New Episode 1 of A Heart For The Charts Podcast
The Scoreboard Story: How a New Podcast is Unearthing the Secrets of Music History
For decades, the history of music chart success has been meticulously documented, but now, the archives are opening up. Record Research, the authoritative publisher of chart history founded by Joel Whitburn, has launched its inaugural podcast, A Heart for the Charts>, inviting listeners to dive deep into the fascinating, often untold, stories behind the hits.
This new audio series is not just a retrospective; it’s a conversation with the architects of musical success. The series officially premiered on October 6 with a compelling opening episode featuring legends Thelma Houston and Gretchen Christopher. They explored the journey to reaching the coveted No. 1 spot and examined the complex aftermath that follows chart dominance.
The conversation immediately set a high bar, weaving together personal narratives with industry analysis. Thelma Houston shared her experience leading up to the massive hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” detailing the promotional campaigns and personal hurdles involved. Meanwhile, Gretchen Christopher revisited the roots of The Fleetwoods, tracing their path from high school beginnings to later chart milestones, including the success of “Come Softly to Me.”
What makes the podcast truly unique is the caliber of the contributors. Five industry veterans bring their expertise to every discussion, including longtime Billboard reporter Fred Bronson, former Billboard Director of Charts Michael Ellis, Record Research Head Researcher Paul Haney, second Disc label founder Joe Marchese, and Motown historian Andy Skurow. This blend of archival research and lived experience transforms historical data into engaging, personal storytelling.
Record Research itself boasts a legacy stretching back to 1970, having published more than 240 reference books documenting chart history across countless genres and publications. The podcast extends this monumental archival work, turning static records into dynamic, living conversations with the people who shaped the soundscape of history.
Produced by Benztown and overseen by Record Research CEO Vinnie Freda, the show is a testament to the power of meticulous research and compelling narrative. Fans can follow these deep dives and uncover the secrets of the charts wherever they listen, available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
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