Page 14 - 08-Nov-Dec-2024

ED.
THE HITS KEEP COMING
Why do we love the number 40 as a way to rank things? The history is a bit muddled. We know it really caught fire in the 1950s as a way to rank the hottest new music, but there’s some real debate when it comes to which radio station or disc jockey came up with it first.
We know it comes from the American south. We know that 40 was a nice, big number that allowed for the bigger songs to remain on the charts, but allowed for
a number of new entries, giving deejays and station man- agers new stuff to program. As well, 40 would allow for a wide genre of songs, from bluegrass to that new-fangled rock ‘n’ roll.
From that, “Top 40” has become a way of ranking a wide variety of things, from music to hotel chains to all-time top Survivor contestants.
For this magazine, it provides a key not just for how many people we feature, but that nice cut-off age, where the exuberance of youth gives way to the wisdom that comes with experience.
(I am 53, and my wife will likely tell you that age has not made me wise, nor more mature.)
But, I think there are things that our Top 40 list has in common with those music charts from decades ago.
Just like the Top 40 was meant to be a catch-all of
musical styles, our Top 40 Under 40 is a catch-all of vocations and interests. You’ll see doctors and artists, community builders and financial whizzes. Just like the original Top 40 was meant to show off a cross-section
of music, I like to think of our Top 40 Under 40 as a cross-section of Edmonton. But, instead of Chuck Berry and Elvis and Johnny Cash, we bring together our own selection of stars. Some were born and raised here. Some were here, moved away, then came back. Others came
to Edmonton later in their lives. But they all share something: Their contributions have made this city a better place to live.
Like you, I have grown naturally cynical of awards shows. There are too many of them. Heck, with all of those glad-handing, back-slapping gala evenings getting in the way, I wonder how Hollywood even has time to make movies.
But I think Top 40 Under 40 is different. When you strip it all down, this annual event is about recognizing there’s something special about this city — about how we want it to be a place for risk-takers, rule breakers and big dreamers. The fact that, year after year, I say to myself, “I think this is the best Top 40 we’ve had” says something about how Edmonton has a low barrier to entry and a high bar for success.
This year’s issue feels like it’s going to be a hit.
Steven Sandor
Editor-in-Chief
14 EDify. NOVEMBER•DECEMBER.24
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN PARKER