Every UK Number One Single – For DJ Use Only

Mastermix Label Manager Richard Lee reveals some fascinating facts about the UK Charts, and why as a DJ you should own every UK Number One Single!

There cannot be many artists who don’t dream of reaching the top of the charts at some point in their career. To become a UK number one single is one of the greatest accolades a song can receive. It’s something all artists strive for…with only a select few ever achieving!

By the end of 2020 there had been 1380 UK number one singles. When you think of the number of singles released every year it makes that figure a little more special. Many artists will never know what it is like to achieve a number one single in the UK including many of the world’s biggest recording artists like Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, The Who, Radiohead, Amy Winehouse & Foo Fighters all of whom are among those who, whilst having a prolific back catalogue and global appeal, have never managed to top the UK singles chart.

What Was The First UK Number One Single?

In 1952 it was Al Martino who made music history by becoming the first artist to reach number one with his single ‘Here In My Heart’, topping the NME Top 12 chart – The first official music chart in the UK. The chart would expand from 12 tracks to become the Official Top 40 we have all become familiar with. It laid the foundations for artists to have their work showcased at the pinnacle.

Uk Singles Chart Facts

• Elvis Presley holds the record for the most UK number ones with 21.
• The Beatles have achieved 17 UK chart-toppers…the most for any group.
• Madonna is the most successful female artist on the UK charts with 13 number ones. The first was ‘Into The Groove’ in 1985.
• The first UK number one available as a CD single was ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)’ by Whitney Houston (1987)
• The longest song to reach number one in the UK is ‘All Around The World’ by Oasis. It clocks in at a staggering 9 minutes & 38 seconds!
• The first 3 acts to reach number one in the UK with their first 3 singles were Gerry & the Pacemakers, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Jive Bunny & the Mastermixers.
• Westlife topped the UK charts with their first 7 single releases.
• The first UK number one to sell more than 2 million copies was ‘Mull Of Kintyre’ by Wings in 1977
• The first song to reach number one based on downloads only was ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley in 2007
• The biggest selling UK number one is ‘Candle In The Wind ‘97’ by Elton John (4.9 million copies)

The joy of listening to the Top 40 on the radio is something many of us will have enjoyed doing and the charts will always play an important role in our lives both personally and professionally. Whether it’s listening to find out if your favourite song or artist has made it to number one or to keep up to date with the latest chart-toppers, the UK number one will always have a special place in our hearts.

Where Can I Find All The Number One Singles Of All Time?

Most DJs will have a healthy selection of UK number ones in their music libraries. They’ll use them as part of their sets, theme nights and even quiz content. DJs also use Number ones to mark a birthday, anniversary or other significant landmark for their clients. Imagine owning EVERY UK chart-topper including all ‘Double A-Sides’ & ‘EP’ tracks, all digitally remastered and available in WAV format… Well thanks to Mastermix you can!

The Mastermix Number Ones USB offers the complete audio solution for every UK number one single. It is the most comprehensive collection available to professional DJs. No more searching at car boot sales for that rare 50s number one or searching for that CD single hidden in the loft…Mastermix have it covered.

*** All facts correct at the time of this blog being written ***