validation that legacy acts could still command superstar-level investment, even amid the MTV-fueled rise of newer, flashier names.

For fans, it was a reminder that the Rolling Stones were no relic—they were still very much a force to be reckoned with, ready to shape the soundscape of the 1980s.

A Glimpse Back: What Else Happened on August 20?

In 1920, the precursor to the NFL, the American Professional Football Conference, was formed in Canton, Ohio.

In 1975, NASA launched the Viking 1 probe toward Mars, setting the stage for the first successful U.S. Mars landing a year later.

But for music lovers and long-time Rolling Stones fans, August 20, 1983, remains memorable as the day when the cost of rock and roll hit a record—literally.