AT40 1998-2004: Show-by-show

[somelikeitwhen]

Here's 5/16/1998:
Story - Tonic's Emerson Hart grew up in a musical environment, because his next door neighbor was Max Weinberg, Bruce Springsteen's drummer.
Story - Cherry Poppin' Daddies have been together making music since 1989, with an eclectic mix of punk and 50's style swing.
Story - Black Lab's Paul Durham went to college in physics and served as a teacher before he was a musician.
Story - Janet joins the list of famous stars who have changed their names.
Brief - Ben Fold's Five's bassist remembers their first practice session when they snuck into the University of South Carolina and played while an employee was banging on the door telling them to leave.
LDD - "I Could Fall in Love" from Sandy to her long lost love, Ricky.
Chart Fact - There are 6 movie songs on this week's countdown.
America's Top Hits - "Save the Best for Last" was a title for years until Ed Galston and John Lynde wrote the song in 30 minutes.
America's Top Hits - Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows is rarely seen without his fringe "security jacket"; "Mr. Jones" played.
Chart Fact - "Too Close" was recently certified platinum.
Story - Destiny's Child first appeared in public performing on Ed McMahon's Star Search.
History - #1 song this week in 1963: "I Will Follow Him" by Little Peggy March, who at 14 was and still is the youngest singer to hit #1.
Story - Craig Fields, Edwin McCain's saxophone player, wouldn't have been in music until he was in a Navy tour of duty.
Chart Fact - There are 11 foreign acts on the survey this week.
Story - Celine Dion is an international superstar, but she thinks she's a "domestic diva".
Chart Fact - Paula Cole has been on the survey every single week since March 1997, for 64 consecutive weeks.
Chart Fact - Mariah Carey has had 12 #1s, and her first 10 singles all hit #1.
America's Top Hits - Sinead O'Connor's tears in the "Nothing Compares 2 U" video were inspired by a breakup that had happened days before.
America's Top Hits - Bob Carlisle has been convinced to keep going in the music business by his faith; "Butterfly Kisses" played.
Story - The Goo Goo Dolls try to make their music technically refines, but they always end up "banging on stuff until it sounds like music".
History - #1 album this week in 1973: "Houses of the Holy" by Led Zeppelin, who according to the AT40 Book of Records are third behind the Beatles and the Rolling Stones for the group with the most #1 albums.
Story - Alanis Morissette is making her feature film debut playing God in the film Dogma.
Brief - The video for "Searchin' my Soul" recently debuted on Ally McBeal.
LDD - "Missing" from Tessa to her best friend Darcy, who's still friends despite living in different states.
Brief - Madonna doesn't think of herself as a singer.
History - #1 album this week in 1963: "West Side Story" soundtrack, which according to the AT40 Book of Records has spent more weeks at #1 than any other album in history.
America's Top Hits - "Rhythm of my Heart" is one of the few top 40 hits to feature bagpipes.
Story - Brian McKnight was inspired to be a musician by his church's gospel choir.
History - #1 song this week in 1988: "Anything for You" by Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine.
Brief - Robyn's exercise regiment consists of drinking lots of water and doing a lot of yoga.
Story - Will Smith was recently named one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.
Story - JC Chasez knew "I Want You Back" was a hit the moment it was written.
LDD - "That's What Friends are For" from Tammy to her mother, in hopes that they can still be friends and forgive and forget.
Brief - Rob Thomas doesn't care about his looks unless he's shooting a music video.
Tops of the Other Charts:
Alternative: Fastball - The Way
R&B - Aretha Franklin - A Rose is Still a Rose
Adult Contemporary - Savage Garden - Truly Madly Deeply
Story - Marcy Playground's John Wozniak says to be a good musician you can't follow trends.
Story - Natalie Imbruglia was accused of saying her song was original when it wasn't, even though she didn't say it.

[somelikeitwhen]

And now, 5/23/1998:
Brief - The Spice Girls have released 2 albums and a movie in a little over a year.
Story - Black Lab's Paul Durham practiced his singing voice growing up by singing under the noise of a lawnmower.
Chart Fact - Janet has hit #1 8 times.
Story - The Cherry Poppin's Daddies' mix of ska and swing went unnoticed for several years until they found a new following.
Story - Titanic was partially inspired by Benjamin Gugenheim, who gave up his lifejackets to those who needed it and sank with the ship.
History - #1 album this week in 1993: "The Bodyguard" soundtrack, which according to the AT40 Book of Records is the current best-selling album of the 90s.
America's Top Hits - Madonna has had more top 10 hits than any other female artist in the rock era; "La Isla Bonita" played.
America's Top Hits - Tom Petty's first album "Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers" was unsuccessful when first released, but came back after reaching success in England; "Don't Come Around Here No More" played.
News - Even though Lollapalooza isn't returning this year, all-female Lillith Fair is returning for a second year.
LDD - "Oh How the Years Go By" from Angel to her birth mother, for giving her more when she gave her up.
Chart Fact - There are 6 songs on the chart this week that have hit #1 on the R&B chart.
News - A strange incident occurred when American pianist Myron Kropp got frustrated with his piano during a performance and attacked it with an axe. (Note: This was actually a hoax that the At40 staff fell for that has been reported by the Bangkok Times every April Fool's Day.)
Chart Fact - There are 14 solo women on this week's survey.
America's Top Hits - Boy George had to change his hairstyle multiple times a day in his first job; "Time" played.
America's Top Hits - Toni Braxton won't record a song unless it's passed by her personal review committee, her 4 younger sisters; "You Mean the World to Me" played.
Chart Fact - "As Long as You Love Me" has been on the chart for 7 months.
Story - Third Eye Blind are guided by the initials D.I.Y. - Do it yourself, similar to Elvis' T.C.B. - Taking care of business.
Brief - Madonna has recently signed to star with Rupert Everett in the film The Next Best Thing.
LDD - "Wind Beneath my Wings" from Rachel to her friend Stephanie for helping her deal with life's troubles.
Brief - Music World Magazine says "Do You Really Want Me" has an "insanely catchy hook".
Story - A piece on songs that involve the phrase "The Way" to lead into Fastball's song.
Brief - Vonda Shepard is a former backup singer for Jackson Browne.
History - #1 song this week in 1983: "Let's Dance" by David Bowie.
Brief - Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys recently underwent surgery.
America's Top Hits - Tracy Chapman likes to disappear between albums to travel; "Give Me One Reason" played.
Story - Brian McKnight kept his life as a musician to himself growing up.
History - #1 song this week in 1973: :"You Are the Sunshine of my Life" by Stevie Wonder, who according to the AT40 Book of Records has 10 #1 hits, and is only 3rd behind Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson for the most.
Story - Shania Twain has been on the country chart since 1995, but only recently announced her first tour.
History - #1 song this week in 1993: "Looking Through Patient Eyes" by P.M. Dawn.
Brief - Rob Thomas was born on a military base in Germany.
Tops of the Other Charts:
Alternative: Semisonic - Closing Time
R&B: Mya & Sisqo - It's All About Me
Adult Contemporary: Elton John - Recover Your Soul
Brief - K-Ci and JoJo got their start as half of the group Jodeci.
Story - Natalie Imbruglia has a happy life, which she says doesn't help with her songwriting.
Show - There was a 3rd LDD this week (One Sweet Day) according to the cue sheets, but it was only aired on both AT20 shows for some reason.

[somelikeitwhen]

Here's 5/30/1998!
Story - The Spice Girls are the biggest act of last year and are going on their first U.S. tour this year.
Story - The All-Saints have joined Elton John, Rod Stewart and Michael Jackson as artists who have performed for the richest man alive, the Sultan of Brunei.
Brief - Usher is starring in the film The Faculty, written by Scream, Scream 2 and I Know What You Did Last Summer scribe Kevin Williamson.
Story - The Cherry Poppin' Daddies were inspired by 40's swing fan Steve Perry - but not that Steve Perry.
Chart Fact - There are 7 movie songs on this week's survey.
LDD - "Anytime You Need a Friend" from Bri to her best friend in the world, her dog Brandy.
America's Top Hits - John Lennon was recently voted the best musical artist of all time according to a poll held by America Online; "Watching the Wheels" played.
America's Top Hits - Every member of the Pretenders has left except for original lead singer Chrissy Hine; "Brass in Pocket" played.
Story - Rebekah's name is the actual Biblical spelling.
Brief - Destiny's Child is going on their first tour with Boyz II Men.
Story - Paula Cole enjoys being a concert headliner, but treasures her free time.
Story - Frank Sinatra has sang on over 200 hits, a feat that might never be bypassed, along with 70 albums and multiple top 10s. This story was featured because Sinatra had recently died.
Story - Madonna dressed completely in black in her "Frozen" video, a look she describes as a "mystical creature".
Brief - Heidi and Lina Sorenson from S.O.A.P.'s father is from Denmark, but their mother comes from Malaysia.
Story - Original "Heroes" singer David Bowie grew up impoverished but is now the richest male English musician.
America's Top Hits - Bruce Springsteen used to perform in stadiums on multiple nights, but now plays small clubs and venues; "Secret Garden" played.
America's Top Hits - The Cranberries were so convinced they weren't going to make it that they started other careers; "Dreams" played.
Brief - Stephen Jenkins likes to write about "the friction between people".
LDD - "I Will Always Love You" from Brian to his girlfriend Jennifer, in hopes that they'll be together for a long time.
Brief - Madonna doesn't think she's in control of her career.
Story - Janet has 7 spoken word breaks on her album "The Velvet Rope" that she made up on the spot. A sample of one is played.
Story - Vonda Shepard thought her career was over until David Kelly and Michelle Phieffer gave her a spot on Ally McBeal.
Chart Fact - There are 7 vocal groups on this week's survey.
America's Top Hits - Genesis don't record or write anything until they get into the studio; "Hold On my Heart" played.
Story - There's a strange rumor that Will Smith is doing an Irish rap album with Bono.
Tops of the Other Charts:
Alternative: Semisonic - Closing Time
Adult Contemporary - Shania Twain - You're Still the One
R&B - Sparkle - Be Careful
Chart Fact - "I Want You Back" recently went to #1 in Germany.
Story - Savage Garden thanked Rosie O'Donnell for helping them break out in the United States by playing "I Want You" on her show.
LDD - "Said I Loved You...But I Lied" from Tina to her husband Tracy for not realizing the love they had until she let him back into her life.
Story - Natalie Imbruglia was obsessed with becoming the star of her tap dancing class when she was younger.

[somelikeitwhen]

Sorry about the extended hiatus. Unforeseen difficulties have halted my progress (I blame the bout of appendicitis that stalled my momentum). I'll try to get this back on track as soon as I can.

[somelikeitwhen]

After a long delay, here's 6/6/98:

Chart Fact - There are 7 movie songs on this week's survey.
Brief - Black Lab's Paul Durham (geez, a lot of stories about this guy) got started singing by singing along with his mother's folk and opera records when he was younger.
Story - Billie Myers believes her rough childhood helped deepen her songwriting.
Chart Fact - There have been 4 acts from the United Kingdom on this week's survey (Spice Girls, Blair, Billie Myers & All-Saints)
Brief - Madonna has given the name "Veronica Electronica" to the persona played in her last 2 videos.
LDD - "The Greatest Love of All" from Kate to her mother, who's recuperating from a horse accident.
America's Top Hits - Jann Arden says the worst thing about success is not being able to do simple things like go shopping or wash her car; "Insensitive played.
America's Top Hits - Darren Hayes of Savage Garden is fascinated by science fiction, especially E.T., of which he made his own; "I Want You" played.
Story - Steve Perry of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies started out in a punk rock band until he realized it couldn't hold a candle to the music of the past.
Brief - Destiny's Child will be opening for Boyz II Men at a few locations.
Story - Steven Tyler was injured filming the video for "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and performed in the video in a cast.
Brief - Sarah McLachlan was signed to her first record contract 11 years ago, before she had ever written a song.
LDD - "Friends and Lovers" from Angela to her coworker Hiram for being her friend even when she didn't want one.
Chart Fact - "As Long As You Love Me" is the oldest song on the survey, spending its 8th month this week.
History - #1 song this week in 1997: "Mmmbop" by Hanson.
America's Top Hits - Mike Rutherford of Mike + the Mechanics helps further environmental causes by riding a polo horse; "All I Need Is A Miracle" played.
America's Top Hits - Sophie B. Hawkins started making music as a child by using a couch and chairs as a drum set and tennis rackets as guitars.
Story - Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas thought his songwriting was "cheesy" until he expanded his horizons by traveling around the world.
Brief - Janet wrote "Together Again" as a tribute to her friends who had died of AIDS.
Story - Madonna has earned some scholarly criticism for pronouncing some Sanskrit words wrong on her latest album.
Story - Vonda Shepard's music is played while the scripts for Ally McBeal are written.
Show - The staff acknowledges that the longest running album in chart history is actually the "South Pacific" soundtrack and not "West Side Story" as previously reported. "West Side Story" is the longest in the rock era, however.
America's Top Hits - Cyndi Lauper's first hit was an upbeat, bouncy song that branded her as a novelty artist, so she made her second single a serious one; "Time After Time" played.
LDD - "When Can I See You" from Diana to her friend Gonzalo, in hopes that they'll meet again.
Story - Brian McKnight's recording career began when he was kicked out of college.
Tops of the Other Charts:
Alternative: Semisonic - Closing Time
R&B: Sparkle - Be Careful
Adult Contemporary: Shania Twain - You're Still the One
Chart Fact - There are 4 female singers from Canada on the survey: Celine Dion, Sarah McLachlan, Shania Twain, and Alanis Morissette.
Chart Fact - "All My Life" has been at #2 for 6 consecutive weeks.
Story - Natalie Imbruglia joins the group of Australian solo singers who have hit #1 on the American charts; others include Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John, and Rick Springfield.
More to come soon hopefully!

[albe]

This is truly a labor of love, your dedication is appreciated.....great info for chart buffs!!!

[matt]

This is awesome! Hope that the 2nd Casey era of AT40 goes into syndication sometime soon!