HIT PARADER, USA (Connecticut)

    Started by Charlton Publication Inc. (in 1943), this was one of the oldest continually published music magazines in USA (after SONG HITS, BILLBOARD and DOWN BEAT). From its inception until about 1975 (when it became too expensive to license the rights), it published the lyrics to many popular songs of the time. Printed on newspaper stock (with a glossy cover) until the 1980s, this mag contained many small feature articles about your favorite artists.
    HIT PARADER's publisher, Charlton, located in tiny Derby, Connecticut, was a true music-mag empire. They put out numerous popular titles, including COUNTRY SONG ROUND UP, SONG HITS and SMASH HITS.
    HIT PARADER was sold in 1991, when Charlton ran into financial troubles and folded.
    Since 1984, the magazine, like so many other music publications, catered largely to hard rock and heavy metal fans. HIT PARADER ceased publication after the release of December 2008 issue.

   Thank you to Eric Galzi for the improved images.

January 1966	October 1966	November 1966
March 1967	June 1968, 3 pages ('Impressions of Bob Dylan', by Mike Bloomfield)	1968 Yearbook
	November 1969, 4 pages

Page updated on 2026-09-09