Near-Miss Hits: ’70s Edition

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia by Slate Podcasts

May 30, 202635:32Music

In 1979, Sister Sledge changed the sound of wedding receptions forever with “We Are Family.” Believe it or not, the Chic-penned banger never made it to No. 1. Steely Dan helped invent Yacht Rock with 1977’s jazzy bop “Pe...

Related Episodes

Continue listening to more episodes from Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia.

Decoder Ring: Why Do Actors Act Like They Can Sing?

Sep 4, 2026 - 58:12

When an actor opens their mouth to sing in a movie, chances are high that the voice you hear will be thei...

The Harrisong Edition

Aug 21, 2026 - 38:07

In the 1960s, the Beatles were defined by the success of the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership. Bu...

Her Heart Will Go On Edition

Aug 8, 2026 - 44:11

Céline Dion is set to emerge from her career dormancy into a sold-out Paris residency—a triumph over a ra...

The Run This Town Edition

Jul 25, 2026 - 39:54

Jay-Z recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut Reasonable Doubt with a three-night residency...

The Chart Side of the Moon Edition

Jul 16, 2026 - 57:00

Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most played, purchased and praised albums of all tim...

Don’t Fear the Repeat Edition

Jun 27, 2026 - 52:22

We’re all familiar with the concept of a one-hit wonder, but what about artists who hit it big a second t...

More Than a Feeling Edition

Jun 13, 2026 - 50:50

If you were watching cable TV around midday at the turn of the millennium, there’s a good chance you saw...

Dancing With Himself Edition

May 15, 2026 - 44:29

The opening riff of “White Wedding” is instantly recognizable—a skittering, syncopated guitar line quickl...