It’s often said that a song ain’t Number One until it’s Number One in Billboard. But here’s the thing about Billboard—it was, and is, always a bit behind what’s happening on the street. The date that’s on each issue of the magazine has always been a couple of weeks ahead of the actual date on which each issue appears. Back in the day, radio station surveys, with less lag time to publication, were likely more accurate as to how the musical hierarchy in a given market really stood on a given date. Here are some Number Ones to compare, from this date in years gone by.
1969
Billboard: “Everyday People”/Sly and the Family Stone
WISM, Madison: “This Magic Moment”/Jay and the Americans
Comment: Number Two in Madison was “Condition Red,” a record that was retro even in 1969, by the Goodees, a girl group recording on a Stax subsidiary. Madison’s love for it didn’t translate: “Condition Red” reached only Number 46 in Billboard. The fabulous Scram has more on the Goodees and their 2:54 of fame.
1972
Billboard: “Let’s Stay Together”/Al Green
CKLW, Windsor/Detroit: “I Gotcha”/Joe Tex
KGB, San Diego: “Down By the Lazy River”/Osmonds
Comment: “I Gotcha” would reach Number Two in Billboard, but not until May 6. “Down By the Lazy River”—the Osmonds single to have if you’re only having one—would reach Number 4 in Billboard on March 4.
1973
Billboard: “Crocodile Rock”/Elton John
WRKO, Boston: “Why Can’t We Live Together”/Timmy Thomas
WNCT, Greenville, NC: “Love Jones”/Brighter Side of Darkness
Comment: Small-market radio goes its own way. Although “Love Jones” is mostly forgotten today, it had made Number 16 in Billboard the week of February 3, so its success on the station that was “first in solid rock music in Eastern Carolina” isn’t all that odd. And they had Timmy Thomas at Number 4, so they’re OK.
1976
Billboard: “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”/Paul Simon
WRBR, South Bend, IN: “Dream On”/Aerosmith
Comment: “Dream On” wouldn’t reach its Billboard peak, Number 6, until April 10. It had originally been released as a single in 1973, getting only to Number 59 nationally. ARSA shows it getting a lot of 1973 airplay in New England, where Aerosmith would have been considered a local band. In 1976, “Dream On” also outperformed its Billboard ranking in New Haven, Detroit, Chicago, Phoenix, and Lincoln, Nebraska.
1983
Billboard: “Baby Come to Me”/Patti Austin
KHTR, St. Louis: “Goody Two-Shoes”/Adam Ant
Comment: Adam Ant was at his Billboard peak, Number 12, the same week he topped the charts in St. Louis.
“Low” by Flo Rida is the top song on the current Hot 100, which is dated February 23, 2008—the date of Billboard’s current issue, more than a week away. By the time February 23 actually gets here, street reality in St. Louis, Boston, Greenville, or Madison could be a bit different.
“Condition Red”/The Goodees (buy it, along with others of similar ilk, here)
“Why Can’t We Live Together”/Timmy Thomas (buy it here)
Filed under: Record Charts, Tracks
