Official Singles Charts’ biggest selling artists of all time revealed

In November 1952, five months after Queen Elizabeth II took the throne, the first ever Official Singles Chart was published in the New Musical Express. To mark this joint Jubilee, the Official Charts Company has compiled the definitive list of the biggest singles artists of all time, to be counted down by BBC Radio 2’s Tony Blackburn in a special Jubilee Bank Holiday Monday show.

The list reveals The Beatles at the top, having sold the most chart singles over the past 60 years in the UK, followed by Elvis Presley and Sir Cliff Richard – all three have sold more than 20m singles in the UK. The Top 5 is completed by Madonna (on 17.6m) and Michael Jackson (15.3m).

Martin Talbot, managing director of the Official Charts Company, adds, “The Diamond Dozen, from the Beatles to Kylie, with Rihanna, Madonna, Elvis and Bowie in between, is truly the cream of music makers over the past six decades years. Over the past 60 years, the Official Singles Chart has provided the musical soundtrack to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s reign – and these artists have been her entertainers.”

The full Diamond Dozen are as follows:

© 2012 The Official Charts Company. All rights reserved.

BBC Radio 2 unveils full Official Singles Artists Top 60

The Diamond Dozen (outlined above) is the pinnacle of a full list of the Official Singles Artists Top 60 Of All Time, compiled by the Official Charts Company, which will be the subject of a Radio 2 show airing between 2pm and 5pm today, hosted by Tony Blackburn. The show will count down the full list, from Number 60 to Number 1, highlighting the biggest selling single by each artist.

The full Official Singles Artists Top 60 features plenty of stories. With singles sales currently at an all-time high (with 178m sold in 2011), current day stars perform surprisingly well. French DJ David Guetta comes in at 49, ahead of Coldplay and Duran Duran, while Eminem at 18 out-sells the likes of Tom Jones, Mariah Carey and U2.

Other stories include boy band Take That at 15 defeating girl power, with Spice Girls at 20. In turn, Britney Spears just pips Lady Gaga, at 26 and 28 respectively.

In turn, two artists feature twice in the list; Paul McCartney is at number 1 with The Beatles and at 11 as a solo artist, while George Michael is at 21 as a solo artist and 43 with Wham!.

Tony Blackburn, who will be hosting the Bank Holiday Monday show, says, “This chart offers a fascinating look at the past 60 years in music and shows the impact that modern stars like Rihanna and Katy Perry have had. The list is really varied and will provide something for everyone. There are definitely a few surprises in store – Coldplay being at 60 for one! It is sure to be an interesting listen and will be a great way to spend the Bank Holiday afternoon.”

The full Official Singles Artists Top 60 Of All Timeis as follows:

© 2012 The Official Charts Company. All rights reserved.