This fascinating and yet entirely expected piece of Americana has shaped the music industry for better or worse (probably worse). But, why does it exist at all? We explore how the Billboard Hot 100 came to be, what it was intended to do, and how it has affected musicianship around the world. Do you follow the Hot 100?

Recommendations

• Abraham: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins (https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/the-fall-and-rise-of-reggie-dinkins)
• Shane: Project Hail Mary (https://www.penguinrandomhouseretail.com/book/?isbn=9780593135204)

Holidays (5/6/2026):

• Great American Grump Out
• International No Diet Day
• National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
• National Beverage Day
• National Crepes Suzette Day
• National Day to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy
• National (Deaf) Interpreter Day
• National Nurses Day
• National Tourist Appreciation Day
• Air Quality Awareness Week
• Arson Awareness Week
• Be Kind to Animals Week

Links and References: 

1. https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2013/08/16/207879695/how-the-hot-100-became-americas-hit-barometer
2. https://www.scribd.com/document/670560817/Billboard-Hot-100-2
3. https://www.edmsauce.com/what-is-the-billboard-hot-100/
4. https://sites.psu.edu/noahpassion/2019/10/25/the-evolution-of-billboard-and-birth-of-the-hot-100/
5. https://www.billboard.com/pro/how-global-new-global-billboard-charts/
6. https://www.billboard.com/charts/genre/hits-of-the-world/
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billboard_charts 
8. https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-chart-history-evolution-milestones/#:~:text=now%20Nielsen%20Music.)-,Nov.,singles%20sales%20data%20from%20SoundScan. 
9. https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/683851-longest-song-to-reach-no-1-on-the-billboard-hot-100 

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