Donna Summer and Lynyrd Skynyrd songs see rise in charts thanks to Winter Olympics
Donna Summer’s iconic song “MacArthur Park” has made a resurgence on the Billboard charts in connection with the winter Olympics. American figure skater Alysa Liu incorporated the track into her long program routine, which ultimately led to her winning the gold medal. As a result of this exposure, the song has climbed to the number one spot on the Dance Digital Song Sales chart, experiencing a staggering 575% increase in sales. Between Feb. 20-26, 2,000 downloads of the song were sold, showcasing the enduring popularity of this 1978 hit from Summer’s album “Live and More.” The track had previously enjoyed a three-week stint at the top position of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned a double Platinum certification from the RIAA during its initial release.
Following Summer’s passing in 2012, a remix of “MacArthur Park” resurfaced on the charts in 2013, reaching number one on the now-defunct Dance Club Songs chart. Evidently, the winter Olympics have given this timeless classic a new lease on life, reaffirming its status as a beloved favorite among music enthusiasts.
Similarly, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s iconic anthem “Free Bird” has also experienced a boost in popularity due to its association with the winter Olympics. The song has become the unofficial rallying cry for both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams and has consequently ascended to number 15 on the Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Moreover, “Free Bird” has claimed the number one spot on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart and has secured the sixth spot on the Digital Song Sales chart. This surge in recognition underscores the enduring allure of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s musical legacy, solidifying the song’s status as a perennial favorite among fans of rock music.
In conclusion, the winter Olympics have proven to be a catalyst for reviving classic songs such as “MacArthur Park” by Donna Summer and “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The heartwarming connection between these timeless tracks and the spirit of the games has reignited public interest in these musical gems, further solidifying their rightful place in the annals of music history.