Harmon’s Histories: Doo-wop music brings nostalgia to the Billboard Hot 100.
Pop music has always held a special place in my heart, dating back to when the term rock ‘n roll was first coined when I was just eight years old. One of my fondest memories was visiting the local music store each week in anticipation of the arrival of the latest issue of Billboard magazine, which featured the highly anticipated “Hot 100” music chart. As I approach the age of 80, reflecting on my lifelong love for pop music, it surprises me to learn that Billboard magazine wasn’t initially created for music enthusiasts like myself, but rather for the advertising industry – a fact that eluded me until recently.
Gary Trust’s enlightening article sheds light on the magazine’s humble beginnings, originally titled “Billboard Advertising, a monthly review of all that is new, bright, and interesting on the Boards.” The magazine catered to advertisers, poster printers, bill posters, advertising agents, and secretaries of fairs, with its focus primarily on the advertising industry rather than the music scene. It wasn’t until 1940 that Billboard introduced a ranked music list, featuring the national best-selling retail records. The inaugural chart-topper was Tommy Dorsey’s “I’ll Never Smile Again,” based on sales data from sheet music, jukeboxes, and radio airplay.
The iconic “Billboard Hot 100” list that we know today made its debut in 1958, around the time I turned 12. I vividly recall the excitement surrounding the chart-topping track, “Poor Little Fool” by Ricky Nelson, a standout moment during my formative years. While the Billboard charts predominantly reflected the rock ‘n roll genre, they also embraced other music styles, including country/western, featuring legendary artists like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. Even in contemporary times, the music landscape continues to evolve, with artists such as Ella Langley, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, and Morgan Wallen taking center stage on the Billboard Hot 100.
In the early days of music charting, singles – 45-rpm records with A and B sides – were a common format for releasing music. Over time, artists transitioned to releasing albums, providing listeners with a compilation of hits on a long-playing (LP) record. In today’s digital age, the trend has reversed, with albums often serving as a source for numerous charting singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Current chart-toppers often hail from albums by notable artists like Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean, and Harry Styles, showcasing the diversity of contemporary music.
The meticulous process of compiling today’s music charts involves complex data mining techniques. Billboard relies on Luminate, a company that aggregates sales information from over 500 providers worldwide, tracking sales, streaming data, and airplay figures. Additionally, Mediabase, a division of iHeartMedia, monitors radio station airplay in the U.S. and Canada, contributing to the comprehensive data set used to determine chart rankings.
As a music enthusiast who cherishes the simplicity of bygone eras, I find solace in reminiscing about the days when waiting for the latest issue of Billboard magazine was a highlight of my week. Despite the technological advancements that have revolutionized the music industry, my nostalgia for the Billboard Hot 100 and the timeless tunes that have graced its charts remains unwavering.