Behind the #1

Series produced by Garrett Stack

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Hundreds of #1 recordings on the Billboard charts have fascinating backstories.

In this series, the stories behind the #1 hits are presented with fascinating detail. Typical complete feature includes: Opening jingle, spoken copy over music bed, the #1 song. Average length of the feature is 4-6 minutes. The series contains #1 hits of the late '50s, the '60s and '70s. New pieces are developed for each new edition of American Jukebox. A piece in this series is included as part of every one of Garrett Stack's American Jukebox programs.

SERIES PIECES IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY TITLE


51 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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After going solo in 1970, this was Diana Ross' second #1 hit.

  • Added: Jul 26, 2015
  • Length: 06:13
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Glen's first #1 hit came 14 years after his first chart appearance.

  • Added: Jul 26, 2015
  • Length: 04:40
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The Archie Show, a Saturday morning cartoon show spawned this studio group The Archies.

  • Added: Jun 19, 2015
  • Length: 04:40
Caption: 3 Weeks at #1 in 1960
Ben E. King had just taken over the lead vocals for the Drifters bring this to #1.

  • Added: May 17, 2015
  • Length: 05:11
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More than 50 years later, The Twist is still a popular dance at all kinds of gatherings. This is how it started.

  • Added: Apr 05, 2015
  • Length: 04:49
Caption: Helen Reddy Accepts Grammy
This #1 hit won the Grammy in 1973.

  • Added: Mar 22, 2015
  • Length: 06:43
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The ultimate garage band success.

  • Added: Jan 25, 2015
  • Length: 05:04
Caption: Certified Gold
This Ashford & Simpson composition was previously a hit for Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.

  • Added: Sep 24, 2014
  • Length: 10:03
Caption: Final battle of the War of 1812
This #1 was written by a history teacher to help his students remember the Battle of New Orleans.

  • Added: Sep 23, 2014
  • Length: 05:23
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Legendary story of coal miner who saved his co-workers then died in the mine.

  • Added: Sep 24, 2014
  • Length: 04:52
Caption: Melanie on stage in 1971
Melanie Safka raised some eyebrows with this #1 hit.

  • Added: Sep 06, 2014
  • Length: 04:54
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Cracklin' Rosie, an alcoholic beverage in Canada, was the inspiration for this song.

  • Added: Sep 10, 2014
  • Length: 04:58
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Legendary R&B artist took this to #1 posthumously.

Bought by KUFM - Montana Public Radio


  • Added: Sep 10, 2014
  • Length: 05:08
  • Purchases: 1
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Sylvester Stewart's third single reached #1.

  • Added: Mar 15, 2015
  • Length: 04:46
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Controversial stuff in 1974. Roe v Wade was still new.

  • Added: Sep 09, 2014
  • Length: 04:11
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In 1974 Sweden's Blue Swede, covered B.J. Thomas's "Hooked On A Feeling" and took it to #1.

  • Added: Feb 08, 2015
  • Length: 04:32
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Another Holland-Dozier-Holland #1 smash for Motown

  • Added: Sep 07, 2014
  • Length: 04:43
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Predictions of how humans will change over the next 10,000 years.

  • Added: Sep 11, 2014
  • Length: 05:28
Caption: It's My Party
This song launched the 50-year career of Lesley Gore.

  • Added: Feb 23, 2015
  • Length: 04:31
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Carole King's solo singing career soared as a result of her Tapestry album in 1971.

  • Added: Sep 07, 2014
  • Length: 08:42