It's 50 years since the birth of the first 'inkie' - the New Musical Express, 30 years since the BPI was founded, 25 years since Elvis' death, 25 years since punk first spat on the street AND it's the Golden Jubilee of the Official UK Singles Chart. Can it really be 50 years since Percy Dickins introduced the first 'Hit Parade' as a 'bit of fun' to attract readers to the NME? Yep, sure is.
The first chart - a curious Top 12, listing 15 songs - appeared on 14 November 1952 with Al Martino's 'Here In My Heart' taking the pole position. In those days Dickins compiled the chart by a simple telephone poll of a few mates who worked in music retail. Today the Official UK Charts Company and Millward Brown electronically contact over 5,000 'mates' in the retail sector. At the age of 50 years, the Official Singles Chart is respected, sophisticated and has become a positive part of the 'establishment' in terms of the business, in the minds of the consumer and in the heart of the British psyche.
Today's Official Chart fulfils an important marketing function for the UK Music Industry. It is not just a reflection of the market or a source of editorial copy for the media; it is the means by which the Music Industry attempts to influence record buyers and the research tool on which retailers base their buying decisions. There is no debate; the Official Singles Chart is as relevant in 2002 as it has always been.
Interest in the Official Charts is high in the consciousness of the young and the young at heart. Music reflects, creates, stimulates and influences our emotions. The 50th Anniversary of the Official Charts is not just about the 'Charts' per se - the occasion is a celebration of wider popular culture too.
There's no chance of our Official Singles Chart growing old gracefully … or disgracefully. We are 50 years young, in good shape and looking forward to many more anniversaries to come!
Darren Haynes
There was an exciting calendar of programmes, events and products to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
Here is a brief selection:
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE NOVELTYThis is the smallest pocket-sized Official Book of Number Ones - ever! Measuring just 8.5cms square and containing 100 pages, it chronologically lists every number one since 1952, from over 600 artists. This little book details the date and weeks at the top for each number one as well as plenty of music stats and facts.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: BRITISH HIT SINGLES (15th EDITION)This, the 15th edition of British Hit Singles, is the biggest book yet. It is packed with new features and all the classic stats and details, including information gathered from all 2,600 UK charts, 7,000 chart acts and 25,000 song titles, plus peak positions of singles, weeks spent on the chart, artist biographies and catalogue numbers.
'CHART ICONS' - THE OFFICIAL UK CHARTS COMPANY CALENDARThe Official UK Charts Company Calendar 2003 showcases black and white photographs of artists who have achieved iconic status in the Official UK Singles Chart - either through recording success or through their image.
Artists include: Jimi Hendrix, Tom Jones, Kate Bush, Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, Elton John, U2, Elvis Presley, Queen, Madonna, Michael Jackson and The Beatles.
50 YEARS OF HIT SINGLES CDA double album compilation with all your favourite songs as voted by YOU through this website.