The Key To Music Research Project by Robert Fontana

Introductory post

Part one: The Keys to the 50′s

Part two: The Keys to the 60′s

Part three: The Keys to the 70′s

Part four: The Keys to the 80′s

Part five: The Keys to the 90′s

Part six: The Keys to the 00′s

Robert will also be creating a website for the project, which will include every #1 song from 1955-present, their keys, stats, charts, a Predicto-Key which will forecast the key of the next #1, and a forum for discussion. He will be sure to let out a mruff on here once it’s up and running.

My pet project involves the analysis of any possible correlations involved with key signatures of all the Billboard Hot 100 #1’s from 1955 to our present day and age (so basically since the Rock era started). I’ve been recording the keys (including any full transpositions – not secondary tonicizations) of this comprehensive list of songs. My analysis will include results of most popular & least popular key signatures of all #1 songs as well as per decade, reasons why certain keys may have been chosen during particular time frames, the possibility that certain keys appeal more to audiences, and other musically-geeky probing.

Robert Fontana

This study is conducted by Robert Fontana. Robert has a BA in Music Education and is an editor at Music Resource Group (MRG), which publishes an annual publication called The Musician’s Atlas as well as its online counterpart, AtlasOnline. The Musician’s Atlas is the ultimate music industry resource & includes contact information and details for every aspect of the business, including music venues, festivals, record labels, studios, radio stations, producers & much more. MRG also produces the Independent Music Awards (IMA’s) where winners are chosen from each of the 50+ music and design categories, and receive year-long print, online & broadcast promotion plus distribution & performance opportunities including an IMA showcase at the CMJ Music Marathon.
www.musiciansatlas.com
www.independentmusicawards.com