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How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
Publicist Eric Alper "horns" in with an interesting column on how Chicago - the band, not the city - helped change the playlists of what was acceptable on AM rock stations around the world during the 1970s.
"Chicago became the leading singles-charting American group of the decade, according to Billboard, racking up five consecutive number-one albums and a run of Top 10 singles that stretched the definition of what an AM or FM programmer would put next to a straight rock record."
How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
- mace
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Re: How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
Chicago's debut album only reached #17 on the Billboard Album Chart. But the next nine all went top 10 including four consecutive #1's which were V, VI, VII and VIII.
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Re: How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
mace wrote:
Chicago's debut album only reached #17 on the Billboard Album Chart. But the next nine all went top 10 including four consecutive #1's which were V, VI, VII and VIII.
Hi Mace,
The group had 5 consecutive #1s albums. I counted their Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits album that followed their 4 studio records all hitting the top.
Have a great night and thanks RA for the mention!
Best,
Eric
Last edited by ThatEricAlper (July 30, 2026 11:52 pm)
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Re: How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
Chicago's debut album only reached #17 on the Billboard Album Chart. But the next nine all went top 10 including four consecutive #1's which were V, VI, VII and VIII.
Hi Mace,
The group had 5 consecutive #1s albums. I counted their Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits album that followed their 4 studio records all hitting the top.
Have a great night and thanks RA for the mention!
Best,
Eric
Thanks for being part of SOWNY, Mr. Alper. I know you're a weekly guest on Gene Valaitis' show on CKTB. I'm just not sure which day and time.
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Thread Starter- mace
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Re: How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
Chicago's debut album only reached #17 on the Billboard Album Chart. But the next nine all went top 10 including four consecutive #1's which were V, VI, VII and VIII.
Hi Mace,
The group had 5 consecutive #1s albums. I counted their Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits album that followed their 4 studio records all hitting the top.
Have a great night and thanks RA for the mention!
Best,
Eric
You are correct sir. I was looking at the Top Pop Albums book. It lists Greatest Hits LP's below regular releases. It would have fit in just before the #3 Chicago X release.
- ThatEricAlper
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Re: How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
Chicago's debut album only reached #17 on the Billboard Album Chart. But the next nine all went top 10 including four consecutive #1's which were V, VI, VII and VIII.
Hi Mace,
The group had 5 consecutive #1s albums. I counted their Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits album that followed their 4 studio records all hitting the top.
Have a great night and thanks RA for the mention!
Best,
EricThanks for being part of SOWNY, Mr. Alper. I know you're a weekly guest on Gene Valaitis' show on CKTB. I'm just not sure which day and time.
Hi RA! It's every Monday at 9:35am and I keep asking Gene on air about his forthcoming book, but no bites. 
- ThatEricAlper
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Re: How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
Chicago's debut album only reached #17 on the Billboard Album Chart. But the next nine all went top 10 including four consecutive #1's which were V, VI, VII and VIII.
Hi Mace,
The group had 5 consecutive #1s albums. I counted their Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits album that followed their 4 studio records all hitting the top.
Have a great night and thanks RA for the mention!
You got it. I should add the word 'studio' in there!
Best,
EricYou are correct sir. I was looking at the Top Pop Albums book. It lists Greatest Hits LP's below regular releases. It would have fit in just before the #3 Chicago X release.
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Re: How Chicago Changed The Sound Of Rock Radio
Hi Mace,
The group had 5 consecutive #1s albums. I counted their Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits album that followed their 4 studio records all hitting the top.
Have a great night and thanks RA for the mention!
Best,
EricThanks for being part of SOWNY, Mr. Alper. I know you're a weekly guest on Gene Valaitis' show on CKTB. I'm just not sure which day and time.
Hi RA! It's every Monday at 9:35am and I keep asking Gene on air about his forthcoming book, but no bites.
I will try to tune in. I sometimes hear the replays on Sunday, but it's not the same as taking it in live. Always some good info during those sessions. Thanks for the head's up.
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