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 Posted By: Jim Liddane on: 09/29/2009 20:42:32 EDTSubject: RE: Same Song, Same Time, Different Artist |
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John wrote.... I don't think Billboard is to blame for the common songs on radio today. Jim replied.... Sometimes I do not express myself too clearly, so if I did suggest Billboard were to blame for the songs on radio - then I was wrong. Billboard simply reflects the industry - it does not make policy, and to be frank, its charts are probably as accurate a barometer of a song's popularity as anything else. I have been reading Billboard since 1962 and I would not be without it. But talking of Billboard, I was looking up a few of the charts when working out how many two-version songs had appeared, when I began to wonder - what is the most charted "song title" of all time? By this, I do not mean how many times has one particular song charted - but how many different hit songs have had the same title? I do not know the answer, but I have found one title which has charted 12 times - all different songs! The title is "Hold On", which has charted by Wilson Phillips (1990), En Vogue (1990), Santana (1982), Ian Gomm (1979), Triumph (1979), Kansas (1980), The Sons Of Champlin (1976), The Rascals (1970), Badfinger (1981), Wild Cherry (1977), The Radiants (1968) and Donny Osmond (1989). Twelve different songs - twelve different hits - all using the same title! Can anybody improve on 12? Incidentally, I earlier listed songs which charted simultaneously by two, three, four and even five different singers - but I knew there was at least one which had charted six times, and I eventually found it. Not only did it chart in six different versions, but all six made the Top 30 in the USA! In 1957 "The Banana Boat Song" made Number 4 for The Tarriers, 5 for Harry Belafonte, 13 for The Fontane Sisters, 18 for Steve Lawrence, 19 for Sarah Vaughan and 25 for Stan Freberg. Now that has to be the record. Unless of course, there was a 7! I think I ought to get out more often! |
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