Music History

Is This the Most-Played Song in the History of Music?

Here’s a thought experiment:  what piece of recorded music has been performed more than any other ever.

Don’t even think about going with “Happy Birthday.”  Although it’s been performed a gazillion times since the late 19th century, I’m talking about a recording–a song that’s been committed to cylinder/vinyl/tape/whatever.

Some good guesses:

 

  • “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
  • “Yesterday” by the Beatles
  • “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling” by the Everly Brothers

 

Good choices all, but incorrect, apparently.  A little sleuthing combined with a little math seems to indicate that this is the most-performed song of all time.

Surprised?  I was, too.  But TIME magazine says they have empirical proof that this is the case.

I apologize for making that song run in your head for the rest of the day. (Thanks to John–I think–for the link.)

PS:  There’s an argument to be made that a Brian Eno composition is the most-heard piece of music in human history.  This one.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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7 thoughts on “Is This the Most-Played Song in the History of Music?

  • For most TIME – rather than TIMES – listened to, I would bet on the theme for Mario 1. I personally put in a few hundred hours.

    Reply
  • First of all…thanks for killing my brain with that song echoing through my ears for the rest of the day…probably week.

    Given that this songs plays non stop on the ride at Disney, that equates to 20 times an hour, 13 hours a day (minimum), every day since May 28th 1966 in California, Oct 1 1971 in Florida, Apr 15 1983 in Tokyo, Apr 12 1992 in Paris and April 27 2008 in Hong Kong (with a years worth of closures for renovations in both Florida and California)…I am not surprised.

    I could do the math but I have some idiotic song running through my head (it’s like 95,000 times a year at each facility)!

    Reply
  • How could it be anything other than “Chopsticks?” Every kid that has been within vicinity of a piano has played that until some merciful adult put an end to that infernal song.

    Reply
  • It looks like most of the commenters on the You Tube page like this song. It immediately put a smile on my face, and YES, I sang along. I like the pictures on the video too. The “It’s A Small World” ride was my maternal grandmothers favorite. She would visit us in Anaheim, California and we would always get to go to Disneyland. She liked the boat ride, the puppets, the cool air and the song. It brings back nothing but a wonderful memory. Thanks!

    Reply
  • I’m confused about the criteria, here… The Thriller album has sold 55 million plus copies, so I think we can safely assume it’s been played more than TIME says It’s a Small World has been played.

    Reply
    • If you read the article, the math is explained.

      Reply
    • Sorry, I guess I should have pointed out that I think the criteria may be based on how many people have heard the song. If “It’s A Small World” has been played nearly 50 million times, that has to be multiplied by how many people are hearing it on the ride at the time. It must be thousands.

      Reply

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