By Clinton Lindsay—
The first chart I compiled was on Thursday, October 30, 1975. The first No.1 song was “LIVELY UP YOURSELF” by Bob Marley & The Wailers. Over the years, the name and the number of songs on the compilation have gone through various changes. In October of 1976, it went on college radio station WTNY FM, as the WTNY TOP TEN. In 1986, it became the New York/WNWK Top Ten. Shortly after, it was expanded to Top 20, and by 2000, it was again expanded to Top 30, where it stands today as The Foundation Radio Network Top 30 Music Chart (NY).
In 1980, Marley’s “COULD YOU BE LOVED” became the longest running No.1 with 14 weeks on top of the chart. That record holds until 1989 when “TWICE MY AGE” by Shabba Ranks & Krystal took over that milestone with 16 weeks on top.
However, it was another Marley, this time Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley in 2005, that took back the crown of the longest running No.1 with “WELCOME TO JAMROCK” with 18 weeks, January 26, 2005 – March 26, 2005. That feat still stands today.
For bonus, “WELCOME TO JAMROCK” also holds the record for most weeks on the chart, a total of 58!
On June 7, 2016, the Marleys again went down in the history book as “SO STRONG” featuring Stephen “Ragga” Marley & Shaggy entered in the No.26 position, joining his siblings Damian Marley at No.25 with “CAUTION”
Ziggy Marley with “HEAVEN CAN’T TAKE IT” at No.22
and sister Cedella Marley at No.13 with “COULD YOU BE LOVED”
This is the first time on this compilation that 4 siblings have simultaneously charted with individual songs. Before as members of a group like Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers or Morgan Heritage.
In one of his songs (Bad Card, 1980) Bob declared that “you ah tired fi see mi face” we now can add “you ah tired fi see mi name” to that lyric. Congratulations to the Marleys for creating such an outstanding accomplishment to my weekly compilation. And after 40 years, it gives me the encouragement to aim for another 40!
The Marley Brothers
You must log in to post a comment.