Now and Then

When I went to register this url, nowandthen.com was already taken, as was dot net and dot org. But there were a whole slew of new extensions so I chose dot rocks. Given the extension, here is a list of Billboard lists so you can check to see what songs were making the hit parade when you or one of your children or whoever was born.

Billboard Magazine started compiling its Hot 100 list in August 1958 and has continued to do so ever since. Based on radio play, online streaming and sales, the list is released every Thursday. It now publishes other lists as well including the Adult Contemporary list which began in 1961. It measures radio airplay on selected adult contemporary radio stations. Below is the first year’s Hot 100 list followed by a table of links to many other Billboard lists as well. Billboard has top albums listed on its website since 1984 as the Billboard 200 although it listed top albums as early as 1945.

In 1985 the magazine added lists for Dance Club Songs, Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, Hot R&B/Hip Hop Albums, Hot Country Songs, Hot Country Albums, Regional Mexican Albums, Latin Pop Albums, Gospel Albums, Holiday Albums, and Mainstream Rock Songs. I’ve linked most of the song lists below. Check the Billboard website for Dance Club Music, Hot Latin Songs, and the album listings. In 1988 they added Alternative Rock and in 1989 Hot Rap Songs. 1990 saw the addition of Radio Songs and Country Airplay. And many more lists over the years. You’ll have to get all of those from their website as well.