The Greatest Gap Between First and Last Number One Hits on the Billboard Hot 100
In the history of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the most significant gap between a first and last number one hit belongs to a renowned artist whose career is a testament to resilience and reinvention. Over the past 30 years since SoundScan began recording chart data, numerous artists have achieved the coveted number one spot on the pop chart, but none have matched Cher's remarkable journey.
Cher, the undisputed queen of reinvention, holds the record for the longest span of time between her first and last number one hit. Her singles story is a journey through time, starting in 1965 and ending in 1999, covering a staggering 33 years and 7 months. This gap is a true testament to her ability to stay relevant and adapt to evolving musical trends.
The Story Behind Cher's Record-Breaking Chart Gap
Cher's first top-charting hit, 'I Got You (Baby)', came when she was just 19 years old, as half of the duo Sonny Cher. The song reached number one on August 14, 1965. Her last number one, 'Believe', was released in 1999, when she had turned 52. This shows that even as an established and seasoned artist, Cher was capable of making a significant impact and reaching the top of the charts.
Cher's success story is unique because she has managed to have top ten hits in the Billboard Hot 100 in every decade of her career—during her teens, twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties. Each comeback serves as a captivating tale of her journey, showcasing her ability to stay relevant and adapt to changing music landscapes.
Other Artists with Long Chart Gaps
While Cher's gap is the most significant, there are other notable artists who have achieved the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 with considerable time elapsed. For example, Aretha Franklin and George Harrison have also had long chart gaps, exceeding 20 years between their earliest and last number one hits.
An Extraordinary Journey
The artist who comes to mind in reference to the longevity of hits on the Billboard Hot 100 is Chuck Berry. Known as the pioneer of rock and roll, Chuck Berry's first successful hit, 'Maybelline', reached the number five spot in 1955. However, the closest he came to the summit of the charts in the late 1950s and 1960s was with 'Sweet Little Sixteen', which peaked at number two. It wasn't until 1972 that his single 'My Ding-A-Ling' reached number one, a full 17 years later. This gap in chart success highlights the dynamic nature of the charts and the enduring impact of early rock and roll legends.
According to Joel Whitburn's Billboard's Top Pop Singles, chart information provides valuable insights into the evolution of pop music, showcasing the longevity of successful artists and the ever-changing tastes of music listeners.
Overall, these examples showcase the incredible adaptability and longevity of some of the most talented musicians in the industry. Whether through reinvention or staying true to a classic sound, these artists demonstrate the enduring power of music and the lasting impact they leave on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
*Note: All chart data and references are provided courtesy of Joel Whitburn's Billboard's Top Pop Singles.