Record-Breakers and Trivia - everyHit.com Back To The 'Records & Trivia' Index Most Number 1s This, possibly the most important record, is held by Elvis Presley. He has had 21 chart-toppers, 18 of them different songs (three titles have topped the chart on two distinctly separate chart runs as part of the series of re-issues to commemorate what would have been Elvis' 70th birthday in 2005). You can see how this record has 'changed hands' over the years here . The Beatles are the top group with 17 number 1s. Madonna is the top woman with 13 (as of April 2008). Top female group is The Spice Girls with 9. Only seven acts in chart history have got into double figures with their tally of chart-toppers.

They are: Elvis Presley (21, 18 different songs), The Beatles (17), Cliff Richard (14 : six of them with The Shadows, one with The Drifters, one with The Young Ones), Westlife (14 : one of them with Mariah Carey), Madonna (13), The Shadows (11 : six of them with Cliff Richard, two of these also with The Norrie Paramor Strings) and Take That (11: one featuring Lulu). Westlife hold the record for getting into double-figures in the shortest time (2 years and 10 months [ie. 149 weeks] - more than 3 months quicker than The Beatles (who took 165 weeks). Unlike Westlife, however, The Beatles tended to spend several weeks at the summit, slowing down their release rate.) It is worth pointing out that Paul McCartney has appeared on more Number 1s than any other artist under a diverse range of credits.

He has, in fact, appeared on 24 Number 1s; solo (1), with Wings (1), Stevie Wonder, The Christians et al (1), Ferry Aid (1), Band Aid (1), Band Aid 20 (1) and The Beatles (17). In total, twenty-one artists have appeared on ten or more number one singles. They are: Paul McCartney (24), Elvis Presley (21), John Lennon (20), George Harrison (18), Ringo Starr (16), Cliff Richard (15), Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan (14), Robbie Williams, Madonna (13), Gary Barlow, Brian McFadden (12), Mel C , Geri Halliwell (11), Mel B, Emma Bunton, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen (10). Artist with Most Weeks at Number 1 It's Elvis Presley. He has topped the chart for a total of 80 weeks (as of w/e 5th Feb 2005). Top group is The Beatles (69 weeks).

Top female performer is Madonna (29 weeks - as of w/e 17th May 2008). In his many different manifestations, however, Paul McCartney has spent 93 weeks at the top. Most Consecutive Number 1s 7 - by The Beatles and Westlife. The Beatles' stretch began with "A Hard Day's Night" in 1964 and lasted to "Yellow Submarine"/"Eleanor Rigby" in 1966. The run was broken when "Penny Lane"/"Strawberry Fields Forever" merely made the number 2 position the following year! Westlife's stint began with their debut, "Swear it Again" in 1999 and ran through to "My Love" in November 2000 (though one hit was a 'duet' with Mariah Carey). It was broken by "What Makes A Man" which peaked at number 2 the following month. Beatles fans are, however, quick to point out that "Ain't She Sweet" (which made number 29 in 1964) was recorded in 1961, well before their EMI contract.

It was issued by Polydor to 'cash in' on the success of the fab four. Fans argue that this was not an "official" Beatles release. If this logic is accepted (though the track did make the charts), The Beatles run of successive number ones begins with "From Me To You" in April 1963 - making a total of 11. Top female group is The Spice Girls (6 in a row from "Wannabe" through to "Too Much"). Longest Span of Number 1 Singles 47 years, 6 months and 23 days. Held by Elvis Presley. His first number 1 was "All Shook Up" in 1957 (w/e 13th June). His most recent chart-topper was the re-issue of "It's Now Or Never" in 2005 (w/e 5th Feb). Runner up is Cliff Richard. His first chart-topper was "Living Doll" in 1959. His latest was "The Millennium Prayer" in 1999, a span of 40, 4 months and 15 days. (+ 21 days for total span).

Longest span for a female artist with solo credit is Madonna on 20 Years, 7 Months, 1 Day (from "Into The Groove", 3rd Aug 1985 to "Sorry", 4th March 2006 - ie. a total span of 1074 weeks). [NB: if we include "4 Minutes" - which also credited Justin Timberlake, the span runs through to 10th May 2008 (22 years, 9 Months, 13 Days) but then this record is broken by Cher - see below.] Kyie Minogue is still both popular and productive and, on 15 Years, 9 Months, and 23 Days (ie. 825 weeks from "I Should Be So Lucky", 23rd Jan 1988 to "Slow"; 15th Nov 2003), regularly poses a threat to Madonna in this regard. If we allow 'credits' on singles rather than solo performances, Cher easily takes the record.

Her duet with Sony, "I Got You Babe" (Aug 1965) to "Believe" (Oct-Dec 1998) gives a total span of 33 years, 3 months, and 14 days [ie. 1738 weeks]. Also worthy of a mention is Tammy Wynette. Her single "Stand By Your Man" made no. 1 in 1975. She was a guest vocalist on the 'various artists' single "Perfect Day" which topped the chart in 1997-8 (22 Years, 7 Months, 24 Days - ie. 1183 weeks). Diana Ross, though not individually credited, provided vocals on the Supremes 1964 chart-topper "Baby Love". She most recently had a solo no. 1 with "Chain Reaction" in 1986 (21 Years, 4 Months, 1 Day - or 1114 weeks - total span).

First Artist To Enter At Number 1 Al Martino's "Here In My Heart" was the track to Top the first ever chart (Nov 1952) so, technically, this was the first track to debut at Number 1. But ignoring this, the first artist to enter at Number 1 in the established chart was Elvis Presley ("Jailhouse Rock", Jan 1958). First Artist To Enter At Number 1 With Consecutive Releases Slade. In 1973 they debuted at the top with both "Cum On Feel The Noize" and "Skweeze Me Pleeze Me." Fastest Hat-Trick of Number 1s A one-a-week series of re-issued Elvis Presley singles in 2005 enabled him to have three different chart-toppers in just four weeks; ("Jailhouse Rock" w/e 15th Jan; "One Night" / "I Got Stung" w/e 22nd Jan; "It's Now Or Never" w/e 5th Feb). The record for the fastest hat-trick of non re-issued number ones is held by John Lennon.

Following his death in December 1980, there was an almost frenzied buying of his singles. This resulted in him topping the chart no fewer than three times within an 8 week period ["(Just Like) Starting Over" w/e 20th Dec 1980; "Imagine" (a re-entry but nevertheless, not a re-issue, w/e 10th Jan 1981; "Woman" w/e 7th Feb 1981.] First Artist To Enter At Number 1 With A Hat-Trick of Consecutive Releases Take That. In fact, from July 1993 to April 1994, all four of their single releases went straight in at No.1 ("Pray", "Relight My Fire" [featuring Lulu], "Babe", "Everything Changes"). The band repeated this feat in the period from Oct 1994 to March 1996. Most Entries at Number 1 From May 1999 to November 2006, Westlife entered the chart at No. 1 on 14 occasions.

First Entry At Number 1 By A Debuting Act Excluding Al Martino, who was No. 1 in the first ever chart, Billy Preston was the first artist to enter at No. 1 with a debut single. To be fair, he performed the song ("Get Back," 1969) with The Beatles and so, quite literally, can't claim the entire credit for this feat. The Band Aid charity ensemble made its debut at No. 1 ("Do They Know It's Christmas?", 1984) but this comprised a number of already successful artistes. The first act to make its chart debut at No. 1 on its own 'merit' was the Danish vocalist Whigfield (1994). Her song "Saturday Night" (with its associated dance) had been huge on the continent for some months and the demand from Brits returning home built up an enormous head of steam prior to its release. First British act to debut at No. 1 was Robson & Jerome ("Unchained Melody" / "White Cliffs Of Dover", 1995). First solo male to debut at No.

1 was Babylon Zoo (a name used by British vocalist/multi-instrumentalist, Jas Mann) with "Spaceman" (1996). First British female act to make her debut at No. 1 was Billie ("Because We Want To", 1998). First all-girl group to make their chart debut at No. 1 was the Irish quartet B*Witched (with "C'est La Vie") in 1998. First British all-girl group to make its debut at No. 1 was Girls Aloud ("Sound Of The Underground", 2002). Most Entries at Number 1 by a Debuting Act On 11 Nov 2000, Westlife became the first act to have their first seven singles enter the chart at Number 1 as "My Love" crashed in at the top spot. First Act To Reach Number 1 With Their First Three Releases Gerry And The Pacemakers. Their debut single, "How Do You Do It?" was released in March 1963. After five weeks it made number 1.

It was followed later that year by "I Like It" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" (both topped the charts four weeks after first appearing in the Top 40). This feat was not matched until 21 years later when Frankie Goes To Hollwood took each of their first three singles to the top (1984).

Self-Replacement At Number One On nine occasions in history, one title by an act has knocked another hit, by the same act, off the number one spot: Ray Conniff and his Orchestra (Jan 1957) "Just Walking In The Rain" replaced by "Singing The Blues." Norrie Paramor and the string section of his orchestra (Mar 1963) - "The Wayward Wind" was replaced by "Summer Holiday." The Shadows (Aug 1960) "Please Don't Tease" knocked off the top spot by "Apache." The Shadows (Jan 1963) "The Next Time" / "Bachelor Boy" replaced by "Dance On!" The Shadows (Mar 1963) "Summer Holiday" replaced by "Foot Tapper." The Shadows (Apr 1963) "Foot Tapper" replaced by "Summer Holiday." The Beatles (Dec 1963) "She Loves You" replaced by "I Want To Hold Your Hand." John Lennon (Feb 1981) "Imagine" replaced by "Woman." Elvis Presley (Jan 2005) "Jailhouse Rock" replaced by "One Night"

 / "I Got Stung." NB: Full credits: -"Just Walking In The Rain" - Johnnie Ray, Ray Conniff and his Orchestra / "Singing The Blues" - Guy Mitchell, Ray Conniff and his Orchestra.

- "The Wayward Wind" - Frank Ifield, with Norrie Paramor and his Orchestra / "Summer Holiday" - Cliff Richard, The Shadows and the Norrie Paramor Strings. - "Please Don't Tease", "The Next Time" / "Bachelor Boy" and "Summer Holiday" were credited to Cliff Richard and The Shadows. Longest Gap Between Number 1s 31 years 0 months - for George Harrison. "My Sweet Lord" first made the top spot in Jan 1971. A few weeks after his death, it returned to number 1 (Jan 2002). In second place is the artist who also holds the record for the longest gap between number 1s with different tracks and the record for longest gap between number 1s within the lifetime of the artist; Leo Sayer. In Feb 1977 he hit the top with "When I Need You". He didn't return until Feb 2006 (a day shy of 29 years gap) - with "Thunder In My Heart Again" (a remix of his 1977 hit, as 'Meck featuring Leo Sayer').

The longest run between original number 1s (i.e not a re-release/remix) is 18 years and 3 months for Blondie (Nov 1980, "The Tide is High", to Feb 1999, "Maria"). Biggest run for a female artist is 14 years 6 months by Diana Ross - from the prophetic "I'm Still Waiting" (Sep 1971) til "Chain Reaction" (Mar 1986). Special mention must be made here of Stevie Winwood. Though not specifically credited, he hit number 1 with The Spencer Davis Group ("Somebody Help Me") in Apr 1966. A barren period then followed before a sample of his solo hit "Valerie" formed the basis of Eric Prydz's chart-topper "Call On Me" in Sep 2004; an hiatus of 38 years and 5 months between appearances, albeit uncredited, at number 1. Longest Time For An Artist To Get To Number 1 34 Years, 10 Months, and 2 Days; Tony Christie.

His first single, "Las Vegas", entered the Top 40 on w/e 16th Jan 1971, peaking at no. 21. His single from November of that year, "(Is This The Way To) Amarillo" was used in 2005 by comedian Peter Kaye in various TV performances, ultimately leading to a re-release in aid of Comic Relief. That catapulted the track back into the chart - at no. 1 - on w/e 26th Mar 2005. This broke the record set over 18 years previously by Jackie Wilson. His "Reet Petite (The Sweetest Girl In Town)" topped the chart in Dec 1986; 29 Years, 1 Month, and 11 Days after it first entered the chart. The longest time for a female soloist to take to reach Number 1 is 25 Years, 8 Months and 15 Days for Cher [from her first solo hit, "All I Really Want To Do", 19th Aug 1965 to "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)", 4th May 1991].

She had, though, previously topped the chart as half of Sonny and Cher before going solo. In terms of contributing to a Number 1: Ozzy Osbourne holds the male record. He first hit the Top 40 as a member of Black Sabbath with "Paranoid" on w/e 12th Sep 1970. 33 years, 3 months and 8 days later (w/e 20th Dec 2003; a total of 1736 weeks) he achieved the top spot with "Changes" (a duet with daughter Kelly - and a version of a Black Sabbath album track from 1972). The previous record holder was Eric Clapton. He first hit the chart as a member of the Yardbirds in 1965 ("For Your Love", w/e 20th Mar 1965) but did not form part of a chart-topping combo until hit collaboration with Cher (her again!), Chrissie Hynde and Neneh Cherry ("Love Can Build A Bridge", w/e 25 Mar 1995); 30 years, 0 months and 5 days [1567 weeks].

Lulu holds the female record. Her first Top 40 hit was "Shout" (w/e 16th May 1964). She finally hit the top spot with Take That ("Relight My Fire", 9th Oct, 1993); 29 Years, 4 Months and 23 Days. Posthumous Number 1s A morbid one - but one about which, nonetheless, we receive constant emails. Artists which have topped the chart following their death are: Artist TRIVIA - MUSIC TRIVIA - MUSIC Who had 90s hits with You Oughta Know and Ironic? Alanis Morissette. Which duo were joined by Tammy Wynette on their No 2 in 1991? KLF. Who recorded the Immaculate Collection? Madonna. Which singer/songwriter arrived with the album She's So Unusual? Cyndi Lauper. Which non-American group sang about Massachusetts? Bee Gees. Paul Williams who died in 1973 was a member of which vocal group? Temptations. What was Madonna's first No 1 on both sides of the Atlantic? Papa Don't Preach.

How did Massachusetts brothers Joe, Gene, Vic and Ed become known in the 50s? Ames Brothers. What was Neil Diamond's first top ten single hit? Cherry Cherry. Who wrote The Times They Are A Changin'? Bob Dylan. What color was UB40's Wine? Red. The Eagles formed when they met as a backing group for which singer? Linda Ronstadt. In which US state was Elvis Presley's mansion? Tennessee. Duran Duran were part of which New movement? Romantics. What was the second No 1 single for The Doors? Hello I Love You. What was the first new No 1 of the 70s? Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. Melvin Riley Jr. made it to No 1 in 1985 with which outfit? Ready For The World. Under which name did Bill Fries have a 70s No 1 single? C W McCall. On which label did The Chiffons record their string of 60s hits? Laurie. Who had a No 1 with Walk Right In? The Rooftop Singers. Who recorded Riders On The Storm? The Doors.

Who collaborated with Michael Bolton on Bolton's Steel Bars hit? Bob Dylan. Which Brit, Phil, was at No 1 at the end of the 80s? Collins. Who took his Burning Love into the charts in 1972? Elvis Presley. Which artist had the last No 1 of the 70s? Rupert Holmes. What took over No 1 from Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You? A Whole New World. Who partnered Patti Austin on Baby Come To Me? James Ingram. Who was backed by The Pharaohs? Sam The Sham. Who had a huge No 1 with Tonight's The Night? Rod Stewart. Which magazine shares its name with a Madonna No 1? Vogue. What was George Harrison's next No 1 single after My Sweet Lord? Isn't It A Pity? Which Little Eva hit did Kylie Minogue sing in the 80s? The Loco-Motion. Who had a No 1 hit with To Sir With Love? Lulu. Maureen McGovern hit No 1 with which song? The Morning After. Who was the first UK group to top the US chart after The Beatles? Animals.

On a No 1 single who backed (Question Mark)? The Mysterians. What line goes before "I've got love in my tummy?" Yummy, yummy, yummy. Which Tommy Was Dizzy to be No 1 in the 60s? Roe. Who famously said Hello Muddah Hello Faddah? Allan Sherman. On which label did Madonna's first hits appear? Sire. What is the first name of Michael Jackson's second wife? Debbie. Who duetted with David Bowie on the No 1 hit Dancing In The Street? Mick Jagger. Whose rendition of Freedom made it an anthem of Woodstock? Richie Havens. Which group returned House Of The Rising Sun to the top ten? Frijid Pink. What was Stories' only No 1 hit? Brother Lewis. What was the Beach Boy's next No 1 after the 60s classic Good Vibrations? Kokomo Who was born Gloria Fajarda? Gloria Estefan. Which hit managed to rhyme groovy with movie? Eleanor. Who was reunited with Peaches at No 1? Herb.

Who had a big 70s No 1 with If You Leave Me Now? Chicago. Who issued bonds in his name for people to invest in in 1997? David Bowie. I Will Always Love You was an early 90s hit for which superstar? Whitney Houston. Which Bruce Springsteen album featured Dancing In The Dark and I'm On Fire? Born In The USA. What color was The Marcels' moon? Blue. Which prominent figure throughout the 70s was born in Pinner, Middlesex, England, 25 March 1947? Elton John. Who had an 80s No 1 with Don' Worry Be Happy? Bobby McFerrin. Terry Cath and Robert Lamm have featured in which pop band? Chicago. Which color hit NO 1 the week after Green Tambourine was top? Blue - Love Is Blue. Who was backed by the Drells? Archie Bell. Who sang with Mariah Carey on One Sweet Day? Boyz II Men. Which name links Whitney Houston's childhood nickname with her TV Production company? Nippy. What was Whitney Houston's first No 1? Saving All My Love For You.

Which pop singer starred in the movie the Jazz Singer? Neil Diamond. What was the follow-up to Baby Love for the Supremes? Come See About Me. Which Terry was in the Poppy family? Terry Jacks. Who topped the US chart in 1976 with the triple-platinum album Breezin'? George Benson. Who was backed by The Fireballs? Jimmy Gilmer. In the 60s, which Roy was Running Scared? Orbison. Suzanne Vega was in whose Diner? Tom's. Who formed the Highwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings & Kris Kristofferson? Willie Nelson. What instrument does Charlie Watts play in the Rolling Stones? Drums. Who had No 1s with Pappa Don't Preach and Open Your Heart? Madonna. The words "Imagine me and you, I do" come from which No 1 hit? Happy Together. Billy Joel named the album 52nd Street after which studio at that New York location? A & R Studio. Which hit reached No 1 in the UK and US for Phil Collins? A Groovy Kind Of Love. Which male singer fronted the group Change before is solo career took off?

Luther Vandross Who had a No 1` with Grazing In The Grass? Hugh Masekela. Which brother and sister sang Morning side Of The Mountain? Donnie and Marie Osmond. Who had her first No 1 as Mrs. Sonny Bono? Cher. Who had a record eight albums simultaneously in the UK chart three months after his death? Jim Reeves. In 1996 Robert Hoskins was convicted of stalking which star? Madonna. What Purple thing topped the US album charts for 20 weeks? Rain. Which group gave Joy To the World? Three Dog Night. What was the first top ten hit for Styx? Lady. Whose first No 1 was top for a week, second No 1 top for two weeks, and third No 1 top for three weeks.? Whitney Houston. Samuel Goldberg had a string of 40s hits as which Buddy? Clark. Who had a 60s NO 1 with Over And Over. The Dave Clark Five. Who had a 60s No 1 with Hello Goodbye? The Beatles. Billy Ocean sang Get Outta My Dreams, get Into My what?

Heart Who took on the Red Baron, according to the Royal Guardsmen? Snoopy. Members of Silver Convention came from America and where else? Germany. What was the only No 1 for one-hit wonder Alan O' Day? Undercover Angel. Gangsta's Paradise was a No 1 for who? Puff Daddy. Who sang with The Family Stone? Sly. Which 60s group with a No 1 single had Clock as part of their name? The Strawberry Alarm Clock. Which member of Def Leppard died in 1991? Steve Clark. Who made his stage debut in a 1960 production of The Pajama Game? David Cassidy. Which group is made up of Gibbs? The Bee Gees. Which Olivia took Magic to the top of the charts? Olivia Newton-John. Who was Born A Woman and A Single Girl in the 60s? Sandy Posey. Who made No 1 with Bruce Springsteen's Blinded By The Light? Manfred Mann's Earth Band. Good Thing was the second No 1 for which trio? Fine Young Cannibals. Which color of Velvet gave Alannah Myles a 1990 No 1?

Black. Which musical does Aquarius / Let The Sunshine In come from? Hair. Who was backed by The Pharaohs? Sam The Sam. In (Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay lyrics, where is the singer from? Georgia. Who had 50s No 1s with Rag Mop, Sentimental Me and You, You, You? Ames Brothers. What is Barbra Streisand's middle name? Joan. In which decade did Elton John have his first solo Top Ten hit single? 70s. Which band produced the bet-selling album Brothers In Arms? Dire Straits. Who was backed by His Playboy Band? John Fred. Who had a hit with Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)? Bill Conti. What was on the original double A side of Prince's No 1 hit 1999? Little Red Corvette. Which Starsky and Hutch actor topped the charts? David Soul. Who went to Surf City with Jan? Dean. Who had a 60s No 1 with Crimson And Clover? Tommy James & the Shondells. What was the name of the guest guitarist on Michael Jackson's Dangerous album? Slash.

What is the middle name of Kenny Rogers? Donald. Who was the original lead singer with The Supremes? Diana Ross. Sweet Child O'Mine was a big hit for which band? Guns N Roses. In which year did Neil Diamond have his first top ten hit? 1966. Which group had the top five singles in the same week in 1964? The Beatles. Who had the 60s top ten version of Walk Away Renee? The Left Banke. Who was he first British female to win a Grammy award? Petula Clark. How many people were in the original Queen? Four. Who was a Father Figure in the charts? George Michael. Who made a tribute to Sir Duke? Stevie Wonder. In which country was Celine Deion born? Canada. What was Barry Manilow's first No 1 single? Mandy. Who has accumulated the most UK and US top ten albums and grossed most income from foreign touring? Rolling Stones. Who teamed up with Barbra Streisand for tell Him? Celine Dion. Which group were fronted by Jon Bon Jovi? Bon Jovi. Which lady socked it to the Harper Valley PTA?

Jennie C Riley. In which year did Al Stewart's Year Of The Cat make the charts? 1977. Who was the first female with two UK million-selling singles? Celine Dion. Which Canadian-born artist was the biggest-selling singles artist tin the UK in 1991? Bryan Adams. Felix Cavaliere and Dino Danelli were in which group? Rascals. Which day of the week did the Mamas a & Papas sing about? Monday. Who was back in the Angels classic 60s NO 1? My Boyfriend. Who did Celine Dion support in his Canadian tour in 1991? Michael Bolton. What is the name of Whitney Houston's daughter named after the baby's father? Bobbie. Who teamed up with Paul McCartney for ebony and Ivory? Stevie Wonder. Were the Doobie Brothers actually brothers? No. In 1978 how many weeks at No 1 were taken up by the Gibb family? 28. What was Taylor Dayne's first top ten hit? Tell It To My Heart. Who is Leslie Sebastian Charles in chart terms? Billy Ocean. What was the last No 1 in the 60s?

Someday We'll Be Together. Who had a No 1 with Brand New Key? Melanie. Who had a 1994 No 1 with I Swear? All-4-One. Which UK guitarist co-produced Bob Dylan's album Infidels? Mark Knopfler. Which group wrote the songs for the movie Saturday Night Fever? The Bee Gees. Who was Saving All My Love For You? Whitney Houston. Who found himself Alone Again (Naturally)? Gilbert O'Sullivan. Manhattan Skyline and Open Sesame were on which album? Saturday Night Fever. 1996 was the year of long-staying hits. How manly No 1s were there? Nine. Who made NO 1 with Sledgehammer? Peter Gabriel. Which artist got Kangaroo in to the title of a top three hit? Rolf Harris (Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport) What word was used to describe Peggy March? Little. Which Barry had 70s chart success with Never Never Gonna Give You Up and Can't Get Enough Of Your Love Babe? White. On which Stevie Wonder album did he team up with Michael Jackson to sing Get It? Characters.

Vision Of Love was the first British top ten hit for which female superstar? Mariah Carey. Under what name did Jefferson Airplane regroup at the top of the charts? Starship. Which No 1 began, "Sunshine came softly through my window today"? Sunshine Superman. Who recorded the album Stranger In Town? Bob Serger. To a year, when did Heart first have a top ten hit? 1976. How is Leslie Wundermann better known? Taylor Dayne. Who sang I'm Leaving It Up To You with Dale? Grace. Katie Melua Tour Dates, Concerts & Tickets – Songkick See all past concerts (550) Biography Katie Melua is a Georgian-British singer/songwriter originally from Georgian SSR in the Soviet Union and was born on September 16, 1984. Born as Ketevan Melua and known as Ketino to her parents Amiran and Tamara Melua, Katie moved with her parents from Georgia in the then Soviet Union to Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1993.

The family moved again to London in 1997 but it wasn’t until Melua was 15 did she have her first taste of musical appreciation, when she performed and won on the ITV talent competition “Stars in Their Noses” by singing Badfinger’s “Without You”. After completing secondary school, Melua attended the prestigious BRIT School for the Performing Arts and was awarded a BTEC with an A-level in music. During her time there she caught the attention of her future manager and producer Mike Batt and was singed to his small Dramatico recording and management company. Melua’s breakthrough came with her debut album “Call Off the Search” which combined a tasteful blend of jazz, pop, and contemporary adult swoon. The album debuted at No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart and achieved six-times platinum due to her appearance on the Royal Variety Show and a relentless marketing campaign. Despite Melua’s success in Europe on her first album it wasn’t until 2005’s “Piece by Piece” that she really broke through, selling 1 million copies in Germany alone, with worldwide sales totalling over 3.5 million.

The album’s lead singer “Nine Million Bicycles” was released a week before the album and debuted at No. 3 in the UK singles chart. “Pictures” Melua’s third album was released on October 1, 2007 and with it came the news it would be the last with friend and producer Mike Batt and featured the singles “If You Were A Sailboat” and “Mary Pickford” – the latter in reference to the silent film star. The singer/songwriter’s three subsequent albums “The House” in 2010, “Secret Symphony” in 2012, and “Ketevan” in 2013 all entered the UK album chart in the top ten, which added Melua to a very select group of female artists to achieve six consecutive UK Top 10 studio albums, including Madonna and Kate Bush. Live reviews Katie Melua Watching Katie Melua perform and grow is like drinking a fine wine, the quality improves with age. There is no doubt that Melua has always been an extremely talented singer/songwriter, but each time I see her perform, the maturity and sound quality increase wonderfully alongside her charming personality.

As well as being a wonderful live performer with an incredibly controlled voice, Katie Melua is a very accomplished performer. Journeying from her musical debut in 2003, to becoming the UK's best selling female artist only 3 years later tells you hands down that she is an extremely talented and driven individual. I find that every time I see her perform, this is reflected in her stage presence and confidence on stage. She is modestly aware that the fans and the public massively helped her get to where she is today, and the way that she interacts with her audience shows that she is truly humbled to be so successful. Her sultry, bluesy tones resonated around the venue, engaging the entire audience immediately. Melua initially enticed the audience with some of her older, more well known tracks, and by the time she launched into some of the newer material, everyone was already on her side, singing along, and thoroughly enjoying the evening. Of the 90 minute set, Katie played the first half solo with her guitar, and was then joined by a string quartet for the duration of the performance. This blend of instruments maintained the engagement of the audience well, as the changes in setup were unexpected and exciting.

Throughout the evening, there was not one person sat in their seat. Everyone was on their feet, raising their hands in the air, singing along with Katie herself, and having a blast! I can't wait to see her again. Just incredible. Madonna's Biggest Hits: Top 40 Billboard Songs | Billboard Frans Schellekens/Redferns Madonna performs at Feijenoord Stadium on July 24 1990 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She's the Queen of Pop and royalty on the Billboard charts. To celebrate Madonna 's career, we've compiled an exclusive ranking of the diva's 40 biggest Billboard Hot 100 hit singles. 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Since arriving on the Hot 100 the week of Oct. 29, 1983, with "Holiday," she has earned a total of 57 chart hits, including a record 38 top 10s. Yes, you read that right: Madonna has more top 10 hits than any other artist in the history of the chart (and incidentally, Madonna was born the exact same month as the Hot 100 ).

The Beatles are in second place, with 34 top 10s. The ranking is based on actual performance on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 chart. Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at No. 1 earning the greatest value and weeks at No. 100 earning the least. To ensure equitable representation of the biggest hits from each era, certain time frames were weighted to account for the difference between turnover rates from those years. 40 "Rain" Hot 100 Peak Position: 14 Peak Year: 1993 "Rain," the fourth single from 1992's Erotica album, comes in at No. 40 on Madonna's all-time biggest hits list. The commercial release of the maxi-single (and 12" vinyl) was bolstered by the previously unreleased track "Up Down Suite" as well as a jazzy/hip-hip remix of the Erotica album cut "Waiting" (featuring Everlast).

39 "Oh Father" Hot 100 Peak Position: 20 Peak Year: 1990 Accompanied by a stunning black and white music video, the haunting ballad "Oh Father" was the fourth single from the Like a Prayer album. At the time, "Oh Father" had the unfortunate honor of ending Madonna's string of 17 consecutive top 10 hits. "Oh Father" stalled out at No. 20 while all 17 Madonna singles from "Borderline" (1984) through "Cherish" (1989) had reached the top 10. 38 "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (From "Evita") Hot 100 Peak Position: 8 Peak Year: 1997 "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" took an unconventional route to the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Recorded as the sweeping centerpiece to the movie Evita, the song wasn't necessarily a made-for-radio hit single. However, uptempo dance mixes of the song were produced (which included new vocals from Madonna) and promoted to radio stations.

The so-called "Miami Mix" (by producers Pablo Flores and Javier Garza) soon became a smash on the radio and led to a commercial release as a maxi-single and 12" vinyl. Pent-up demand for the remixes engineered a No. 17 debut on the Hot 100 for the single on Feb. 22, 1997. The following week it sailed to its No. 8 peak. 37 "Holiday" Hot 100 Peak Position: 16 Peak Year: 1984 Madonna's first Billboard Hot 100 hit (though not her first single), debuted at No. 88 on Oct. 29, 1983 - and the chart hasn't been the same ever since. The cut would eventually rise to No. 16 on Jan. 18, 1984 and was the first of three top 20 singles from Madonna's self-titled debut album. "Holiday" is also the third and final non-top-10 hit (with Nos. 37, 39 and 40) on this round-up of Madonna's biggest singles. Every other tune on this tally reached the top 10.

36 "Hanky Panky" Hot 100 Peak Position: 10 Peak Year: 1990 In 1990, Madonna could have released pretty much anything and it would have been a hit single. Take for example this goofy (but catchy!) ditty about having a "good spanky." It reached No. 10 on July 28 of that year, as Madonna's massive Blond Ambition Tour was winding its way around the globe. "Hanky Panky" was the second, and final, single from the I'm Breathless album (a sort of companion set to the Dick Tracy film, in which she co-starred). The first Breathless release was "Vogue" - but more on that single in a little bit. 35 "Rescue Me" Hot 100 Peak Position: 9 Peak Year: 1991 "Rescue Me" was one of two new songs recorded for Madonna's first greatest hits album, 1990's The Immaculate Collection. When it debuted at No. 15 on the March 2, 1991 Hot 100 chart, it marked the highest-ever bow for a single by a woman.

Further, it was - at the time - one of only four titles to debut in the top 20. The song had been an airplay hit for a full three months before it finally arrived on the Hot 100, as the single had been held back from commercial release. As "Rescue Me's" release was delayed until it had reached its peak of popularity on the radio, it had an artificially short run - eight weeks - on the Hot 100. 34 "Hung Up" Hot 100 Peak Position: 7 Peak Year: 2005 The lead single from 2005's Confessions on a Dance Floor boogied its way to No. 7 on the Hot 100 in 2005 and was the first of two chart hits from her discofied album. (A second hit, "Sorry," reached No. 58.) "Hung Up" featured a galloping sample from ABBA's "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)" while its video had Madonna channeling Saturday Night Fever whilst clubbing in London.

33 "Die Another Day" Hot 100 Peak Position: 8 Peak Year: 2002 The title track from the James Bond film, released in 2002, became the first Bond tune to reach the top 10 on the Hot 100 since Duran Duran's A View to a Kill hit No. 1 in 1985. Further, "Die Another Day" was the first official Bond theme song to even chart on the tally since "A View to a Kill." The electro-hued single would go on to appear on Madonna's 2003 album, American Life. 32 "Ray Of Light" Hot 100 Peak Position: 5 Peak Year: 1998 "Ray Of Light" continues to hold the record for Madonna's highest-debuting single ever, as it started at No. 5 on the Hot 100 chart dated July 11, 1998. The single was the title track (and second single) from Madonna's 1998 album, and went on to win a Grammy Award for best dance recording.

Its corresponding music video, directed by Jonas Akerlund, also won a Grammy for best short form music video, and earned five MTV Video Music Awards (including Video of the Year). 31 "Erotica" Hot 100 Peak Position: 3 Peak Year: 1992 The dark and sexy single - the lead-off track from her 1992 album of the same name - launched with a bang at No. 13 on the Hot 100 dated Oct. 17, 1992. It zoomed to its peak of No. 3 the following week, kept out of the top two slots by Boyz II Men's "End of the Road" (No. 1) and Patty Smyth's "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" (No. 2). 30 "Deeper And Deeper" Hot 100 Peak Position: 7 Peak Year: 1993 The Erotica album's swirling second single, "Deeper and Deeper," topped out at No. 7 on the Hot 100, spending 17 weeks on the list.

Its retro music video is riddled with cameos, including her now manager Guy Oseary, Sire Records chief Seymour Stein, longtime friend and actress Debi Mazar and adult film director/DJ/drag diva Chi Chi LaRue. 29 "Keep It Together" Hot 100 Peak Position: 8 Peak Year: 1990 "Keep It Together" was the fifth commercial single from Madonna's 1989 Like a Prayer album and was initially planned to carry with it a previously unreleased b-side. The b-side in question? "Vogue." Luckily, that anthem would go on to have its own single release. Instead, "Keep It Together" set sail on its own - without a sexy b-side to spice up sales. However, "Keep It Together" was remixed to become slightly more radio-friendly. Its redux was reminiscent of the then-popular track "Back to Life" by Soul II Soul.

28 "You'll See" Hot 100 Peak Position: 6 Peak Year: 1995 Composed and produced with David Foster, "You'll See" was one of a handful of new tunes Madonna recorded for her 1995 ballads collection Something to Remember. The ballad, which showcased Madonna's newly-trained vocal abilities, would prepare audiences for her lead role in the following year's Evita. The "You'll See" music video became Madonna's first sequel clip - as it followed the story set in motion in the dramatic "Take a Bow" short. 27 "Borderline" Hot 100 Peak Position: 10 Peak Year: 1984 Madonna's first top 10 single was the first of a staggering 17 consecutive top 10s for the singer from 1984 through 1989.

The "Borderline" music video was the first collaboration between Madonna and director Mary Lambert, who would go on to helm her clips "Like a Virgin," "Material Girl," "La Isla Bonita" and "Like a Prayer." 26 "Don't Tell Me" Hot 100 Peak Position: 4 Peak Year: 2001 "Don't Tell Me" was the second single from the Music album and was co-written by Madonna's brother-in-law, recording artist Joe Henry. He would later release his own version of the track, re-titled "Stop," on his 2001 album Scar. 25 "Frozen" Hot 100 Peak Position: 2 Peak Year: 1998 The lead single from the Ray Of Light album marked a sonic change in Madonna's career, thanks to its co-producer, William Orbit. The track was heavily influenced by electronic dance music and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100. It would have perhaps reached the top of the chart, had it not been for K-Ci & JoJo. The week that "Frozen" zoomed from No. 5 to No.

2, the R&B duo's "All My Life" raced up the chart from No. 15 to No. 1 - blocking Madonna from the penthouse. 24 "Lucky Star" Hot 100 Peak Position: 4 Peak Year: 1984 "Lucky Star" is the lone Hot 100 hit in Madonna's catalog that was composed entirely by the diva herself. The uptempo number riffs a bit on the old nursery rhyme "Star Light, Star Bright" and has endured as one of Madonna's most beloved dance tracks. 23 "Dress You Up" Hot 100 Peak Position: 5 Peak Year: 1985 "Dress You Up" is the first of four singles on this tally from Madonna's Like a Virgin album. The plucky dance track was produced by Chic's Nile Rodgers (as was the rest of the Virgin album) and was the final single released from the set. 22 "This Used To Be My Playground" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 Peak Year: 1992 Written for the film A League of the Their Own, co-starring Madonna, this delicate ballad became her 10th No.

1 single in the summer of 1992. It spent a week at No. 1 - sandwiched between two monster hits. It followed a five-week No. 1 run by Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back" and immediately preceded a 13-week reign by Boyz II Men's "End of the Road." Curiously, Madonna has yet to perform "This Used to Be My Playground" live - either on tour or during a promotional appearance. 21 "Angel" Hot 100 Peak Position: 5 Peak Year: 1985 One of Madonna's many singles which she co-wrote with Stephen Bray, "Angel" reached No. 5 on the Hot 100 in 1985. Rather famously, the "Angel" 12" vinyl single contains one of the most famous b-sides in U.S. history: "Into the Groove." While "Into the Groove" received a proper release in other countries, in America, it was relegated to b-side status despite its enormous popularity both on the radio and on MTV.

20 "4 Minutes" Hot 100 Peak Position: 3 Peak Year: 2008 "4 Minutes" is notable in that it was only the second single release in the U.S. from Madonna on which she shares credit with another artist. Justin Timberlake and Timbaland joined forces with her on the track - a little under five years after Madonna had first paired with Timberlake's former flame, Britney Spears, for "Me Against the Music." 19 "Secret" Hot 100 Peak Position: 3 Peak Year: 1994 Co-produced and co-written with Dallas Austin, "Secret" was the first single from Madonna's R&B-hued Bedtime Stories album in 1994. The strummy, hip-hop-lite song reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 - stuck behind Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You" (No.

1) and Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do." 18 "La Isla Bonita" Hot 100 Peak Position: 4 Peak Year: 1987 The Spanish-flavored track seems to be a favorite of Madonna's, as it has been included on the setlists of many of her concert tours. She also performed it at the 2007 Live Earth benefit show in London. "La Isla Bonita" was the fifth and final single from her True Blue album, and the cut reached No. 4 on the Hot 100. 17 "Cherish" Hot 100 Peak Position: 2 Peak Year: 1989 The light, lovey-dovey pop song was a throwback to '60s girl groups and doo-wop music, with couplets like "Romeo and Juliet they never felt this way, I bet" and "You are my destiny, I can't let go, baby, can't you see." The song's companion video clip was the first directed by photographer Herb Ritts. He had previously shot Madonna's album covers for True Blue and Like a Prayer.

16 "True Blue" Hot 100 Peak Position: 3 Peak Year: 1986 "True Blue," the title track from Madonna's 1986 album, spent three weeks stuck at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. All about "true love, oh baby," the single is an unabashed peppy love song. Perhaps an indication of Madonna's (lack of) fondness of the track - it has only been performed on one of her concert tours: 1987's Who's That Girl trek. 15 "Express Yourself" Hot 100 Peak Position: 2 Peak Year: 1989 "Come on girls, do you believe in love?" Well, Madonna had something to say about it in 1989, when "Express Yourself" was released as the second single from the Like a Prayer album. The single's video was directed by a pre-super-stardom David Fincher and was the first of four video collaborations between the two artists.

14 "Causing A Commotion" Hot 100 Peak Position: 2 Peak Year: 1987 "Causing a Commotion" was the second single from Madonna's Who's That Girl soundtrack, peaking at No. 2 for three straight weeks. (It was prevented from reaching the top by Michael Jackson's "Bad," which jumped to No. 1 the same week "Commotion" hit No. 2 for the first time.) "Commotion" also ranks as Madonna's biggest Hot 100 hit (on this top 40 recap) without an official music video. 13 "I'll Remember" (From "With Honors") Hot 100 Peak Position: 2 Peak Year: 1994 "I'll Remember," from the film With Honors, is one of six Madonna singles that have peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Madonna holds the record for the most No. 2 hits in Hot 100 history.

This particular track was lodged in the runner-up position for four weeks, behind All-4-One's "I Swear." 12 "Material Girl" Hot 100 Peak Position: 2 Peak Year: 1985 "Material Girl" is one of those singles that some people might assume was a No. 1 hit for Madonna. However, it topped out at No. 2 on the Hot 100 tally in 1985. As the second hit from the Like a Virgin album, the song would also become a nickname for the diva herself (whether she liked it or not). 11 "Who's That Girl" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 Peak Year: 1987 We're entering rarified air now, as every one of Madonna's top 11 hits of all time on the Hot 100 chart are all No. 1s. "Who's That Girl" was the title track of the Madonna film and doubled as the lead single from its companion soundtrack. 10 "Open Your Heart" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 Peak Year: 1987 Madonna's third single from True Blue shot to No.

1 on the Hot 100 on Feb. 7, 1987, marking the singer's fifth chart-topper. Its video caused a stir as Madonna starred as an exotic dancer who becomes friends with a boy (played by dancer Felix Howard). 9 "Music" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (four weeks) Peak Year: 2000 Madonna's most recent Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 is "Music," which spent four weeks atop the tally in late 2000. The cut was the lead single of the Music album, which again teamed her with William Orbit (Ray of Light). The single itself, like a fair portion of the album, was co-written and co-produced by Madonna and Mirwais. 8 "Live To Tell" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 Peak Year: 1986 After the madness of the boy toy era of Madonna's career (1983-85), she surprised many with "Live to Tell," the lead track from her 1986 album True Blue. The haunting ballad was written partially for the film At Close Range (which starred her her then-husband Sean Penn) and found the No.

1 target on the Hot 100. The song was accompanied by a music video that introduced a decidedly toned-down Madonna to the public - one of the diva's first major so-called reinventions. 7 "Papa Don't Preach" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (two weeks) Peak Year: 1986 "Papa Don't Preach" was one of the few songs that even Madonna's most conservative critics could find reason to champion. The song tells the story of a young woman who confesses to her father that she's become pregnant, however, she's opting to keep her baby (as opposed to giving it up). 6 "Like A Prayer" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (three weeks) Peak Year: 1989 Would anyone have thought that "Like a Prayer" - which caused so much controversy in 1989 upon its release - would ultimately end up being performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012? Yeah, we didn't think so. The song premiered in a two-minute Pepsi commercial that aired during The Cosby Show on March 2, 1989.

(Pepsi was set to sponsor Madonna's then-upcoming Blond Ambition Tour.) The next day, the "Like a Prayer" music video debuted ... you know, the one with the burning crosses, stigmata and so on? Yes, well, Pepsi high-tailed it away from Madonna and she - again - outraged the masses. 5 "Justify My Love" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (two weeks) Peak Year: 1991 "Justify My Love," like so many of Madonna's singles, spawned a music video that garnered more attention than perhaps the song itself. Its clip was so racy, MTV declined to air it entirely. Luckily for the buying public, Madonna opted to sell the video as the first-ever commercially-available video single. 4 "Take A Bow" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (seven weeks) Peak Year: 1995 It may surprise some, but "Take a Bow" spent more weeks at No. 1 than any other Madonna single. (However, on this list, it ultimately ranks at No.

4.) With a seven-week run atop the Hot 100, 1995's "Take a Bow" returned her to the top of the chart for the first time since 1992 ("This Used to Be My Playground"). Co-written and co-produced with Babyface, "Take a Bow" is one of two No. 1 singles that she's yet to sing on tour - the other is "This Used to Be My Playground." 3 "Crazy For You" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 Peak Year: 1985 Perhaps the ultimate slow-dance song, "Crazy for You" proved to be so popular upon its release that it bumped "We Are the World" by USA for Africa out of the No. 1 slot. Before "Crazy for You" had reached the top, though, it had sat in the No. 2 position for three straight weeks, biding its time until it could push "We Are the World" aside.

2 "Vogue" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (three weeks) Peak Year: 1990 Initially planned as the b-side of "Keep It Together," Madonna's tribute to the fierceness that is vogueing was thankfully released as a single on its own. The thumping dance number is as iconic as its glamorous black-and-white music video, which was directed by David Fincher. 1 "Like A Virgin" Hot 100 Peak Position: 1 (six weeks) Peak Year: 1984 It's somehow appropriate that Madonna's first No. 1, "Like a Virgin," tops our list of her 40 biggest Hot 100 hit singles. The title track and lead single from her 1984 album spent six weeks atop the chart and became one of the diva's signature songs. It was written by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly and produced by Nile Rodgers. MORE MADONNA:

Question: Who was the first female artist to achieve 32 consecutive UK top ten hits?
Answer: MADONNA