1989
| 01/07/89 | Brief: Robbie
Nevil believes he stumbled into success Brief: Shadoe describes "Kiss" by Art of Noise f/ Tom Jones a "strange"hit Story: "Early in the Mornin'" is a remake of a Gap Band song. Clip played of original. Story: "Thanks for My Child" & the controversy around the song. Brief: Information Society says their driving force comes from watching Scooby Doo. Story: Cheap Trick once attacked onstage by a crazed fan with a knife Brief: Sheena Easton overhearing rumors about herself Story: Paula Abdul says becoming a cheerleader was best career move Chart: Duran Duran has most chart hits for a British group Story: Samantha Fox is proud of where she comes from. (Interview clip) Chart: 5 remakes this week Brief: clip of original "Wild World" played QL: Which acts had most top 40 hits in '70s? #1 - Elton John Brief: Eddie Money says he has no money. Chart: 8 solo women, Tiffany is youngest Story: Controversy over who first started playing "When I'm with You" in its revival Brief: Kenny G.'s father helped him get started Story: Al Green leaving music for the church (clip played) Story/Chart: Artist with most top 10 hits in 80s: Michael Jackson Brief: Chicago have sold over 80 million records in their career Show: Shadoe gives a LDD to his late friend Brief: Bangles believe British press are too negative Story: Bobby Brown went up on stage during a James Brown concert as a small child |
| 01/14/89 | Story: Robbie
Nevil does not like being treated like a star QL: Who are oldest female and male to hit top 10: Dusty Springfield and Walter Brennen Story: Return of Tom Jones to top 40 Tribute: Roy Orbison (montage played) Story: Paula Abdul hangs up on Aretha Franklin Story: Kenny G writing songs for a girl because he couldn't express himself well otherwise Story: Jon Bon Jovi started out cleaning floors in a studio Chart Feat: Michael Jackson's 17th top 10 in the 1980s Chart Feat: "Hysteria" has been in album chart top 10 for 69 weeks Chart Feat: Most top 40 hits in the 80s: Phil Collins (montage played) |
| 01/21/89 | Brief: Review of
line up of Mike + the Mechanics Story: Clips of William Shatner songs Story: Two former schoolmates with different songs: Robbie Nevil and Susanna Hoffs Story: Tom Jones is a "hip grandfather" Story: The Boys got their start on Fathers' Day Brief: Anita Baker's "quirky" songwriting style Story: Charlie Sheen tells reporters he stopped drinking due to Bono Chart: 8 newcomers this week Brief: Why Kenny G uses only the first initial of his last name QL: Who had the most consecutive top 40 hits in the 80s? 22 - Hall & Oates Brief: Sheena Easton wanted her latest cd to continue to be dance pop Chart: 13 British acts this week Story: How a million selling single didn't get a lot of airplay (Wild Thing by Tone Loc) Brief: Paula Abdul earned between $4K and $6K per video as a choreographer Chart: 5 duos this week Brief: Members of White Lion say they're not afraid to do serious songs Brief: Karyn White was first interested in performing at age 5 Brief: Michael Jackson set a new record for a first shipment of music video (sales) Story: Poison made a point by just wearing boxer shorts at a performance Story: Update on the Birds (who got back together due to legal issues) Story/Chart: Tie for 3rd place with most #1s in 80s: Phil Collins ties Whitney Houston. |
| 01/28/89 | QL:
Who had biggest selling debut albums of all time: 1. Whitney Houston 2.
Guns N Roses 3. Boston Story: Bangles & their "Everything" LP Story: Boy Meets Girl's members writing songs for Whitney Houston. Drop piece of their demo version of one of Whitney's hits played Report: Top movies of 1988 Story: Youngest Groups to hit the top 40 in the 50s, 60s, and 80s Story: Joan Jett likes hearing her songs on the radio Story: Edie Brickell's shyness Story: Rick Astley lived with grandmother Story: Producer promising a young Al Green that he would be a star in 18 months, which came true Story: How Tone Loc gets in the mood to write songs Story: Whatever happened to Donny Bonaducce Report: Top Concert Acts of 1988 AT40 Book of Records: Longest Held Note in Top 10 hit (Sheriff's "When I'm with You") |
| 02/04/89 | Story:
"I Beg Your Pardon" uses a 1970s country hit sample and a 1960s movie
theme sample Artist Debut: Milli Vanilli Story: Groups with "Club" in their name Story: Second best selling "regular" album ('Bad' by Michael Jackson) Story: Guns N Roses first group to sign up for a new AIDS benefit Story: Youngest male to have a #1 album in 26 years (Bobby Brown) Chart note: 12 British acts this week Story: Act who couldn't chart until they made a video (Poison) Story: Group who started performing next to a person juggling a chainsaw (The Boys) Story: "Strange" lyrics of Edie Brickell & New Bohemians songs Story: Information Society using Star Trek clips in songs Story: Man who was known as England's Boy Genius 20 years ago (Steve Winwood) Story: Samantha Fox doesn't mind not being taken seriously Chart note: Biggest fall from #1 in 14 years (Information was actually incorrect) Chart note: Nine solo women this week Story: History and origin of the word "Armageddon" Story: Bon Jovi used false names in order to be anonymous in clubs Story/Chart feat: Oldest record to hit #1: "When I'm with You", 6 1/2 years after it was recorded. |
| 02/11/89 | Theme
Change: The show's theme and jingles change to the first new ones of
the Shadoe Era Show Info: Shadoe mentions that he's fighting the flu Brief Story: Eddie Money having fun with his name by playing songs with Money in the title Story: Vanessa Williams resigning the Miss America title Story: Poison surrounded by "positive people" while working on their latest album Story: Chicago's first hit, snippet played Story: of a guitar player who joined Dire Straits but it didn't help his career. AT40 extra "Money for Nothing" played. Chart fact: 17 foreign acts QL: Siblings with separate hits in the top 10?: None, but Jacksons came close Brief Story: Duran Duran's changes through the years Story: Appetite for Destruction returning to the #1 spot on the Album chart for a third time Special Report: End of Vinyl LP near. Cds passed vinyl in sales for first time in 1987 Chart fact: 2 movie songs this week Story: Origin of the song "Living Years" Brief Story: Taylor Dayne's real name (Leslie Wonderman) Story: Member of New Kids on the Block used to be street kid until he was caught in crossfire Story: Debbie Gibson writing songs without ever being in love Brief Story: Edie Brickell's mother named "Larry" Story: Plot behind the Star Trek episode that sample from "Walking Away" was taken from Chart fact: 10 hits by solo women, 8 by solo men Story: Tiffany takes best friend along on tour who keeps her grounded Story: Famous people from New Jersey Brief Story: Tone Loc got his name while in a gang Story: Will Sheriff get back together (interview clip) |
| 02/18/89 | Story:
Roy Orbison returns to top 40 for first time since 1966 Artist debut: Martika Story: Grammys. Montage of Record of the Year for the 1980s Brief Story: Susanna Hoffs has never had a cavity Story: How Phil Collins became lead singer of Genesis Note: Shadoe again mentions fighting the flu Chart note: 10 English acts Note: Address for a writing in a LDD is to "Shadoe Stevens" Brief Story: Where members of KonKan met Story: Paul McCartney received over 1000 phone calls from USSR Brief Story: How members of Milli Vanilli met Chart note: Top British act of the 1980s is Duran Duran Show note: First AT40 Flashback aired: 1979 (bare bones flashback - no fx or anything) Chart note: Tiffany has only had top 10 hits Brief Story: Guns N Roses writes songs on acoustic guitar QL: Most Grammys in 1 year for newcomer (Christopher Cross) and established act (Michael Jackson) Story: Bono snuck out of a showing of U2's film "Rattle & Hum" Story: Heavy Metal acts coming together to help missing children Brief Story: Debbie Gibson has "girl next door" image Story: Former gang member Tone Loc gives talks to kids to keep them out of gangs Brief story: "Straight Up" was second release from "Forever Your Girl" |
| 02/25/89 | Artist
Debut: Fine Young Cannibals, Roxette Story: Karyn White counting change for a transit authority helped her get a demo Story: Roy Orbison's posthumous comeback Story: Brief mention that KDWB was station responsible for breaking Roxette Chart fact: Bangles "Eternal Flame" is their first charted ballad QL: How many records hitting #1 on both Pop and Country chart? 25, clip of "9 to 5" played Story: KonKan's name comes from the "Canadian Content (CanCon)" rule in Canada. Story: U2's album recorded in historic Sun studios (montage played of other songs recorded there) Story: Groups who disbanded then hit #1, then reformed and became popular (Simon & Garfunkel, Tommy James) Story: Brief story on different types of music, including a letter from a listener defining "pop/metal". Story: Bobby Brown's 1-900 number Song note: Richard Marx cowrote "Surrender to Me" Story: Brief mention of Edie Brickell's shyness Story: Redheads throughout history (ties in with Rick Astley) Story: Biggest selling rap single and biggest selling single since "We Are the World" - "Wild Thing" by Tone Loc Story: Quote from Debbie Gibson on how "Electric Youth" is a better album than her debut |
| 03/04/89 | Story: Greatest
Female Blue Singer in history is subject of U2's "Angel of Harlem".
Billie Holiday's story was told (clip played) Brief story: Poison's "Your Mama Don't Dance" is a remake of a Loggins/Messina hit from 1973 Chart Note: Two groups made up of only women: Vixen and Bangles QL: Artists who have had #1 songs of the year for more than 1 year: Elvis, Beatles, Andy Gibb, George Michael (Wham! and solo) Story: Samantha Fox never diets and loves food Chart Note: 3 female teen artists: Debbie, Tiffany, Martika Chart Note: Roy Orbison's "You Got It" is at #34 on the country chart Brief Story: REM's stand is about "taking off the blinders" to see the world Story: Marketing people not knowing what to do since Was (Not Was) is half black / half white Brief Story: quote from Rolling Stone magazine on Roxette's "The Look" Story: Anita Baker got help starting from College Radio Special Report: Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Story: We need to dream or we'll go crazy Song Note: More snippets of songs sampled in "I Beg Your Pardon" (2 disco hits) Story: Breathe's really bad day (including a robbery and earthquake) Story: Bon Jovi cares more about fan's opinions that critics Song Note: "My Heart Can't Tell You Know" produced by Andy Taylor of Duran duran Story: Fire destroyed tapes containing 5 months of work by Rick Astley Story: Edie Brickell & New Bohemians nearly broke up over their name Chart Fact: Blondie had the highest charting hit with a "rap style" - Rapture #1 Song Note: "Wild Thing" is 2X Platinum Story: Sheena Easton hit top 10 on pop, R&B, Dance, and Country charts |
| 03/11/89 | Story:
Cynthia Rhodes of Animotion is married to Richard Marx Note: Enya's full name given Note: New singer for .38 Special given Story: Deon Estus was the unofficial 3rd member of Wham! Story:Van Halen had 3000 people show up at concert b/4 they had a record Story: One the members of the Boys was on TV at age 6 Story: Member of Sheriff bought rights back to "When I'm with You", then saw the song unexpectedly become popular Story: Martika's was influenced by Boy George Chart Note: 8 solo women this week Story: Longest charting person of Rock Era - Roy Orbison, 32 years 9 months (clips played) Story: Hank Williams' return to country chart. (Clip played and American Country Countdown is mentioned as AT40's sister show) Story: Fine Young Cannibals never know how a song is going to turn out Story: A second runner up in Miss America pageant once charted on Hot 100 Story: Tone Loc's video for "Wild Thing" only cost $419 Story: KonKan had to go through a lengthy process of getting permission b/4 using samples Chart Note: 12 acts with first top 40 hits Flashback: 1974 QL: Whatever happened to Terry Jacks Chart Note: "Straight Up" has spent most weeks at #1 so far this year Story: Ann Wilson's wanted to be a painter (artist). Story: Bobby Brown once arrested for lewdness at his own concert Story: Mike+Mechanics started out as Mike Rutherford's solo project |
| 03/18/89 | Song
note: Comparison of beginning of "Orinoco Flo" to a 1963 song by Andy
Williams Chart Feat: 3rd album in history to generate 7 chart singles: Hysteria (Thriller and Born in USA other two): This info incorrect, see 3/25/89 for a correction Story: Singer from 38 Special who likes "danger" Song note: Shadoe says riff from "Funky Cold Medina" reminds AT40 of "All Right Now" Brief Story: Happiest moment for Luther Vandross Special Report: How loud should RockNRoll be played - Case is pending at Supreme Court Song Note: Riff from "Wild Thing" reminds AT40 of a Van Halen song from '78 Song Note: Snippet of original "Your Mama Don't Dance" played Story: Martika who was once thought to be too old at 19 for a BBC TV show Chart Fact: REM charted in early 80s but didn't reach top 40 until late 80s Song Note: "Straight Up" certified gold Story: Fine Young Cannibals searched world for lead singer but found one in their own backyard Brief Story: Vanessa William's parents were music teachers Story: "Walk the Dinosaur" inspired by a 5 year old Chart Fact: 2 hits on survey titled "You Got It" Chart Note: 10 foreign acts Special Report: Artists who hit #1 then were never heard from again: 7, including Debbie Boon and Billy Vera Story: Guns N Roses were rowdy on a plane trip until a kindergarten teacher calmed them Story: "Girl You Know It's True" being played as an import b/4 being released here Story: Bobby Brown has to buy extra clothes b/c his are being ripped off by women Chart Feat: First time teenager has had both #1 song and album since 1963 |
| 03/25/89 | Artist
Debut: Metallica Story: Sammy Hagar has designed a mountain bike Story: Eddie Money had to give up badge to avoid shaming his father Chart Note: 7 solo men Story: Sheena Easton's worst gig Story: Album of Celebrity Impersonators doing TV themes. (clips played) Note: Sweet Sensation debuts, and Shade mentions that there's "no relation" to group with same name in 70s Correction: Shadoe says Hysteria is 4th album to produce 7 singles, not 3rd. Forgot "Bad" by MJ Chart Note: 18 groups Note: "Wild Thing" Biggest selling single in 3 years. Cost about $3000 to make Story: Madonna now a brunette Special Report: Changing qualifications for Gold/Platinum singles Chart Note: Only 5 all women bands to hit top 40 Story: Martika forcing her mom to take her to auditions and looking for agents herself Brief Story: Poison once played concert in boxer shorts Story: One of New Kids' parents was skeptical of his music career Chart Note/Story: 4th artist to hit top 40 posthumously in the 1980s(clips played): (Elvis, Lennon, Louis Armstrong, Oribson) Chart Note: 7 British acts Chart Note: GNR has 2 albums in top 10 of album chart. First time since 1983 Story: Chicago toured with 60s rockers before making a record Brief Story: Singer from Was (Not Was) was in O-Jays Story: Stars' Trademarks: Debbie Gibson's hats, Roy Orbison's sunglasses, etc. Story: Mike Rutherford 5th artist in history to hit #1 with 2 different bands |
| 04/01/89 | Brief Story:
"Iko Iko" was originally recorded in 1982 Chart Note: First Black metal band hits top 40: Living Colour Story: Tiffany took her own mother to court Brief Story: Peter Cetera likes to climb mountains QL: Song that was at highest position before falling out of top 40: "Even Nights Are Better" fell from #6 off the chart Story: Def Leppard surprised by longevity of "Hysteria" album Story: 38 Special's new singer on current hit Story: update on Jefferson Starship/Starship Chart Note: 10 foreign acts Story: Guns N Roses rowdy past & they're surprised by their mainstream success Chart Note: 3 female solo teens on chart - 1st time since 1965 - clips played Story: One member of Poison keeps horror movie memorabilia Chart Note: 11 songs also have made top 40 on Black Singles Chart Story: LA Reid & Babyface from rags to riches & they have produced 6 hits on current Hot 100 Story: Song with biggest 1 day debut: "Like a Prayer" heard by 250 million around the world on TV Story: Other songs titled Dreamin(g). Clips played Brief Story: Was Not Was describe themselves as Motown Revue on Acid Story: Lead singer of Fine Young Cannibals was once a male stripper Story: Rod Stewart started in mid 60s around the time of the "Mod" movement AT40 Book of Records: Story of Beatles holding down top 5 in 1964. Clips played Story: Bangles had #1 song of 1987 and are #1 this week. |
| 04/08/89 | "Rock on" is the
first top 40 hit for Michael Damian, buthe previously charted back in
1981 Kip Winger used to be with Alice Cooper's band Story: Guns N Roses not rich from their huge success Chart note: 18 songs by groups Chart note: 3 songs from movies Show note: Top of hour theme now starts off with singing of "American Top 40" Story: Top American Male Group: Chicago Show Correction: "Straight Up" is not Paula Abdul's first charted song. She had 2 others prior. (Correction from a fan) Artist Note: Cher has been charting since 1965, Peter Cetera since 1969 Brief Story: "Orinoco Flo" hard to classify Story: Top 10 Most Popular Gems counted down (tie in with Sa-Fire) Brief Story: Sa-Fire is of Puerto Rican descent, and Shadoe mentions he is of Norwegian descent Story: Bio of Cynthia Rhodes given, including how she was first seen in movie Stayin Alive Brief Story: Reminder of Debbie Gibson having #1 album and single at same time Story: Jon Bon Jovi giving childhood home away in contest for MTV Brief Story: Deon Estus worked with Marvin Gaye Story: 3 members of a band have had #1 songs as solo artists (Genesis) Show note: AT40 Flashback returns (1976). The return is prompted by a listener letter Story: Allman Brothers band's tragic past and their return Chart Note: Madonna's 15th top 10 in a row Brief Story: Bangles having man troubles Story: Roxette is 3rd Swedish act to hit #1, all hitting on the same date in different years |
| 04/15/89 | Brief Story:
Tommy Page got break when DJs started playing his tape Story: Anita Baker used to sing while mopping floors Story: Metallica is "Thinking Man's Heavy Metal Band" - history of band and their songs given Chart note: 5 movie songs Brief Story: Better Midler's first top 40 hit in 8 years Brief Story: Chart summary of Howard Jones' hits given Chart note: 6 British acts Chart note: 5th chart hit to be called "Seventeen" QL: Most weeks at #1 on the Dance, R&B, Country chart in the 80s Story: Return of Donny Osmond after 13 years - clip of his last hit played Story: Iko Iko can be traced back 150 years Story: Black Rock Coalition formed by a member of Living Colour Brief Story: Enya overdubs a single note 80-100 times Brief Story: "Explanation" of lyrics to Walk the Dinosaur given on single sleeve (Shadoe reads it) Story: Phil Spector once thought Cher sounded like a man Story: Different Acts with the same name. Clip played [Temptations, Innocents, Sweet Sensation] Story: How Cynthia Rhodes and Richard Marx met Story: How Vanessa Williams raises a child while being a star Chart Note: 15 ballads Flashback: 1974 (Sound effects now added) AT40 Book of Records: Longest Gap between top 10 hits (Roy Orbison, 24 years 6 mos) Brief Story: Top 5 albums listed Story: Why REM switched record labels Chart Note: 9 European acts Brief Story: One of the writers of "Eternal Flame" also wrote "Like a Virgin" Story: Only Elvis and Beatles have had more consecutive top 5 singles than Madonna |
| 04/22/89 | Note: "Where Are
You Now" originally charted 3 years ago Brief story: brief history of Tommy Page Story: Groups named after someone other than lead singer Chart Notes: 4 former #1 songs, 5 movie songs, 11 solo men Whatever Happened to: Rupert Holmes Chart Note: Top 40 debut for Ozzy Osbourne Story: Kip Winger's uneasiness at naming band after himself Story: Bette Midler learning how tough it was to be a movie producer Story: Michael Damian started career by writing fan letter to himself Story: Living Colour's struggle to be accepted Brief Story: Only star to tour both with Beatles and Elvis (roy orbison) Story: What do Batman and Paula Abdul have in common? Story: Addition of Climax and Klymaxx to last week's list of bands with same name Story: Biggest selling album by a group (Hysteria) Flashback: 1970 Brief Story: Bangles will sing backup on Tom Petty's "Full Moon Fever" Brief Story: Deon Estus was in first band at 11 years old Story: how REM members introduced to each other Story: Roxette's huge success in Sweden Story/Chart Note: Most #1s in the 80s by a female is now a tie between Madonna and Whitney (medley of Madonna's first 6 played) |
| 04/29/89 | Johnny
Kemp is from the Bahamas "Only Wanna Be with You" by Samantha Fox is the 5th version of the song to chart Enya has sworn off singing for a while in order to relax Longest Charting Women in History. New record setter this week: Aretha Franklin Stevie B does writing, producing, and more in addition to singing Shadoe corrects his pronunciation of "Sych" of the band "Jimmy Harnen & Synch" Story behind Roy Orbison wearing sunglasses all the time Ozzy Osbourne was in Black Sabbath while Lita Ford started in the Runaways NKOTB said that success finally brought them respect Story: Howard Jones owes start to a car crash Brief Story: Bangles thanked hometown concert crowd for making "Eternal Flame" #1 QL: Highest Debut on Hot 100 in 60s, 70s, and 80s Brief Story: Slash of Guns N' Roses likes Metallica, 2 Live Crew Brief Chart history of Better Midler Story: Michael Damian owes start of soap opera career to American Bandstand (clip of song played) Brief Story: Living Colour's "exciting" concerts Story: Donny Osmond owes comeback to Peter Gabriel Story: First single from Hysteria did not make top 40, clip played Brief Story: Cher and Peter Cetera's first hits named Flashback: 1979 Whatever Happened to?: Blondie Story Update: More bad luck for members of .38 special Brief Story: Other members of Fine Young Cannibals writing music for movies Chart Note: Only solo rapper to have #1 album: Tone Loc Story: Bon Jovi & the relationship to the Soviet Union, including being paid in wood Chart Note: Madonna has the #1 single and album with same name "Like a Prayer". Did it before with "Like a Virigin" |
| 05/06/89 | Chart
Note: One 2 Many is the second Norwegian act to hit top 40 Brief Story: Lead Singer of Poison's voice troubles Chart Note: 9 solo men this week Story: Samantha Fox's first song learned was "Only Wanna Be with You" Stretch Story: How long can someone stand without sitting? (17 years) Brief Story: Waterfront named after the movie "On the Waterfront" Story: Outfield bassist learned by copying what he heard Brief Story: Neneh Cherry's heritage Chart feat/story: Elton John hitting the top 40 every calendar year since 1970 Brief Story: bio of Jimmy Harnen Story: history of Black Sabbath Story: how creative visualization helped Joe Elliott of Def Leppard form the band Brief Story: Bobby Brown's stage presence Brief Story: Clip played of Bette Midler's last top 40 appearance Story: Guns N' Roses forming from remains of other bands Flashback: 1973 Story/Chart note: "Iko Iko" song has charted twice before but current version has the highest peak position Story: Michael Damian loved original "Rock On" (clip played) Chart Feat: First time since 1977 that a husband and wife were in the top 40 with separate hits (R. Marx/C. Rhodes) Story: Donny Osmond trapped by old image Chart story: Cher has had top 10 solo hits and top 10 duets in 3 decades Story: Listener compares guitar riff in "Funky Cold Medina" to "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner. This ties into a story from 03/18/89 Chart note: Jody Watley is #1 on R&B and Dance chart this week Story: Bon Jovi submitted "Runaway" to a talent competition (clip played) Story: All of Madonna's #1 hits have had 3 word titles |
| 05/13/89 | Story:
Lisa Lisa being away from charts due to working on latest album Story: Strange way John Mellencamp met his wife QL: What songs have spent most weeks at #1 in 60s, 70s, 80s Chart note: 3 remakes Brief Story: "Only Wanna Be with You" hit charts twice before, artists named Brief Story: Chart history of Richard Marx given Show Error: Wrong title of Richard Marx album given: "Second Offense" in lieu of correct "Repeat Offender" Story: Tommy Page's being a coat checker helping his career Chart Note: 6 duos this week Brief Story: History of hits titled "Seventeen" Brief Story: "Hooked on You" dealing with parents interfering with teenagers Story: Aretha Franklin's early start as gospel singer (clip played) Whatever Happened to: The Knack (clip played) Story: Lita Ford's trouble getting respect due to being a woman Chart Note: 7 English Acts Brief Story : Top 10 hits about beverages Stretch Story: Where are the most stairs in the world (ties in with "Every Little Step") (music and sound effects accompanied the story) Story: President JFK's influence in chart history Brief Story: Sa-Fire's charity work Story: Michael Damian's reaction to being in Tiger Beat Flashback: 1972 Chart Note: 17 years since Donny Osmond's last top 5 hit Story: Paula Abdul starting career on a dare Story: Other #! song with "Prayer" in their titles (clips played) Brief story: Bon Jovi's other #1's listed |
| 05/20/89 | Brief Story:
Tommy Page's brother throwing him out of a band Chart info: Other #1 songs by Swedish acts listed QL: TV Game show hosts hitting top 40 (Clips played) Story: What do a resort, movie, and game show all have in common with a song in the top 40? Chart info: Brief review of Lisa Lisa's chart hits Brief Story: Natalie Cole loves being on stage best Story/Chart info: Donna Summer's return to top 40 after 5 years. #1 songs listed Brief Story: John Mellencamp says Rock is also about "doing something with your life" Story: Sting Sting trying to save tropical rain forests Brief Story: Description of Wales given. 6 acts from Wales have made top 40 Story: Tone Loc save from gangs by a true love Story: Aretha Franklin's most embarrassing moment Story: Jimmy Harnen getting record contract due to rerelease of his song Chart Note: 13 acts have been named for or have same name as jewels Brief Story: Clip of Belle Stars previous chart hit played Brief Story: Ozzy Osbourne likes doing ballads occasionally Story: Celebrity race held at Indianapolis Raceway to stop drunk driving. Shadoe notes that he will be there Story: Debbie Gibson graduating high school while having success Chart Feat: Woman with most weeks at #1 in 80s: Madonna with 15 Flashback: 1980 Story: Guns N Roses hiring bodyguard to protect fans from the band Story: Donny Osmond arm wrestling a DJ to get his record played Chart feat: Third woman to hit #1 with her first two hits...Paula Abdul |
| 05/27/89 | Story:
Connection between One 2 Many and Bruce Hornsby Chart Note: 13 foreign acts this week Brief story: Rick Astley's latest hit is first written by him Story: Story of Elvis Costello, including his stage name Hot 100 Mention: Related to the Elvis Costello story, Paul McCartney debuting on Hot 100 this week mentioned Brief story: Tone Loc likes other musical genres that may not be considered cool Chart Note: Tom Petty debuts with first solo hit Story: "Cult of Personality" inspired by Nikita Khrushchev Chart Note: 10 solo women, 10 solo men this week Chart Record: Songwriter with longest time between 1st and most recent top 40 songs Brief Story: Donna Summer's growing out of her disco era Show note: First of AT40 special feature on legendary pop singers: Sam Cooke (medley played) Brief Story: Madonna's role in upcoming Dick Tracy movie mentioned QL: Oldest #1 song (lyrics 3000+ years, melody: a few hundred years) Story: Jimmy Harnen a big fan of REO Speedwagon Brief Story: Howard Jones' inspirations Brief Story: Debbie Gibson is most comfortable on stage Chart Record: longest span between 1st chart hit and 1st top 10: Ozzy Osbourne, 18 years+, (clip played) Brief story: Bobby Brown wants to be like Donald Trump Story: Bette Midler's job at a bath house/club Flashback: 1971 Story: Jody Watley sneaking into Soul Train tapings in a trunk of a car Chart Note: Only artist to have 2 #1 songs this year: Paula Abdul |
| Memorial Day Weekend, 1989 | The World Tour Special: The top American acts in the 1980s outside of the USA. Details can be found in Rob Durkee's book. Here is a picture of the cover. |
| 06/03/89 | Chart
note: return of Doobie Brothers after 8 years Show note: a "short" LDD read Brief story: Most successful solo act to come from Fleetwood Mac: Stevie Nicks Story/Chart Feat: Only artists to chart twice with their only Hot 100 hit: The Jamies (sp) and now Benny Mardones. Side note: 15 songs have hit chart twice Brief story: Clip of other Iko Iko remake played Chart note: 4 remakes Story: Lisa Lisa used to make money performing dressed as a prune Stretch Story: Duo who needed a "Second Chance" to become famous: Simon and Garfunkel (show note: clapping sound effects used here when Shadoe gives away the name of the act) Story: Peter Cetera didn't know about his first #1 for 5 days due to climbing a mountain Chart Note: 15 songs by groups Story: Tom Petty's chance meeting at a traffic light leading to solo album Chart Note: 11 solo women Special Report: Rock N Roll acts coming together in Russia for Drug/Alcohol charities Brief Story: John Mellencamp's comments on his latest album Brief Story: Donna Summer treats her songs like a play QL: Act with most top 10s without hitting #1 (Bruce Springsteen) Story: Story behind the group Synch (long interview clip) Brief Story: Richard Marx not out to be a star Flashback: 1982 Brief Story: Bette Midler tying her highest peak position on the Hot 100 Story: Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson being banned from a British hotel as teenagers Note: Donny's biggest hit since 1971 Story: Second soap opera star to hit #1 - Michael Damian. (Note: when Rick Springfield is named as the first, sound effect were played ala the Simon and Garfunkel story earlier in the show). |
| 06/10/89 | Brief:
"Send Me an Angel '89" is another rerelease to make top 40. It contains
both original and new recordings. Artist Debut: Warrant Story: Guitarist for 38 special finished third in a charity race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This race was mentioned in a previous show. Shadoe mentioned he was there. QL: Most weeks on chart without reaching top 10: 39 Chart Note: 8 newcomers Brief: Bangles' original name came from a hairstyle Story: Martika's first job Chart note: 2 songs with "Soldier" in title Chart Feat: Fleetwood Mac's Rumours spent most weeks at #1 on album charity by a group. (AT40 Book of Statistics) Brief: Elton John and Aretha Franklin share same birthday Brief: Doobie Brothers celebrating 20th anniversary this year Brief: Benny Mardones is glad to have a second chance Story: Bon Jovi's "New Jersey" album owes success to fans from pizza parlors in Vancouver Story: Paul McCartney is most successful songwriter with over 30 #1s. Writes songs for other artists (montage played) Chart note: 6 English acts Story: Elvis' impact on Tom Petty when Tom met Elvis as a boy Story: Jody Watley was "smitten" by showbiz at a young age Chart note: 10 solo women Story: Song about cannibalism once made top 40. Clip played. (Shadoe also mentions how even AT40 pokes fun at Fine Young Cannibals name, gives an example) Story: Waterfront members injuring each other during a show Story/Chart Feat: 8 records have failed to hit top 40 in first chart run but made top 10 in their second Flashback: 1977 Story: Story of James Dean told. Top 40 hits that mention him listed Show Note: LDD is to father of two of the members of New Kids on the Block Story/Chart Feat: Bette Midler is in 2nd place for women with longest wait to hit #1 from their first chart hit |
| 06/17/89 | Story:
Reel Life came together via a newspaper ad Show note: Shadoe explains that he's going on vacation to Norway next week, and that Debbie Gibson will fill in Brief Story: Debbie Gibson has met Bon Jovi AT40 Book of Chart Records: (described as 'gold leafed, leather bound)...Act with most top 40 hits (includes data back to 1940): Paul McCartney Brief Story: Love and Rockets named after a cult comic Chart note: 12 solo men Story: How leaving music for a while was best thing for Jody Watley's career Story: Rod Stewart's song sang by a soccer audience Brief Story: Roachford's music style inspired by a variety of styles Story: Benny Mardones' friends reuniting with him due to his recent success Story: Doobie Brothers started out as a biker band with a "bad" image Story: Report on 1st annual Rock Awards. Includes mention of Elvis Costello getting an award (with is a statue of Elvis Presley) Story: Cowriter of "Forever Your Girl" is son of famous songwriter Jerry Leiber. Montage played of his father's hits Brief Story: Tom Petty's latest hit could be autobiographical Chart note: 3 remakes Show Note: Clip of Jimmy Harnen asking where his song was this week AT40 Special Report on Legendary Pop Singers: Rick Nelson spotlighted. Medley played AT40 Report: "Spirit of the Forest": spoken word record with nature sounds - made to help rain forests - clip played Whatever Happened to: David Essex Chart Note: Donna Summer returns to top 10 after 6 years Flashback: 1978 (note: Shadoe mentions that "Shadow Dancing" was a good title Chart Record: 100th top 5 solo single for a woman in the 80s. Never had this many before. Breakdown of each decade given. Shadoe thanks a "friend" in Florida for helping with this statistic Story/Chart Note: Youngest group to hit #1 in more than 18 years (since the Osmonds): New Kids on the Block |
| 06/24/89 |
NOTE: This show hosted by Debbie Gibson. See the memo notifying affiliates. Not many usual type stories given, mainly personal stories by Debbie. This is reflected below: Hosted by Debbie Gibson, who was in NYC while the show
continued in Hollywood |
| 07/01/89 | Show Note:
Although not announced, this was the first show available on cd (show
continued to be available on LPs as well). Link to Memo Describing This Change Chart Note: Current #1 on the Dance chart is this week's first debut: "Secret Rendezvous" Show Note: Return of the list of 'droppers' due to a lot of letters from listeners Story: Michael Damian promotes his songs by singing them on his soap opera Story: How Cinderella came together on Halloween Brief Story: Marie's vocal on Roxette's "Dressed for Success" was done in 1 take Chart Note: 11 Foreign acts Brief Story: Dino's full name and where he's from given Brief Story: Clip of Elvis Costello's first top 40 hit played QL: Which artist has hit in most calendar years: Tie between Elvis Presley and Paul McCartney Story: Michael Morales being pelted by pepperoni Story: Jon Bon Jovi recently arrested for trespassing Chart Note: first time in 5 years that 2 songs debuted in top 30 (both times a song from a Ghostbusters movie was one of them) Show Note: Shadoe does special station mentions for the Norway stations he visited on his vacation Brief Story: on the origins of the group Love and Rockets Story: Waterfront members published a fanzine where the stories were made up Chart Note: "Wind Beneath My Wings" has hit 4 Billboard charts before hitting #1 on the pop chart. A special medley of all versions played as the song. Brief Story: Tom Petty does some recording at home. AT40 Report: Most popular toy soldier in history (GI Joe) Flashback: 1979 Chart Note: Cyndi Lauper returns to top 10 after 2 years Story/Chart Feat: Artist with most number ones on Dance/Disco chart. Now a tie between Madonna and Donna Summer Story: Neneh Cherry's mother going to design school with baby Neneh in a basket Story: AT40 staff members think "Good Thing" sounds like other hits, including "Tainted Love". Clips played Show Note: Editing a little different at the end of the show. Shadoe's goodbyes are interrupted by "American Top 40" theme. |
| 07/08/89 | Brief
Story: Bruce Hornsby coproduced/cowrote "End of the Innocence" by Don
Henley Story: Winger has seen some of their shows "go to the dogs" Story/Chart note: Waterfront's "Cry" is the 4th top 40 hit to be titled "Cry". Clips played Special Report: Greenpeace album sold four million copies in the USSR before being released elsewhere Chart note: 12 solo men this week, but 13 hits by solo men Brief story: Reel Life has had 64 different drummers Story: Roxette and Tom Petty are fans of each other. [during story, Shadoe gets into character and yells] Chart note: 11 groups this week Story: Benny Mardones did not sell his prized Elvis autographed photo even through he needed the money QL: Female solo singer with most #1s on the country chart? - Dolly Parton Brief Story: Ian Hunter originally did "Once Bitten Twice Shy" Story: Bobby Brown was once on a jet that nearly ran out of fuel Brief Story: mention of a couple of Rod Stewart's previous hits Story: Jon Bon Jovi avoiding exposure so that band could get more attention Chart note: 5 British acts Story: Donna Summer not wanting to work with producers at first on latest album Story: Batman songs hitting the chart (Hot 100). 5 clips played Brief Story: Neneh Cherry has roots in 5 different copies Show Note: Richard Marx intros the station mentions Story: Nat King Cole first major black star to host and headline a tv show Chart Note: 6 female acts in top 10. most since 1955 Chart Feat: New 2nd place for most consecutive top 5 singles: Madonna (Elvis is 1st) Flashback: 1982 |
| 07/15/89 | Chart
Note: Sweet Sensation's "Hooked on You" first charted back in 1987
(below #40) Show Note: Donny Osmond intro'ed his own song Story: Benny Mardones' scariest moment Show Note?: Longer version of "Headed for a Heartbreak" played Story: Don Henley's career began with a "bang" Story: Paula Abdul's choreography and training for Janet Jackson videos Brief Story: Henry Lee Summer shoots "air baskets" (ala air guitar) Chart Note: Paul McCartney has had 83 top 40 hits Chart Note: Bette Midler is 2nd oldest woman to hit #1 at 43 years old (Tina Tuner was #1 at 45 years) Story: 15 acts who came from Boston (Donna Summer is most successful) "Vital Chart Trivia": "Buffalo Stance" is 2nd top 40 hit to mention buffalo. Clip of 1st played Chart Note: 13 solo men this week Chart Note: 25 songs written by acts who recorded them Story: member of Great White changed instruments after his dad won a contest Story: Bon Jovi's "recipe" for success Flashback: 1974 Story (tied into Flashback): Whatever happened to George McCrae? (was once reported dead) Chart Note: 5 movie songs this week Chart Note: Doobie Brothers return to top 10 Show Feature Debut: Celebrity Birthdays Stretch Story: Value of 1st comic of Batman Chart Feat: Madonna now has most #1s on the Dance chart, 9 Chart Note: Simply Red takes remake of a #3 hit to #1 Show Note: Shadoe calls Rob Durkee "Dr. Rob..." for the first time |
| 07/22/89 | Brief
Story: Jeff Healey's style of playing guitar since he is blind Show Note: Shadoe mentions the Hot 100 movement of the debut at #38 (71-38), New Kids On the Block's "Hangin' Tough" Chart Note: 5 recent #1 hits in top 40 Story: 1st top 40 hit to be "Officially Designated" as not available as a vinyl single: "Me, Myself, and I" by De La Soul (Sound effects used) Brief Story: Gloria Estefan's first solo hit QL: First #1 remake of a former #1?: "Go Away Little Girl" by Donny Osmond Chart Note: 14 hits by groups this week Story: Shadoe plays tribute to late Mel Blanc (clip played) Story: Roy Orbison's driving all night to try and see Elvis, but kick started his career instead AT40 Correction: numbers 32 and 33 were switched on last week's show. Only second time in history of AT40 that such a correction is made according to Shadoe Brief Story: Paula Abdul nominated for six MTV Video Music Awards Story: Roxette owes its American success to an American foreign exchange student and his favorite radio station Show Note: Michael Morales intro'ed his own song Special Report: Disappearance of "B" side of a single Flashback: 1967 Story: Bon Jovi's fight to keep their picture off their latest album cover Story: More comparisons of "Good Thing" to other songs (see 7/1/89) QL: Acts who have replaced themselves at #1. Story: Madonna is one of the top 100 art collectors |
| 07/29/89 | Brief
Story: Surface hit chart once before 2 years ago Story: Michael Damian's being stuck in a traffic jam leading to a top 40 hit (sound effects used in teaser) Brief Story: Soul II Soul's lineup (solo man with featured artists) Chart note: 9 solo women this week Story: Member of Reel Life streaked for money but was caught by fans (sound effects played) Story: Kip Winger made first stage appearance in a band with his parents Story: Tribute done to Jim Backus who did cartoon voices and was on Gilligan's Island. Clip of his only chart hit played Brief Story: Brief chart history of Don Henley Story: Debbie Gibson once losing a talent contest to a football team Story: Karyn White's dad keeping her down to earth Chart Note: 3 former #1s this week Chart Note: 14 solo men this week Brief Story: Roxette never thought they would be so successful Chart Trivia: Each of the 4 women who hit #1 so far this year represents a different decade of age AT40 Report: Ringo Starr's upcoming tour and his all star celebrity band Chart Note: 6th solo artist with his fist single releases making the top 10 Chart note: 10 ballads this week Flashback: 1976 Chart Feat: 4 acts in the top 10 with 1 word names Show note: Shadoe mentions that he recently returned from Japan where he judged an AT40 DJ contest Chart note: 14 groups, including 7 trios this week "Ultimate Trivia Corner": Third remake of a #3 hit to reach #1 ("If You Don't Know Me by Now"). Clips played Story: Songs featuring a "Joker". Clips played. (Ties into story from 7/8/89 show where Batman songs played) Brief Story: Martika's inspirations |
| 08/05/89 | Chart note: 8
solo women QL: Have there been any ties for the #1 song? 7 ties, all in 1956-1957. Odds today of a tie: 1000:1 Brief: Mention of Dianne Warren's writing career Story: a Review of Michael Damian's family act of 10 years ago was written by the current head writer of AT40. Clip played. Brief: Surface's last top 40 hit Story: Milli Vanilli landed their career due to a championship breakdancing competition Story: San Fernando Valley, aka the "Valley" in songs. Clips played Brief: Don Henley's parentage and his solo chart history Brief: Debbie Gibson will be 19 near end of the month Brief: Jody Watley sang as a child but never considered being a singer Brief: Henry Lee Summer started singing in church Story: 6 foreign duos have hit #1 in rock era. 5 in the 1980s, with 2 in countdown this week Story: GLoria Estefan supports political refugees from Cuba Flashback: 1987 (Shadoe does mention full title of "I Want Your Sex") Brief Story: Simply Red named for lead singer Chart Note: 1 remake this week Brief: "Cold Hearted" was originally B side of Straight Up Story: Bon Jovi changed image to appeal more to women Story: Richard Marx's career launched by a phone call from Lionel Richie. Show Note: Shadoe calls Rob the show's "official statistician Dr. Durkee" Brief: Love & Rockets' members' previous groups Story: History repeats itself. 5 years ago top 2 songs were also from soundtracks. |
| 08/12/89 | Brief:
Return of top act of the 1970s - Bee Gees QL: Most chart singles without making top 40: Buddy Miles (10) Chart Note: 14 groups this week Story: Major rock stars trying to keep tv show "South Africa Now" on the air Brief: Michael Damian's first public performace as a lead singer was at 12 years old Chart: 7 foreign acts this week Story: Rod Stewart had to recover from his biggest selling hit Brief: Madonna is most successful woman of the decade Story: "Hooked on You" by Sweet Sensation was released before but failed to hit top 40. Brief: Winger formed after 2 members met while performing for Alice Cooper Brief: Henry Lee Summer grew up in farm community of Brazil, IN Chart: 8 newcomers this week Show Note: Different version of "Angel Eyes" played Story: Profile of originators of "Philadelphia Soul". Medley played Story: Cheerleading almost ruined Karyn White's singing career Show Note: Shadoe explains who the "whiplash acrobatic ensemble" are Chart: 8 solo women this week Chart: 16 solo women have hit top 10 this year Flashback: 1980 Chart: Bobby Brown has been in top 40 for a whole year now Story: Richard Marx originally thought "Right Here Waiting" was too personal to release on an album Show Notes: No drumroll before #1 played. Shadoe interrupted by AT40 theme, then laughs at the end. |
| 08/19/89 | Chart: 9 foreign
acts this week Story/Chart feat: Madonna has had 16 chart singles which was the highest debut on the Hot 100 Sotry: Howard Jones' fake fan magazine helping him get attention to start career Brief: Shadoe repeats story of how "Cover of Love" was written in a traffic jam Chart: 14 solo men this week Brief: Michael Bolton first got into music at 7 years old Story: Henry Lee Summer was discovered by "mistake" Show note: A LDD was written in response to a previous LDD Story/Interview Clip: "Toy Soldiers" comes from personal experience Chart: 5 British acts this week Story: Jeff Healey asked for a guitar at age 3 and his development into a star QL: Which year had most 1 week #1s? 1975 FB: Woodstock - no specific chart used (1969) Stretch Story: How much money is made in Las Vegas? Chart: 9 solo women this week Story: Bobby Brown overhearing talk about his own funeral. |
| 08/26/89 | Chart/Show Note:
All 6 debuts start off the countdown Story: Michael Jackson becoming a "California Raisin" Story: LL Cool J & his grandparents' influence Brief: Clip of original version of "If you Don't Know Me by Now" played Story: Other songs with "Cherish" as their title. Clips played Story: Letters from widow of Otis Redding to Michael Bolton Story/Chart Feat: Group that has written all 29 of their ti 40 hits: Bee Gees (record for all acts) Brief: Grayson Hughs' odd jobs Brief: Winger members talk about Alice Cooper Story: Other song about turning back time. "Turn Back the Hands of Time" by Tyrone Davis in 1970 QL: First solo woman with a top 40 hit? Judy Garland in 1940. Clip Played Chart: 14 songs by male solo artists Story: Dino once had his pants rip during a show Story: Jody Watley gets to sing with Stevie Wonder Brief: some Don Henley chart career highlights Chart: 17 songs by groups Flashback: 1983 Show: Richard Marx reads the shows' address Story: Paula Abdul's ethnic heritage Brief: repeat of story about "Cold Hearted" originally being B side of "Straight Up" |
| 09/02/89 | Story: AT40 Book
of Ultimate Trivia (pg 143): There were 3 straight #1s by groups from
Manchester England back in 1965. Clips played. Artist debut: First appearance by Seduction Brief: Young MC co-wrote both of Tone Loc's hits Story: Tom Petty vs. "The Law", and he won Story: First anti-drug song to hit top 40 ("Kicks" by Paul Revere & Raiders) Chart: 6 English Acts this week Brief: Name changes of group Starship Show: Shadoe imitates Eddie Murphy's laugh Story: True origin of "Batman" character. [Shadoe tells story w/ dramatic background music] Chart: 13 solo men and 8 solo women this week Brief: Grayson Hugh's father was a disc jockey Story: Bee Gees (Top group of 70s) get their first top 20 hit of 1980s. They are most successful family act of all time Brief: Book of Brain Busting Trivia Bits - 9 acts with "white" in their names. All were named Story: Soul II Soul is really a concept Chart: 17 groups this week Flashback: 1984 Show: race car sound effects used at beginning of hour 4 Story: Member of Surface's dad had is own top 40 hit. Clip played. Story: Gloria Estefan & how death of her father impacted her life Story/Chart: Paula Abdul is: 1st woman to have 1st 3 hits go to #1, 1st woman to have 3 #1's in a calendar year, 3rd woman to get 3 #1's from an album |
| Labor
Day Weekend |
The "AT40 Book of Records: 80s Edition" was aired. The show is not a countdown, but a list of records that apply for the 1980s. See Rob Durkee's book for details on the records set and songs played. See the special cover for this show. |
| 09/09/89 | Story/Chart:
Rolling Stones still charting after 25 years for 3rd place. First place
is Gladys Knight with 26 yrs 9 months. This is Stones' 40th top 40 hit. Show: Shadoe does not give title of Rolling Stones song during the intro Story: Prince was booed off stage in early 80s while opening for the Rolling Stones Brief: Expose put together 2 years ago Chart: 14 groups this week Story/Artist Debut: Babyface. His start and success w/ LA Reid is told. Chart: Janet Jackson has most top 40 hits from a cd with 6 from "Control". Songs listed. Brief: Current lineup of Starship Story: Original version of "Once Bitten Twice Shy" by Ian Hunter. Clip played. Chart: 14 solo men this week Story: Grayson Hugh's demo for someone else getting him a record deal Show: Shadoe announces "This week's off camera announcer"...then Barry Gibb reads address of the show. Story: Jody Watley getting Eric B & Rakim to do her song. Jody raps their parts in concert. Story: Drummers who sing Chart: 8 solo women this week Brief: "18" in part of a song title has only made it to top 10 twice Story: Cher almost turned down Dianna Warren song Show: Sound effects played as Shadoe says he has an equation: Smaller numbers, bigger hits Flashback: 1985 Story: How Jani Lane of Warrant got his name Show: More sound effect used as Shadoe refers to himself as the "Skipper" Story/Chart: Only two other teen groups besides New Kids have had 2 #1s: Fleetwoods, Jackson 5 |
| 09/16/89 | Chart: Bobby
Brown has been in top 40 with different hits for 57 consecutive weeks
so far Brief: Lineup changes of Tears for Fears Chart: 6 English acts this week Story: Jody Watley's breakthough when studio group Shalamar needed actual members Chart: 7 trios this week Story: Rolling Stones and their 50th Hot 100 hit. Top 4 groups with most Hot 100 hits listed. Show: Expose reads the AT40 address Story: Why Bobby Brown left New Edition Brief: Lead singer of Cure thinking about quitting due to popularity Story: Salute to writers of "Talk It Over". Medley of previous hits played for each of the 2 writers. Story: There's no one left in Startship who were in Jefferson Airplane. (sound effects played) Story: Michael Bolton had record deal before leaving high school Brief: "Neneh" translates into "good mother" Show: gunshot sound effects used when Shadoe mentions "Who shot JR" as a tease for the upcoming Flashback Show: Clip of a Bee Gee asking where their hit was this week Flashback: 1980 Brief: As a child, Richard Marx used to do Elvis impersonations. Chart: 8 newcomers this week Story: Rags to riches story of Cher Brief: Paula Abdul will choreograph part of a dance tribute to John Lennon Story: 2 highest debuts on the Hot 100 this week belong to New Kids on the Block. Hasn't happened in 25 years Chart: 6 ballads this week Story/Chart: Gloria Estefan is only the second woman to hit #1 as part of a group and then solo. Chart: 1989 is the year with most solo hits by women - 8 times Show: Shadoe keeps saying goodbye after his usual bit |
| 09/23/89 | Story: New Kids
on the Block may be getting their own cartoon show, adding to the likes
of the Beatles, the Osmonds, and the Jackson 5 Chart: 13 solo men this week Story: "What I Like about You", the original version did not make top 40. Clip played Brief: Elton's 45th top 40 hit, "Healing Hands". Some other hits named. QL: Most consecutive weeks at #1 on album chart in 70s and 80s: 24. "Saturday Night Fever" in the 70s and "Purple Rain" in 80s Story: Guitarist for Katrina and the Waves went from archeology to rock-n-roll. Story: Songs inspired by comic book or comic strip characters Story: Babyface meeting his idols by posing as a teacher over the phone Show: Sound effects played as Shadoe says "bubbly hits" Brief: List of Starship's current members. Chart: 6 English acts this week Ultimate Trivia Corner: 6th act to use a roman numeral in their name. Soul II Soul (applause sound effects played) Story: Bee Gees' visit to Indonesia during a monsoon Story: New Kids on the Block's greatest challenge (playing at Apollo theater) Flashback: 1968 Chart: 16th top 5 hit in a row for Madonna Story: Skid Row was opening for Bon Jovi before they had an album. Chart: 29 songs with "Heaven" have charted. 11 of them hit top 10. |
| 09/30/89 | Show:
Shadoe announces this is the 1000th regular weekly AT40 show. This fact
is repeated several times during the show. Brief: "Didn't I Blow Your Mind" is the flip side of "Hangin' Tough" Artist Debut: Bad English (Made up of some members of Babys and Journey) Brief: There is 9 years between B-52s first Hot 100 hit and their first top 40 hit Brief: Return of Poco to top 40 after 10 years Chart: Longest Charting Woman in History is now Tina Turner (29 years). Clip played of her first hit. Chart: New Kids on the Block have 3 hits in the top 40 at same time. Other acts listed. Most recent time was in 1978 by Bee Gees. Brief: Bobby Brown's streak is now 59 consecutive weeks Story: Jeff Healey on being questioned by reporters on being blind Story: New Kids have had 4 top 10s while all members are under 20 years old. Jackson 5 hold record with 6 top 10 hits while under 20 years old. One New Kids member turns 20 in 2 months. Story: Only 1 #1 song to have "cold" in its title: "Cold Hearted". Other top 40 "cold" hits played. Sound effects used. Story: Expose knew they would make it by looking in a mirror Story: How Rolling Stones formed when old school mates met again Chart: Highest charting hit of the week by as solo man is "Bust a Move" Chart: 9 solo women this week Story: First public appearance of Bee Gees was a "disaster" Brief: Bee Gees have thier first top 10 in over 10 years Brief: Message of Janet Jackson's latest album given by magazine advertisements. Shadoe reads them. Chart: Woman with most top 10 solo hits is Madonna with 17. Chart: Cher's biggest hit in 15 years Flashback: Special FB for the 1000th show. FB to July 4, 1970 - 1st AT40 Show: #2 jingle used |
| 10/07/89 | Show: Last week's
Top 3 not listed. Only #1 with other "contenders" named Brief: "(It's Just) The Way that You Love Me" by Paula Abdul originally peaked at #88 Brief: repeat of New Kids on the Block's 3 songs in top 40 being first time in 11 years Brief: New Kids... also have the 1st number one album by a teen group Story: Stories of Poco's members since group originally broke up. One is a minister now. Chart: 20 groups this week Story: Del Shannon mentioned in Tom Petty's latest. Clip played of 2 of Del's hits. Story: Neneh Cherry had to cancel tour due to Lyme disease Story: Some people once believed Bee Gees were just Beatles in disguise Story: Tribute to Irving Berlin - most successful songwriter of 20th century Show: Expose asks Shadoe where their song is this week Brief: 11 years ago Boston was in top 40 with their 4th chart single. Now Fine Young Cannibals in same situation with same song title, "Don't Look Back" Story: The Cure's "Love Song" has its origin 15 years ago and ended up a wedding present Chart: Rolling Stones get 23rd top 10 hit Flashback: 1978 Story/Chart: Woman with most top 10 solo hits is now Madonna with 17. Overakes Aretha Franklin and Connie Francis. Show: Once again Shadoe says a few more goodbyes under the closing theme |
| 10/14/89 | QL: Biggest mover
with tip 40 during the 80s? - Up 26 notches by Olivia Newton John's
"Heart Attack" . Clip played Chart: 17 groups this week Story: Return of Shock Rocker Alice Cooper from the 70s. Background story told. Sound effects used. Story: Gloria and Emilio Estefan's first meeting Chart: 3 recent #1's in the countdown Show: Album cut of "Cold Hearted" played. Version has varied between album and single versions during its chart run. Story: Members of Poco in different top 40 acts. Clips played of the acts songs. Story: Highest Paid Entertainers according to Forbes. Top 6 listed Brief: Allmembers of Seduction are former models Brief: Prince doing more soundtracks Story: Tina Turner once hated her legs. Chart: 6 British Acts this week Story: Elton John's libel settlement windfall, $1.8 million Brief: New Kids... have released a Christmas album Story: "Dr. Feelgood" single tells a story Flashback: 1972 Brief: Babyface's "2nd" nickname is simply "Face" Show: Shadoe raps his intro to "Bust a Move" Story: Story behind "Sowing the Seeds of Love", a protest song Chart: 10 foreign acts Chart/Story: Madonna is in 2nd place with most consecutive top 5 hits. Elvis is 1st with 21. Madonna has 16 Chart: 1st time in 3 years that #1 pop song is also #1 on Black and Dance charts |
| 10/21/89 | Show: "Me So
Horny" debuts. Shadoe says the title twice during the intro and once
during the outro. Brief: Members of Seduction originally wanted to have a different name for the group Story: Atlantic Starr gave up everything to drive across country and perform at a tribute to the Spinners Chart: 10 solo men this week Brief: Mick Jagger produced "Glamour Boys" by Living Colour Show: Letters from Skid Row fans correcting Shadoe/AT40. Shadoe corrects that Skid Row are from New Jersey not New York. Shadoe also corrects other errors about the band mentioned in previous shows. Story/Chart: Longest span between a songwriter's first and most recent hit. Last set 5 months ago, now the new record is by Carol King, who is the ex-wife of the last one to break the record. Carol's record is 28 years 9 months. Special Report: Bands vs. Clubs and club's policy of "pay to play" Show: Longer version of "Call It Love" played Show: Members from Poco read AT40's address Chart: Longest time btween solo top 10s for a solo woman: 23 years 5 months by Cher. Clip played of her 1st, and the top 3 were listed Story: Elton John helping Sting save the rainforests Story: Fabrice Morvan of Milli Vanilli - How a trampoline accident led him to music Chart: Bobby Brown now in his 62nd consecutive week in top 40 Story: Madonna not necessarily being known as a songwriter "Everything You've Ever Wondered but Not Dared Ask": Only 2 songs about going up/down in an elevator have hit top 40. First was in 1977. AT40 Book of Records: Oldest bands to hit top 10 hit (by ave. age). Rolling Stones with ave. age of 47 years. Top 3 listed. Flashback: 1987 Chart: Only 5 acts this year have had 3 or more weeks at #1 Show: Once again Shadoe continues to say goodbye over the theme. |
| 10/28/89 | "Halloween
Edition": Shadoe makes various references to Halloween
throughout the show. Station Mention: Mention of farthest north station AT40 can be heard on (in AK) Chart: New record for artist with most time between first and second top 40 hits: Aaron Neville over 22.5 years later Show: Freddie from Nightmare on Elm Street tells us not to touch that dial! Chart: 15 groups this week Chart: 7 newcomers Show: Debbie Gibson says Happy Halloween. Brief: Billy Joel is Debbie Gibson's favorite artist Story: Dianne Warren's recent songwriting successes. Medley played of recent hits. 3 songs in top 40. 4 more in Hot 100 this week. Show: Alice Cooper says Happy Halloween. Story: Madonna blames superstardom on childhood Chart: 8 solo women Show: Seduction reads AT40 address Story: Loggins & Messinas' "Your Mama Don't Dance" has been remade over 30 times. Show: Album cut of "The Best" played? Chart: Longest Climb to #1 for an album on album chart:"Forever Your Girl" at 60 weeks. show: elvira with halloween wishes Flashback: 1962 (monster mash #1) Chart: 3 remakes Show: Bobby Brown says Happy Halloween Chart: Bobby Brown is youngest artist to have 5 top 10s from a single album "Everything You've Ever Wondered but Dared Not Ask": "Dr. Feelgood" is 11th top 40 hit in rock era with "Doctor" in title. Medley Played Brief: New Kids... receive over 30,000 fanletters a week and over 40,000 calls per month on their phone line Brief: "Listen to You Heart" is first top 10 single to be available only on cassette Show: Stevie Wonder with Halloween wishes Chart: "Miss You Much" spent more weeks at #1 than any other #1 this year Show: Shadoe's tag line was not his usual. It was longer and was along the lines of 'Crime Doesn't Pay' |
| 11/04/89 | Brief: Eurythmics
return to the top 40 after 3 years Brief: Sybil's "Don't Make Me Over" is a remake of a Dionne Warwick song Brief: Madonna wrote her first song about 10 years ago Story: Warrant's secret of success is "Don't Make a Profit; Just spend, spend, spend" Brief: From the Data banks of the AT40 Triviaological Research Center: Rolling Stones now tie Frank Sinatra for most top 10 albums of rock era: 31 Chart: 7 English Acts this week Show: Jon Bon Jovi asks where his song is this week QL: Did any artist have both the #1 single and album of year?: Simon & Garfunkel as well as George Michael Story: Whatever happened to "M" of "Pop Muzik" fame. Clip played Story: 1949 is the first year in Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire". Shadoe takes a look at that year, and clips of different songs were played. Brief: Alice Cooper jokes that he won't be able to get into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame because he bet on the Grammy awards. (alluding to the Pete Rose scandal) Chart: 10 solo men this week Show: The LDD was to Secretariat the race horse Show: a music bed was played under the reading of AT40's address by Shadoe Brief: New Kids have 3 albums in the top 40 of the album chart this week Story: Young MC gives economics seminars while on tour Brief: Motley Crue spent more "quality time" writing the Dr. Feelgood album Flashback: 1974 Story: Origin of Tears for Fears name and philosophy Chart/Story: Before now, all Swedish acts that hit #1 did so in April. But now Roxette hits #1 in November. Also, "Listen to Your Heart" is also the first #1 single only to be available on cassette |
| 11/11/89 | Chart: 5 duos
this week Brief: "Pump Up the Jam" is #1 on the dance chart this week Brief: Don Henley did not get into music to be a "rock star" Story: Lead singer of the Cure wants to quit due to the band's success Story: Only the 4th time with 2 different songs with same title in show. All listed. (from the Trivialogical center) Story: Expose said hitting #1 with a ballad was the best thing that happened to them Story: Tina Tuner "taught" Mick Jagger how to dance Stretch Story: Memphis and famous acts to come from there. Ties in with Kevin Paige Chart: 13 solo men this week AT40 Special Report: 1990 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Medley of their breakthrough hits played. Shadoe introduces the acts during the medley Brief: Brief history of the group Kix Chart: 13 ballads this week Show: Shadoe raps his intro to "Bust a Move" again. Story: Alice Cooper's hits went from hard rock to softer hits. Medley played, and Shadoe calls the medley "Alice Unleashed" Story: Aerosmith was once ravaged by drugs Brief: Richard Marx's ego not boosted by female fans' adoration Show: Shadoe notes that his sister is his personal assistant Story: Bobby Brown keeps his family involved in his career. Story: New Kids members are not really all teenagers. A fan wrote in about this. AT40 went and obtained the birth certificates of the members to prove that only 3/5 are teenagers. Flashback: 1979 Show: During a commercial break, Shadoe says that coming up is #5, brought to you by Levi's 501 jeans Chart: New Kids are the first act to have 2 top 10 hits since Madonna in 1985 and first group since Prince & the Revolution in 1984 Chart: Bad English is the 6th act this year to hit #1 with their first hit |
| 11/18/89 | QL: What top 40
hit had the most versions of it released? "High School USA" had 28
versions released. Clips played. Story: Motley Crue were playing clubs, had lots of fans, and had a single out all before getting a record deal Brief: from the AT40 Triviaological Center: Another song titled "Sugar Daddy" once made top 40. Clip played Story: Update on the members of the Police Show: Album cut (longer version) of "Love in an Elevator" played Chart: 14 songs by groups this weeks Story: Kevin Paige got big break due to his picture. ("Exclusive" AT40 interview) Brief: Taylor Dayne says her latest album has more variety Brief: "Dr. Durkee's Ultimate Trivia": "Get on Your Feet" is only 2nd top 40 hit in rock era to have "feet" in the title Chart: 13 groups this week Brief: "Don't Know Much" has charted below the top 40 twice before by 2 different artists Flashback: 1986 Story: Alice Cooper once had a hit in the top 40, but it was never played on AT40. (due to the song spending its only week in the top 40 during a week AT40 played a special countdown) Chart: 3 remakes this week Story: Richard Marx is first solo singer to have first first 7 national singles released reach the top 10 Story: Shadoe explains the events from the second line of "We Didn't Start the Fire" (1950) Chart: 7 foreign acts this week Chart: A chart first among women: No female had ever written songs at #2 and #1 positions on the chart. Now Dianne Warren has done it this week |
| 11/25/89 | Story/Chart:
Michael Bolton's "How am I Supposed to Live without You" becomes the
7th time that a songwriter has hit the top 40 with a hit originally recorded by someone else Brief: New Kids have 3 top 40 hits all from different albums Chart: 12 groups this week Story: Beginnings of Tears for Fears when members met as troubled teens Chart: 12 solo men this week Story: "Swing the Mood" is a medley of old Rock and Roll hits Chart: Bobby Brown is in his 67th consecutive week on the chart Brief: Jody Watley is releasing a dance mix album QL: Artists who have had 2 top 10 hits at the same time? 9 have Stretch Story: Woman with multiple personalities named Sybil Brief: Brief history of Kevin Paige Story: "Weird but True" story about household appliances playing rap music in some neighborhoods (due to proximity of radio transmitter) Brief: Belinda Carlisle's pop philosophy Flashback: 1983 Chart: 9 foreign acts this week Story: Kix disputes belief that rock promotes bad things Chart: 3 duos and 1 duet this week Story: Soul II Soul starts each concert with a fashion show Story: Richard Marx made first recording when he was 5 years old for a TV special Show: Sound effects used when Shadoe mentions the game of pool Story: Bad English found their name while playing a game of pool Story: Dianne Warren is first solo songwriter to replace herself at #1 |
| 12/02/89 | Story: Thom Bell
& the Philadelphia sound. Several Clips played. (He produced
original "Didn't I Blow Your Mind") Brief: Joe Cocker performed an impromptu concert at the torn down Berlin wall. Story: What it takes to get the Rolling Stones tour on stage (number of people, trucks, lights, etc.) Brief: Paul Carrack first hit as singer for group Ace Brief: Laura Branigan first hit with "How Am I Supposed to Live without You". Clip played. Story: "Swing the Mood" is 50 years old and may be the biggest hit of the big band era. Medley played of all the different versions. Stretch Story: N. Tesla and his importance to today's technology Brief: Kevin Paige often mistaken for a black artist Chart: 9 solo women this week Story: Belgium and the 4 acts from Belgium to hit top 40. Clips played Flashback: 1972 Story: Kix "dropped a bomb" on their record company to get attention Brief: Alice Cooper comparing shocking people in the 1970s compared to today Story: B-52s took 9 years to get first top 40 hit after first song to chart below #40. Record holder is Grateful Dead who took nearly 18 years to do same. Clip played of "Touch of Grey" from 1987. Chart: 16 ballads this week Story: Paula Abdul was helped getting started in career by the Jacksons, who saw her work with LA Laker Girls Brief: from AT40 Triviaological Center: Elvis songs played or Elvis mentioned 3 times in this weeks chart. |
| 12/09/89 | Story: Prince
used to hate his name Brief: "Downtown Train" is a remake of a Tom Waite song Chart: 11 foreign acts Story: Great White's bass player avoids the "rowdy" side of life on the road Story: "Most Valuable Pop Player" - Paul Carrack & his many groups Chart: 8 British Acts Show: Sound effects used as Shadoe uses a "big rig" analogy Story: Young MC took about a half hour to write "Wild Thing" Flashback: 1984 Chart: 14 solo men Brief: Kevin Paige's first experience was as a drummer Story: Alice Cooper and campaign to restore famous Hollywood sign Story: from the "Trivialogical Research Center": Madonna's streak of being Highest Debut on Hot 100 ended recently Show: Paul McCartney intros Shadoe QL: What is the most consecutive weeks in top 40 for an act? 169 weeks for Pat Boone Chart/Story: Richard Marx first 6 national singles went top 5. He tied the Monkees, whose story was told. Medley played of Monkee hits. Story: "Don't Know Much" charted on Hot 100 before by different acts. Clips played. Story: James dean has been mentioned in four #1 songs: "American Pie", "Jack & Diane", "Rock On", "We Didn't Start the Fire" |
| 12/16/89 | Chart: 15 groups
this week Chart/Story: Ray Charles only 7th act to chart in 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Brief: Kevin Paige's story behind "Don't Shut Me Out" QL: What song has had the most total weeks on Hot 100? "White Christmas" with 72 weeks. Two songs tied for 2nd. Chart: "Bust a Move" has spent more weeks in top 40 than any other song this year. Brief: Paul Carrack once "bluffed" by saying he was an expert organ player. Show: Sound effects used when Shadoe talks about being a "guide" Chart: 3 remakes this week Brief: Clip of original version of "Don't Make Me Over" played Chart: 14 male solo artists this week Story: Exclusive AT40 interview, Neil Schon (sp) talks about playing onstage as a teenager with BB King. Story: Parts of "Swing the Mood" are new recordings, while others are clips Flashback: 1975 Chart: 8 solo women this week Story: Richard Marx is "satisfied" by doing it all (producing, writing, etc). Chart: Paula Abdul has now spent 1 year in the top 40 Story: "Everything You've Ever Wondered But Dared Not Ask": Kix is same as a cereal name. Other "cereal name" acts mentioned (Pebbles, Honeycombs, Apple Jacks) Story: Bon Jovi used an old friend's name as an alias on hotel registers Story: Soap stars making an album for charity Chart: Second duo in chart history to score 3 number ones in a row (Milli Vanilli) Chart: Barry Man (sp) has the longest time span between first and most recent top 40 hit for a songwrite with 30 years and 9 months. This is the third time this year the record has been broken. Story: Shadoe talks about homelessness and suggests people help out. |
| 12/23/89 |
Christmas Show. Here is an excerpt of the stat list used for the show. Show: sound effects used throughout show, mainly "jingle
bell" type |
| 12/30/89 |
Year-End Top 100 - Many stories heard during regular shows during the past year were retold . Chart: 24 hits by solo women |
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