Which Songs Have the Most Staying Power?

Think back to 1984. "What's Love Got to Do with It" by Tina Turner and "Ghostbusters" by Ray Parker Jr. topped the Billboard charts, joined by the likes of Wham!, Culture Club, and Yes. A banner year, that 1984. But from that point on, which songs have you listened to the most?

Not so easy without that handy play count column on iTunes, is it? But WMBR (88.1 FM) DJ Jon Bernhardt ’86 set out to figure out which songs and bands he's played the most throughout his 25 years on the air—in honor of his anniversary. So he spent 18 months typing all of his playlists into a database, in true MIT fashion (the database, not the year and a half of typing). And what were his results?

Tune in Friday, June 26, from 8:00-10:00 a.m. to find out. Bernhardt will host a celebratory Breakfast of Champions radio program and count down the 33 songs he's played most during his career. You'll hear many of the top bands that morning. Not familiar with Breakfast of Champions? The radio show is described as a "heaping hot helping of deliciously sweet pop, served with a short stack of pretentiously introspective indie rock and a side of crispy punk hits. All washed down with a unique blend of self-deprecation and joie de vivre, aged 25 years." Bernhardt has promoted numerous groups through the years that later achieved a modicum of fame and success.

But for those of you who prefer the live experience, he has also set up a benefit concert at two Boston-area clubs headlined by his most-played bands. UK legend Bevis Frond (the number one act on Bernhardt's career playlist) will make his only U.S. appearance at TT the Bear's in Cambridge on Sunday, June 21, along with the Condo F*cks and Sleepyhead. On Saturday, June 27, Versus reunites to play at Church in Boston with Buffalo Tom and Rebecca Gates (The Spinanes). Proceeds will benefit WMBR, and tickets for both shows are on sale now.

And, if you're curious, here's the fruit of that 18 months of labor. All of Bernhardt's playlists.

One final treat. Watch Bernhardt playing "Video Killed the Radio Star" on his theremin, an instrument played without touching it.

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