Top 40 Music on Compact Disc: 1979 -- Variety’s Top Selling Singles

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Brian W.
MusicFan

Joined: 13 October 2004
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2474

Posted: 31 July 2005 at 12:46am \| IP Logged

Variety's Best-Selling Pop Singles of 1979

This year demonstrates the biggest gap yet between what Top 40 radio is willing to play and what the kiddies are buying.

Mega-shocker:

The number THREE sales rank of the first hit rap record, Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight." Available only as a 12-inch single, the song peaked at #36 on the Hot 100, presumably due to low Top 40 airplay. For a song with little airplay, available only as a 12-inch single, to stay at #3 for four weeks is amazing. It sold over a million copies.

And how appropriate for the first hit rap song to peak the very last week of 1979 and into 1980, ringing in the new decade like a portent of things to come...

Surprises:

--The meager #11 rank of the Bee Gees' "Love You Inside Out," a song that hit #1 for one week in Billboard. (However, not in Cash Box or Record World). The song did hit #3 on Variety's short-lived airplay chart and #2 on Radio & Records' airplay chart... which explains how it was possible for it to get to #1 on the Hot 100.

--The top twenty ranking of "Keep on Dancin'" by Gary's Gang, which missed the top forty in Billboard completely!

--Mass Production's "Firecracker" and Funkadelic's "Knee Deep" charted in the top thirty, but didn't even approach the top forty in Billboard.

--Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" just missed the top forty. I don't think Billboard was including Christmas singles on the Hot 100 at the time, so it's interesting to get a pop chart position for this one.

This year, I've noted a couple #2 hits that came within less than 1% of the top spot, according to the weekly Relative Sales Index, which measured the difference in "sales power" between each single. I'm sure 1% is well within the margin of error. (I've also gone back and done this with the previous charts I've posted.)

Top 40 sellers that did not chart in the top forty on the Hot 100 are in red. In all, I count eight of them.

***

"The Variety singles chart is a current reflection of records active on the national retail level. The tabulation is derived from a broad sampling of sales data obtained from the top 25 markets. It is based wholly on retail sales."

#1

1. My Sharona – The Knack #1 (9 weeks), 8/1/79 (7/23/79)
2. Da Ya Think I'm Sexy – Rod Stewart #1 (8 weeks), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
3. Reunited – Peaches & Herb #1 (8 weeks), 4/25/79 (4/16/79)
4. No More Tears (Enough is Enough) – Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer #1 (6 weeks), 11/7/79 (10/29/79)
5. Escape (The Pina Colada Song) – Rupert Holmes #1 (actual 6 weeks, though magazine mistakenly listed 5 weeks), 12/19/79 (12/10/79)
6. Ring My Bell – Anita Ward #1 (5 weeks), 6/20/79 (6/11/79)
7. Rise – Herb Alpert #1 (5 weeks), 10/3/79 (9/24/79)
8. What a Fool Believes – Doobie Brothers #1 (2 weeks), 4/11/79 (4/2/79)
9. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor #1 (1 week), 4/4/79 (3/26/79)
10. Bad Girls – Donna Summer #1 (1 week), 7/25/79 (7/16/79)

#2

11. Hot Stuff – Donna Summer #2 (7 weeks), 5/23/79 (5/14/79) (Came within 0.41% of #1 on 6/13/79 (6/4/79))
12. Babe – Styx #2 (7 weeks nc), 11/21/79 (11/12/79)
13. The Devil Went Down to Georgia – Charlie Daniels Band #2 (5 weeks), 8/22/79 (8/13/79)
14. Y.M.C.A. - Village People #2 (5 weeks nc), 1/10/79 (1/1/79)
15. Heart of Glass – Blondie #2 (4 weeks), 4/25/79 (4/16/79)
16. Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson #2 (2 weeks), 10/17/79 (10/8/79)
17. Music Box Dancer – Frank Mills #1 (1 week), 4/11/79 (4/2/79) (Came within 0.95% of #1 on week of 4/11/79 (4/2/79))
18. Pop Muzik – M #2 (1 week), 11/14/79 (11/5/79)

#3

19. Sad Eyes – Robert John #3 (6 weeks), 9/12/79 (9/3/79)
20. Rapper's Delight – Sugar Hill Gang #3 (4 weeks nc), 1/2/80 (12/24/79)
21. Good Times – Chic #3 (4 weeks nc), 8/8/79 (7/30/79)
22. Tragedy – Bee Gees #3 (2 weeks), 3/21/79 (3/12/79)
23. Knock on Wood – Amii Stewart #3 (2 weeks), 5/2/79 (4/23/79)
24. Heartache Tonight – Eagles #3 (2 weeks nc), 11/7/79 (10/29/79)
25. We Are Family – Sister Sledge #3 (1 week), 6/6/79 (5/28/79) (I'm surprised this didn't peak higher – it debuted at #6 on the chart)
26. The Main Event/Fight – Barbra Streisand #3 (1 week), 8/15/79 (8/6/79)
27. Still – Commodores #3 (1 week), 11/28/79 (11/19/79)

#4

28. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) – Jacksons #4 (2 weeks), 5/9/79 (4/30/79)
29. I'll Never Love This Way Again – Dionne Warwick #4 (2 weeks nc), 9/5/79 (8/27/79)
30. The Logical Song – Supertramp #4 (1 week), 7/11/79 (7/2/79)
31. I Want You to Want Me – Cheap Trick #4 (1 week), 7/18/79 (7/9/79)

#5

32. September – Earth, Wind & Fire #5 (2 weeks), 1/31/79 (1/22/79)
33. Fire – Pointer Sisters #5 (2 weeks nc), 2/21/79 (2/15/79)
34. Sail On – Commodores #5 (1 week), 10/24/79 (10/15/79)

#6

35. Please Don't Go – KC & The Sunshine Band #6 (2 weeks nc), 11/28/79 (11/19/79)
36. Makin' It – David Naughton #6 (2 weeks nc), 8/8/79 (7/30/79)
37. In the Navy – Village People #6 (1 week), 5/23/79 (5/14/79)
38. You Take My Breath Away – Rex Smith #6 (1 week), 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
39. Boogie Wonderland – Earth, Wind & Fire #6 (1 week), 7/18/79 (7/9/79)
40. Ladies Night – Kool & the Gang #6 (1 week), 12/19/79 (12/10/79)

#7

41. Shake Your Groove Thing – Peaches & Herb #7 (4 weeks nc), 2/28/79 (2/19/79)
42. A Little More Love – Olivia Newton-John #7 (2 weeks nc), 1/31/79 (1/22/79)
43. She Believes in Me – Kenny Rogers #7 (1 week), 7/18/79 (7/9/79)
44. Lead Me On – Maxine Nightingale #7 (1 week), 9/19/79 (9/10/79)
45. Dim All the Lights / There Will Always Be a You – Donna Summer #7 (1 week), 10/31/79 (10/22/79)

#8

46. Chuck E.'s in Love – Rickie Lee Jones #8 (2 weeks), 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
47. Don't Bring Me Down – Electric Light Orchestra #8 (1 week), 8/29/79 (8/20/79)
48. Lonesome Loser – Little River Band #8 (3 weeks), 9/26/79 (9/27/79)

#9

49. He's the Greatest Dancer – Sister Sledge #9 (2 weeks), 4/25/79 (4/16/79)
50. Just When I Needed You Most – Randy Vanwarmer #9 (2 weeks), 5/30/79 (5/21/79)
51. When You're in Love With a Beautiful Woman – Dr. Hook #9 (2 weeks nc), 8/1/79 (7/23/79)
52. (Our Love) Don't Throw It All Away – Andy Gibb #9 (1 week), 1/10/79 (1/1/79)
53. Lotta Love – Nicolette Larson #9 (1 week), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
54. Soul Man – Blues Brothers #9 (1 week), 2/14/79 (2/5/79)
55. Goodnight Tonight – Wings #9 (1 week), 5/23/79 (5/14/79)
56. Good Girls Don't – The Knack #9 (1 week), 10/17/79 (10/8/79)

#10

57. Heaven Knows – Donna Summer & Brooklyn Dreams #10 (5 weeks), 2/28/79 (2/19/79)
58. After the Love Has Gone – Earth, Wind & Fire #10 (2 weeks), 8/29/79 (8/20/79)
59. Tusk – Fleetwood Mac #10 (2 weeks), 11/7/79 (10/29/79)
60. Disco Nights – GQ #10 (1 week), 5/23/79 (5/14/79)

#11

61. You Decorated My Life – Kenny Rogers #11 (4 weeks), 10/24/79 (10/15/79)
62. Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits #11 (2 weeks), 3/28/79 (3/19/79)
63. Lady – Little River Band #11 (2 weeks), 4/25/79 (4/16/79)
64. Love You Inside Out – Bee Gees #11 (1 week), 5/23/79 (5/14/79)
65. You Can't Change That – Raydio #11 (1 week), 8/8/79 (7/30/79)
66. Gold – John Stewart #11 (1 week), 8/15/79 (8/6/79)

#12

67. You're Only Lonely – JD Souther #12 (2 weeks), 12/12/79 (12/3/79)
68. Every 1s a Winner – Hot Chocolate #12 (2 weeks), 2/14/79 (2/5/79)
69. Stumblin' In – Suzy Quatro & Chris Norman #12 (1 week), 5/9/79 (4/30/79)

#13

70. The Long Run – Eagles #13 (3 weeks nc), 12/26/79 (12/17/79)
71. We've Got Tonite – Bob Seger & Silver Bullet Band #13 (1 week), 1/10/79 (1/1/79)
72. I Want Your Love – Chic #13 (1 week), 5/2/79 (4/23/79)
73. Rock 'N Roll Fantasy – Bad Company #13 (1 week), 7/11/79 (7/2/79)
74. Bad Case of Loving You – Robert Palmer #13 (1 week), 10/10/79 (10/1/79)

#14

75. Let's Go – Cars #14 (2 weeks), 9/5/79 (8/27/79)
76. Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now – McFaddden & Whitehead #14 (1 week), 7/11/79 (7/2/79)
77. Born to Be Alive – Patrick Hernandez #14 (1 week), 9/26/79 (9/17/79)
78. Heaven Must Have Sent You – Bonnie Pointer #14 (1 week), 10/17/79 (10/8/79)

#15

79. Don't Cry Out Loud – Melissa Manchester #15 (1 week), 3/14/79 (3/5/79)
80. Is She Really Going Out With Him – Joe Jackson #15 (1 week), 8/8/79 (7/29/79)
81. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' – Journey #15 (1 week), 11/7/79 (10/29/79)

#16

82. I Was Made for Lovin' You – Kiss #16 (3 weeks), 7/25/79 (7/16/79)
83. Dancin' Shoes – Nigel Olsson #16 (1 week), 3/14/79 (3/5/79)

#17

85. Shine a Little Love – Electric Light Orchestra #17 (2 weeks), 7/4/79 (6/25/79)
86. Shake It – Ian Matthews #17 (1 week), 2/14/79 (2/5/79)
87. Big Shot – Billy Joel #17 (1 week), 3/14/79 (3/5/79)
88. Renegade – Styx #17 (1 week), 6/27/79 (6/18/79)
89. Ships – Barry Manilow #17 (1 week), 12/5/79 (11/26/79)

#18

90. Mama Can't Buy You Love – Elton John #18 (2 weeks), 8/1/79 (7/23/79)
91. Take Me Home – Cher #18 (1 week), 5/9/79 (4/30/79)
92. Cruel to Be Kind – Nick Lowe #18 (1 week), 10/10/79 (10/1/79)

#19

93. The Gambler – Kenny Rogers #19 (3 weeks nc), 2/14/79 (2/5/79)
94. I Just Fall in Love Again – Anne Murray #19 (1 week), 4/4/79 (3/26/79)
95. Keep on Dancin' – Gary's Gang #19 (1 week), 4/11/79 (4/2/79)
96. Minute by Minute – Doobie Brothers #19 (1 week), 6/6/79 (5/28/79)
97. Goodbye Stranger – Supertramp #19 (1 week), 9/12/79 (9/3/79)
98. Different Worlds – Maureen McGovern #19 (1 week), 10/3/79 (9/24/79)

#20

99. Dirty White Boy – Foreigner #20 (2 weeks), 10/31/79 (10/22/79)
100. Crazy Love – Poco #20 (1 week), 4/4/79 (3/26/79)
101. Dance the Night Away – Val Halen #20 (1 week), 7/4/79 (6/25/79)
102. You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else – Jones Girls #20 (1 week), 8/8/79 (7/30/79)
103. Hot Number – Foxy #20 (1 week), 5/16/79 (5/7/79)
104. Come to Me – France Joli #20 (1 week), 10/24/79 (10/15/79)
105. Dreaming – Blondie #20 (1 week), 11/14/79 (11/5/79)

#21

106. Shattered – Rolling Stones #21 (1 week), 1/24/79 (1/15/79)
107. Does Your Mother Know – ABBA #21 (1 week), 8/1/79 (7/23/79)
108. The Boss – Diana Ross #21 (1 week), 9/19/79 (9/10/79)
109. I Do Love You – GQ #21 (1 week), 10/3/79 (9/24/79)
110. Half the Way – Crystal Gayle #21 (1 week), 11/28/79 (11/19/79)
111. Send One Your Love – Stevie Wonder #21 (1 week), 12/12/79 (12/3/79)

#22

112. I Got My Mind Made Up – Instant Funk #22 (4 weeks nc), 3/28/79 (3/19/79)
113. Every Time I Think of You – Babys #22 (1 week), 4/4/79 (3/26/79)
114. Blow Away – George Harrison #22 (1 week), 5/2/79 (4/23/79)
115. One Way or Another – Blondie #22 (1 week), 7/25/79 (7/16/79)
116. Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp #22 (1 week), 12/26/79 (12/17/79)

#23

117. What You Won't Do for Love – Bobby Caldwell #23 (2 weeks nc), 2/21/79 (2/12/79)
118. Driver's Seat – Sniff N the Tears #23 (1 week), 10/3/79 (9/24/79)

#24

119. Head Games – Foreigner #24 (2 weeks), 12/26/79 (12/17/79)
120. Livin' It Up (Friday Night) – Bell & James #24 (1 week), 3/21/79 (3/12/79)
121. I Can't Stand It No More – Peter Frampton #24 (1 week), 7/11/79 (7/2/79)
122. Broken Hearted Me – Anne Murray #24 (1 week), 11/28/79 (11/19/79)

#25

123. Dream Police – Cheap Trick #25 (3 weeks nc), 10/31/79 (10/22/79)
124. New York Groove – Ace Frehley #25 (1 week), 2/14/79 (2/5/79)
125. Firecracker – Mass Production #25 (1 week), 9/26/79 (9/17/79)
126. The Rainbow Connection – Kermit the Frog #25 (1 week), 11/28/79 (11/19/79)

#26

127. Somewhere in the Night – Barry Manilow #26 (1 week), 1/31/79 (1/22/79)
128. (Not Just) Knee Deep – Funkadelic #26 (1 week), 10/17/79 (10/8/79)

#27

130. I Don't Know If It's Right – Evelyn “Champagne” King #27 (3 weeks), 2/21/79 (2/12/79)
131. Roxanne – Police #27 (1 week), 5/9/79 (4/30/79)

#28

132. Getting Closer – Wings #28 (2 weeks), 7/4/79 (6/25/79)
133. I Know a Heartache When I See One – Jennifer Warnes #28 (2 weeks), 10/10/79 (10/1/79)

#29

134. Love Ballad – George Benson #29 (2 weeks nc), 4/25/79 (4/16/79)
135. Love Takes Time – Orleans #29 (2 weeks), 6/6/78 (5/27/78)

#30

136. Promises – Eric Clapton #30 (2 weeks nc), 1/17/79 (1/8/79)
137. I Was Made for Dancin' – Leif Garrett #30 (2 weeks), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
138. I Need Your Help Barry Manilow – Ray Stevens #30 (1 week), 4/25/79 (4/16/79)
139. Honesty – Billy Joel #30 (3 weeks nc), 5/30/79 (5/21/79)
140. Love is the Answer – England Dan & John Ford Coley #30, 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
141. Suspicions – Eddie Rabbitt #30 (4 weeks nc), 8/15/79 (8/6/79)

#31

142. Ain't That a Shame – Cheap Trick #31 (1 week), 9/19/79 (9/10/79)
143. Street Life – Crusaders #31 (1 week), 10/17/79 (10/8/79)

#32

144. Forever in Blue Jeans – Neil Diamond #32 (2 weeks), 3/14/79 (3/5/79)
145. Turn Off the Lights – Teddy Pendergrass #32 (2 weeks nc), 8/1/79 (7/23/79)

#33

146. No Tell Lover – Chicago #33 (2 weeks), 2/14/79 (2/5/79)
147. This Night Won't Last Forever – Michael Johnson #33 (1 week), 11/21/79 (11/12/79)

#34

148. Old Time Rock N Roll – Bob Seger #34 (1 week), 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
149. Spooky – Atlanta Rhythm Section #34 (1 week), 9/26/79 (9/17/79)
150. Found a Cure – Ashford & Simpson #34 (1 week), 10/3/79 (9/24/79)

#35

151. What Cha Gonna Do With My Lovin' – Stephanie Mills #35 (1 week), 9/12/79 (9/3/79)
152. Hot Summer Nights – Night #35 (1 week), 9/19/79 (9/10/79)

#36

154. Take Me to the River – Talking Heads #36 (2 weeks), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
155. Do It or Die – Atlanta Rhythm Section #36 (2 weeks), 8/8/79 (7/30/79)
156. Bustin' Loose – Chuck Brown & Soul Searchers #36 (1 week), 3/7/79 (2/26/79)
157. Go West – Village People #36 (1 week), 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
158. Shadows in the Moonlight – Anne Murray #36 (1 week), 7/25/79 (7/16/79)
159. If You Remember Me – Chris Thompson & Night #36 (1 week), 12/12/79 (12/3/79)

#37

160. Baby I'm Burnin' – Dolly Parton #37 (1 week), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
161. Contact – Edwin Starr #37 (1 week), 2/21/79 (2/12/79)
162. Maybe I'm a Fool – Eddie Money #37 (1 week), 4/11/79 (4/2/79)
163. Get Used to It – Roger Voudouris #37 (1 week), 6/20/79 (6/11/79)
164. Forever Mine – O'Jays #37 (1 week), 1/2/80 (12/24/80)

#38

165. Superman – Herbie Mann #38 (2 weeks nc), 4/4/79 (3/26/79)
166. Don't Hold Back – Chanson #38 (1 week), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
167. Ain't Love a Bitch – Rod Stewart #38 (1 week), 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
168. Where Were You When I Was Fallin' In Love – Lobo #38 (1 week), 10/10/79 (10/1/79)

#39

None

#40

169. Haven't Stopped Dancin' Yet – Gonzales #40 (2 weeks), 3/14/79 (3/5/79)
170. Blue Morning, Blue Day – Foreigner #40 (1 week), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
171. Heart of the Night – Poco #40 (1 week), 7/18/79 (7/9/79)
172. It's All I Can Do – Cars #40 (1 week), 11/21/79 (11/12/79)

#41

173. Home and Dry – Gerry Rafferty #41 (1 week), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
174. Damned if I Do – Alan Parsons Project #41 (2 weeks), 12/19/79 (12/10/79)

#42

175. Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney #42 (2 weeks), 12/26/79 (12/17/79)
176. Every Which Way But Loose – Eddie Rabbitt #42 (1 week), 3/14/79 (3/5/79)
177. Deeper Than the Night – Olivia Newton-John #42 (1 week), 6/6/79 (5/28/79)
178. Dancin' Fool – Frank Zappa #42 (1 week), 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
179. Up on the Roof – James Taylor #42 (1 week), 7/11/79 (7/2/79)
180. Rolene – Moon Martin #42 (1 week), 10/10/79 (10/1/79)
181. Confusion – Electric Light Orchestra #42 (1 week), 11/14/79 (11/5/79)

#43

182. If Loving You Is Wrong – Barbara Mandrell #43 (1 week), 6/13/79 (6/4/79)
183. Shakedown Cruise – Jay Ferguson #43 (1 week), 6/20/79 (6/11/79)
184. So Good So Right – Brenda Russell #43 (1 week), 10/31/79 (10/22/79)
185. Voices – Cheap Trick #43 (1 week), 12/19/79 (12/10/79)

#44

186. Rubber Biscuit – Blues Brothers #44 (2 weeks), 3/28/79 (3/19/79)
187. Hold On – Ian Gamm #44 (2 weeks nc), 10/10/79 (10/1/79)
188. Days Gone Down – Gerry Rafferty #44 (1 week), 7/18/79 (7/9/79)
189. Chiquita – ABBA #44 (1 week), 12/26/79 (12/17/79) (might have peaked a little higher in unpublished 1/9/80 chart)
190. Peanut Butter #44 (1 week), 1/2/80 (12/24/80) (might have peaked a little higher in unpublished 1/9/80 chart)

#45

191. People of the South Wind – Kansas #45 (1 week), 7/18/79 (7/9/79)
192. Get It Right the Next Time – Gerry Rafferty #45 (3 weeks), 9/19/79 (9/10/79)
193. Gotta Serve Somebody – Bob Dylan #45 (1 week), 10/10/79 (10/1/79)
194. Video Killed the Radio Star – Buggles #45 (1 week), 12/12/79 (12/3/79)
195. Message in a Bottle – Police #45 (1 week), 12/26/79 (12/17/79)

#46

196. Sing for the Day – Styx #46 (1 week), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
197. Happiness – Pointer Sisters #46 (1 week), 5/2/79 (4/23/79)
198. Star Love – Cheryl Lynn #46 (2 weeks), 5/16/79 (5/7/79)
199. Children of the Sun – Billy Thorpe #46 (1 week), 9/12/79 (9/3/79)
200. Dependin' on You – Doobie Brothers #46 (2 weeks) 9/26/79 (9/17/79)
201. Please Don't Leave – Lauren Wood #46 (1 week), 11/14/79 (11/5/79)
202. Wait for Me – Hall & Oates #46 (2 weeks), 12/12/79 (12/3/79)

#47

203. Oh Honey – Delegation #47 (1 week), 4/18/79 (4/9/79)
204. Dancer – Gino Soccio #47 (3 weeks), 5/9/79 (4/30/79)
205. Girl of My Dreams – Bram Tchaikovsky #47 (1 week), 8/15/79 (8/6/79)
206. Pretty Girls – Melissa Manchester #47 (1 week), 12/5/79 (11/26/79)

#48

207. I Go to Rio – Pablo Cruise #48 (1 week), 2/7/79 (1/29/79)
208. You Make Me Feel Mighty Real – Sylvester #48 (1 week), 2/28/79 (2/19/79)
209. I'll Supply the Love – Toto #48 (3 weeks nc), 3/14/79 (3/5/79)
210. Precious Love – Bob Welch #48 (1 week), 4/11/79 (4/2/79)
211. Arrow Through Me – Wings #48 (1 week), 10/3/79 (9/24/79)
212. I Want You Tonight – Pablo Cruise #48 (2 weeks nc), 11/21/79 (11/12/79)

#49

213. Song on the Radio – Al Stewart #49 (1 week), 2/28/79 (2/19/79)
214. Morning Dance – Spyro Gyro #49 (2 weeks), 7/18/79 (7/9/79)
215. Midnight Wind – John Stewart #49 (1 week), 10/3/79 (9/24/79)
216. Fins – Jimmy Buffett #49 (1 week), 10/31/79 (10/22/79)
217. I Need a Lover – John Cougar #49 (1 week), 12/5/79 (11/26/79)
218. Last Train to London – Electric Light Orchestra #49 (2 weeks), 12/26/79 (12/17/79)

#50

219. Such a Woman – Tycoon #50 (1 week), 5/30/79 (5/21/79)
220. Young Blood / Coolsville – Rickie Lee Jones #50 (2 weeks), 8/15/79 (8/6/79)

Edited by Brian W. on 08 March 2008 at 12:43am

EdisonLite
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Posted: 09 August 2005 at 8:19am \| IP Logged

<--Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime" just missed the top forty. I don't think Billboard was including Christmas singles on the Hot 100 at the time, so it's interesting to get a pop chart position for this one. >

I believe one year earlier (1978) the Eagles' "Please Come Home For Christmas" peaked at #18 in Billboard, so Billboard was including XMas singles at the time, but I don't know what their rules were.

Brian W.
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Posted: 09 August 2005 at 1:23pm \| IP Logged

Hmm... I believe Whitburn said that Billboard had two periods where they were not charting Christmas singles on the Hot 100 -- one was from 1963 till I don't know when, and then I think there was a second period. But I can't find it in the notes any of his recent books.

But the single did chart in Cash Box at #83 in the 1/12/80 issue. Maybe it just didn't get enough airplay to chart in Billboard, I don't know.

Paul Haney
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Posted: 09 August 2005 at 1:59pm \| IP Logged

Hey Brian, I've worked for Mr. Whitburn's Record Research since 1992, so I think I can give you an answer:

From 1963 through 1973 and from 1983 through 1985, Billboard published a seasonal Christmas Singles chart, and did not chart Christmas singles on the Hot 100. The only exception came in 1984, when Billboard charted two new Christmas singles on the Hot 100 (Band Aid and a Kenny & Dolly duet) and did not list them on the special Christmas Singles chart.

So Christmas songs were Hot 100 eligible from 1940-62, 1974-82 and 1986-present.

I suspect the McCartney single didn't get enough airplay. I certainly don't remember hearing it on the radio until years later.

Brian W.
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Posted: 09 August 2005 at 7:26pm \| IP Logged

Thanks, Paul. It must be GREAT working for Record Research!

Todd Ireland
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Posted: 09 August 2005 at 7:40pm \| IP Logged

I'll say! Is Mr. Whitburn doing any hiring right now? ;-)

aaronk
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Posted: 09 August 2005 at 7:42pm \| IP Logged

I'll second that one, Todd.

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