Meaning: The quote "We used to call it recurrent airplay when someone had a hit" by Michael Bolton, a renowned musician, seems to be a reflection on the music industry and the nature of achieving success in it. To delve deeper into the meaning of this quote, it's necessary to understand the context in which it was said and the significance of recurrent airplay in the music industry.

In the music industry, recurrent airplay refers to the continued and repeated playing of a song on radio stations. When a song receives recurrent airplay, it indicates that the song is popular and well-received by audiences, leading to its continued rotation on the airwaves. This, in turn, often translates to commercial success for the artist and their music.

Michael Bolton, as a musician with a successful career spanning several decades, is likely reflecting on the terminology and mechanisms that were prevalent during his rise to fame. In the context of the quote, it appears that Bolton is reminiscing about a time when achieving recurrent airplay was a significant milestone for a musician. It was a tangible indicator of a hit song and an artist's ascent to stardom.

The quote also hints at a shift in the music industry's landscape. The phrase "we used to call it" suggests that there has been a change in terminology or perception regarding what constitutes a hit. With the evolution of digital music platforms, streaming services, and social media, the dynamics of achieving success in the music industry have transformed significantly. The measure of a hit song or artist's popularity has expanded beyond traditional radio airplay to include metrics such as streaming numbers, social media engagement, and viral trends.

Furthermore, the quote may allude to the enduring impact of recurrent airplay on an artist's career. In the past, a song's longevity on the radio played a crucial role in sustaining an artist's success. It not only contributed to the song's chart performance but also played a part in shaping the artist's public image and brand. The quote could be interpreted as Bolton acknowledging the influence that recurrent airplay had on shaping his own career and the careers of his peers during a particular era of the music industry.

From a broader perspective, the quote prompts contemplation about the nature of success in the music industry and the evolving criteria for achieving and sustaining it. As the industry continues to adapt to technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors, the traditional markers of success, such as recurrent airplay, have been complemented by new indicators of popularity and impact.

In conclusion, Michael Bolton's quote encapsulates a moment of introspection and nostalgia regarding the significance of recurrent airplay in the music industry. It serves as a reminder of the changing dynamics of success and recognition for musicians, while also acknowledging the enduring influence of traditional measures of achievement. The quote invites reflection on the evolution of the music industry and the diverse pathways to achieving and defining musical success in contemporary times.