List of UK singles chart number ones of the 1950s

Record charts in the UK began life in 1952 when Percy Dickins from New Musical Express (NME) imitated an idea started in American Billboard magazine and began compiling a hit parade.

Alternatively, some considered the BBC's Pick of the Pops, which averaged all these charts, to be a better indicator of the number-one single.

[nb 1] The longest duration of a single at number one was eighteen weeks, achieved by Frankie Laine's "I Believe".

"I Believe" still holds the record for the most non-consecutive weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart.

[5] It is believed that the three best-selling records of the decade – Bill Haley & His Comets' "Rock Around the Clock", Paul Anka's "Diana" and Harry Belafonte's "Mary's Boy Child" – all sold over one million copies.

Elvis Presley in a publicity photo for " Jailhouse Rock " which was the best-selling single of 1958. Presley had three other number ones in the 1950s.
Al Martino 's " Here in My Heart " was the first ever number-one single and held the top spot for nine weeks.
Bill Haley & His Comets had the biggest-selling single of the decade with " Rock Around the Clock ".
Doris Day had two number-one singles in the 1950s, one of which, " Secret Love ", was the best-selling record of 1954.
Cliff Richard achieved his first two number-one singles in the latter half of 1959.