On 14th November 1952, the first records chart was produced. Previously charts had been based on sheet music sales. The idea originated in the US where Billboard magazine had been producing record sales charts since 1940.
Percy Dickins of the NME gathered a pool of 52 record shops who were willing to produce figures. To create the first chart he phoned approximately 20 of them, asking for a list of their Top 10 best selling songs. From these figures, on 14th November 1952, the first UK Top 12 Singles chart was printed in the NME. (The actual chart consisted of 15 songs, with some records given equal chart positions.
Below is the complete Top 10 in full.
1. Here In My Heart by Al Martino
2. You Belong To Me by Jo Stafford
3. Somewhere Along The Way by Nat "King" Cole
4. The Isle Of Innisfree by Bing Crosby
5. Feet Up! by Guy Mitchell
6. Half As Much by Rosemary Clooney
=7. High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me) by Frankie Laine
=7. Forget-Me-Not by Vera Lynn
=8. Sugarbush by Doris Day & Frankie Laine
=8. Blue Tango by at Martin & his Chorus & Orchestra
9. The Homing Waltz by Vera Lynn
10. Auf Wiedersehein Sweetheart by Vera Lynn
=11. Cowpuncher's Cantana by Max Bygraves
=11. Because You're Mine by Mario Lanza
12. Walkin' My Baby Back Home by Johnnie Ray
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