Tag Archives: Billboard #1 Songs

Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time

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The list of best selling music artists includes artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales in multiple third-party reliable sources. The claimed sales figures and the total certified sales figures (for each country) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation-albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full-length albums. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed and certified sales figures and are ranked in descending order, with the highest claimed sales at the top. Artists with the same claimed sales are then ranked by certified units. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. Currently, The Beatles are listed at the top of the list as they are considered the highest-selling band based both on sales claims and certified units. Elvis Presley, who is listed the second on the list is considered the highest-selling individual artist based both on sales claims and certified units.

All artists included on this list, which have begun charting on official albums/singles charts have their available claimed figure(s) supported by at least 20% in certified units. That is why Cliff Richard, Diana Ross, Charles Aznavour, Bing Crosby, Nana Mouskouri, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Tom Jones, The Jackson 5, Dionne Warwick, The Andrews Sisters,Luciano Pavarotti and others have not been included on this list. The percentage amount of certified sales needed increases the newer the artist is, meaning, artists such as Rihanna are expected to have their claimed figures supported by over 60% in certified units. The certified units are sourced from available online databases of local music industry associations. Note that all certified units are converted from Gold/Platinum/Diamond certification awards based on criteria provided by certifying bodies.

The requirements of certified sales are designed to avoid inflated sales figures, which are frequently practiced by record companies for promotional purposes.

The claimed figures are sourced to articles that use the term records (singles, albums, videos) and not albums. However, if all available sources for an artist/band say albums, such sources can only be used if the certified album units of the said artist meet the required percentage amount. Note that this list uses claimed figures that are closer to artists’ available certified sales. In other words, inflated claimed figures that will meet the required certified sales amount but are unrealistically high from available certified sales, will not be used.

Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time

  • The Beatles Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

    The Beatles

The Beatles United Kingdom 1960–1974
 1962
 Rock / Pop

600 million
Michael Jackson Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Michael Jackson

 

Michael Jackson
 United States 1964–2009
 1971
 Pop / Rock / Dance /R&B

400 million
350 million
300 million
  • Madonna Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

    Madonna

Madonna United States 1979–present
 1982
 Pop / Rock / Dance

300 million
275 million
  • Led Zeppelin Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

    Led Zeppelin

    Led Zeppelin United Kingdom 1968–1980
    		 1969
    		 Hard rock / Heavy metal

    		300 million
    200 million

    I am not surprised The Beatles are #1 but am a bit so that Elvis Presley is ahead of Michael Jackson, due to Michael Jackson’s global appeal. It is somewhat amazing that Led Zeppelin can be this high on Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time without a long history of hit singles, based solely on the strength of their album sales. These have been the most consistent hit producers of Pop Music and deserve their ranking. All are great artists for any professional Wedding DJ or Party DJ.

    is there any artist(s) that you thought would be in the top five Best Selling Music Artists of All-Time that did not reach this level of sales?

    DJ Mystical Michael New jersey DJ & Boston DJ

    973.908.8147

Billboard All-Time Hot 100 Top Songs

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I was doing some research today and thought it would be fun to review the Billboard All-Time Hot 100 top songs of Billboard’s 50th Anniversary.

The songs in the “50th Anniversary” charts had to appear on the Hot 100 in order to be counted. This may create some confusion (for example: many great country artists and songs are not on the “50th Anniversary” chart because, while very popular on the country charts they didn’t cross over to the Hot 100). Also, keep in mind the Hot 100 started in August 1958 so any prior songs are not listed, including some popular Elvis Presley songs.

The “50th Anniversary” chart is based on actual performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100. The artist chart utilizes the same methodology, with weighted points applied to all titles charted by each artist during that 50-year span. They are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at number one earning the greatest value and weeks at number one hundred earning the least.

Hot 100’s 50th Anniversary award relative points for every week that a title spent on the chart, regardless of rank. For the Hot 100’s 50th Anniversary, Billboard’s charts department ensured a more balanced representation of hits from all 50 years, by analyzing the length of chart runs in earlier decades, as well as the average weeks that titles spent in the top 10 and at number one. Weights for earlier spans were then formulated, to compensate for the shorter chart runs that titles experienced before the 1991 conversion to precise and objective sales and radio data from Nielsen Music.

Billboard All-Time Hot 100 top songs

  1. “The Twist” – Chubby Checker
  2. “Smooth” – Santana featuring Rob Thomas
  3. “Mack the Knife” – Bobby Darin
  4. “How Do I Live” – LeAnn Rimes
  5. “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” – Los del Río
  6. “Physical” – Olivia Newton-John
  7. “You Light Up My Life” – Debby Boone
  8. “Hey Jude” – The Beatles
  9. “We Belong Together” – Mariah Carey
  10. “Un-Break My Heart” – Toni Braxton
  11. “Yeah!” – Usher featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris
  12. “Bette Davis Eyes” – Kim Carnes
  13. “Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
  14. “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” – Rod Stewart
  15. “Foolish Games” / “You Were Meant for Me” – Jewel
  16. “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” – Bryan Adams
  17. “I’ll Make Love to You” – Boyz II Men
  18. “Theme from A Summer Place” – Percy Faith & His Orchestra
  19. “Le Freak” – Chic
  20. “How Deep Is Your Love” – The Bee Gees
  21. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
  22. “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” – Andy Gibb
  23. “Low” – Flo Rida featuring T-Pain
  24. “Too Close” – Next
  25. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police
  26. “Flashdance… What a Feeling” – Irene Cara
  27. “Tossin’ and Turnin’” – Bobby Lewis
  28. “The Battle of New Orleans” – Johnny Horton
  29. “One Sweet Day” – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
  30. “Truly Madly Deeply” – Savage Garden
  31. “Silly Love Songs” – Paul McCartney & Wings
  32. “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye
  33. “Night Fever” – The Bee Gees
  34. “Another One Bites the Dust” – Queen
  35. “Say Say Say” – Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson
  36. “How You Remind Me” – Nickelback
  37. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” – Dawn Featuring Tony Orlando
  38. “It’s All in the Game” – Tommy Edwards
  39. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles
  40. “Shadow Dancing” – Andy Gibb
  41. “Candle in the Wind 1997” / “Something About the Way You Look Tonight” – Elton John
  42. “No One” – Alicia Keys
  43. “End of the Road” – Boyz II Men
  44. “Call Me” – Blondie
  45. “Let Me Love You” – Mario
  46. “Stayin’ Alive” – The Bee Gees
  47. “Lady” – Kenny Rogers
  48. “I’m a Believer” – The Monkees
  49. “Gold Digger” – Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx
  50. “Apologize” – Timbaland featuring OneRepublic
  51. “The Sign” – Ace Of Base
  52. “Centerfold” – The J. Geils Band
  53. “(Just Like) Starting Over” – John Lennon
  54. “The Boy Is Mine” – Brandy & Monica
  55. “Because I Love You (The Postman Song)” – Stevie B
  56. “I Love Rock N’ Roll” – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
  57. “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” – The 5th Dimension
  58. “Whoomp! (There It Is)” – Tag Team
  59. “Ebony and Ivory” – Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder
  60. “Rush, Rush” – Paula Abdul
  61. “That’s What Friends Are For” – Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder
  62. “Upside Down” – Diana Ross
  63. “Sugar, Sugar” – The Archies
  64. “Dilemma” – Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland
  65. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” – Marvin Gaye
  66. “You’re Still the One” – Shania Twain
  67. “Hot Stuff” – Donna Summer
  68. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
  69. “Gangsta’s Paradise” – Coolio featuring L.V.
  70. “Abracadabra” – Steve Miller Band
  71. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
  72. “You’re So Vain” – Carly Simon
  73. “Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry
  74. “Say You, Say Me” – Lionel Richie
  75. “My Sharona” – The Knack
  76. “All Night Long (All Night)” – Lionel Richie
  77. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor
  78. “I Swear” – All-4-One
  79. “Family Affair” – Mary J. Blige
  80. “Waiting for a Girl Like You” – Foreigner
  81. “Are You Lonesome Tonight” – Elvis Presley
  82. “Killing Me Softly with His Song” – Roberta Flack
  83. “Hurts So Good” – John Mellencamp
  84. “I’ll Be Missing You” – Puff Daddy & Faith Evans featuring 112
  85. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” – B.J. Thomas
  86. “Another Day in Paradise” – Phil Collins
  87. “Best of My Love” – The Emotions
  88. “You Make Me Wanna…” – Usher
  89. “Big Girls Don’t Cry” – Fergie
  90. “The Way We Were” – Barbra Streisand
  91. “Another Night” – The Real McCoy
  92. “It’s Now or Never” – Elvis Presley
  93. “Do That to Me One More Time” – Captain & Tennille
  94. “A Fifth of Beethoven” – Walter Murphy & The Big Apple Band
  95. “Like a Virgin” – Madonna
  96. “Maria Maria” (Album Version) – Santana featuring The Product G&B
  97. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
  98. “I Can’t Stop Loving You” – Ray Charles
  99. “U Got It Bad” – Usher
  100. “Joy to the World” – Three Dog Night

Elvis Presley Billboard All-Time Hot 100 Top Songs with Rhode Island DJ

I am very surprised by all of the top ten, except maybe “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. It is not that I think they are not good or popular songs, I just did not conceptualize them as the ones that have had the most success on Billboard’s Hot 100 Charts of all time.

At the other end, I would have thought Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” would have been near the top of the list. The exclusion of songs like “Stairway To Heaven” by Led Zeppelin, as described below, stand out as clear missing by popularity over time.

The Beatles Billboard All-Time Hot 100 Top Songs with Rhode Island DJ

Prior to December 1998, songs did not appear on the Billboard Hot 100 until a retail single became available (which, incidentally, is why hits like Led Zeppelin‘s “Stairway to Heaven” and No Doubt‘s “Don’t Speak” never appeared on the Hot 100). In earlier years, retail singles came to market fairly early in a song’s life-usually shortly after, or even before, a song came to radio.

But, during the 1990s, when labels would strategize number-one chart bows by significant hits, the retail release of some priority singles were withheld until radio audience reached maximum levels. Although some of these songs spent significant numbers of weeks at number one or in the top ten, the delay of the sales component ultimately shortened the spans these songs would spend on the chart. With the new methodology rewarding points for a song’s entire chart run, rather than confining points to weeks spent in the top ten, the shorter chart lives recorded by the songs that debuted at number one impact their all-time standings.

Motown Records Billboard All-Time Hot 100 Top Songs with Rhode Island DJ

Which songs are you most surprised about high, low or omitted on the Billboard All-Time Hot 100 Top Songs?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Your Party, Your Music, Your DJ

973.908.8147

DJMysticalMichael@gmail.com

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street

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Gerry Rafferty Baker Street was released in 1978, some consider one of the great years for Pop Music. This was three years after the dissolving of his previous band, Stealers Wheel due to contract disputes with the recording company. It reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and stayed there for six weeks. Rafferty was born and raised in Scotland.

Groom Removed Bride Garter at Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ Gerry Rafferty Baker Street

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street featured saxophonist Raphael Ravenscroft. Ravenscroft was mostly known for his work with Pink Floyd that earned him critical success. There is an urban legend that Ravenscroft was never paid for his session work on Gerry Rafferty Baker Street. This is significant since Gerry Rafferty Baker Street was number 1 in the U.K. and number two in The U.S.A., and the royalties and sales that came with an international hit even in these days. When asked about this, Ravenscroft stated this is not true and that he was paid but there are still many who believe he was just not wanting to shed a bad light on Rafferty after his passing in 2011.

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street Music Video

The single version of Gerry Rafferty Baker Street was recorded with the tape of the album version sped up slightly to raise the tempo to be more radio-friendly. This also had the result of raising the key by a half tone.

Gerry Rafferty Baker Street Lyrics

Winding your way down on Baker Street
Light in your head and dead on your feet
Well another crazy day, you’ll drink the night away
And forget about everything

This city desert makes you feel so cold
It’s got so many people but it’s got no soul
And it’s taken you so long to find out you were wrong
When you thought it held everything

You used to think that it was so easy
You used to say that it was so easy
But you’re tryin’, you’re tryin’ now

Another year and then you’d be happy
Just one more year and then you’d be happy
But you’re cryin’, you’re cryin’ now

Way down the street there’s a lad in his place
He opens the door, he’s got that look on his face
And he asks you where you’ve been, you tell him who you’ve seen
And you talk about anything

He’s got this dream about buyin’ some land
He’s gonna give up the booze and the one night stands
And then he’ll settle down in some quiet little town
And forget about everything

But you know he’ll always keep movin’
You know he’s never gonna stop movin’
Cause he’s rollin’, he’s the rollin’ stone

And when you wake up it’s a new morning
The sun is shining, it’s a new morning
And you’re going, you’re going home

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Top 200 Most Requested Songs of 2012

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Every year it is fun and interesting to view the Top 200 Most Requested Songs of 2012 through DJ Intelligence. DJ Intelligence is “Online Interactive Client Tools for Your DJ Website”. Each year they compile several lists from the data collected from their client database of requested DJ Song at Weddings, Parties and Events.

Top 200 Most Requested Songs of 2012

Rank Artist Song
1 Journey Don’t Stop Believin’
2 Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling
3 Lmfao Feat. Lauren Bennett And Goon Rock Party Rock Anthem
4 Lmfao Sexy And I Know It
5 Cupid Cupid Shuffle
6 AC/DC You Shook Me All Night Long
7 Diamond, Neil Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)
8 Bon Jovi Livin’ On A Prayer
9 Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera Moves Like Jagger
10 Morrison, Van Brown Eyed Girl
11 Beyonce Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
12 DJ Casper Cha Cha Slide
13 B-52’s Love Shack
14 Rihanna Feat. Calvin Harris We Found Love
15 Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer Give Me Everything
16 Def Leppard Pour Some Sugar On Me
17 Jackson, Michael Billie Jean
18 Lady Gaga Feat. Colby O’donis Just Dance
19 Pink Raise Your Glass
20 Beatles Twist And Shout
21 Cruz, Taio Dynamite
22 Lynyrd Skynyrd Sweet Home Alabama
23 Jepsen, Carly Rae Call Me Maybe
24 Sir Mix-A-Lot Baby Got Back
25 Usher Feat. Ludacris & Lil’ Jon Yeah
26 Outkast Hey Ya!
27 Isley Brothers Shout
28 Clapton, Eric Wonderful Tonight
29 Brooks, Garth Friends In Low Places
30 Sister Sledge We Are Family
31 Train Marry Me
32 Kool & The Gang Celebration
33 Sinatra, Frank The Way You Look Tonight
34 Temptations My Girl
35 ABBA Dancing Queen
36 Loggins, Kenny Footloose
37 Flo Rida Good Feeling
38 Perry, Katy Firework
39 Houston, Whitney I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
40 Jackson, Michael Thriller
41 James, Etta At Last
42 Timberlake, Justin Sexyback
43 Seger, Bob & The Silver Bullet Band Old Time Rock & Roll
44 Lopez, Jennifer Feat. Pitbull On The Floor
45 Vanilla Ice Ice Ice Baby
46 Usher Feat. Will.I.Am Omg
47 Brown, Chris Forever
48 Minaj, Nicki Starships
49 Mars, Bruno Just The Way You Are
50 Flo Rida Feat. Sia Wild Ones
51 Lmfao Feat. Lil Jon Shots
52 Jackson, Michael Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
53 Jackson, Michael P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
54 Rihanna Don’t Stop The Music
55 Presley, Elvis Can’t Help Falling In Love
56 Foundations Build Me Up Buttercup
57 Flo Rida Feat. David Guetta Club Can’t Handle Me
58 Commodores Brick House
59 Armstrong, Louis What A Wonderful World
60 Fun. Feat. Janelle Monae We Are Young
61 Wild Cherry Play That Funky Music
62 V.I.C. Wobble
63 Lady Gaga Poker Face
64 Mraz, Jason I’m Yours
65 Brown Band, Zac Chicken Fried
66 Bee Gees Stayin’ Alive
67 Minaj, Nicki Super Bass
68 Village People Y.M.C.A.
69 Flo Rida Feat. T-Pain Low
70 Righteous Brothers Unchained Melody
71 Big & Rich Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)
72 Mars, Bruno Marry You
73 House Of Pain Jump Around
74 Adams, Bryan Summer Of ’69
75 Black Eyed Peas Boom Boom Pow
76 Jackson, Michael The Way You Make Me Feel
77 Griffiths, Marcia Electric Boogie (Electric Slide)
78 Lauper, Cyndi Girls Just Want To Have Fun
79 Aerosmith I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
80 One Direction What Makes You Beautiful
81 Rednex Cotton Eye Joe
82 Wanted Glad You Came
83 Earth, Wind & Fire September
84 Rihanna Only Girl (In The World)
85 Black Eyed Peas Let’s Get It Started
86 Black Eyed Peas The Time (Dirty Bit)
87 Dexy’s Midnight Runners Come On Eileen
88 Shelton, Blake God Gave Me You
89 Adele Rolling In The Deep
90 California Swag District Teach Me How To Dougie
91 Lonestar Amazed
92 Mraz, Jason & Colbie Caillat Lucky
93 Bryan, Luke Country Girl (Shake It For Me)
94 Rascal Flatts Bless The Broken Road
95 Queen Crazy Little Thing Called Love
96 Cyrus, Miley Party In The U.S.A.
97 Buble, Michael Everything
98 Harris, Calvin Feel So Close
99 Salt-N-Pepa Push It
100 Jackson, Michael Beat It
101 Springfield, Rick Jessie’s Girl
102 Journey Faithfully
103 Jordan, Montell This Is How We Do It
104 Johnson, Jack Better Together
105 Far East Movement Feat. The Cataracs & Dev Like A G6
106 Young M.C. Bust A Move
107 Usher DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love
108 Medley, Bill & Jennifer Warnes (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life
109 Checker, Chubby The Twist
110 Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine
111 Green, Al Let’s Stay Together
112 Sugarland Stuck Like Glue
113 Lady Gaga Bad Romance
114 Green, Cee Lo Forget You
115 Brown, Chris Yeah 3x
116 Ke$Ha Tik Tok
117 Keith, Toby Red Solo Cup
118 Hammer, M.C. U Can’t Touch This
119 Nelly Hot In Herre
120 Thompson Square Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not
121 Madonna Like A Prayer
122 Brooks & Dunn Boot Scootin’ Boogie
123 Taylor, James How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
124 Beyonce Feat. Jay-Z Crazy In Love
125 Pitbull Feat. Chris Brown International Love
126 Four Tops I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
127 Kid Rock All Summer Long
128 Adele Make You Feel My Love
129 Los Del Rio Macarena
130 Lady Gaga Born This Way
131 50 Cent In Da Club
132 Paisley, Brad She’s Everything
133 Jay-Z Feat. Alicia Keys Empire State Of Mind
134 Flo Rida Feat. Keisha Right Round
135 Foster The People Pumped Up Kicks
136 Sinatra, Frank Fly Me To The Moon
137 Buble, Michael Save The Last Dance For Me
138 Perry, Katy Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
139 Guetta, David Feat. Usher Without You
140 King, Ben E. Stand By Me
141 Trey Songz Feat. Nicki Minaj Bottoms Up
142 Jackson 5 ABC
143 Shelton, Blake Honey Bee
144 Romantics What I Like About You
145 Rihanna Where Have You Been
146 Mcgraw, Tim With Faith Hill It’s Your Love
147 Rascal Flatts My Wish
148 KC & The Sunshine Band Get Down Tonight
149 Kings Of Leon Sex On Fire
150 Jones, Norah Come Away With Me
151 Mraz, Jason I Won’t Give Up
152 Prince Kiss
153 Beatles All You Need Is Love
154 K-Ci & Jojo All My Life
155 Cobra Starship Feat. Sabi You Make Me Feel…
156 Paisley, Brad Then
157 Pink Get The Party Started
158 Psy Gangnam Style
159 Adams, Bryan (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
160 Ke$Ha Blow
161 West, Kanye Feat. Jamie Foxx Gold Digger
162 Daft Punk One More Time
163 Franklin, Aretha Respect
164 Lady Antebellum Just A Kiss
165 Cheap Trick I Want You To Want Me
166 Gaye, Marvin Let’s Get It On
167 Lady Gaga The Edge Of Glory
168 Mcgraw, Tim My Best Friend
169 Cascada Evacuate The Dancefloor
170 Train Hey Soul Sister
171 Smith, Will Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It
172 UB40 Red Red Wine
173 U2 Beautiful Day
174 Rascal Flatts Life Is A Highway
175 Guetta, David Feat. Akon Sexy Chick
176 Franti, Michael & Spearhead Say Hey (I Love You)
177 Sinatra, Frank Come Fly With Me
178 Iglesias, Enrique Feat. Pitbull I Like It
179 Travolta, John & Olivia Newton-John Grease Megamix
180 A-Ha Take On Me
181 Cash, Johnny Ring Of Fire
182 Guetta, David Feat. Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj Where Them Girls At
183 Aerosmith Walk This Way
184 Idol, Billy White Wedding
185 Perry, Katy Teenage Dream
186 Sorta Crackers Band Chicken Dance
187 Temptations Ain’t Too Proud To Beg
188 Queen Another One Bites The Dust
189 Buffett, Jimmy Margaritaville
190 Flo Rida Whistle
191 Usher Scream
192 Checker, Chubby Let’s Twist Again
193 Gaynor, Gloria I Will Survive
194 Eagles Hotel California
195 Sledge, Percy When A Man Loves A Woman
196 Lifehouse You And Me
197 Digital Underground The Humpty Dance
198 Big & Rich Lost In This Moment
199 Dion Runaround Sue
200 Swift, Taylor Love Story 

 

Top 200 Most Requested Songs of 2012

Although I do receive many requests for Journey “Don’t Stop Believin'”, it is not the song I get most requested song for this past year. For me, I think LMFAO “Sexy And I kow It” has probably been the most DJ requested song. It still bafflers me that all these years later, Neil Diamond “Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)” is popular, requested by young people and is considered a party song. In its day, it was a pop ballad that was more of a song that Folk Music and songwriters would listen to than a fun, party song. It was something that my parents loved and all of us kids thought was too ‘uncool’ to listen to. Elvis Presley “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is one of the most requested songs from young and old. I am surprised it is number 55. Same with Louis Armstrong at number 59 with “What A Wonderful World”, which is a very highly requested song. I think it would be interesting to see a list of the most requested songs from 2012 of the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania area as a social and cultural comparison. 

Which did you think would be in a different position on the list of Top 200 Most Requested Songs of 2012?

Fun Man Dancing to Most Requested Songs of 2012 with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Adele Turning Tables

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Adele is a such a powerful writer and vocalist, which is very evident on Adele Turning Tables. It is a nice change to see a pop singer succeed that looks like a regular person and not a stick figure or Photoshopped beauty. Unfortunately they decided to produce a ‘live’ video that has the pianist in two different shirts during the performance, not sure why they did that.

Adele Turning Tables Music Video Live at Albert Hall

It is rare that songs that top The Billboard Charts are produced with such quality like Adele Turning Tables. It lets me know there is still enough of us out there to know the difference and to provide hope to those wanting to share their musical gifts with us that they have a chance too.

 

Adele Laurie Blue Adkins was born in Tottenham, London, to a single teenage mother on 5 May 1988. She began singing at age four and asserts that she became obsessed with voices… Adele has cited the Spice Girls as a major influence in regard to her love and passion for music, stating that “they made me what I am today.”

 

According to the Official Charts Company in The U.K., Adele is the first living artist to achieve the feat of two top five hits in both the Official Singles Chart and the Official Albums Chart simultaneously since The Beatles in 1964.

Adele 21 Adele Turning Tables with Rhode Island DJ

“Turning Tables” received acclaim from music critics who praised Adele’s vocals and its production. The song reached the top-twenty of the singles charts in four countries, including Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands. It also peaked at number 62 on the UK Singles Chart and 63 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 digital downloads. “Turning Tables” was promoted with live performances across both sides of the Atlantic, including Late Night with David Letterman in America and The Jonathan Ross Show in the United Kingdom. American actress and singer Gwyneth Paltrow performed a cover of the single in the Glee episode “A Night of Neglect“.Wikipedia

At the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009, Adele won awards in the categories of Best New Artist and Best female Pop Performance.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

This Day In Music History: Tommy James

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It was on this date in 1987 that a very unique situation was manifested in the US Billboard Singles Charts. Tommy James had one of his songs, “Mony, Mony” by Bill Idol reach number one. This by itself is not unique but the fact that the week before another of his singles recorded by Tiffany, “I Think We’re Alone Now” was number one is unique!

Tommy James & The Shondells Mony, Mony

It is very unusual for songs written almost twenty years earlier to be back to back number one hits by different recording artists. Tommy James was a great singer and songwriter with may classic American Pop hits. Along with the already mentioned songs, Tommy James wrote and enjoyed success with songs like “Crimson and Clover”, “Hanky Panky” “Crystal Blue Persuasion”, “Draggin’ The Line”  and “Sweet Cherry Wine”. Joan Jett achieved success with her cover version of “Crimson and Clover” as well.

Tommy James was one of the musical artists that was continually in a fight with the recording industry and was left somewhat pennyless with all the hits he penned and recorded with his group The Shondells. It is a shame that this has to happen to artists like Tommy James and others.

Tommy James & The Shondells I Think We’re Alone Now

Enjoy the music videos of Tommy James originals!

The Tommy James Story

“The music of Tommy James is heard continuously, everyday, in every country in the world: on the radio, television or a film soundtrack. To date, he’s sold over 100 million records and has been awarded 23 gold singles plus nine gold and platinum albums…

As of 2011, over 300 artists have recorded their rendition of a Tommy tune (among them Prince, R.E.M, Tom Jones, Cher, and Concrete Blond) or performed his songs in concert (including Bruce Springsteen, Kelly Clarkson, Santana, and Broken Bells).

Over the years, Tommy’s music has graced countless movies, television shows, and advertisements. Notable appearances on the big screen include spots in Forrest Gump, Oliver Stone’s Heaven And Earth, Cape Fear, Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead, We Are Marshall, Pirate Radio, and the 1999 summer blockbuster Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” The Official Site of Tommy James & The Shondells

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

On This Date in 2008: Taylor Swift “Fearless” #1

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On this date, Taylor Swift “Fearless” began a seven week run at #1 on the Billboard Charts. She has continued to demonstrate incredible popularity and critical acclaim.

 

When she was ten years old, a computer repairman showed her three basic chords on the guitar and it lit the fire within her. She claims to have been a victim of bullying in school and felt like she did not fit in. Taylor Swift turned to songwriting to deal with these experiences. She states that her songs are highly biographical and references that they are like reading her personal diary in lyrical form.

 

When she turned fourteen, her family moved from Reading, PA to Nashville, TN to support her musical career. Taylor Swift’s first single released was “Tim McGraw”. She has enjoyed an unequaled run of charting and sales success as a female Country artist and is opening new doors for future Country artists, especially females.

Taylor Swift, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw at Grammy Awards

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

DJ Lists Most #1 Hits on The Billboard HOT 100 All-Time By Artist

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Time to look at Billboard’s 50th Anniversary List of Top #1 Hits by Artist
20 – The Beatles First No. 1: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1964)

18 – Mariah Carey First No. 1: “Vision of Love” (1990)

13 – Michael Jackson First No. 1: “Ben” (1972)

12 – Madonna First No. 1: “Like a Virgin” (1984)

12 – The Supremes First No. 1: “Where Did Our Love Go” (1964)

11 – Whitney Houston First No. 1: “Saving All My Love for You” (1985)

10 – Janet Jackson First No. 1: “When I Think of You” (1986)

10 – Stevie Wonder First No. 1: “Fingertips – Pt. 2” (1963)

9 – Bee Gees First No. 1: “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” (1971)

9 – Elton John First No. 1: “Crocodile Rock” (1973)

9 – Paul McCartney & Wings First No. 1: “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1973)

8 – The Rolling Stones First No. 1: “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)

8 – Usher First No. 1: “Nice and Slow” (1998)

I am not surprised The Beatles are on top, Michael Jackson #3 or Madonna  #4 but was not expecting Mariah Carey to be #2, 18 #1 hits is incredible! Really the rest of the list are all legends except Usher. Artists known throughout the world among many ages, genres and cultures.  If you integrate The Beatles, Paul McCartney & Wings, solo and other collaborations Paul’s collective accomplishments, he is totaling 33 #1 hits. I remember my father bringing home the ’45’ of “I Want To Hold Your Hand”.  The B side in The UK was “This Boy” but in The USA it was “I Saw Her Standing There”, the copy I quickly ruined through overplay and youthful exuberance..

 

Half the top 8 were Motown artists; Michael & Janet Jackson, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. It is interesting to view The Bee Gees as one recording artist since they experienced two completely separate ‘careers’ starting with the Folk Rock Hits beginning with “How Can You Mend A Broken Heart” and reformed in the late 70’s with their Disco hits like “Night Fever” and Stayin’ Alive”.

 

It never would have occurred to me “Crocodile Rock” was Elton’s first #1 Billboard hit. I did some research and Honkey Chateau made it #1 in the album charts but no #1 single till “Crocodile Rock”.

 

Where is Elvis you ask? Good question! Elvis had 20 #1 hits but Billboard was celebrating their 50th Anniversary of The HOT 100, which was established in 1958, and he had 13 of those #1’s before The HOT 100 existed.

Which artists are you surprised are on the list and which did you think would be but aren’t?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Hey DJ: Just Play Good Music!

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One of the things that is a constant in the professional DJ and music business is the notion of ‘good music’.  When I am working with a new client to book their event, it is very common when asking them what kind of music do you want at your wedding or whatever the event is to get an answer similar to this, “Please play only good music!”.

 

First note is that I would not or any other professional DJ on purpose play ‘bad music’!

 

Second and more important is that the term ‘good music’ typically translates as; ‘music that I like’. Of course, there is no such thing as good or bad music really. It is just a matter of taste and for most people, the difference between a talented composer and someone who writes music while walking down the street is not distinguishable.

 

Example:  If you are about to perform a professional DJ gig with a crowd of young, rural high school students, their definition of what ‘good music’ is would probably be much different than that of a Professor of Music History at Princeton University. It is not that one of them is right and the other is wrong, it is just that ‘good music’ is subjective and not really an accurate means of defining what you like.

 

It is safe to say that since he has passed on, Michael Jackson has been raised to a level of recognition that few have enjoyed globally. Does this mean his music is ‘good’? Would the reverse also be true then? If an ultra-talented cellist who performs only for private audiences and has chosen not to record anything to be released nationally or globally, and not know by many expert true offocionados a creator of ‘bad music’?

 

When booking a professional DJ for your event, especially a wedding DJ, be very specific in what genres and exact songs you want to have played and when. It is your event and you should be the one who has chosen the main direction of the musical selections.

 

It is helpful to request music for your event like this; “We want Soul and R&B music from the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s, we do not like Modern R&B or Soul. We love Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Prince and Michael Jackson of course.” This is fairly clear without needing to spell out exactly which artists/songs you would be requesting.

 

This is not as helpful; “We like R&B and Soul.” This leaves a lot of room for misunderstanding, interpretation and possible confusion.

 

Be clear and concise in what you want at YOUR EVENT! Form there, an experienced professional DJ can follow along and creatively mix in what you requested, what your guests request at the event and what is working in real-time.

 

Remember: It is YOUR event and YOU get to choose the music. We just weave together the songs with the crowd and make it flow and create a unique and quality event for you.

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DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ