Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia podcast

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia

What makes a song a smash? Talent? Luck? Timing? All that—and more. Chris Molanphy, pop-chart analyst and author of Slate’s “Why Is This Song No. 1?” series, tells tales from a half-century of chart history. Through storytelling, trivia and song snippets, Chris dissects how that song you love—or hate—dominated the airwaves, made its way to the top of the charts and shaped your memories forever. Get more Hit Parade with Slate Plus! Join for monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of "The Bridge," and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Hit Parade show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/hitparadeplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

What makes a song a smash? Talent? Luck? Timing? All that—and more. Chris Molanphy, pop-chart analyst and author of Slate’s “Why Is This Song No. 1?” series, tells tales from a half-century of chart history. Through storytelling, trivia and song snippets, Chris dissects how that song you love—or hate—dominated the airwaves, made its way to the top of the charts and shaped your memories forever. Get more Hit Parade with Slate Plus! Join for monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of "The Bridge," and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe directly from the Hit Parade show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/hitparadeplus to get access wherever you listen. Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

 

#211

The Queen of Disco Edition Part 1 (Encore)

Donna Summer was a hit-maker for two decades and a dance floor deity for more than three. ... more

10 Apr 2026

31 MINS

31:18

10 Apr 2026


#210

Feet on the Ground, Reaching for the Stars Edition Part 2

The 100th episode of Hit Parade has put host Chris Molanphy in a reflective mood. So in Pa... more

27 Mar 2026

52 MINS

52:13

27 Mar 2026


#209

Feet on the Ground, Reaching for the Stars Edition Part 1

To mark Hit Parade’s 100th episode, host Chris Molanphy is doing something he’s never done... more

21 Mar 2026

56 MINS

56:13

21 Mar 2026


#208

Country Roads and Summer Nights Edition Part 2

These days, country and pop acts regularly invade each other’s territory. But in Nashville... more

27 Feb 2026

55 MINS

55:24

27 Feb 2026


#207

Country Roads and Summer Nights Edition Part 1

These days, country and pop acts regularly invade each other’s territory. But in Nashville... more

14 Feb 2026

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:03

14 Feb 2026


#206

Starman to Blackstar Edition Part 2

Chameleon: That’s long been the word used to describe David Bowie, pop music’s shapeshifti... more

30 Jan 2026

57 MINS

57:14

30 Jan 2026


#205

Starman to Blackstar Edition Part 1

Chameleon: That’s long been the word used to describe David Bowie, pop music’s shapeshifti... more

17 Jan 2026

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:32

17 Jan 2026


#204

The Bridge: Slate’s Music Club 2025

The Slate Music Club returns, in this special year-end edition of Hit Parade’s The Bridge!... more

26 Dec 2025

40 MINS

40:10

26 Dec 2025


#203

Hooked to the Silver Screen Edition Part 2

If you need confirmation of Hollywood’s vast influence on mass culture, look no further th... more

26 Dec 2025

52 MINS

52:45

26 Dec 2025


#202

Hooked to the Silver Screen Edition Part 1

If you need confirmation of Hollywood’s vast influence on mass culture, look no further th... more

12 Dec 2025

1 HR 06 MINS

1:06:15

12 Dec 2025


#201

Pour Some Sugar on Me Edition Part 2

When you hear the term “superproducer,” names like George Martin, Quincy Jones, Max Martin... more

28 Nov 2025

53 MINS

53:17

28 Nov 2025