The Record for the Most Songs with Multiple Number One Singles on the Billboard Charts
The world of music can often surprise with its unique records and records holder. One such intriguing record concerns the number of songs that have managed to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts multiple times. This article delves into the history and behind-the-scenes stories of these exceptional records, exploring the impact of both pre-war and post-war eras on music chart success.
Pre-War Era: Competing Hits
Before World War II, it was quite common for various artists to release versions of the same hit song, each achieving the top spot at the same time. Two or even three artists could simultaneously top the charts with the same track. This practice largely ceased after the war, as record companies opted for innovation over duplication.
Only two songs hold the distinction of being number one hits by the same artist more than once:
White Christmas by Bing Crosby, which reached the top three positions in 1942, 1945, and 1946. The Twist by Chubby Checker, achieving the number one spot in 1960 and 1962.Rock and Roll Era: Twisted Hits
The Rock and Roll Era, which officially began in 1955, saw a shift in how hit songs were produced and marketed. However, some songs from the earlier era managed to reach the charts again with new, rock and roll versions after 1955. Here are a few examples:
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, first by Paul Whiteman in 1934, then by the Platters in 1959. Blue Moon, first by Glen Gray in 1935, then by the Marcels in 1961. Deep Purple, first by Larry Clinton in 1939, then by Nino Tempo and April Stevens in 1963. There I’ve Said It Again, first by Vaughn Monroe in 1945, then by Bobby Vinton in 1964.Post-1955: Dual Chart Successes
Thus far, nine songs have been number one hits for two different artists within the Rock and Roll Era, from 1955 to the present:
Go Away Little Girl, by Steve Lawrence in 1963, and Donny Osmond in 1971. The Loco-Motion, by Little Eva in 1962, and Grand Funk Railroad in 1974. Please Mr. Postman, by the Marvelettes in 1961, and the Carpenters in 1975. Venus, by the Shocking Blue in 1970, and Bananarama in 1986.Early Chart History: Multiple Number One Hits
Before the Billboard Hot 100 began in August 1958, Billboard published four separate charts:
Best Sellers in Stores Jukeboxes Disc Jockeys radio airplay The Top 100 combining all three of these charts, each given equal weight.As a result, there were often several songs topping the charts in a single week. Two songs managed to reach the number one spot for two different artists before the Hot 100 began in 1958:
Young Love, by Sonny James and Tab Hunter, both in 1957. Butterfly, by Andy Williams and Charlie Gracie, both in 1957.These records highlight the fascinating history of the Billboard charts and the enduring legacy of certain songs that have managed to top the charts multiple times. From pre-war duels of hit songs to the rock and roll era, the story of these chart-toppers is a testament to the enduring power of music.