Billboard Charts 1926 to 2025 - Most Successful Artists

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1954 Jackie Gleason
Jackie Gleason topped the charts for a 2nd year in 1954, matching the achievements of Paul Whiteman and Tommy Dorsey.
Jackie had four number 1 hit albums in 1954, the biggest of which was his album "Music To Make You Misty".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/jackie_gleason/music_to_make_you_misty/

Vaughn Monroe reclaimed 12th place from Harry James in 1954. And all it took was one moderate hit called "They Were Doing The Mambo" which reached number 12 in 1954.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_XzdWvLENA

1926 - 1954
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
7 Perry Como
8 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
9 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
10 Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra
11 Kay Kyser & His Orchestra
12 Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra
13 Harry James & His Orchestra
14 Rudy Vallee & His Connecticut Yankees
15 Andrews Sisters (& Patty Andrews)

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1955 Jackie Gleason
Jackie Gleason dominated the charts for a 3rd year in 1955. A feat that only Glenn Miller had matched and Bing Crosby had bettered.
His biggest release of the year was another number 1 hit album "Music, Martinis, and Memories".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/jackie-gleason/music-martinis-and-memories/



The Top 15 artists were unchanged in 1955.

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1956 Elvis Presley
In 1956 Rock 'N Roll had arrived and Elvis Presley dominated the charts more in a single year than any artist, since Eddie Fisher and Hugo Winterhalter had in 1952.
Elvis had his biggest success in 1956 with his album "Elvis Presley". Suddenly fans were motivated to buy albums and explore their favourite artists repertoire.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elvis-presley/elvis-presley/
But his biggest single of the year was the double A side monster hit of "Don't Be Cruel / Hound Dog".


and
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eHJ12Vhpyc

Since 1953, Perry Como continued scoring hit songs and albums. His biggest hit over those three years was "Wanted" which spent eight weeks at number 1 during 1954.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r48DJGE5UCs

In 1956, Doris Day established herself as the 13th most successful artist and most successful female artist of this period, having surpassed the Andrews sisters and Patty Andrews.
Her biggest hit of her career was still the album collaboration "Young Man With A Horn" with Harry James which stayed in the charts until 1951. But she had many other successful albums in her own right and hugely successful singles, the biggest of which was "Secret Love" during 1954.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiAUekBkuls
Doris Day surpassed Harry James and this recalculation saw Harry fall below Rudy Vallee who retained his 14th position overall.

Frank Sinatra was less popular in the late 1940's but found a new audience in the 50's with his ground-breaking albums that were critically acclaimed. His biggest hit was the album "In The Wee Small Hours" which charted during 1955-1956.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/frank-sinatra/in-the-wee-small-hours/
But Frank was also releasing huge singles. The biggest since his resurgence was "Young At Heart" in 1954, and by 1956, he became the 15th most successful artist of this period.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=61HW8uxzEZs

1926 - 1956
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6 Perry Como
7 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
9 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
10 Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra
11 Kay Kyser & His Orchestra
12 Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra
13 Doris Day
14 Rudy Vallee & His Connecticut Yankees
15 Frank Sinatra

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1957 Elvis Presley
In 1957, Elvis was even more successful. Moreso than any artist had been since Bing Crosby in 1944. But he was still not among the most successful artists of this period.
His biggest hit of the year was "Loving You", one of his many albums to chart.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elvis-presley/loving-you/
But almost as successful was his biggest single of the year "All Shook Up".



Frank Sinatra was consistently scoring hit albums on the charts. His biggest hit of the year was the album "A Swingin' Affair", and he shot to 10th place overall.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/frank-sinatra/a-swingin-affair/
Frank's biggest song of 1957 was the minor hit "All The Way" which only reached number 15.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxxDK0sFENo

Nat King Cole started as the King Cole Trio and was enjoying hits as early as 1943. In 1957, he rose to become the 15th most successful artist overall.
The biggest album of his career to date was "Collection Of Favorites" by the King Cole Trio which charted between 1945-1946 when the Album Charts had just been established.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-king-cole-trio/_capitol-presents-the-king-cole-trio/
His biggest single to date was "Too Young" from 1951.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaFtsqU2V6U

1926 - 1957
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6 Perry Como
7 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
9 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
10 Frank Sinatra
11 Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra
12 Kay Kyser & His Orchestra
13 Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra
14 Doris Day
15 Nat King Cole

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1958 Johnny Mathis
Johnny Mathis was the only artist who could topple Elvis at his peak, when he led the charts in 1958.
Johnny released a number of successful singles between 1957-1958 but it was his album "Johnny's Greatest Hits" which dominated the album charts and was most responsible for his success.
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/johnny-mathis/johnnys-greatest-hits/
His biggest song of 1958 was "Call Me", which was a minor hit.



Frank Sinatra quickly rose to 8th position overall in 1958, thanks to his number 1 album "Come Fly With Me" amongst others.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/frank-sinatra/come-fly-with-me/
But he did have some minor hits in 1958, like "Whitchcraft".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFmNgiEgPoQ

Nat King Cole was going from strength to strength. He was now at 11th position, on the back of successful albums and singles in 1958. His biggest hit of which was "Looking Back".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-OGrUO_eDA

And Doris Day overtook Vaughn Monroe to retain 14th place, thanks to some minor hits like "Everybody Loves A Lover".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0xDMbKjBqw

1926 - 1958
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6 Perry Como
7 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Frank Sinatra
9 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
10 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
11 Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 Kay Kyser & His Orchestra
14 Doris Day
15 Vaughn Monroe & His Orchestra

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1959 The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio emerged in 1958 and in 1959 they led the charts for the year. They were finding success much like Frank Sinatra was now doing, primarily through album releases, like "Kingston Trio At Large".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-kingston-trio/at-large/
And they also had a few minor hits like "The Tijuana Jail".



But in 1959, Elvis took his place amongst the most successful artists of the period at number 11. Since 1957, he had notable success with his album "Elvis' Golden Records".
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/elvis-presley/elvis-golden-records/
But his biggest hit since 1957 was the song "Don't" that hit number 1 in 1958.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6UO6YcT3PE

And Nat King Cole surpassed Eddy Duchin and took 12th place with minor hits in 1959 like "Midnight Flyer".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkqUIzZDXIg

1926 - 1959
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6 Perry Como
7 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Frank Sinatra
9 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
10 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
11 Elvis Presley
12 Nat King Cole
13 Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra
14 Kay Kyser & His Orchestra
15 Doris Day

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1960 The Kingston Trio
The Kingston Trio remained on top of the charts for their 2nd year with three number 1 albums during 1960. The biggest of which was "Sold Out".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-kingston-trio/sold-out.p/
Their songs were charting but they were all minor hits. Their biggest in 1960 was "El Matador".



Elvis' success continued in 1960 and he was now in 9th place. He had great success with his album "Elvis Is Back". The album marked his return to music after serving with the U.S.
Army in the late 50's.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elvis-presley/elvis-is-back/
And Elvis had even more success with his huge hit of the year "It's Now Or Never". One of his three number 1 hits for the year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwelrtb8Oho

Doris Day returned to 13th place due to small success with one album "Listen To Day".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/doris-day/listen-to-day/
And one song "Anyway The Wind Blows".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrXEnrT97ok

1926 - 1960
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6 Perry Como
7 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Frank Sinatra
9 Elvis Presley
10 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
11 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 Doris Day
14 Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra
15 Kay Kyser & His Orchestra

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1961 Mitch Miller
Mitch Miller in 1961 had the best year of any artist since Bing Crosby in 1944, doing slightly better than Elvis himself in 1957. Mitch had been finding chart success since 1949 but it was his series of "Sing Along" albums popularised through his TV shows at the time, that flooded the charts and gave him enormous success.
There were over a dozen "Sing Along" albums, but the most successful, even in 1961, was still the original "Sing Along With Mitch", originally released in 1958.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/mitch-miller/sing-along-with-mitch/
Mitch rose to 10th place of the most successful artists of this period, just behind Elvis, thanks to his album success. The biggest hit of his career since 1949, was the Number 1 hit "Yellow Rose Of Texas" in 1955.


Frank Sinatra rose to 7th place surpassing Jimmy Dorsey. Since 1958, Frank had huge success with his number 1 album "Nice 'N' Easy" which went to number 1 in 1960 and continued charting in 1961.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/frank-sinatra/nice-n-easy/
His biggest hit since 1958 was a moderate hit from 1959 called "High Hopes".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VGUxSgvD2A

1926 - 1961
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
6 Perry Como
7 Frank Sinatra
8 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
9 Elvis Presley
10 Mitch Miller
11 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
12 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
13 Nat King Cole
14 Doris Day
15 Eddy Duchin & His Orchestra

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1962 Chubby Checker
Chubby Checker rode the huge popularity of the dance "The Twist" and was bigger in 1962 than Mitch Miller or any other artist had been since Bing Crosby in 1944.
Chubby had multiple albums and songs on the charts. His biggest success was the number 2 album "Your Twist Party".
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/chubby-checker/your-twist-party-with-the-king-of-twist-1/
But of course the number 1 song "The Twist" that started it all for him in 1960, was still his biggest single in 1962.



Elvis couldn't compete with Chubby but had a huge year regardless. He surpassed Perry Como and Frank Sinatra and rose to 5th place overall, second only to Bing Crosby as a solo artist.
He was riding high with the biggest album of his career to date "Blue Hawaii", which was first released in 1961.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elvis-presley/blue-hawaii/
And he had yet another number 1 hit with "Good Luck Charm".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0gx4kPDW0w

Frank Sinatra rose to 6th place surpassing Benny Goodman and Perry Como. His biggest success during 1962 was the album "I Remember Tommy".
The album was his tribute to Tommy Dorsey, who discovered Frank and provided the young singer with national recognition in the late 30's and early 40's, culminating in Frank Sinatra being the most successful artist of 1943.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/frank-sinatra/i-remember-tommy/
Frank Sinatra had originally recorded eleven of the twelve songs on the album with Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra. Two of those original songs remained Frank Sinatra's biggest hits of his career to date by 1962. The biggest of which was "There Are Such Things" which went to number 1 for 6 weeks during 1942.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lBmxVnhVW4

Perry Como also surpassed Benny Goodman in 1962. His biggest success since 1956 was a number 1 hit in 1957 called "Round And Round".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz_B8JP2pA8

Nat King Cole returned to 12th place in 1962. "Ramblin' Rose" was his biggest hit in 1962 and his biggest since 1959.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmungyK5R_I

And Johnny Mathis entered the top 15 at number 13. Since his breakout year in 1958, Johnny enjoyed a number of hit singles like "Misty" which charted during 1959-1960.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkC9bCuahC8
But Johnny's monster album "Johnny's Greatest Hits" was still in the charts for its 5th year and added the most to his overall success.

1926 - 1962
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Elvis Presley
6 Frank Sinatra
7 Perry Como
8 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
9 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
10 Mitch Miller
11 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 Johnny Mathis
14 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
15 Doris Day

[ale2024]

1963 Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary led the charts in 1963. They had huge success with their album "(Moving)", the 2nd biggest of their career to date.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/peter-paul-and-mary/_moving/
And the biggest single of their career to date with "Puff (The Magic Dragon)" which reached number 2 on the charts.


Johnny Mathis released more albums and songs in 1963 but still enjoyed the most success from his album "Johnny's Greatest Hits" which charted for its 6th year. He rose to 11th place in 1963, and his biggest hit of the year "What Will My Mary Say", charted in the top 10.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5pPxToAK3A

Nat King Cole remained in 12th place by overtaking Sammy Kaye, mostly due to the ongoing success of his album from the previous year "Ramblin' Rose".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/nat-king-cole/ramblin-rose/
But Nat King Cole also had moderate hits in 1963 like "Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer" which made the Top 10.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRmEZMAfD3Y

The Kingston Trio became the 13th most successful artist of this period by the end of 1963.
Since they dominated the charts during 1959-1960, they charted with over a dozen albums and some moderate hit singles. Their biggest album over the period 1961-1963 was "The Best Of The Kingston Trio".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_kingston_trio/the_best_of_the_kingston_trio/
But they were also having moderate hits on the Singles chart and they had a Top 10 hit in 1963 with "Reverend Mr. Black".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VMGwbpMC9M

1926 - 1963
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Elvis Presley
6 Frank Sinatra
7 Perry Como
8 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
9 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
10 Mitch Miller
11 Johnny Mathis
12 Nat King Cole
13 The Kingston Trio
14 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
15 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra

[ale2024]

1964 The Beatles
The Beatles were a phenomenon. The biggest artist of any year over this period, except for the late great Glenn Miller, who in 1940, was actually more successful than The Beatles, by a small amount.
Nevertheless, The Beatles dominated the charts, much like they dominated the zeitgeist of the time. Their American album release "Meet The Beatles!", was their biggest chart success of the year.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/meet-the-beatles-23/
And of course their breakout hit single "I Want To Hold Your Hand" was their biggest hit.



Along with his new releases in 1964, Johnny Mathis continued to enjoy more success with his album "Johnny's Greatest Hits", now charting for its 7th year, and he rose to 10th place.

Likewise Nat King Cole rose to 11th place, mostly due to the ongoing success of his album "Ramblin' Rose", now charting for its 3rd year, but he also had a Top 10 hit in 1964 called "I Don't Want To Be Hurt Anymore".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_vKSXECFi8

1926 - 1964
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Elvis Presley
6 Frank Sinatra
7 Perry Como
8 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
9 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Nat King Cole
12 Mitch Miller
13 The Kingston Trio
14 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
15 Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra

[Bhad Bill]

greet work! thank you!

When did the woman finally show up? (I know you had Doris Day in there somewhere lol)

Linda Ronstandt, Carly Simon, Cher, and Olivia Newton John are coming in the seventies!!!

[ale2024]

1965 The Beatles
The Beatles easily dominated the charts in 1965, and with only 2 years of chart success, they were already the 15th most successful artist of this period.
Their biggest chart success of the year was the American album release "Beatles '65".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/beatles-65-1/
Their biggest hit single of the year was "Help!".


In 1965, Nat King Cole continued to do well with many charting albums, and he replaced Johnny Mathis at 10th place. His new album "L-O-V-E" did the best during the year.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/nat-king-cole/l-o-v-e/

1926 - 1965
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Elvis Presley
6 Frank Sinatra
7 Perry Como
8 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
9 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
10 Nat King Cole
11 Johnny Mathis
12 Mitch Miller
13 The Kingston Trio
14 Sammy Kaye & His Orchestra
15 The Beatles

[ale2024]

Oct 24, 2024 3:01:54 GMT -5 Bhad Bill said:

greet work! thank you!

When did the woman finally show up? (I know you had Doris Day in there somewhere lol)

Linda Ronstandt, Carly Simon, Cher, and Olivia Newton John are coming in the seventies!!!

Ruth Etting was the first woman to appear on these lists. She was 6th in 1931.

The women are coming! But you didn't guess the name of the next one...

[ale2024]

1966 Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
Herb Alpert had a great year in 1966 when his band beat The Beatles to be the most successful artist of 1966. They had been charting since 1962 but it was their album releases in the mid 60's which turned the tide. "!!Going Places!!" for example was released in 1965 but went to number 1 and appeared in each of the 53 weekly charts that occurred during 1966.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/herb-alpert-and-the-tijuana-brass/going-places/
Herb Alpert also had the moderate hit "Zorba The Greek" in 1966 that almost made the Top 10.



Johnny Mathis met the challenge from Nat King Cole in 1966 and returned to 10th place. He scored more hit albums since 1964 like "The Shadow Of Your Smile".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/johnny-mathis/the-shadow-of-your-smile/
But his biggest success during 1965-1966 was still his perennial album "Johnny's Greatest Hits", now charting for its 9th year.

The Beatles were very successful in 1966, and they raced to 12th place overall. Their critically acclaimed "Rubber Soul" album was their biggest chart success of the year.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/rubber-soul/
And their biggest single of the year was another number 1 hit, "We Can Work It Out".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyclqo_AV2M

Ray Charles first entered the charts in 1957 and he was consistently successful in each year since. By 1966, he was the 15th most successful artist of this period. His greatest success was his number 1 album "Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music" that charted between 1962-1964.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ray-charles/modern-sounds-in-country-and-western-music/
His biggest hit on the Singles chart was "I Can't Stop Loving You" from 1962.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDqwmaI_IdU

1926 - 1966
1 Bing Crosby
2 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Elvis Presley
6 Frank Sinatra
7 Perry Como
8 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
9 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Nat King Cole
12 The Beatles
13 Mitch Miller
14 The Kingston Trio
15 Ray Charles

[ale2024]

1967 The Monkees
The Monkees dominated the charts in 1967. Their album "More Of The Monkees" was their biggest success of the year.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-monkees/more-of-the-monkees/
And their biggest single of the year was the number 1 smash, "I'm A Believer".



But the biggest transition in 1967 was the sudden rise of Frank Sinatra to 2nd place overall for this period, behind only Bing Crosby. Since 1962, Frank continued to release hit albums and singles and his solo success reached a tipping point in 1967 when he surpassed the solo success of the great Tommy Dorsey himself.
Frank's albums like the number 1 "Strangers In Night" which charted between 1966-1967 did best.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/frank-sinatra/nice-n-easy/
And Frank had his biggest singles chart success of this latter period, in 1967, when he collaborated with his daughter Nancy on the huge number 1 hit "Somethin' Stupid".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f48fpoSEPU
The significant collaborations between Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra had to be re-calculated in favour of the greater success. Tommy Dorsey fell to 6th place, and Glenn Miller, Guy Lombardo and Elvis Presley benefited as they retained their places despite Frank's rise.


The Beatles though, kept rising regardless, and by 1967 had reached 9th place overall.
Their biggest chart success of the year was of course the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/sgt-peppers-lonely-hearts-club-band/
And their biggest single of the year "All You Need Is Love" reached number 1.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_paPrw0gAUo

Ray Charles rose to 14th place with moderate hits like "Here We Go Again" in 1967.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNDUU4gHCuE

1926 - 1967
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Elvis Presley
6 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
7 Perry Como
8 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
9 The Beatles
10 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
11 Johnny Mathis
12 Nat King Cole
13 Mitch Miller
14 Ray Charles
15 The Kingston Trio

[ale2024]

1968 Herb Alpert (& The Tijuana Brass)
Herb Alpert was the most successful artist of the year for a 2nd time in 1968. He also became the 15th most successful artist of this period. Mostly with his band but also with solo hits.
His success in 1968 was mostly due to another number 1 album "Beat Of The Brass" with his band.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/herb-alpert-and-the-tijuana-brass/the-beat-of-the-brass/
But Herb also scored a huge solo hit single with "This Guy's In Love With You" which went to number 1.



The Beatles were second only to Herb Alpert again but they rose to 7th place overall during 1968, thanks to number 1 album releases like "Magical Mystery Tour (Soundtrack)".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/magical-mystery-tour/
And thanks to their biggest single released to date "Hey Jude".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_MjCqQoLLA

1926 - 1968
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
5 Elvis Presley
6 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
7 The Beatles
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
11 Johnny Mathis
12 Nat King Cole
13 Mitch Miller
14 Ray Charles
15 Herb Alpert (& The Tijuana Brass)

[ale2024]

1969 The Beatles (& John Lennon)
John Lennon started his solo career in 1969 with hit singles like "Give Peace A Chance". In 1969 Glen Campbell was more successful than The Beatles, but John Lennon's body of work in 1969 was more successful still. This was the 3rd year that John Lennon had led the charts in his recording career. A feat only achieved by Jackie Gleason and only beaten by Bing Crosby. The Beatles remained in 7th place overall in 1969, but John was the most successful of the four members of the group.
"The Beatles [White Album]" was their biggest chart success of the year.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/the-beatles-white-album/
"Get Back" was their biggest single of the year.



Elvis Presley was not as successful during the 1960's as he was in the late 50's but he still had hits albums and singles, and in 1969, he surpassed Guy Lombardo to become the 4th most successful artist of this period.
Since 1962, his biggest album was "Golden Records Vol. 3" which reached number 3 and charted between 1963-1964.
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/elvis-presley/elvis-golden-records-volume-3/
But Elvis was resurgent in 1969 when he had his biggest hit of this latter period with "Suspicious Minds".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxOBOhRECoo

Since 1966, Johnny Mathis achieved enough success to surpass Jimmy Dorsey and rise to 10th place overall. His biggest success of this period was a moderate hit album called "Love Is Blue" which charted between 1968-1969.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/johnny-mathis/love-is-blue/

1926 - 1969
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Elvis Presley
5 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
6 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
7 The Beatles (& John Lennon)
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 Mitch Miller
14 Ray Charles
15 Herb Alpert (& The Tijuana Brass)

[ale2024]

1970 The Beatles (& John Lennon)
Despite Creedence Clearwater Revival being more successful than The Beatles in 1970, John Lennon's body of work that year, including his solo releases was more successful than any artist had been since The Monkees were in 1967. John had led the charts on 4 separate years. Only Bing Crosby had achieved more over 7 separate years. And The Beatles including John's solo work rose to 6th place overall.
"Abbey Road" was their biggest chart success of the year.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-beatles/abbey-road/
"Let It Be" was their biggest single of the year, although John's solo release "Instant Karma (We All Shine On)" was not far behind.


Since 1967, Ray Charles kept charting and by 1970, he became the 13th most successful artist of this period. His biggest success of the last 3 years was his album from 1968 "A Portrait Of Ray".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/ray-charles/a-portrait-of-ray/
His biggest hit since 1967 was "If You Were Mine", a moderate hit in 1970.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY4FbcnLO0A

1926 - 1970
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
4 Elvis Presley
5 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
6 The Beatles (& John Lennon)
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 Ray Charles
14 Mitch Miller
15 Herb Alpert (& The Tijuana Brass)

[ale2024]

1971 Chicago
Chicago topped the charts in 1971. They had multiple charting albums and singles since they began charting in 1969, but their biggest success in 1971 was their album "Chicago III".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/chicago/chicago-iii/
And they managed a Top 10 hit in 1971 with "Beginnings/Colour My World".


and
www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWkXmx-0phc

By 1971, Elvis Presley had become more successful than the late great Glenn Miller and was 3rd overall. Since his resurgence in 1969, Elvis kept the hits coming, but his biggest success of those 2 years "The Wonder Of You / Mama Liked The Roses", only went to Top 10.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5eEvfOyb7k
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6uf_ObZQ6Q

1926 - 1971
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Elvis Presley
4 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
5 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
6 The Beatles (& John Lennon)
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 Ray Charles
14 Mitch Miller
15 Herb Alpert (& The Tijuana Brass)

[renaboss]

Oct 24, 2024 16:10:35 GMT -5 ale2024 said:

Oct 24, 2024 3:01:54 GMT -5 Bhad Bill said:

greet work! thank you!

When did the woman finally show up? (I know you had Doris Day in there somewhere lol)

Linda Ronstandt, Carly Simon, Cher, and Olivia Newton John are coming in the seventies!!!

Ruth Etting was the first woman to appear on these lists. She was 6th in 1931.

The women are coming! But you didn't guess the name of the next one...

My money's on Barbra.

Love this thread, by the way.

[ale2024]

1972 Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was not just the frontman for his brothers in The Jacksons. He started his solo career in 1971, only 2 years after The Jacksons first entered the charts in 1969. In 1972, Michael was more successful than The Jacksons and his body of work that year surpassed the significant success of Roberta Flack during 1972.
Michael Jackson's biggest chart success for the year, either with or without his brothers, was his solo number 1 hit single "Ben".



In 1972, Paul McCartney proved what many suspected. He was more commercially minded than John Lennon and sure enough his solo work became more successful than John's since The Beatles ended. While The Beatles remained 6th overall. It was Paul McCartney's accumulated body of work that was ranked 6th, since he was the now the most successful ex Beatle.
Paul's greatest chart success as a solo artist to date was still his first solo album "McCartney" which was released in 1970 and charted until 1971.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/paul-mccartney/mccartney/
But his biggest hit "Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey" went number 1 for 1 week in 1971.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DupyAkOZLYA

The Supremes were the most successful female group of the 60's. They started charting in 1962 and by the end of 1972, The Supremes sometimes billed as Diana Ross & The Supremes, was the 15th most successful artist over this period, and the most successful of all female artists.
Their greatest chart success was with their number 1 album "Diana Ross And The Supremes Greatest Hits" which charted from 1967 to 1969.
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/diana_ross_and_the_supremes/greatest_hits/
Their biggest success on the singles chart was "Love Child" which charted over 1968-1969.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdmGO-GvHyo

1926 - 1972
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Elvis Presley
4 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
5 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
6 The Beatles (& Paul McCartney)
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 Ray Charles
14 Mitch Miller
15 (Diana Ross &) The Supremes

[ale2024]

Oct 30, 2024 18:14:41 GMT -5 renaboss said:

Oct 24, 2024 16:10:35 GMT -5 ale2024 said:

... My money's on Barbra. ...

How much did you bet? 

(Diana Ross &) The Supremes were the next successful female(s) to make these lists. Ruth, Doris, Diana and then ...

[ale2024]

1973 Paul McCartney
The Beatles were back in the charts in 1973 with compilation albums, but Paul McCartney's solo work was even more successful with hit albums and singles that year, and combined, his body of work allowed him to be the biggest artist of 1973 beating out the great success of Elton John that year. This was the 3rd year that Paul had topped the charts and only one less than John Lennon. The Beatles combined with Paul's solo work had now risen to 5th overall over this period.
Paul's biggest chart success of the year was the album "The Beatles 1967-1970".
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/the-beatles/1967-1970-blue-album/
His biggest single of the year was "My Love".



Diana Ross started her solo career in 1970 when she left the Supremes. By 1973 her solo successes surpassed the dwindling chart successes of The Supremes who carried on without her. And by the end of 1973, Diana Ross' body of work with The Supremes and as a solo artist rose to 13th position overall.
Diana Ross equaled the highest position reached by Doris Day back in 1956 and again in 1960. This was the highest position held by female artists since Ruth Etting was placed 6th over the period 1926-1931.
Diana's biggest chart success of the year was her number 1 album "Lady Sings The Blues (Soundtrack)".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/diana-ross/lady-sings-the-blues/
Her biggest single "Touch Me In The Morning" also went to number 1 in 1973.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rQ-p0WnGd8

1926 - 1973
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Elvis Presley
4 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
5 The Beatles (& Paul McCartney)
6 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 (Diana Ross &) The Supremes
14 Ray Charles
15 Mitch Miller

[ale2024]

1974 Elton John
Elton John in 1974 was more successful than any artist since The Beatles & John Lennon had been in 1970. Elton started scoring chart success in 1970. His biggest chart success since then was also his biggest in 1974, the album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", which went to number 1 in 1973 and remained in the charts throughout 1974.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elton-john/goodbye-yellow-brick-road/
Elton's biggest single of the year, the number 1 hit "Bennie And The Jets", was also the biggest of his career to date.



Paul McCartney had great success in the 1974. Together with The Beatles catalog, he rose to 4th position overall.
His biggest chart success of the year was the number 1 album "Band On The Run".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/paul-mccartney-and-wings/band-on-the-run/
And the title track from that album was also his biggest single of the year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P_VfLun96o

1926 - 1974
1 Bing Crosby
2 Frank Sinatra
3 Elvis Presley
4 The Beatles (& Paul McCartney)
5 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
6 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
12 Nat King Cole
13 (Diana Ross &) The Supremes
14 Ray Charles
15 Mitch Miller

[ale2024]

1975 Elton John
Elton John was even more successful in 1975, but still not at the level seen by The Beatles & John Lennon in 1970. His biggest chart success of the year was another number 1 hit album "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elton-john/captain-fantastic-and-the-brown-dirt-cowboy/
And his biggest single of the year became the biggest of his career to date. Another number 1 called "Philadelphia Freedom".



The Top 15 artists were unchanged in 1975.

[ale2024]

1976 Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney in 1976, enjoyed a 4th year where he had led the charts and he now equaled John Lennon's record. Together they held a record that only Bing Crosby had beaten, and now in 1976, Paul McCartney's body of work with The Beatles and as a solo artist, was 2nd only to Bing as well.
A wave of nostalgia in 1976, saw many Beatle albums and 2 singles enter the charts. Paul McCartney had even greater success that year and combined his body of work beat out the next most successful artist for the year, Peter Frampton. But it was Paul's solo work, the Wings album "At The Speed Of Sound", that had the biggest chart success for the year.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/wings/wings-at-the-speed-of-sound/
And the biggest single for the year for Paul was his "Silly Love Songs". The 3rd most successful charting song of Paul's career to date, including The Beatles catalogue.



Since 1973, Diana Ross had her biggest success with the number 1 "Love Hangover" in 1976. Her body of work with The Supremes and as a solo artist had now risen to 11th place overall.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOzO_4NS8NI

The Rolling Stones are the only artists of the rock era that could compete with The Beatles. They scored chart hits as early as The Beatles did in 1964, but found greater success as the 60's gave way to the 70's. By 1976, they had finally been placed 15th overall.
Their biggest chart success of their career to date was the compilation album "Hot Rocks 1964-1971", that only reached number 4 but charted from 1972-1975.
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/the-rolling-stones/hot-rocks-1964-1971/
Their most successful single of their career to date was their number 1 hit from 1969 "Honky Tonk Women".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuW9Sk8znqQ

1926 - 1976
1 Bing Crosby
2 The Beatles (& Paul McCartney)
3 Frank Sinatra
4 Elvis Presley
5 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
6 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 (Diana Ross &) The Supremes
12 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
13 Nat King Cole
14 The Rolling Stones
15 Ray Charles

[ale2024]

1977 Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac was bigger in 1977, than any artist had been in a single year since The Monkees in 1967. Their album "Rumours" dominated the charts that year, and sat at number 1 for 29 weeks.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/fleetwood-mac/rumours/
They also enjoyed a number 1 hit with "Dreams" that year.



Sadly, Elvis' death in 1977 overshadows the year when he finally surpassed Frank Sinatra and returned to 3rd position, which he last held in 1975. He had threatened to overtake Frank during the mid 70's with big successes since 1972, like his number 1 hit album "Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite" which charted between 1973-1974.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/elvis-presley/aloha-from-hawaii-via-satellite/
The moderate hit "Way Down" in 1977, was his biggest hit since 1972, but it was sufficient for Elvis to surpass Frank. The wave of albums and songs that hit the charts following Elvis' death just confirmed the inevitable.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcLiwsjvj04

1926 - 1977
1 Bing Crosby
2 The Beatles (& Paul McCartney)
3 Elvis Presley
4 Frank Sinatra
5 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
6 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 (Diana Ross &) The Supremes
12 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
13 Nat King Cole
14 The Rolling Stones
15 Ray Charles

[ale2024]

1978 Bee Gees
Bee Gees in 1978 had the most successful year of any artist in the 70's to date. More successful than any artist since The Monkees had been in 1967. The album "Saturday Night Fever" remained number 1 for 24 weeks, mostly due to the songs contributed by the Bee Gees.
rateyourmusic.com/release/comp/various-artists/saturday-night-fever/
Those songs produced 3 massive number 1 hits in 1978 alone. The biggest of which was of course "Stayin' Alive".




Mick Jagger started a minor solo career in 1978. He was the most successful of any solo Rolling Stone and his body of work with the band and as a solo artist, rose to 13th position overall. 1978 was a huge year for The Rolling Stones. They had another huge chart success with their number 1 album "Some Girls".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-rolling-stones/some-girls/
And they also scored the 2nd biggest single of their career to date. The number 1 hit song "Miss You".
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKVXSo9ROpg

1926 - 1978
1 Bing Crosby
2 The Beatles (& Paul McCartney)
3 Elvis Presley
4 Frank Sinatra
5 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
6 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 (Diana Ross &) The Supremes
12 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
13 The Rolling Stones (& Mick Jagger)
14 Nat King Cole
15 Ray Charles

[ale2024]

1979 Donna Summer
Donna Summer had a huge year in 1979. It was also the first time a female, in her own right, had topped the charts in any single year over this period. Only the two Marys had shared the top of the charts before. Mary of Les Paul And Mary Ford in 1951, and Mary of Peter, Paul & Mary in 1963.
Donna's biggest success of the year was her number 1 album "Bad Girls".
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/donna-summer/bad-girls/
And she also had 3 huge number 1 singles during the year. The biggest of which was "Hot Stuff".



The Rolling Stones, combined with Mick Jagger's solo work, rose to 12th position in 1979. Their biggest success of the year was still the album "Some Girls" which remained in the Top 20 during the year. Their only other hit of the year was "Shattered", which just missed the Top 30.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjz6l_4MqHM

With a chart career that started in 1963, Barbra Streisand entered this list at 15th place overall in 1979, and became the 2nd most successful female artist. The biggest chart success of her career to date was her number 1 album "People" which charted between 1964-1966.
rateyourmusic.com/release/album/barbra-streisand/people/
Her most successful single to date "Evergreen (Love Theme From 'A Star Is Born')" went to number 1 and charted between 1976-1977.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7PT1W1c17c

1926 - 1979
1 Bing Crosby
2 The Beatles (& Paul McCartney)
3 Elvis Presley
4 Frank Sinatra
5 Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
6 Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
7 Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra
8 Perry Como
9 Benny Goodman & His Orchestra
10 Johnny Mathis
11 (Diana Ross &) The Supremes
12 The Rolling Stones (& Mick Jagger)
13 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra
14 Nat King Cole
15 Barbra Streisand