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- aflem
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The Longest Songs On Top 40 Radio That Still Became Huge Hits
As noted in a previous thread, Bob Dylan's new opus lasts 17 minutes. That may be too long for most traditional stations to play, but some of the lengthiest tunes in Top 40 history have also been some of the biggest hits. And they all helped poor bladder-busting DJs get a much needed bathroom break.
Too Long for Radio? These Chart-Toppers Go the Distance
Last edited by aflem (April 21, 2020 12:43 pm)
- Lorne
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Re: The Longest Songs On Top 40 Radio That Still Became Huge Hits
Interesting list, but there was a huge hit that predates them all ... It's In The Book (Parts 1 & 2) by Johnny Standley. It went to #1 on Billboard in 1952, and it was over six minutes long. But it was very different in that it was a comedy routine in which the first part was spoken, and so as a result it wouldn't have led record companies to think that a conventional song of that length could become a hit.
- It's me Karen
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Re: The Longest Songs On Top 40 Radio That Still Became Huge Hits
I'll add "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, a nearly six minute song.
- Roman
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Re: The Longest Songs On Top 40 Radio That Still Became Huge Hits
They left off a classic...Get Dancin' by Disco Tex & The Sex-O-Lettes, the long version of which clocks in at 7:14. Dedicated to Packman and Monti Rock III, wherever they may be.
- StereoTom
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Re: The Longest Songs On Top 40 Radio That Still Became Huge Hits
Lorne wrote:
Interesting list, but there was a huge hit that predates them all ... It's In The Book (Parts 1 & 2) by Johnny Standley. It went to #1 on Billboard in 1952, and it was over six minutes long. But it was very different in that it was a comedy routine in which the first part was spoken, and so as a result it wouldn't have led record companies to think that a conventional song of that length could become a hit.
The single was split over two parts, like American Pie, but the EP had the whole thing on one side of the disc.
Tom Diehl
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