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70th Anniversary of the Charts: The Listeners' Charts

Listeners share memories of the pop charts as this British institution turns 70.

70 years after the UK Singles Chart began, Steve Wright hears Radio 2 listeners' memories of the charts, and seven decades of pop fandom.

Music and memories form this audio scrapbook as listeners recall how the charts connect them to moments in their lives.

For years, the charts have connected the wider country, too. Select any week since 1952, and the charts can show us what mattered to people, from trends like the rise of glam rock to moments like the death of John Lennon.

We hear about early obsessions, and the desire to support an artist in the charts like a football club in a league. Listeners confess who they supported in chart 'battles' between Westlife and Cliff Richard, Nizlopi and Shayne Ward, Ultravox and Joe Dolce.

Music comes from a huge array of artists including Al Martino, Elvis Presley, David Bowie, T-Rex, B*Witched, Steps, Hawkwind, Donny Osmond, Fergie, The Killers, and many more.

57 minutes

Last on

Sat 5 Nov 2022 01:00

Broadcast

  • Sat 5 Nov 2022 01:00

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