Paul McCartney or John Lennon: Who Had More Number One Hits After the Beatles?

The Beatles were undoubtedly one of the most successful bands in music history. After their break-up, the individual members continued to chart with numerous hits. However, a common question has always lingered: who had more number one hits in the United States following the band's dissolution? According to Billboard, the answer might surprise you.

Billboard's Recognition

Billboard, the definitive source for music chart data, provides a clear and definitive list of number one hits. Based on the releases and chart positions, the following are the number one hits each Beatle had after the band:

John Lennon - 2 number one hits Paul McCartney - 0 number one hits as a solo artist (However, some songs were credited to Paul and Linda McCartney) Ringo Starr - 2 number one hits George Harrison - 3 number one hits

It’s important to note that Paul McCartney was heavily involved in the success of some tracks after the Beatles broke up. Many of the songs attributed to Paul, such as those with Linda McCartney, were highly successful. Additionally, the business reasons for certain song credits should be acknowledged. However, from a Billboard perspective, Paul McCartney never had a solo number one hit in the US.

Post-Beatles Chart Success

But what about the post-Beatles era for Paul McCartney and John Lennon? Several key figures shed light on the success of each individual:

Paul McCartney - 9 number one hits post-Beatles John Lennon - 2 number one hits George Harrison - 3 number one hits Ringo Starr - 2 number one hits

While Paul McCartney survived John Lennon and was the most prolific of the Beatles post-dissolution, the number one hits themselves are not solely credited to either individual. Notably, more hits came from Paul and Linda McCartney than just Paul McCartney himself.

Artistic Legacy and Impact

When it comes to artistic legacy and impact, opinions are divided. Paul McCartney, a living legend, has had a staggering number of hits, both with the Beatles and in his solo career. However, it's essential to recognize that

John Lennon’s influence was profound and enduring, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike. Each of the former Beatles left an indelible mark on music, and their legacies continue to inspire and influence to this day.

While the numbers reflect a certain reality when it comes to solo chart success, the broader impact and cultural significance of the Beatles as a whole are unquantifiable. Both Paul McCartney and John Lennon continue to be celebrated for their contributions to the music industry and the world of entertainment.

Conclusion

Based on Billboard’s chart data, it is clear that when it comes to solo number one hits after the Beatles, John Lennon had two, while Paul McCartney had zero. However, when considering the overall impact and body of work post-Beatles, Paul McCartney’s contributions extend far beyond the chart rankings.

Both Paul McCartney and John Lennon had immense success after the Beatles. If one had to predict based on their solo careers, the argument might lean towards Paul McCartney due to his greater number of number one hits and longer-lasting impact. However, the true measure of their impact lies in the music they created together and the legacy they left behind.