The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

February 17, 2006, 5:00 PM ET
Fred Bronson

54 AND COUNTING

Dear Mr. Bronson,

"You and Me" by Lifehouse has been on the Billboard Hot 100 for 54 weeks. What songs have remained on the chart longer than that?

Best regards,

George Galateros
Naxos Town, Cyclades Islands, Greece

Dear George,

The Lifehouse song "You and Me" is one of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100 in recent memory. Slipping just one spot to No. 35 this week, the single is likely to remain on the chart for a while.

Will it be long enough to challenge the all-time champ? Probably not, but just one more week on the Hot 100 will place "You and Me" among the top 10 longest-running titles in the history of this chart.

Here is the top 10, with the years in which these songs first peaked:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games / You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

***เพิ่มเติม***

ล่าสุด The Billboard Hot 100 Issue Date: 2006-03-25
You And Me ของ Lifehouse ตกจากอันดับที่ 37 มาอยู่ที่อันดับ 39
รวม 58 สัปดาห์ที่อยู่ใน Hot 100

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

February 24, 2006, 9:30 AM ET
Fred Bronson

ANOTHER RECORD FOR MARIAH

Hey Fred,

I'm a new fan of your column and this is my first time asking you a question. I counted the number of weeks Mariah Carey has spent at No. 1 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart and I counted 81 weeks. Is there anyone regardless of gender who has spent more weeks at No. 1 than her ot the airplay chart? If not, then should this be counted as a record for her?

Thank you for providing a lot of helpful information!

Sincerely,

Clarence Cabanero
Bronx, New York

Dear Clarence,

You have indeed uncovered another chart record set by Mariah Carey and before I forget, I'm glad to welcome a new "Chart Beat" fan to "Chart Beat Chat."

Only two artists have spent 50 weeks or more at No. 1 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart. The other act is Boyz II Men, with 50 weeks in pole position.

The Hot 100 Airplay chart was first published in the Dec. 8, 1990 issue of Billboard. That means that Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love" never appeared on this tally, because it was a hit before the chart existed. The chart's first No. 1 was "Love Takes Time," which would have had two more weeks at No. 1 had the chart been published earlier. Despite this, Mariah has racked up 89 weeks in the lead position. Here's how it all adds up:

"Love Takes Time," 1990 (two weeks)
"Someday," 1991 (10 weeks)
"Emotions," 1991 (four weeks)
"I'll Be There," 1992 (eight weeks)
"Dreamlover," 1993 (11 weeks)
"Hero," 1993 (10 weeks)
"Fantasy," 1995 (seven weeks)
"One Sweet Day," 1995 (13 weeks) [Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men]
"We Belong Together," 2005 (16 weeks)
"Shake It Off," 2005 (three weeks)
"Don't Forget About Us," 2005 (five weeks)

***ข้อสังเกตุ***

จำนวนตัวเลขที่น้อยกว่า 10 จะเขียนเป็นตัวหนังสือ
สอบถามอาจารย์ ดร.แอ๊ปเปิ้ล (อาจารย์ที่สอนผมเมื่อสมัยที่ผมเรียนระดับปริญญาตรี) แล้ว...
อาจารย์ยืนยัน (ให้ความกระจ่าง) ว่าใน American Textbook นั้น...
เค้าใช้รูปแบบนี้มาได้สักช่วงระยะเวลาหนึ่งแล้ว
---เพิ่งสังเกตุเห็นเหรอจ๊ะ---

ขอขอบคุณอาจารย์ ดร.แอ๊ปเปิ้ล มา ณ ที่นี้ด้วยครับ

เข้ามาอ่านมารายห์

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 17, 2006, 11:45 AM ET
Fred Bronson

VIDEO CHARTS THE RADIO STAR

Recently, iTunes has been offering music videos for purchase. Considering that they are actual purchases of a song, are they or should they be included on the charts? Right now the No. 1 downloaded music video [on iTunes] is Pink's "Stupid Girls," so could it help the song reach a higher position on the chart because of how well it is doing in music video sales? I enjoy your articles and chats and I hope that this E-mail will clarify this question for many music fans.

Thank You,

Brandy Esman
Pound Ridge, N.Y.


Dear Brandy,

I'm glad you enjoy Chart Beat, and thanks for the question. Billboard has tracked sales of videos for years, and there is currently a chart called Hot Videoclip Tracks. But videos are videos, even if they are videos of a performance of a song, and just as we don't mix singles and albums on one chart, we don't mix sales of audio and video products. So sales of videos count only for video charts, not for our various singles charts.

THE HITS FROM SPAIN STAY MAINLY OFF THE HOT 100

Hi Fred,

I'm a Spanish reader of the online version of your Chart Beat and Chart Beat Chat sections. It is not very common for Spanish artists to enter the Hot 100 (though you can easily find them on Hot Latin Songs) and, obviously, it is really rare to find a Hot 100 No. 1 by a Spanish artist.

I know the duo Los Del Rio, from Spain, made it to the top with their song "Macarena," which was a huge hit in the United States. But can you tell me if any other artists of Spanish origin have made it to No. 1 on the Hot 100? Maybe Julio Iglesias or his son Enrique?

Thanks a lot. Best regards,

Toni Fernandez
Girona, Spain


Dear Toni,

America has not been overly receptive to European hits over the years, outside of the United Kingdom, although countries like Spain, Germany, Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands have given us a number of chart entries.

You mentioned "Macarena" by Los Del Rio, and that No. 1 single is by far the most successful on the Hot 100 by an act of Spanish origin. It is also the most successful Hot 100 hit from any European country.

You asked about Julio Iglesias and his son Enrique, both born in Madrid. Julio has never had a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100; his highest-ranked single is "To All the Girls I've Loved Before." That duet with Willie Nelson peaked at No. 5 in 1984. Enrique is the only Spanish-born artist aside from Los Del Rio to reach pole position on the Hot 100. His first chart entry, "Bailamos," spent two weeks at No. 1 in 1999. A year later, he had a three-week run at the top with "Be With You."

I can only think of three other acts from Spain who have had an impact on the Hot 100. In 1970, Granada-born Miguel Rios went to No. 14 with "A Song of Joy." In 1974, the Bilbao-based group Mocedades peaked at No. 9 with "Eres Tu (Touch the Wind)," sung in Spanish (the English version was on the B-side). The song became an international hit after placing second in the 1973 Eurovision Song Contest. In 2002, Majorca-born DJ Sammy took a remake of Bryan Adams' "Heaven" to No. 8.

That same year, I thought the three sisters known as Las Ketchup were going to have a huge hit in America with "The Ketchup Song (Asereje)," but despite being a hit all over the world, the single stalled at No. 54. For now, Las Ketchup is a one-hit wonder in the United States, but they have another chance. Now a foursome (with the addition of another sister), they are representing Spain in the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest (to be held in Athens on May 20) with "Bloody Mary," the title track of their new album.

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 24, 2006, 10:00 AM ET
Fred Bronson

LISA, LISTEN TO ME

Hi Fred,

I know that you have access to the "American Idol" finalists. Can you please tell Lisa Tucker for me NOT to choose bubblegum pop songs anymore, and go back to choosing challenging fare which she can deliver?

In her initial performances, I became a fan when she belted out obscure "mature" songs like "I am Changing." However, when she took to heart the judges' comments to choose "younger" songs with faster beats, that's when she started being just average and [that's why she] keeps ending up in the bottom three.

Paris Bennett ignored the same comments about her "mature" choice of songs and she gets more positive feedback with her renditions.

Lisa is one of the better singers in the competition, so it would be such a shame if she gets booted out without getting to show more of her talent just because she compromised and tried to be more "young." Her strength is being able to tackle wide-range ballads with tricky notes, so she should maximize that. I hope you can help me get this advice to her before it's too late.

Thanks,

Joey Toledo
Quezon City, Philippines

Dear Joey,

I don't want to overstate any access I might have to the finalists. While they are competing on "American Idol," access is very limited. There was a party hosted by the American Idol Magazine where I was able to meet the top 24, and Fox Television had a party the night the top 12 was finalized, so I reconnected with the contestants who were still in the game.

They don't do interviews with the press until they are voted off the show, so if I see them now it's only when I'm at the studio for the live broadcasts. And I wouldn't presume to give them any advice while they're in competition. They've got to figure out their own strategies for winning without any outside help (although they can rely on their own families and friends for advice).

One of the first things I learned about "American Idol" was that the contestants had to select their own songs. In my naiveté, when I first met executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, I told him I had a great idea for a show where the editors of Billboard would pick songs for the contestants to sing. He explained that if anyone else chose songs for the finalists, they could blame that person for choosing the wrong song if they were voted off the show that week.

So with the exception of the annual show where the judges pick songs for the top three, this isn't done. I thought about what Nigel said, and a couple of hours later I went back to him with the idea for the second season contestants to sing "Billboard's No. 1 Hits."

During that same season, I had a song that I thought would be perfect for Carmen Rasmusen -- a Swedish hit by Jill Johnson called "Crazy in Love" (not the Beyoncé song). I knew she shouldn't sing an unknown song on the show, but I also knew I couldn't suggest a song while she was in competition. A few months after season two was over, Carmen told me she was recording some demos. That's when I told her about "Crazy in Love." She heard the song, loved it and her manager called the publisher in Sweden to make a deal. Carmen recorded the song on an EP that was released on an independent label last year and did a fantastic job.

So, back to Lisa, I've really enjoyed her performances, but I won't be able to pass along your advice. Unless she happens to read "Chart Beat Chat," she'll have to keep on doing what she's doing on her own.

BON JOUR, MAL JOUR

Bonjour Fred,

Who was the last artist from Canada to top the Hot 100 ?

Did you know that "Bad Day" [by Daniel Powter] was first a big hit in France because it was the music from a Coca-Cola advertisement? [The single was] No. 3 in France in March 2005.

Last summer it was No. 2 in the United Kingdom. And in the United States maybe [it is] the next No. 1 !

Thank you,

Alexandre Pecking
Paris

Mon cher Alexandre,

The last Canadian act to top the Hot 100 was a band that formed in Alberta. In December 2001, Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" began a four-week reign. So if Daniel Powter, who hails from British Columbia, does make it to No. 1 with "Bad Day," he will be the first Canadian to do so in just over four years.

It's not a Coke commercial that is driving Daniel's sales in the United States. The song has been played on "American Idol" for several weeks in a row, as the theme music behind the video for the contestant(s) leaving that week.

I mentioned Nigel Lythgoe in the response to the e-mail above; his son Chris suggested "Bad Day" and should the song be certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), I think he deserves a gold (or platinum) plaque from the folks at the Warner Brothers label.

WILL KELLY REPEAT FEAT?

Hi Fred!

I just read on your column about Kelly Clarkson's five consecutive singles from one album reaching the top 10 of Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart. I wonder if she will repeat this feat on the Hot 100. What surprises me the most is that I can only think of two other female singers who have had five singles from one album reach the top 10.

First, Whitney Houston's "Whitney" contained the top 10 singles "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," "Didn't We Almost HaveIt All," "So Emotional," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" and "Love Will Save the Day." Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl" contained the top 10 singles "Straight Up," "Forever Your Girl," "Cold Hearted," "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" and "Opposites Attract."

When it comes to males, the list isn't that long either, but there a few examples: Michael Jackson, George Michael, Bon Jovi, Milli Vanilli (do they count?), and more recently, Usher.

A lot of female artists have had several singles reach the Hot 100, like Gwen Stefani with six songs from her album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." But when it comes to five singles from one album achieving top 10 status, it seems like the list is very short. We'll have to wait to see if Kelly Clarkson can become part of that list.

Musical greetings!

José
Carlos Santos
Mexicali, Mexico

Dear José,

There is one more female artist who has had at least five singles from one album reach the top 10 of the Hot 100, and she's done it three times. See the next e-mail to find out who she is.

TAKING CONTROL

Hello Fred!

Congratulations go out to Kelly Clarkson this week! Not only does she become the first artist to score five top 10 hits from the same album on Billboard's Adult Top 40 list like you mentioned, but she is also the first female solo artist to score five top 20 hits from the same album on the Hot 100 in quite some time.

As a matter of fact (I think), you would have to go back at least 12 years to find the last female soloist to score five top 20 (Hot 100) hits from the same album, that being "janet." by Janet Jackson, who appears to be the only female soloist on the Hot 100 to do this with three albums in a row. "Control" produced six, "Rhythm Nation 1814" spawned seven, and "janet." produced six.

Just for good measure, the last album to spawn at least five top 40 (Hot 100) hits from the same album by a female act was "Fly" by the Dixie Chicks, which spawned five hits between 1999 and 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

Following through on the above e-mail from José Carlos Santos, thanks for bringing up Janet Jackson. Not only did she have at least five top 20 hits from the same album, she has had at least five top 10 hits from one album, and she's done it with the three albums you mentioned: "Control," "Rhythm Nation 1814" and "janet."

There were five top 10 hits from "Control" (those five singles all reached the top five), seven top 10 hits from "Rhythm Nation 1814" (again, all seven made the top five) and six top 10 hits from "janet."

TEN YEARS AFTER

Fred,

I want you to know how much I've looked forward to your "Chart Beat" column over the years as well as "Chart Beat Chat." Reading about new chart records never gets old. How long has "Chart Beat" been online? It dawned on me that I probably started reading it 10 years ago because I remember Toni Braxton's hit "Unbreak My Heart" was a huge hit at the time. When was your 10-year anniversary?

It's been fascinating watching the chart over the past decade. The addition of digital downloads to the Hot 100 mix has made the charts more interesting to watch over the last year. It's gratifying to see some genre variety in the top 10, though it's still not enough for my taste.

One thing I thought I read in one of the columns was that certain radio stations were tracked for the Hot 100. I want to say it was around the time that airplay-only singles were first allowed on the chart -- it seems more country stations were monitored to contribute to the chart. Is that the case? How does Billboard go about choosing what kind of stations are monitored for the Hot 100?

Incidentally, one of my favorite columns was one in which people responded to your comment that you kept a personal chart of your own. It's something I've been doing since I was 13 back in 1985. It was terrific to know so many folks out there are as obsessed as me. I would love to hear from more people doing their own charts.

Thanks,

Jeff Thomas
jeffethomas@aol.com

Dear Jeff,

Since you included your e-mail address, I think you will be hearing from other chart-obsessed readers. And let's face it, who has more chart-obsessed readers than "Chart Beat" and "Chart Beat Chat?"

The 10-year anniversary of "Chart Beat" being online hasn't happened yet, but it's only a couple of weeks away. The column originated in Billboard magazine in March 1981 and was written by Paul Grein until the end of 1992. I began writing the column in January 1993.

Billboard's Web site debuted in Fall 1995 (as "Billboard Online") and "Chart Beat Chat" began in April 1996, along with an additional column known as "Chart Beat Bonus." When Billboard magazine was redesigned in April 2005, "Chart Beat" became an online feature exclusively.

Country radio airplay was included in the Hot 100 for a time, but now we only count sales of country singles.

ROCK CHARTS, WHERE IS THY STING?

Hi Fred,

A couple weeks ago someone cited Bon Jovi as the first act to have a top 10 on both the country and rock singles charts since Roy Orbison, and another reader thought Uncle Kracker might have accomplished this, but it turned out he never appeared on either the Mainstream Rock or Modern Rock charts.

But how about Sting? He had a No. 2 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart with Toby Keith in the late 1990s called "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." I would think one of his solo hits might have made the rock charts -- maybe "Fortress Around Your Heart" or "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free"?

Andrew Turczyn
West Hollywood, Calif.

Dear Andrew,

Your e-mail sent me running to the bound volumes of Billboard to see if Sting was credited on the chart for the Toby Keith cover of Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." Checking a December 1997 issue, I found Sting's name, right there next to Toby's, in the top 10 of the country songs chart.

Sting has had many hits on the Mainstream Rock Tracks tally, and a handful on the Modern Rock Tracks list, so he definitely qualifies. Good catch!

SOMEONE'S BEEN DOING THEIR RECORD RESEARCH

Hi Fred,

I have three more Spanish acts that hit the Hot 100 to add to your list from last week:

• Los Bravos had three Hot 100 hits, including the No. 4 hit "Black Is Black." All but the German-born lead singer were from Spain.
• Los Pop Tops had two Hot 100 hits. All but the West Indian lead singer were from Spain.
• And finally, the Madrid-born Placido Domingo hit No. 59 with "Perhaps Love," a 1982 duet with John Denver.

Paul Haney
Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Dear Paul,

You were the first of many readers to write in with additional artists from Spain to add to the list. Hmmm, you folks in Menomonee Falls sure know a lot about music -- is it something in the water?

แถมครับ! แถม...
Mariah Carey's Live Performance of Shake It Off & We Belong Together Remix @ MTA VMA

//www.jobtoday.co.th/employer/benz/Mariah%20Carey%20-%20Shake%20It%20Off,%20We%20Belong%20Together%20Remix%20-%20MTV%20VMA's%202005%20(Live).mpg

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 24, 2006, 10:00 AM ET
Fred Bronson

LISA, LISTEN TO ME

Hi Fred,

I know that you have access to the "American Idol" finalists. Can you please tell Lisa Tucker for me NOT to choose bubblegum pop songs anymore, and go back to choosing challenging fare which she can deliver?

In her initial performances, I became a fan when she belted out obscure "mature" songs like "I am Changing." However, when she took to heart the judges' comments to choose "younger" songs with faster beats, that's when she started being just average and [that's why she] keeps ending up in the bottom three.

Paris Bennett ignored the same comments about her "mature" choice of songs and she gets more positive feedback with her renditions.

Lisa is one of the better singers in the competition, so it would be such a shame if she gets booted out without getting to show more of her talent just because she compromised and tried to be more "young." Her strength is being able to tackle wide-range ballads with tricky notes, so she should maximize that. I hope you can help me get this advice to her before it's too late.

Thanks,

Joey Toledo
Quezon City, Philippines

Dear Joey,

I don't want to overstate any access I might have to the finalists. While they are competing on "American Idol," access is very limited. There was a party hosted by the American Idol Magazine where I was able to meet the top 24, and Fox Television had a party the night the top 12 was finalized, so I reconnected with the contestants who were still in the game.

They don't do interviews with the press until they are voted off the show, so if I see them now it's only when I'm at the studio for the live broadcasts. And I wouldn't presume to give them any advice while they're in competition. They've got to figure out their own strategies for winning without any outside help (although they can rely on their own families and friends for advice).

One of the first things I learned about "American Idol" was that the contestants had to select their own songs. In my naiveté, when I first met executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, I told him I had a great idea for a show where the editors of Billboard would pick songs for the contestants to sing. He explained that if anyone else chose songs for the finalists, they could blame that person for choosing the wrong song if they were voted off the show that week.

So with the exception of the annual show where the judges pick songs for the top three, this isn't done. I thought about what Nigel said, and a couple of hours later I went back to him with the idea for the second season contestants to sing "Billboard's No. 1 Hits."

During that same season, I had a song that I thought would be perfect for Carmen Rasmusen -- a Swedish hit by Jill Johnson called "Crazy in Love" (not the Beyoncé song). I knew she shouldn't sing an unknown song on the show, but I also knew I couldn't suggest a song while she was in competition. A few months after season two was over, Carmen told me she was recording some demos. That's when I told her about "Crazy in Love." She heard the song, loved it and her manager called the publisher in Sweden to make a deal. Carmen recorded the song on an EP that was released on an independent label last year and did a fantastic job.

So, back to Lisa, I've really enjoyed her performances, but I won't be able to pass along your advice. Unless she happens to read "Chart Beat Chat," she'll have to keep on doing what she's doing on her own.

BON JOUR, MAL JOUR

Bonjour Fred,

Who was the last artist from Canada to top the Hot 100 ?

Did you know that "Bad Day" [by Daniel Powter] was first a big hit in France because it was the music from a Coca-Cola advertisement? [The single was] No. 3 in France in March 2005.

Last summer it was No. 2 in the United Kingdom. And in the United States maybe [it is] the next No. 1 !

Thank you,

Alexandre Pecking
Paris

Mon cher Alexandre,

The last Canadian act to top the Hot 100 was a band that formed in Alberta. In December 2001, Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" began a four-week reign. So if Daniel Powter, who hails from British Columbia, does make it to No. 1 with "Bad Day," he will be the first Canadian to do so in just over four years.

It's not a Coke commercial that is driving Daniel's sales in the United States. The song has been played on "American Idol" for several weeks in a row, as the theme music behind the video for the contestant(s) leaving that week.

I mentioned Nigel Lythgoe in the response to the e-mail above; his son Chris suggested "Bad Day" and should the song be certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), I think he deserves a gold (or platinum) plaque from the folks at the Warner Brothers label.

WILL KELLY REPEAT FEAT?

Hi Fred!

I just read on your column about Kelly Clarkson's five consecutive singles from one album reaching the top 10 of Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart. I wonder if she will repeat this feat on the Hot 100. What surprises me the most is that I can only think of two other female singers who have had five singles from one album reach the top 10.

First, Whitney Houston's "Whitney" contained the top 10 singles "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," "Didn't We Almost HaveIt All," "So Emotional," "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" and "Love Will Save the Day." Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl" contained the top 10 singles "Straight Up," "Forever Your Girl," "Cold Hearted," "(It's Just) The Way That You Love Me" and "Opposites Attract."

When it comes to males, the list isn't that long either, but there a few examples: Michael Jackson, George Michael, Bon Jovi, Milli Vanilli (do they count?), and more recently, Usher.

A lot of female artists have had several singles reach the Hot 100, like Gwen Stefani with six songs from her album "Love. Angel. Music. Baby." But when it comes to five singles from one album achieving top 10 status, it seems like the list is very short. We'll have to wait to see if Kelly Clarkson can become part of that list.

Musical greetings!

José
Carlos Santos
Mexicali, Mexico

Dear José,

There is one more female artist who has had at least five singles from one album reach the top 10 of the Hot 100, and she's done it three times. See the next e-mail to find out who she is.

TAKING CONTROL

Hello Fred!

Congratulations go out to Kelly Clarkson this week! Not only does she become the first artist to score five top 10 hits from the same album on Billboard's Adult Top 40 list like you mentioned, but she is also the first female solo artist to score five top 20 hits from the same album on the Hot 100 in quite some time.

As a matter of fact (I think), you would have to go back at least 12 years to find the last female soloist to score five top 20 (Hot 100) hits from the same album, that being "janet." by Janet Jackson, who appears to be the only female soloist on the Hot 100 to do this with three albums in a row. "Control" produced six, "Rhythm Nation 1814" spawned seven, and "janet." produced six.

Just for good measure, the last album to spawn at least five top 40 (Hot 100) hits from the same album by a female act was "Fly" by the Dixie Chicks, which spawned five hits between 1999 and 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

Following through on the above e-mail from José Carlos Santos, thanks for bringing up Janet Jackson. Not only did she have at least five top 20 hits from the same album, she has had at least five top 10 hits from one album, and she's done it with the three albums you mentioned: "Control," "Rhythm Nation 1814" and "janet."

There were five top 10 hits from "Control" (those five singles all reached the top five), seven top 10 hits from "Rhythm Nation 1814" (again, all seven made the top five) and six top 10 hits from "janet."

continued

TEN YEARS AFTER

Fred,

I want you to know how much I've looked forward to your "Chart Beat" column over the years as well as "Chart Beat Chat." Reading about new chart records never gets old. How long has "Chart Beat" been online? It dawned on me that I probably started reading it 10 years ago because I remember Toni Braxton's hit "Unbreak My Heart" was a huge hit at the time. When was your 10-year anniversary?

It's been fascinating watching the chart over the past decade. The addition of digital downloads to the Hot 100 mix has made the charts more interesting to watch over the last year. It's gratifying to see some genre variety in the top 10, though it's still not enough for my taste.

One thing I thought I read in one of the columns was that certain radio stations were tracked for the Hot 100. I want to say it was around the time that airplay-only singles were first allowed on the chart -- it seems more country stations were monitored to contribute to the chart. Is that the case? How does Billboard go about choosing what kind of stations are monitored for the Hot 100?

Incidentally, one of my favorite columns was one in which people responded to your comment that you kept a personal chart of your own. It's something I've been doing since I was 13 back in 1985. It was terrific to know so many folks out there are as obsessed as me. I would love to hear from more people doing their own charts.

Thanks,

Jeff Thomas
jeffethomas@aol.com

Dear Jeff,

Since you included your e-mail address, I think you will be hearing from other chart-obsessed readers. And let's face it, who has more chart-obsessed readers than "Chart Beat" and "Chart Beat Chat?"

The 10-year anniversary of "Chart Beat" being online hasn't happened yet, but it's only a couple of weeks away. The column originated in Billboard magazine in March 1981 and was written by Paul Grein until the end of 1992. I began writing the column in January 1993.

Billboard's Web site debuted in Fall 1995 (as "Billboard Online") and "Chart Beat Chat" began in April 1996, along with an additional column known as "Chart Beat Bonus." When Billboard magazine was redesigned in April 2005, "Chart Beat" became an online feature exclusively.

Country radio airplay was included in the Hot 100 for a time, but now we only count sales of country singles.

ROCK CHARTS, WHERE IS THY STING?

Hi Fred,

A couple weeks ago someone cited Bon Jovi as the first act to have a top 10 on both the country and rock singles charts since Roy Orbison, and another reader thought Uncle Kracker might have accomplished this, but it turned out he never appeared on either the Mainstream Rock or Modern Rock charts.

But how about Sting? He had a No. 2 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart with Toby Keith in the late 1990s called "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." I would think one of his solo hits might have made the rock charts -- maybe "Fortress Around Your Heart" or "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free"?

Andrew Turczyn
West Hollywood, Calif.

Dear Andrew,

Your e-mail sent me running to the bound volumes of Billboard to see if Sting was credited on the chart for the Toby Keith cover of Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." Checking a December 1997 issue, I found Sting's name, right there next to Toby's, in the top 10 of the country songs chart.

Sting has had many hits on the Mainstream Rock Tracks tally, and a handful on the Modern Rock Tracks list, so he definitely qualifies. Good catch!

SOMEONE'S BEEN DOING THEIR RECORD RESEARCH

Hi Fred,

I have three more Spanish acts that hit the Hot 100 to add to your list from last week:

• Los Bravos had three Hot 100 hits, including the No. 4 hit "Black Is Black." All but the German-born lead singer were from Spain.
• Los Pop Tops had two Hot 100 hits. All but the West Indian lead singer were from Spain.
• And finally, the Madrid-born Placido Domingo hit No. 59 with "Perhaps Love," a 1982 duet with John Denver.

Paul Haney
Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Dear Paul,

You were the first of many readers to write in with additional artists from Spain to add to the list. Hmmm, you folks in Menomonee Falls sure know a lot about music -- is it something in the water?

แถมครับ! แถม...
Mariah Carey's Live Performance of Shake It Off & We Belong Together Remix @ MTA VMA

//www.jobtoday.co.th/employer/benz/Mariah%20Carey%20-%20Shake%20It%20Off,%20We%20Belong%20Together%20Remix%20-%20MTV%20VMA's%202005%20(Live).mpg

continued

TEN YEARS AFTER

Fred,

I want you to know how much I've looked forward to your "Chart Beat" column over the years as well as "Chart Beat Chat." Reading about new chart records never gets old. How long has "Chart Beat" been online? It dawned on me that I probably started reading it 10 years ago because I remember Toni Braxton's hit "Unbreak My Heart" was a huge hit at the time. When was your 10-year anniversary?

It's been fascinating watching the chart over the past decade. The addition of digital downloads to the Hot 100 mix has made the charts more interesting to watch over the last year. It's gratifying to see some genre variety in the top 10, though it's still not enough for my taste.

One thing I thought I read in one of the columns was that certain radio stations were tracked for the Hot 100. I want to say it was around the time that airplay-only singles were first allowed on the chart -- it seems more country stations were monitored to contribute to the chart. Is that the case? How does Billboard go about choosing what kind of stations are monitored for the Hot 100?

Incidentally, one of my favorite columns was one in which people responded to your comment that you kept a personal chart of your own. It's something I've been doing since I was 13 back in 1985. It was terrific to know so many folks out there are as obsessed as me. I would love to hear from more people doing their own charts.

Thanks,

Jeff Thomas
jeffethomas@aol.com

Dear Jeff,

Since you included your e-mail address, I think you will be hearing from other chart-obsessed readers. And let's face it, who has more chart-obsessed readers than "Chart Beat" and "Chart Beat Chat?"

The 10-year anniversary of "Chart Beat" being online hasn't happened yet, but it's only a couple of weeks away. The column originated in Billboard magazine in March 1981 and was written by Paul Grein until the end of 1992. I began writing the column in January 1993.

Billboard's Web site debuted in Fall 1995 (as "Billboard Online") and "Chart Beat Chat" began in April 1996, along with an additional column known as "Chart Beat Bonus." When Billboard magazine was redesigned in April 2005, "Chart Beat" became an online feature exclusively.

Country radio airplay was included in the Hot 100 for a time, but now we only count sales of country singles.

ROCK CHARTS, WHERE IS THY STING?

Hi Fred,

A couple weeks ago someone cited Bon Jovi as the first act to have a top 10 on both the country and rock singles charts since Roy Orbison, and another reader thought Uncle Kracker might have accomplished this, but it turned out he never appeared on either the Mainstream Rock or Modern Rock charts.

But how about Sting? He had a No. 2 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart with Toby Keith in the late 1990s called "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." I would think one of his solo hits might have made the rock charts -- maybe "Fortress Around Your Heart" or "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free"?

Andrew Turczyn
West Hollywood, Calif.

Dear Andrew,

Your e-mail sent me running to the bound volumes of Billboard to see if Sting was credited on the chart for the Toby Keith cover of Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." Checking a December 1997 issue, I found Sting's name, right there next to Toby's, in the top 10 of the country songs chart.

Sting has had many hits on the Mainstream Rock Tracks tally, and a handful on the Modern Rock Tracks list, so he definitely qualifies. Good catch!

SOMEONE'S BEEN DOING THEIR RECORD RESEARCH

Hi Fred,

I have three more Spanish acts that hit the Hot 100 to add to your list from last week:

• Los Bravos had three Hot 100 hits, including the No. 4 hit "Black Is Black." All but the German-born lead singer were from Spain.
• Los Pop Tops had two Hot 100 hits. All but the West Indian lead singer were from Spain.
• And finally, the Madrid-born Placido Domingo hit No. 59 with "Perhaps Love," a 1982 duet with John Denver.

Paul Haney
Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Dear Paul,

You were the first of many readers to write in with additional artists from Spain to add to the list. Hmmm, you folks in Menomonee Falls sure know a lot about music -- is it something in the water?

continued

TEN YEARS AFTER

Fred,

I want you to know how much I've looked forward to your "Chart Beat" column over the years as well as "Chart Beat Chat." Reading about new chart records never gets old. How long has "Chart Beat" been online? It dawned on me that I probably started reading it 10 years ago because I remember Toni Braxton's hit "Unbreak My Heart" was a huge hit at the time. When was your 10-year anniversary?

It's been fascinating watching the chart over the past decade. The addition of digital downloads to the Hot 100 mix has made the charts more interesting to watch over the last year. It's gratifying to see some genre variety in the top 10, though it's still not enough for my taste.

One thing I thought I read in one of the columns was that certain radio stations were tracked for the Hot 100. I want to say it was around the time that airplay-only singles were first allowed on the chart -- it seems more country stations were monitored to contribute to the chart. Is that the case? How does Billboard go about choosing what kind of stations are monitored for the Hot 100?

Incidentally, one of my favorite columns was one in which people responded to your comment that you kept a personal chart of your own. It's something I've been doing since I was 13 back in 1985. It was terrific to know so many folks out there are as obsessed as me. I would love to hear from more people doing their own charts.

Thanks,

Jeff Thomas
jeffethomas@aol.com

Dear Jeff,

Since you included your e-mail address, I think you will be hearing from other chart-obsessed readers. And let's face it, who has more chart-obsessed readers than "Chart Beat" and "Chart Beat Chat?"

The 10-year anniversary of "Chart Beat" being online hasn't happened yet, but it's only a couple of weeks away. The column originated in Billboard magazine in March 1981 and was written by Paul Grein until the end of 1992. I began writing the column in January 1993.

Billboard's Web site debuted in Fall 1995 (as "Billboard Online") and "Chart Beat Chat" began in April 1996, along with an additional column known as "Chart Beat Bonus." When Billboard magazine was redesigned in April 2005, "Chart Beat" became an online feature exclusively.

Country radio airplay was included in the Hot 100 for a time, but now we only count sales of country singles.


ROCK CHARTS, WHERE IS THY STING?

Hi Fred,

A couple weeks ago someone cited Bon Jovi as the first act to have a top 10 on both the country and rock singles charts since Roy Orbison, and another reader thought Uncle Kracker might have accomplished this, but it turned out he never appeared on either the Mainstream Rock or Modern Rock charts.

But how about Sting? He had a No. 2 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart with Toby Keith in the late 1990s called "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." I would think one of his solo hits might have made the rock charts -- maybe "Fortress Around Your Heart" or "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free"?

Andrew Turczyn
West Hollywood, Calif.

Dear Andrew,

Your e-mail sent me running to the bound volumes of Billboard to see if Sting was credited on the chart for the Toby Keith cover of Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." Checking a December 1997 issue, I found Sting's name, right there next to Toby's, in the top 10 of the country songs chart.

Sting has had many hits on the Mainstream Rock Tracks tally, and a handful on the Modern Rock Tracks list, so he definitely qualifies. Good catch!

SOMEONE'S BEEN DOING THEIR RECORD RESEARCH

Hi Fred,

I have three more Spanish acts that hit the Hot 100 to add to your list from last week:

• Los Bravos had three Hot 100 hits, including the No. 4 hit "Black Is Black." All but the German-born lead singer were from Spain.
• Los Pop Tops had two Hot 100 hits. All but the West Indian lead singer were from Spain.
• And finally, the Madrid-born Placido Domingo hit No. 59 with "Perhaps Love," a 1982 duet with John Denver.

Paul Haney
Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Dear Paul,

You were the first of many readers to write in with additional artists from Spain to add to the list. Hmmm, you folks in Menomonee Falls sure know a lot about music -- is it something in the water?

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

SOMEONE'S BEEN DOING THEIR RECORD RESEARCH

Hi Fred,

I have three more Spanish acts that hit the Hot 100 to add to your list from last week:

• Los Bravos had three Hot 100 hits, including the No. 4 hit "Black Is Black." All but the German-born lead singer were from Spain.
• Los Pop Tops had two Hot 100 hits. All but the West Indian lead singer were from Spain.
• And finally, the Madrid-born Placido Domingo hit No. 59 with "Perhaps Love," a 1982 duet with John Denver.

Paul Haney
Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Dear Paul,

You were the first of many readers to write in with additional artists from Spain to add to the list. Hmmm, you folks in Menomonee Falls sure know a lot about music -- is it something in the water?

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

TEN YEARS AFTER

Fred,

I want you to know how much I've looked forward to your "Chart Beat" column over the years as well as "Chart Beat Chat." Reading about new chart records never gets old. How long has "Chart Beat" been online? It dawned on me that I probably started reading it 10 years ago because I remember Toni Braxton's hit "Unbreak My Heart" was a huge hit at the time. When was your 10-year anniversary?

It's been fascinating watching the chart over the past decade. The addition of digital downloads to the Hot 100 mix has made the charts more interesting to watch over the last year. It's gratifying to see some genre variety in the top 10, though it's still not enough for my taste.

One thing I thought I read in one of the columns was that certain radio stations were tracked for the Hot 100. I want to say it was around the time that airplay-only singles were first allowed on the chart -- it seems more country stations were monitored to contribute to the chart. Is that the case? How does Billboard go about choosing what kind of stations are monitored for the Hot 100?

Incidentally, one of my favorite columns was one in which people responded to your comment that you kept a personal chart of your own. It's something I've been doing since I was 13 back in 1985. It was terrific to know so many folks out there are as obsessed as me. I would love to hear from more people doing their own charts.

Thanks,

Jeff Thomas
jeffethomas@aol.com

Dear Jeff,

Since you included your e-mail address, I think you will be hearing from other chart-obsessed readers. And let's face it, who has more chart-obsessed readers than "Chart Beat" and "Chart Beat Chat?"

The 10-year anniversary of "Chart Beat" being online hasn't happened yet, but it's only a couple of weeks away. The column originated in Billboard magazine in March 1981 and was written by Paul Grein until the end of 1992. I began writing the column in January 1993.

Billboard's Web site debuted in Fall 1995 (as "Billboard Online") and "Chart Beat Chat" began in April 1996, along with an additional column known as "Chart Beat Bonus." When Billboard magazine was redesigned in April 2005, "Chart Beat" became an online feature exclusively.

Country radio airplay was included in the Hot 100 for a time, but now we only count sales of country singles.


ROCK CHARTS, WHERE IS THY STING?

Hi Fred,

A couple weeks ago someone cited Bon Jovi as the first act to have a top 10 on both the country and rock singles charts since Roy Orbison, and another reader thought Uncle Kracker might have accomplished this, but it turned out he never appeared on either the Mainstream Rock or Modern Rock charts.

But how about Sting? He had a No. 2 hit on the Hot Country Songs chart with Toby Keith in the late 1990s called "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." I would think one of his solo hits might have made the rock charts -- maybe "Fortress Around Your Heart" or "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free"?

Andrew Turczyn
West Hollywood, Calif.

Dear Andrew,

Your e-mail sent me running to the bound volumes of Billboard to see if Sting was credited on the chart for the Toby Keith cover of Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying." Checking a December 1997 issue, I found Sting's name, right there next to Toby's, in the top 10 of the country songs chart.

Sting has had many hits on the Mainstream Rock Tracks tally, and a handful on the Modern Rock Tracks list, so he definitely qualifies. Good catch!

SOMEONE'S BEEN DOING THEIR RECORD RESEARCH

Hi Fred,

I have three more Spanish acts that hit the Hot 100 to add to your list from last week:

• Los Bravos had three Hot 100 hits, including the No. 4 hit "Black Is Black." All but the German-born lead singer were from Spain.
• Los Pop Tops had two Hot 100 hits. All but the West Indian lead singer were from Spain.
• And finally, the Madrid-born Placido Domingo hit No. 59 with "Perhaps Love," a 1982 duet with John Denver.

Paul Haney
Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Dear Paul,

You were the first of many readers to write in with additional artists from Spain to add to the list. Hmmm, you folks in Menomonee Falls sure know a lot about music -- is it something in the water?

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 31, 2006, 12:45 PM ET
Fred Bronson

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hi Fred,

In [last] week's "Chart Beat Chat," you received letters noting female artists who had previously accomplished Kelly Clarkson's feat of five top 10 hits from one album -- Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson (the clear leader, having accomplished this three times). But shouldn't Madonna's name be added to the list?

I believe "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "Open Your Heart," "La Isla Bonita" and the title track from her album "True Blue" all cracked the top 10, didn't they?

Best,

Sean McMahill
Brooklyn

Hi Fred!

I'm a big fan of your column, and though I have read it every single week for years now, this is the first time I have something to say. My modest experience in chart history is about 20 years old.

Last week you mentioned female artists with five top 10 hits from one album and -- how could anyone forget Madonna? She scored five top five hits from her "True Blue" album.

I know I'm not going to be the only one mentioning this fact, but it feels great to finally have something to write about, and with some luck, it will be published in your column.

Cristian Bertetti
C—rdoba, Argentina

Dear Sean and Cristian,

Over a dozen readers wrote in to point out Madonna's feat. Sean, you were the first person to send an e-mail on this topic, and Cristian, since you're a first-time writer I thought it only right to include your letter, too. You're both right, those five singles from the "True Blue" album all made the top 10. They also made the top 5 -- and even the top 4, to give Madonna her props.

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

มาแว้ววววว...

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 31, 2006, 12:45 PM ET
Fred Bronson

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hi Fred,

In [last] week's "Chart Beat Chat," you received letters noting female artists who had previously accomplished Kelly Clarkson's feat of five top 10 hits from one album -- Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson (the clear leader, having accomplished this three times). But shouldn't Madonna's name be added to the list?

I believe "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "Open Your Heart," "La Isla Bonita" and the title track from her album "True Blue" all cracked the top 10, didn't they?

Best,

Sean McMahill
Brooklyn

Hi Fred!

I'm a big fan of your column, and though I have read it every single week for years now, this is the first time I have something to say. My modest experience in chart history is about 20 years old.

Last week you mentioned female artists with five top 10 hits from one album and -- how could anyone forget Madonna? She scored five top five hits from her "True Blue" album.

I know I'm not going to be the only one mentioning this fact, but it feels great to finally have something to write about, and with some luck, it will be published in your column.

Cristian Bertetti
C—rdoba, Argentina

Dear Sean and Cristian,

Over a dozen readers wrote in to point out Madonna's feat. Sean, you were the first person to send an e-mail on this topic, and Cristian, since you're a first-time writer I thought it only right to include your letter, too. You're both right, those five singles from the "True Blue" album all made the top 10. They also made the top 5 -- and even the top 4, to give Madonna her props.

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 31, 2006, 12:45 PM ET
Fred Bronson

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hi Fred,

In [last] week's "Chart Beat Chat," you received letters noting female artists who had previously accomplished Kelly Clarkson's feat of five top 10 hits from one album -- Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson (the clear leader, having accomplished this three times). But shouldn't Madonna's name be added to the list?

I believe "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "Open Your Heart," "La Isla Bonita" and the title track from her album "True Blue" all cracked the top 10, didn't they?

Best,

Sean McMahill
Brooklyn

Hi Fred!

I'm a big fan of your column, and though I have read it every single week for years now, this is the first time I have something to say. My modest experience in chart history is about 20 years old.

Last week you mentioned female artists with five top 10 hits from one album and -- how could anyone forget Madonna? She scored five top five hits from her "True Blue" album.

I know I'm not going to be the only one mentioning this fact, but it feels great to finally have something to write about, and with some luck, it will be published in your column.

Cristian Bertetti
C—rdoba, Argentina

Dear Sean and Cristian,

Over a dozen readers wrote in to point out Madonna's feat. Sean, you were the first person to send an e-mail on this topic, and Cristian, since you're a first-time writer I thought it only right to include your letter, too. You're both right, those five singles from the "True Blue" album all made the top 10. They also made the top 5 -- and even the top 4, to give Madonna her props.

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

มาแว้ววววว.....

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 31, 2006, 12:45 PM ET
Fred Bronson

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hi Fred,

In [last] week's "Chart Beat Chat," you received letters noting female artists who had previously accomplished Kelly Clarkson's feat of five top 10 hits from one album -- Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson (the clear leader, having accomplished this three times). But shouldn't Madonna's name be added to the list?

I believe "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "Open Your Heart," "La Isla Bonita" and the title track from her album "True Blue" all cracked the top 10, didn't they?

Best,

Sean McMahill
Brooklyn

Hi Fred!

I'm a big fan of your column, and though I have read it every single week for years now, this is the first time I have something to say. My modest experience in chart history is about 20 years old.

Last week you mentioned female artists with five top 10 hits from one album and -- how could anyone forget Madonna? She scored five top five hits from her "True Blue" album.

I know I'm not going to be the only one mentioning this fact, but it feels great to finally have something to write about, and with some luck, it will be published in your column.

Cristian Bertetti
C—rdoba, Argentina

Dear Sean and Cristian,

Over a dozen readers wrote in to point out Madonna's feat. Sean, you were the first person to send an e-mail on this topic, and Cristian, since you're a first-time writer I thought it only right to include your letter, too. You're both right, those five singles from the "True Blue" album all made the top 10. They also made the top 5 -- and even the top 4, to give Madonna her props.

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

The latest news in the world of Billboard's definitive sales and airplay charts.

March 31, 2006, 12:45 PM ET
Fred Bronson

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hi Fred,

In [last] week's "Chart Beat Chat," you received letters noting female artists who had previously accomplished Kelly Clarkson's feat of five top 10 hits from one album -- Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson (the clear leader, having accomplished this three times). But shouldn't Madonna's name be added to the list?

I believe "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," "Open Your Heart," "La Isla Bonita" and the title track from her album "True Blue" all cracked the top 10, didn't they?

Best,

Sean McMahill
Brooklyn

Hi Fred!

I'm a big fan of your column, and though I have read it every single week for years now, this is the first time I have something to say. My modest experience in chart history is about 20 years old.

Last week you mentioned female artists with five top 10 hits from one album and -- how could anyone forget Madonna? She scored five top five hits from her "True Blue" album.

I know I'm not going to be the only one mentioning this fact, but it feels great to finally have something to write about, and with some luck, it will be published in your column.

Cristian Bertetti
C—rdoba, Argentina

Dear Sean and Cristian,

Over a dozen readers wrote in to point out Madonna's feat. Sean, you were the first person to send an e-mail on this topic, and Cristian, since you're a first-time writer I thought it only right to include your letter, too. You're both right, those five singles from the "True Blue" album all made the top 10. They also made the top 5 -- and even the top 4, to give Madonna her props.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

SORRY; I'LL REMEMBER

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

ต่อครับ... ต่อ

font color='#FF0000'>MARY, QUEEN OF CHARTS

Hello Fred,

Much has been said about the rapid turnover of No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this year, and the stark difference in turnover rates between that chart and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. But something that punctuates this even further is the fact that Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" is the only song remaining in the top 40 portion of the R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart to have ranked at No. 1 on that list. By contrast, the same Blige single is the only song in the top five portion of the Hot 100 to have never reached No. 1 on that list.

The irony of all of this is that, since the Hot 100 chart of Feb. 4 (nine weeks ago), the only songs that have come between "Be Without You" and the No. 1 position on the Hot 100 have been the last six No. 1 singles. Yet Mary's song has ranked at No. 1 on the Hot 100 airplay component list longer than any of the others (seven weeks and counting).

As a huge MJB fan, I hope she adds another week at No. 1 on the R&B singles chart and sets a new record. Her 15 weeks at the top would also place her behind Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men as the artists to have spent the most time at No. 1 on either the R&B or the Hot 100 charts with the same song (16 weeks on the Hot 100 with "One Sweet Day," 10 years ago).

Darrell Roberts
Bethesda, Md.
djrob61466@aol.com

Dear Darrell,

It is ironic that while the Hot 100 is experiencing its quickest turnover in 15 years, the R&B/Hip-Hop chart has had no turnover at all in 2006, thanks to the dominance of Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You."

See this week's "Chart Beat for details of Blige's "Be Without You" equaling the record-setting 14-week reigns of "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" by Deborah Cox and "We Belong Together" by Mariah Carey.

Of course, as you note, all eyes will be on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart next week to see if Blige gets that all-important 15th week at No. 1.

LIFE(HOUSE) BEGINS AT 60

Fred,

Lifehouse hits the 60-week mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You And Me," which holds at No. 45 this week. That (I do believe) is only the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to spend at least 60 weeks on the Hot 100 and the first to do so since LeAnn Rimes completed her record 69 weeks with her No. 2 pop smash "How Do I Live" in mid-1998.

Also congratulations to Daniel Powter. With "Bad Day" becoming the new No. 1 on the 100 this week, he becomes the first male soloist from Canada to top this chart since Bryan Adams did it with "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman." That single spent five weeks at No. 1 in June 1995. Overall, the last Canadian act to achieve this feat was Nickelback with "How You Remind Me" the week of Dec. 22, 2001.

John Maverick
Omaha, Neb.

Dear John,

You're right about "You and Me" by Lifehouse becoming the fourth song in the history of the Hot 100 to remain on the chart for 60 weeks or more. We'll be watching week by week to see if the song can tie or surpass LeAnn Rimes' record-setting 69-week run with "How Do I Live." Meanwhile, "You and Me" has the longest Hot 100 run of any song in the 21st century.

Here's a summary of the longest-running songs on the Hot 100, updated from a recap that ran in the "Chart Beat Chat" column posted on Feb. 17:

69 weeks: "How Do I Live," LeAnn Rimes (1997)
65 weeks: "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me," Jewel (1997)
60 weeks: "Macarena" (Bayside Boys Mix), Los Del Rio (1996)
60 weeks: "You and Me," Lifehouse (2006)
58 weeks: "Smooth," Santana featuring Rob Thomas (1999)
57 weeks: "Higher," Creed (2000)
56 weeks: "I Don't Want to Wait," Paula Cole (1998)
56 weeks: "The Way You Love Me," Faith Hill (2001)
55 weeks: "Barely Breathing," Duncan Sheik (1997)
55 weeks: "Missing," Everything But the Girl (1996)
55 weeks: "Amazed," Lonestar (2000)