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The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
It came out on April 5, 1985, and became one of the biggest hits in history. The fact it debuted on at least 5,000 radio stations at the exact same time around the world is something that's never happened before or since.
The tune? "We Are The World," by USA For Africa, featuring dozens of music icons. And it was a massive hit.
“We Are The World” earned $80 million for humanitarian aid. That’s equivalent to about $235 million in 2025 dollars. Today, it is the eighth-best-selling single release of all time. The song is also (technically) the most successful one-hit wonder of all time. The supergroup USA For Africa only released this one track."
On the Radio 41 Years Ago, Famed Charity Tune Hit 5,000 Stations at the Same Time Around the World, Then Became a No. 1 Hit
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Re: The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
Also this week in 1964, The Beatles did something no other artist had ever managed before - taking the Top 5 on Billboard. It truly was an amazing feat and it happened right in the middle of Beatlemania. Interesting to note that only two of those tunes were on the Capitol Record label. The other three were on Swan, Tollie and Vee Jay.
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Thread Starter- RadioActive
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Re: The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
Don't think I've ever seen this before, but it was on the CHUM Chart the week of April 6th. It's an April Fool's edition, featuring the Beatles listed as doing almost every single song on the Top 50, including The Moose Parade and the Top Albums Chart.
(Courtesy The CHUM Tribute site)
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Thread Starter- mace
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Re: The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
RadioActive wrote:
Also this week in 1964, The Beatles did something no other artist had ever managed before - taking the Top 5 on Billboard. It truly was an amazing feat and it happened right in the middle of Beatlemania. Interesting to note that only two of those tunes were on the Capitol Record label. The other three were on Swan, Tollie and Vee Jay.
Drake accomplished the same thing on the September 18, 2021 Hot 100. All My Lovin' was never released as a single in the U.S. It peaked at #45 on the Hot 100 thanks to imports from Capitol Records in Canada.
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Re: The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
Also this week in 1964, The Beatles did something no other artist had ever managed before - taking the Top 5 on Billboard. It truly was an amazing feat and it happened right in the middle of Beatlemania. Interesting to note that only two of those tunes were on the Capitol Record label. The other three were on Swan, Tollie and Vee Jay.
Drake accomplished the same thing on the September 18, 2021 Hot 100. All My Lovin' was never released as a single in the U.S. It peaked at #45 on the Hot 100 thanks to imports from Capitol Records in Canada.
Taylor Swift swept the top 12 last fall.
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Re: The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
Yes, I was aware of those other instances. That's why I phrased it as "no other artist had ever managed before." I was referring to before 1964. But I appreciate the additions.
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Thread Starter- Bristol
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Re: The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
Re TS , that's what happens when the rest of field is so weak.
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Re: The Song Played On 5,000 Radio Stns. At The Exact Same Time
I suppose an asterisk should be put beside Taylor and Drake because the rules have changed for Hot 100 entry over the years. In 1964 and all through the 70's and 80's, to qualify for charting a physical 45 single had to be released. Now that streaming is included for chart entry, every song on a Taylor Swift album would qualify. Little wonder she had the top 12 spots one week.