Chart Beat - Sales Chart Articles - Airplay Chart Column

THE FINAL CHAT

Dear Fred,
 
I just read Chart Beat. I literally have tears in my eyes because I feel like I'm losing a friend with a kindred spirit. That may seem a little strange to you since we've never met, and understandably so. I am writing to let you know that the last 10 years of my life would not have been the same without you. When I purchased my first computer in 1998, I plugged it in, found an online subscription (free trial of course) and searched for a Billboard magazine website. I was ecstatic when I found it. Then, I found your columns, and I was immediately hooked. My passion for the music charts was renewed. 

Ever since, Chart Beat, Chart Beat Chat, and Billboard.com have been a continual source of music news and trivia that continues to fuel my passion for music.  Billboard.com is one of the two or three websites I visit EVERY day! It's difficult to think about clicking the link to Chart Beat and seeing someone else's name (and picture) when the page appears.
 
I cannot thank you enough for the many hours, days, weeks and years that you have worked to make the world of music come to life – for me, all of your readers and all of your fans. I don't like change very much but I know it's part of life. In many ways, I have lived vicariously through you, wishing I had your job for much of the last 10 years. So many times I have wanted to send you an e-mail and ask if there was any way I could contact you to talk about whether it would be possible for me to do something in the music industry. Music has been a big part of my life since I was in the womb - literally. When I was eight years old, I remember telling my dad that the only thing I would ask him to give me if he passed away was all of his stereo equipment and album collection. He was in the military and purchased some great stereo equipment from Japan when we lived in Hawaii. I've been fascinated by music equipment, the sound and the production of it ever since I can remember.
 
You've been so great, Fred, and your work is so much fun to read. I will continue to follow your work and look forward to watching and listening to you. Thank you for making life more pleasant through your column.  You followed your calling and made a difference in the lives of others. Thank you.
 
Sincerely,
 
Dean Smedley
Birmingham, Alabama



Fred,

I have been a fan of yours for years. I was beside myself when you appeared on “American Idol” - it was like seeing a close family member show up. You have not only been a writer I thoroughly enjoyed for years, you have been someone who, like me, loves the beautiful power of music. I've never cared for the term "trivia," at least as it's used in terms of music, because there's nothing trivial about the accomplishments of the gifted artists that have enriched our lives from the beginning.
 
Personally, I've always thought that someone making it to the Hot 100, even if only to peak at the 100th spot, is incredible. Imagine the idea of someone creating music so memorable that it ranks among the 100 most popular tracks of the time - it's an amazing achievement.
 
I wrote to you before (often) about how much I appreciate your writing. I love the fascination you have with musical accomplishments. It's a fascination I share.
 
I have to be honest. I despise the fact that you won't be writing the columns anymore. I wish you all the best, and I am extremely grateful for the enjoyment you've given me for years now. But I am going to miss you deeply. It's an understatement to say I looked forward to your columns every week. I remember when you used to do a weekly trivia challenge (I was so damn proud that I actually won one). We have never met, but it's been incredibly obvious through your columns that you are a beautiful soul, and I'll miss your insight and compassion.
 
I would like to say this though. If you decide to write for someone else or start a blog or something like that, would you please let me know? I always thought of you as a kindred spirit when it comes to music, and I really enjoy reading your thoughts.
 
Thank you so much for everything you've done, and again, please let me know what you do in the future.
 
With immense gratitude,
 
Tommy Marx



Dear Fred –

Thank you so much for your years of expertise devoted to Chart Beat and Chart Beat Chat. This is truly an end to an era.

Wishing you the best, and of course, we'll be seeing evidence of your personable professionalism in other ways.

Interesting to note that your first Chart Beat column was published during the historic reign of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You." With the subsequent two Hot 100 No. 1s, we saw "A Whole New World" thanks to you, the "Informer."

Respectfully,

Pablo Nelson
Berkeley, Calif.
pablonde88@hotmail.com



Dear Fred,


I have to admit, I kinda teared up a little when I read your column today. I was shocked. It's like losing an old friend!

 I've been lucky enough to have you publish two of my letters in my FAVORITE column!
I know it was your job, but I want to thank you for doing Chart Beat with so much style and grace. It is so obvious to your loyal fans that you poured your heart and soul into your work and  Billboard will be much less interesting without your  insightful and thoughtful contributions. If it was their decision to part ways with your irreplaceable talents, shame on them!


I do have one last question for you, and possibly a comment that I  believe will be a first for you, if you have the time and/or find it of interest to answer. Don't laugh, but your books are so exhaustive in  their content that in order to feel satiated I started to read your books from the throne just about every day! :) I find something new every time I go back to your work and I am never bored! Will you be  doing any more books based on the Billboard charts?


I truly wish you the best of luck, health and happiness in your future  endeavors. Get a Facebook page so we can keep up with you. :)


Sincerely,


Tony D'Aguanno

West Hollywood, Calif.



Dear Fred,
 
I am saddened to hear the news of your departure as it closes yet another chapter in the long history of Billboard. I have been reading Chart Beat without fail since around 1983, when I was first able to get my hands on a copy of the magazine (my main source of exposure to Billboard prior to that was listening to Casey Kasem's “American Top 40” radio show and seeing the top 10 of the main charts reprinted in newspapers and periodicals). 

When you took over the column from Paul Grein in 1992, it seemed like a seamless transition that made it much easier for long-time readers like me to adjust. As it now turns out, the bigger adjustment will occur this spring and beyond as I will no longer have Chart Beat or its spin-off, Chart Beat Chat, to look forward to.
 
I recall the pre-Internet days when you relied on the postal service and phone calls from your readers to get their trivia inputs.  I'll never forget the joy felt when I'd see my name credited in your column in the print issue for some piece of trivia you found worthy of inclusion. I also won't forget the elation that fellow reader and Chart Beat contributor Kevin Martin (of New York) and I shared when we finally spoke with you in 1995 after the chart year ended and we were sharing with you our predictions of that year's biggest Hot 100 singles as we anticipated the year-end issue.  I predicted the year's biggest hit would be "Creep" by TLC.  Kevin predicted "Waterfalls" by the same trio, and it turned out that neither one of us was right: the No. 1 song was Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" featuring singer L.V.
 
Both Kevin and I have contributed many items since then, and you've graciously printed them. You've printed obscure factoids like the largest gaps between songs peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100, the first occurrence of an all-African-American top 10 on the Hot 100 (January 1993) and even debated with me and others on topics such as the continued coverage of “American Idol” contestants in your articles and my assertion that we'd transitioned from the "Rock Era" to the "Hip-Hop Era" as early as the mid-1990s - a claim on which we've since respectfully agreed to disagree.
 
In the time since you began writing Chart Beat, I've had four job transfers that have caused me to move from Atlanta, Georgia to Cary, North Carolina to Charlotte, North Carolina to Bethesda, Maryland, to now King of Prussia, Penn.  With all of those moves, Chart Beat and Billboard has been one of the few constants that I could count on to quench my chart thirst. The news of Chart Beat's ending is saddening, but one that I and others will eventually adjust to. As for you, I'm sure I speak for many when I express my wishes of the best for you in your pending endeavors.
 
Sincerely,
Darrell J. Roberts
King of Prussia, Penn.
 
P.S. If Billboard is looking for someone to replace you (even at a much-reduced price - or free), I'd be more than willing to volunteer.



Dear Fred,

I don't know if you'll get a chance to read this before your last column goes to print, but thank you for the many years of trivia and chart watching. When I was a kid I used to save my allowance to buy Billboard each week and I would go through the magazine and highlight every song that I owned on any chart. And of course I would make a special trip to read your columns. You have answered some of my questions before in the column and I am most appreciative of that.

Thanks again for a fantastic run as our fearless navigator through the world of the charts.

Sincerely,

Greg Baker
Philadelphia, Penn.



Fred,

Will you continue to give us updated versions of your chart books? I really have enjoyed them. I started keeping track of the Billboard charts in 1976 when I was 13. I still do to this day. Who will take your place writing your column?

I wish you the best and I will miss your insight. You have been very informative.
Thank you very much.
 
Danny Winkler



Hi, Fred!
 
Every era passes and it's sad that this is the last we're seeing of Chart Beat and Chart Beat Chat.
 
My question is, when can we expect the new version of “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits”? The last edition was released in like 2003 and it's already 2009.
 
If we can't hear your voice through your weekly columns, then at least we music fans can somehow hear your words whenever we want by browsing your well-researched song notes.
 
Thanks.
 
Rommel Orbigo
Manila
Philippines



Dear Fred,

Best of luck in your future work.  We have always enjoyed your insight into the charts and the accuracy of the information you present.

You failed to mention if Chart Beat is going to be continued by someone else.
Also, will you continue to write “The Billboard Book of Number One Hits” and your other book projects related to the Billboard charts?

Alan Van Antwerp
Seattle, Wash.



Hello Fred,

It is with great sadness that I read at the end of this week’s Chart Beat that it is your swan song.

I’ll miss reading your column very much indeed as I always found it to be informative and fun as I’m a sucker for chart statistics and trivia. Over the years it became clear that you had, among other things, a penchant for Motown, the U.K. music scene and the Eurovision Song Contest. You were kind enough to answer a few of my questions in Chart Beat Chat and I was even lucky enough to win a CD back in the days when you ran a competition. I’m not clear if this spells the end for Chart Beat but I hope not.

I wish you good luck for the future.

Best wishes!

John A Fraser
Stirling
Scotland



Fred,

Thanks for making Thursday fun with Chart Beat, gonna miss you and this column.
When I was doing my weekly charts I always wrote, "Forever Dedicated to Casey Kasem Without Whom These Charts Would Not Exist." Now it has to say "Forever Dedicated To Casey Kasem And Fred Bronson, Without Whom These Chart's Would Not Exist."

Take care.
 
Buzz Seegert
Airwave Airplay



Hi Fred,

Just wanted to let you know I've appreciated and enjoyed your columns over the years. Your comments and music knowledge will be greatly missed.

Good luck on your future endeavors.

Take care.

Carl Leeman
New Brunswick
Canada



Dear Chart Beat,
 
Fred, your weekly contributions to Chart Beat and Chart Beat Chat will be sorely missed. You have been a part of my weekly life for the past decade-and-a-half, and I wish you all the best that life has to offer. Thanks to Google, I and countless other fans of your writing can keep up with the latest news on your contributions to entertainment journalism,
 
With continuing best wishes,
 
Kenny Tucker
ktucker@dkslaw.com
 


Dear Fred,
 
It is sad news to hear that you are not writing anymore for Chart Beat. I have been reading your online articles since 2004 from Singapore.  You even answered my query where I could not find any leads (“Deck of Cards”!  I don't think you remember that mail.  So many years ago).
 
I should have written in to Chart Beat Chat when I had the chance, but it is too late now.
 
All the best, and thank you for sharing with us your music knowledge.
 
Best regards,
KG Teo
 
P.S.: if you ever have the chance, do listen to the music from Singapore.   


 
Hey Fred,

Hello from a Canadian foreign correspondent in Beijing.

I wanted to let you know how disappointed I am that you won’t be writing your Chart Beat columns any longer. I’ve been a fan since the days when I used to sneak-read Billboard at the local magazine store in Montreal (which had a strict “no reading” policy).

Over the years, reading your work online has become one of those weekly habits you get into and don’t realize you’ll really miss until it’s gone.

Thanks for your many years of stimulating chart geeks around the world and best of luck with your future endeavors. 

Ben O’Hara-Byrne
Asia Correspondent
Global National, Beijing Bureau
bohara@globaltv.com



Dear Fred:

Excuse the cliché, but: say it ain't so!

From one humble chart writer to the ultimate Chart Beat king, please accept my heartfelt good wishes on your departure. Your tenure at the helm has been inspiring to me, and I will miss greatly your prose and your pure love of the charts. My Thursdays and Fridays will never be the same.

All best,

Chris Molanphy
Columnist, "100 and Single," Idolator.com


Hi Fred,
 
It has always been a pleasure reading your articles every week both online as well as in Billboard magazine. It is going to be ever so hard to imagine not being able to read your articles anymore and you will indeed be missed dearly. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
 
Best Always,
 
Larry Cohen
Trumbull, Conn.



Hey Fred,

I am incredibly saddened to read about your moving on. Obviously not saddened about your new and exciting opportunities, but saddened because my Fridays and Mondays will be missing part of their routines as that’s when I read your columns. As it happens this week I had compiled a list of my 100 favorite songs of all time. Additionally, I had taken the top 10 and expanded on why they were selected. I had debated sending them to you because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing your year-end top 10s every year, but couldn’t decide if I should. I guess this final goodbye gives me the reason. Thanks for all the years of interesting facts and I hope to follow your progress wherever you end up.

Good luck and congratulations.  You will be sorely missed.

Here’s the top 10 in reverse order and why:

10: “Last Dance” (Extended) - Donna Summer

I believe this is one of the great dance records of all time. Donna Summer is one of the most underrated singers ever. Most dance records try to hide the singer’s lack of vocal ability by hiding the singers in the background with a lot of production (Britney Spears, Madonna, etc.), not that I don't like both of those artists, but Donna Summer's voice was always front and center. The extended version of this is about eight minutes and awesome.

9: “Cheer Up, Charlie” - from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”

When I was growing up I was always having surgery and sick and overweight and didn't have a lot of friends. I was in this children's theater for a summer and this song was included for a musical production of something we were doing. It just grabbed me. In the movie it's sung by Charlie's mother after he's just left her in disappointment when another golden ticket gets found. It's a song about hope that lets you know there's more out there, but there doesn't need to be. "Just be glad you're you." That has never left me.

8: “All the Time” - Barry Manilow

Several people have recorded this song, but I'm a Fanilow and his is the one I most love. This was the very first song I ever played for Ed when we met. We were flying to Epcot for our first date (I'm a good first date) and I put this on for him to listen to. It's a song about always feeling alone and not worth anything and how no one else possibly feels that way and then finding the person you love who has always felt the same thing and how much time has been wasted feeling that way. Very long sentence with punctuation needed, but you get the drift. Listen to the song.

7: “Life in a Northern Town” - Dream Academy

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is one of the great records of all time. At the time it was released, and even today, it sounded like nothing else on the radio. Coldplay probably comes close in terms of instrumentation experimentation. This is the song that made me fall in love with the oboe. The timpani are exciting, the arrangement spectacular. I never cease to get excited when this record comes on. Sugarland, Little Big Town and Jake Owen did a fantastic remake recently.

6: “Sing” - Carpenters

Karen Carpenter has hands down the most beautiful pop voice in history. With her brother Richard’s vocal arrangements, they created one of the most recognized sounds in music history. This is the song that I most identify with my childhood. I always remember knowing it and I remember multiple points in my life where it's included, either by hearing it on the radio or singing it. The message of singing out loud and not worrying about if it's good enough for anyone else to hear is timeless.

5: “I've Never Been a Woman Before” - Barbra Streisand/Paula Wayne

This was a song written for my mother for a show she was supposed to star in on Broadway that my dad was producing. Due to financing arguments it never got to open, but this song survived. I have my mother's original recording and it's beautiful. Barbra Streisand recorded it on her non-soundtrack "The Way We Were" album. My mother would always sing this in her shows and I would always go and listen to her. It's a beautiful lyric and takes me back to a point in my life when my mother was my idol. If I do another cabaret I will do this song.

4: “Silent Night” - Manhattan Transfer

Interesting that a non-practicing Jew would love this traditional Christmas song, but this version is something to behold. I believe Manhattan Transfer is the greatest vocal group in recorded history. They recorded two Christmas albums, this track being on the first. This is a song I listen to year round. The orchestrations are magnificent. There's a nice children's choir, including the group's kids. The harmonies are perfection. The line "Son of God loves pure light" in the last verse brings me to tears every time. It may be my favorite musical moment of all time.

Interesting aside, two years ago for our anniversary, Ed got me tickets to see their Christmas concert as a surprise. The day he bought the tickets, in August, he got into my car and this song was playing. He was absolutely certain I had figured out the surprise.

3: “You Walk With Me” - from “The Full Monty

Our wedding song. We went to see the Broadway musical “The Full Monty” and this song was sung at the funeral of the mother of one of the six leads by her son. It's primarily about how one person will never be alone no matter what. Nothing in the song is specific to a funeral. However, in the second verse as the son is struggling with his emotions, his lover steps up and sings with him reassuring him that he's never alone and never will be. When we saw the show for the first time Ed grabbed my hand and we looked at each other and it's been our song since. During our civil union in Vermont I had our friend Derek sing it as a surprise.

2: “I'm Going to Go Back There Someday” - Gonzo from The Muppet Movie

This song speaks to my soul. I can't explain it any better than that. Every feeling of hope I have is reflected in this song. "There's not a word yet for old friends who've just met." I know this feeling well.

1: “Weekend in New England” - Barry Manilow

This song has always been a favorite of mine. I think the lyrics beautifully paint the picture of the story it's telling. We were on a Rosie cruise a few years ago and she always gets the top talent from Broadway to perform, including stars like Audra McDonald and Liz Calloway, two of my favorite singers. All these performers would go to the piano bar after their performances and sing. One night we went to listen and the pianist noticed that I was singing along with every song and asked if I wanted to get up and sing for them all, about 200 people. I said sure and we selected this song.

When I met Ed I gave up trying to be a performer because I wanted to focus on Ed and that aspect of my life and have a steady check coming in. I was just starting to get my name out there and get readings and such, but I knew that our relationship would be more important and worthwhile. That being said, I had always wondered if I could have been successful.

I got up on stage with the pianist and started singing, a little tentatively. Right then I noticed this singer, Gavin Creel, sitting in the front row not looking particularly enthused. At that moment, for whatever reason, I relaxed and got lost in singing the song. His face forced me to remember my stage presence and for whatever reason, I got my self-confidence back. For me growing up the only place I was ever comfortable was on stage.

Anyway, when the big key change occurred, those 200 people, including Gavin Creel, stood up and cheered and continued on until the end of the song. I'll never know if I could have been successful, but that night I had a taste of it. The pianist made that the last song of the evening and the next day people kept stopping me to tell me what a pleasure it was.

One of the top five greatest moments I'll ever have in my life.

Thanks for the memories.

Best Regards,
Jason A Shelley



Fred,

No Chart Beat question, just wanted to say thanks for the years you have made me look forward to firing up the computer on Friday mornings. And it was a nice bonus when you revealed that we share the same birthday.

Life is about moving forward, and I applaud you in that you are doing just that.

God bless you,

James Williams
Arlington, Texas



Hi Fred,

I’ve been a loyal reader ever since you replaced Paul Grein on Chart Beat – I started buying Billboard every week toward the end of my college years (1992). Previously I had meticulously written down the top 40 while listening to Casey Kasem in the ’80s before realizing there was a magazine that listed the top 40! Before the internet, it was nice to know there were other chart fanatics beside myself.

I’ve written you several times during the year and have been a big fan! I even won one of your contests years ago when you used to give out CDs!

I was more excited to see you on “American Idol” than the actual performers! I wish you all the best and will be looking forward to checking to see what your current projects are.
Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!

Take care,
Tony Andrade



Fred:

I don't have a question, but a comment (like many you'll get today I'm sure).  I have enjoyed your chart insight, wisdom, wit, writing and knowledge since day one, and can't imagine Chart Beat without you. But, I wish you well, look forward to any future chart books you'll put together, and hope you'll come back and visit chart geeks like myself again soon. Take care and be good, my chart friend!

Ron Raymond, Jr.
Winslow, Maine



Fred:
 
I was introduced to the internet about 12 years ago, and the first column I can remember finding online was yours. Chart Beat and Chart Beat Chat have been my top bookmarks since I learned how to use bookmarks. I've lost track of how many letters you've found worthy of printing in Chart Beat Chat, and I've cherished every time you selected me. While you had your trivia contest, I probably won about 60-70 CDs.
 
Your column has been a regular source of information, entertainment and prognostication for over a decade. I remember how thrilled I was when my first letter was printed in Chart Beat Chat, and I've tried to find original nuggets of chart trivia to contribute over the years. I can tell from your replies to semi-regulars like Larry Dhooge, Randy Price and myself that you appreciate those contributions.
 
Know that your love of puns has not gone unnoticed. Yes, even groaners like "Nana has a Visitor on the Chart."I always tried to come up with witty subject lines to match your style. You almost always managed to top them.
 
I cannot begin to tell you how much I will miss you and your column. Best of luck in all your future endeavors, and I hope this doesn't mean we can't still look forward to future editions of The Billboard Book of Number One Hits or Billboard's Hottest Hot 100 Hits.
 
Vaya con Dios.
 
Patrick Kelly
Brampton, Ontario
Canada



Fred,

I have been an avid chart watcher since I was 12. I remember my first Billboard had the issue date of April 10, 1982.  "I Love Rock and Roll" was No. 1 and "Ebony and Ivory" debuted at No. 29, smashing all sorts of records.

I remember reading a very interesting column by Paul Grein titled Chart Beat. I was immediately hooked as I loved stats and am known for having a scary “Rain Man” type memory. Like you, I have managed since that young age to appreciate pop music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. I learned by my crazy memory where most songs peaked on the chart from all decades. I loved ’60s retro countdowns and since I am a piano player, I also appreciated all of the songwriters of our times.

I wish you good luck in the future, Fred,  Sadly, my interest started to wane towards the late ’90s when I felt that the quality of pop music had changed radically. I felt hits were just not the same caliber anymore.  However, I still logged on every Thursday and Friday to read what you had to say. You have also kindly responded to quite a few of my questions in your column over the past 15 years,
 
Thank you,
 
Greg Salerno
Greenwich, Conn.



Dear Fred,

As I read your Chart Beat column this morning, I have to say I actually cried a bit as I sat at my desk. I simply cannot imagine Chart Beat or Chart Beat Chat without Fred Bronson. It all seems a bit surreal to me. 

I’ve written to you many times over the years, particularly once Billboard became a part of the internet age. I was honored that several of my letters were printed online in Chart Beat Chat (most memorably my disdain when Katharine McPhee claimed on “American Idol” that Barbra Streisand originally recorded “Since I Fell For You”). I always got a kick out of “I Will Follow Him” by Little Peggy March being your all time favorite song (not that I should talk; mine is “Want Ads” by  The Honey Cone, and look closely at my e-mail address for the proof), as well as the joy you experienced upon meeting Peggy March in person. The two things that really made me a true Fred Bronson fan though was your love for the Supremes during the Jean Terrell era, as well your Billboard Book of Number One Hits (I absolutely MUST know if you will ever pen another edition).

As I approach the age of 40 this year, I realize that there are so many things I miss about the past. I guess reading your column was one of those things I thought I would never have to say goodbye to.

Thank you for all the great musical knowledge I’ve acquired because of your column and love for music. I wish you nothing but the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Love always,

Dave (Davin) Riley
Columbus, Ohio



Dear Readers,

Thank you for reading the longest Chart Beat Chat in history. I already said my goodbye in this week’s Chart Beat, so I won’t repeat those sentiments here. But I do want to thank all you who wrote to me in the last 24 hours since I announced that Billboard and I are parting ways.

I am truly touched by all of your kind and loving messages. There’s a lot of sadness expressed in the letters in today’s column and please know that there is sadness on this end as well. I didn’t plan on such an early exit, but these are tough economic times and that is just a reality, even though ending this long assignment seems surreal to me, too.

A lot of you asked about the future of my Billboard Books. While my departure from Billboard does not affect my book work, the current economy does. The truth is, the future of my books is uncertain at this point and I can’t tell you if there will be any new editions or not.

We’ve had a very special relationship these last 16 years and two months. Thanks to your letters and e-mails, I have always felt we were in a large community together, a worldwide chain of chart fans who found out we weren’t alone. There couldn’t have been a Chart Beat Chat without you, and so to all readers, whether you sent me hundreds of letters or just a few or never wrote at all, thank you for being such an important part of my life. I’ll miss you all.