But today's hit can easily come from performers such as Flo Rida, who, Pietroluongo said, is one of the all-time, top-selling digital download artists despite a lack of recognition as a hitmaker.
St Mary's all-weather lifeboat travelled the furthest distance in a single shout, when it was launched to rescue the catamaran Orinoco Flo 85 miles (137km) off the Isles of Scilly.