43 years ago today, the #1 song in America was “Sailing” by Christopher Cross. I loved this song when it was a current hit and still do. At the time, I was only 16, so it was what I called a “guilty pleasure.” Just as with the Carpenters and Barry Manilow, I bought Christopher’s records but would never admit that fact to my friends. In this case, I actually bought the 8-track tape so that I could play it in Mom’s car. I still have it!
“Sailing” only held #1 for 1 week. It was sandwiched between two of the biggest hits of 1980: Olivia Newton-John’s “Magic” and “Upside Down” by Diana Ross. Each of those held #1 for 4 weeks each. The fact that “Sailing” was able to squeeze in there at all is a testament to what a great song this was.
For the week ending Saturday, August 30, 1980, Christopher Cross topped the Billboard Hot 100 and had the ultimate honor of being announced as #1 by Casey Kasem on “American Top 40.”