The UK Singles Chart is one of many music charts compiled by the Official Charts Company that calculates the best-selling singles of the week in the United Kingdom.[1] Before 2004, the chart was only based on the sales of physical singles.[2][3] This list shows singles that peaked in the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart during 1971, as well as singles which peaked in 1970 and 1972 but were in the top 10 in 1971. The entry date is when the single appeared in the top 10 for the first time (week ending, as published by the Official Charts Company, which is six days after the chart is announced).
The 1970 Christmas number-one, "I Hear You Knocking" by Dave Edmunds, remained at number-one for the first week of 1971. The first new number-one single of the year was "Grandad" by Clive Dunn. Overall, thirteen different singles peaked at number-one in 1971, with T. Rex (2) having the most singles hit that position.
Background
Multiple entries
One-hundred and six singles charted in the top 10 in 1971, with one-hundred and two singles reaching their peak this year.
Seventeen artists scored multiple entries in the top 10 in 1971. Elvis Presley and T. Rex shared the record for most top 10 hits in 1971 with four hit singles each.
The following table (collapsed on desktop site) does not include acts who had previously charted as part of a group and secured their first top 10 solo single.
George Harrison started his post-Beatles career with his debut solo single in 1971, "My Sweet Lord", topping the chart. A second single, "Bangla-Desh", also charted at number 10 this year. Fellow bandmate Paul McCartney also began life away from The Beatles with his first solo top 10 hit, "Another Day", which reached number two. With John Lennon having charted with Plastic Ono Band and a debut solo single the previous year, Ringo Starr became the final member to go it alone in 1971. His first release was the number 4 hit "It Don't Come Easy".
Before finding success as lead singer with Dawn, Tony Orlando had achieved a solo UK top 10 entry in 1961 with "Bless You", which reached number 5.
George Harrison released the single "Bangla Desh" as a follow-up to debut solo single "My Sweet Lord". The single highlighted the plight of refugees in Bangladesh (previously known as East Pakistan) after the country was hit by the 1970 Bhola cyclone. The song was performed by Harrison at The Concert for Bangladesh, a benefit concert to aid victims and survivors. The single charted in the UK at number ten on 28 August 1971.
Marc Bolan and his band T. Rex secured four top 10 entries this year, two of which reached number-one: "Hot Love" and "Get It On"Diana Ross achieved three top 10 singles in 1971, the most successful of which was "I'm Still Waiting", which spent four weeks at number-one.
The following table shows artists who achieved two or more top 10 entries in 1971, including singles that reached their peak in 1970. The figures include both main artists and featured artists, while appearances on ensemble charity records are also counted for each artist. The total number of weeks an artist spent in the top ten in 1971 is also shown.
h "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" re-entered the top 10 at number 10 on 24 July 1971 (week ending).
i Both "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Hound Dog" made the UK Singles Chart as separate entries when initially released in 1956. Both singles peaked at number two. The two songs were re-issued together as a double A-sided single in 1971. This re-release was part of an RCA Records series entitled "Maxi Million".
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