Your Hit parade

[Chris Hall]

Tonight I went to a presentation on the radio and TV show “Your Hit Parade” which ran on both NBC Radio and Television as well as CBS Radio
and TV from 1935 until 1958 at times over both networks on different nights of the week. This presentation was put on by the NH council for the humanities and the Salem Historical Society. It played to a packed house.  There were many references to performers and show hosts who were
major Boston and New York radio personalities over the run of the show, one of the biggest was Martin Block of WNEW though the radio show lasted 
until 1953.  During the golden days of radio “Your Hit Parade” listening must have made “Must see TV” and Seinfeld miniscule by comparison.
The show faded because with the advent of Rock and Roll hit songs were being recorded by one major star as opposed to many.  For example some cover hit versions were done by up to six artists in addition to Frank Sinatra’s biggie. The popularity of DJ’s who had up to date over the air Billboard data made must listen Saturday nights obsolete for those wanting to know the new number one song..... this was an American national pastime that made baseball pale by comparison.  Dick Clark’s American Bandstand came in overlapping Your Hit Parade by one year as pretty much the successor to its legacy.
Great show, its playing at various locations throughout New Hampshire over the spring and summer and worth seeing.