Charting the Charts

Paul Gambaccini presents a three-part series celebrating 60 years of British chart action.

The first chart of best-selling records in the UK - a Top Twelve - was published in the New Musical Express for the week ending 15 November 1952.

Part one reveals the origins of the sales chart, which developed from sheet music sales and underwent various refinements over the years.

Significant chart records are featured: the first rock 'n' roll record to reach number one, the first British act to top the list, the longest runs at number one, and the artists with the most number ones.

We also hear the most successful male artists, female artists and groups, plus the first number one based on digital sales alone.