List of posthumous number ones on the UK Singles Chart

Last updated

John Lennon achieved three number ones within two months of his murder in December 1980. Lie In 15 -- John rehearses Give Peace A Chance.jpg
John Lennon achieved three number ones within two months of his murder in December 1980.

The death of a popular musician, and likewise, the use of a dead musician's work in advertising, often causes a sharp increase in sales of the musician's recordings and associated products; this has led to a number of posthumous number one singles in the UK and elsewhere. [1] [2] [3] [4] The phenomenon, a topic of discussion in both the media and academia, [5] has occurred 20 times in the UK since 1959.

Contents

The UK Singles Chart is a record chart compiled on behalf of the British record industry based on sales of singles in the UK. Since 1997, the chart has been compiled by The Official Charts Company and was based entirely on sales of physical singles from retail outlets until 2006, when digital downloads were included in the chart compilation. [6] [7] Streaming was added to the methodology in 2014. [8] The UK Singles Chart originated in 1952, when New Musical Express (NME) published the first chart of singles sales. [9] The first deceased artist to top the charts was Buddy Holly, who died in a plane crash on 3 February 1959. Three weeks later his song "It Doesn't Matter Anymore" entered the charts, and in April it reached number one. In the 1960s Eddie Cochran and Jim Reeves achieved their first and only UK number ones after their deaths, as did Jimi Hendrix in 1970. [10]

In August 1977 the "King of Rock'n Roll", [11] Elvis Presley, died of a heart attack and his song "Way Down", which was already in the charts at the time, quickly climbed to number one. [12] Presley achieved four further posthumous number ones in the 2000s. In 2002 his song "A Little Less Conversation", a little-known former B-side, topped the charts after being remixed by Dutch dance music producer Junkie XL for a television advertisement for Nike, which broke Presley's long-standing tie with The Beatles for the most UK number ones. [4] Three years later three of his singles returned to the top spot when all his previous number one singles were re-issued to mark what would have been his 70th birthday. [13]

In late 1980 and early 1981 three singles by John Lennon reached number one in quick succession following his murder on 8 December 1980. His fellow former member of The Beatles, George Harrison, achieved a posthumous number one in 2002 when a re-issue of his song "My Sweet Lord", originally a number one in 1971, entered the chart at number one. In doing so, he knocked "More than a Woman" by American singer Aaliyah from the top spot, the first time that two deceased artists had topped the charts in consecutive weeks. [14]

Number ones

Elvis Presley has achieved five posthumous number-one hits, one shortly after his death in 1977 and four in the 2000s with re-releases of older songs. Elvis Presley promoting Jailhouse Rock.jpg
Elvis Presley has achieved five posthumous number-one hits, one shortly after his death in 1977 and four in the 2000s with re-releases of older songs.
In 2002 George Harrison knocked Aaliyah off the top spot, the first time that one deceased artist had replaced another at number one. George Harrison 1974 (cropped).jpg
In 2002 George Harrison knocked Aaliyah off the top spot, the first time that one deceased artist had replaced another at number one.

The following singles were all explicitly credited (either wholly or partially) to deceased artists when they reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. Singles featuring deceased artists who did not receive an explicit credit (e.g. as a member of a band), such as the 1991 re-release of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" following the death of lead singer Freddie Mercury and the 2021 chart performance of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" just over four years after George Michael's death, are not included.

ArtistSingleDate of deathReached
number one [lower-alpha 1] [15] 		Weeks at
number one		Ref.
Buddy Holly "It Doesn't Matter Anymore"3 February 1959 [16] 25 April 19593 [17]
Eddie Cochran "Three Steps to Heaven"17 April 1960 [18] 25 June 19602 [19]
Jim Reeves "Distant Drums"31 July 1964 [20] 24 September 19665 [21]
Jimi Hendrix "Voodoo Chile" [lower-alpha 2] 18 September 1970 [22] 21 November 19701 [23]
Elvis Presley "Way Down"16 August 1977 [24] 3 September 19775 [25]
John Lennon "(Just Like) Starting Over"8 December 1980 [26] 20 December 19801 [27]
John Lennon "Imagine"8 December 1980 [26] 10 January 19814 [28]
John Lennon "Woman"8 December 1980 [26] 7 February 19812 [28]
Jackie Wilson "Reet Petite"21 January 1984 [29] 27 December 19864 [30]
Freddie Mercury "Living on My Own" [lower-alpha 3] 24 November 1991 [31] 14 August 19932 [32]
Aaliyah "More Than a Woman"25 August 2001 [33] 19 January 20021 [34]
George Harrison "My Sweet Lord"29 November 2001 [35] 26 January 20021 [34]
Elvis Presley "A Little Less Conversation" [lower-alpha 4] 16 August 1977 [24] 22 June 20024 [34]
Elvis Presley "Jailhouse Rock"16 August 1977 [24] 9 January 20051 [36]
Elvis Presley "One Night" / "I Got Stung"16 August 1977 [24] 16 January 20051 [36]
Elvis Presley "It's Now or Never"16 August 1977 [24] 30 January 20051 [36]
2Pac "Ghetto Gospel" [lower-alpha 5] 13 September 1996 [37] 2 July 20053 [36]
The Notorious B.I.G. "Nasty Girl" [lower-alpha 6] 9 March 1997 [38] 4 February 20062 [39]
Eva Cassidy "What a Wonderful World" [lower-alpha 7] 2 November 1996 [40] 22 December 20071 [41]
Juice Wrld "Godzilla" [lower-alpha 8] 8 December 2019 [42] 30 January 20201 [43]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ This date represents the "week ending" date listed on the chart in question.
  2. ↑ Credited to The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
  3. ↑ Credited to Freddie Mercury and No More Brothers.
  4. ↑ Credited to Elvis vs JXL.
  5. ↑ Credited to 2Pac featuring Elton John.
  6. ↑ Credited to The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Diddy, Nelly, Jagged Edge and Avery Storm.
  7. ↑ Duet with Katie Melua.
  8. ↑ Credited to Eminem featuring Juice Wrld.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Little Less Conversation</span> 1968 single by Elvis Presley

"A Little Less Conversation" is a 1968 song recorded by American singer Elvis Presley, written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange and published by Gladys Music, Inc., originally performed in the film Live a Little, Love a Little. The song became a minor hit in the United States when released as a single with "Almost in Love" as the A-side. A 2002 remix by Dutch musician Junkie XL of a later re-recording of the song by Presley became a worldwide hit, topping the singles charts in nine countries and was awarded certifications in ten countries by 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Shook Up</span> Song by Elvis Presley

"All Shook Up" is a song recorded by Elvis Presley, published by Elvis Presley Music, and composed by Otis Blackwell. The single topped the U.S. Billboard Top 100 on April 13, 1957, staying there for nine weeks. It also topped the Billboard R&B chart for four weeks, becoming Presley's second single to do so, and peaked at No. 1 on the country chart as well. It is certified 2× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jailhouse Rock (song)</span> 1957 single by Elvis Presley

"Jailhouse Rock" is a rock and roll song recorded by American singer Elvis Presley for the film of the same name. It was written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. RCA Victor released the song on a 45 rpm single on September 24, 1957, as the first single from the film's soundtrack EP. It reached the top of the charts in the U.S. and the top 10 in several other countries. The song has been recognized by the Grammy Hall of Fame, the American Film Institute, and others.

<i>ELV1S: 30 No. 1 Hits</i> 2002 greatest hits album by Elvis Presley

Elvis: 30 #1 Hits is a greatest hits collection of songs by American rock and roll singer Elvis Presley. It was released by RCA Records on September 24, 2002. It is the first Elvis Presley album to feature the remix of "A Little Less Conversation" by JXL that was released earlier in the year and reached No. 1 in the UK, Australia and went on to become a number-one hit in over 20 countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">That's All Right</span> 1946 song by Arthur Crudup

"That's All Right" is a song written and originally performed by the American blues singer Arthur Crudup and recorded in 1946. It was rereleased in early March 1949 by RCA Victor under the title "That's All Right, Mama", which was issued as RCA's first rhythm and blues record on its new 45 rpm single format.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Be Cruel</span> 1956 single by Elvis Presley

"Don't Be Cruel" is a song that was recorded by Elvis Presley and written by Otis Blackwell in 1956. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2004, it was listed #197 in Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The Official Albums Chart, previously the UK Albums Chart, is a list of albums ranked by sales and audio streaming in the United Kingdom. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the Official Charts Company (OCC) on Fridays. It is broadcast on BBC Radio 1 and found on the OCC website as a Top 100 or on UKChartsPlus as a Top 200, with positions continuing until all sales have been tracked in data only available to industry insiders. However, even though number 100 was classed as a hit album in the 1980s until January 1989, since the compilations were removed, this definition was changed to Top 75 with follow-up books such as The Virgin Book of British Hit Albums book only including this data. As of 2021, the OCC still only tracks how many UK Top 75s album hits and how many weeks in Top 75 albums chart each artist has achieved.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In the Ghetto</span> 1969 single by Elvis Presley

"In the Ghetto" is a 1969 song written by Mac Davis and recorded by Elvis Presley. It was a major hit released in 1969 as a part of Presley's comeback album, and was also available on the single release of "Any Day Now" as the flip side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Can Dream</span> Song recorded by Elvis Presley in 1968

"If I Can Dream" is a song made famous by Elvis Presley, written by Walter Earl Brown for the singer and notable for its similarities with Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech. The song was published by Elvis Presley's music publishing company Gladys Music. It was recorded by Presley in June 1968, just two months after King's assassination, and also a short time after Robert Kennedy's assassination. The recording was first released to the public as the finale of Presley's '68 Comeback Special.

<i>Elvis Golden Records Volume 3</i> 1963 greatest hits album by Elvis Presley

Elvis' Golden Records Volume 3 is a greatest hits album by American rock and roll singer Elvis Presley, released by RCA Victor as LPM/LSP-2765 on August 12, 1963. The album was the third volume of an eventual five volume collection, and his eighteenth altogether. It is a compilation of hit singles released in 1960, 1961, and 1962.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">More Than a Woman (Aaliyah song)</span> 2001 single by Aaliyah

"More Than a Woman" is a song recorded by American singer Aaliyah for her eponymous third and final studio album (2001). It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it. Initially chosen as the album's second single, Aaliyah began promoting it with televised performances on Live with Regis and Kelly and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in July 2001. Due to premature radio support, "Rock the Boat" instead became the second single. "More Than a Woman" was ultimately released as the album's third single. In France, it was released as a double A-side with "I Refuse".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Now or Never (song)</span> English-language song

"It's Now or Never" is a song recorded by Elvis Presley and released as a single in 1960. The song is one of the best-selling singles by Presley, and one of the best-selling physical singles of all time. It was recorded by Bill Porter at RCA Studio B in Nashville. It is written in E major and has a tempo of 80 BPM.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elvis Presley singles discography</span>

The singles discography of Elvis Presley began in 1954 with the release of his first commercial single, "That's All Right". Following his regional success with Sun Records, Presley was signed to RCA Victor on November 20, 1955. Presley's first single with RCA, "Heartbreak Hotel", was a worldwide hit, reaching the No. 1 position in four countries and the top 10 in many other countries. Other hit singles from the 1950s include "Don't Be Cruel", "Hound Dog", "Love Me Tender", "Too Much", "All Shook Up", "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear", "Jailhouse Rock", "Don't", "Hard Headed Woman" and "A Big Hunk o' Love". On March 24, 1958, Presley entered the United States Army at Memphis, Tennessee, and was stationed in Germany. He left active duty on March 5, 1960.

References

General
Specific
  1. ↑ Silverman, Rosa (25 July 2011). "Sales of Amy Winehouse records surge". The Independent . London. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  2. ↑ Christman, Ed; Bruno, Antony (3 July 2009). "Michael Jackson sales surge expected to last months". Reuters . Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  3. ↑ Gray, Marcus (26 October 2007). "Is that my bassline I can hear?". The Guardian . London. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  4. 1 2 "Elvis makes chart history". BBC News. 16 June 2002. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  5. ↑ Brandes, Leif (11 February 2011). "Selling The Drama" (PDF). University of Zurich. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
  6. ↑ Roberts, p.14
  7. ↑ "New singles formats to save the charts". BBC News. 16 October 2003. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  8. ↑ Kreisler, Lauren (22 June 2014). "UK's Official Singles Chart to include streaming data for first time". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  9. ↑ "The story of the single". BBC News. 23 March 2001. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  10. ↑ Roberts, pp.113, 237, 417
  11. ↑ Gilchrist, Jim (13 August 2007). "Elvis. . . the King of rock'n'roll who'll never lose his crown". The Scotsman . Edinburgh. Retrieved 30 August 2011.
  12. ↑ Roberts, p.399
  13. ↑ Jones, Alan (10 January 2005). "Jailhouse Rock tops UK singles chart". Music Week . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  14. ↑ Hurley, James (7 May 2011). "George Harrison and Aaliyah's posthumous double header". MSN Music. Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  15. ↑ Roberts, p.644
  16. ↑ "1959: Buddy Holly killed in air crash". BBC News. 3 February 1959. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  17. ↑ "All the Number 1 Singles". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on March 23, 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  18. ↑ "Eddie Cochran". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  19. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 1960". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 9 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  20. ↑ "Jim Reeves". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  21. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 1966". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  22. ↑ "Jimi Hendrix". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  23. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 1970". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 "1977: Rock and roll 'king' Presley dies". BBC News. 16 August 1977. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  25. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 1977". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  26. 1 2 3 "1980: John Lennon shot dead". BBC News. 8 December 1980. Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  27. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 1980". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 6 June 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  28. 1 2 "All the Number One Singles: 1981". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 1 June 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  29. ↑ "Jackie Wilson". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  30. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 1986". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 1 June 2010. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  31. ↑ "Freddie Mercury". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  32. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 1993". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  33. ↑ "Aaliyah". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  34. 1 2 3 "All the Number One Singles: 2002". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  35. ↑ "George Harrison". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  36. 1 2 3 4 "All the Number One Singles: 2005". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 18 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  37. ↑ "2Pac". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  38. ↑ "The Notorious B.I.G." Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  39. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 2006". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 17 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  40. ↑ "Eva Cassidy". Allmusic . Retrieved 25 July 2011.
  41. ↑ "All the Number One Singles: 2007". The Official UK Charts Company. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  42. ↑ White, Adam (8 December 2019). "Juice Wrld death: Chicago-born rapper dies aged 21". The Independent . Retrieved 24 January 2020.
  43. ↑ Copsey, Rob. "Eminem scores Official UK Chart Double as Music To Be Murdered By and Godzilla debut at Number 1". The Official UK Charts Company . Retrieved 24 January 2020.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.