David Bowie: Of his 61 UK top 40 singles - which five made it to number one?

Two of the Starman’s five UK number ones were collaborations.

Ryan Ramgobin
Monday 11 January 2016 13:53 EST
Comments
Bowie's UK number ones

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The news of David Bowie’s death at the age of 69 has shocked fans worldwide.

The announcement came early Monday morning across the musician’s official social media accounts.

In the hours that followed, thousands shared their favourite Bowie hits online - and there are plenty to choose from with the Starman securing 61 UK top 40 singles, in a career which spanned four decades.

But, of those 61 singles, five made it to number one and they all came in a ten year period between 1975-1985.

First up was Space Oddity, originally released in 1969 but was re-released in 1975 and stayed at number one for two weeks.

It took Bowie another five years to secure a second UK number one with Ashes to Ashes in 1980 – and it saw the return of his alter ego, Major Tom, from Space Oddity.

His glam rock collaboration with Queen in 1981 was a match made in heaven; and their record Under Pressure became the group’s second UK number one, and Bowie’s third.

His iconic dance anthem, Let’s Dance in 1983, was his fourth number one; and its popularity stood the test of time – it has since been sampled by Puff Daddy and Craig David.

Bowie’s final UK number one was a cover of Martha & The Vandellas classic Dancing in the Streets alongside rock star Mick Jagger.

The charity single raised money for LiveAid 1985 and spent four weeks at the top of the charts.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in