This is brilliantly written. I have just one point of fact -- there is one other artist from the UK to reach number 1 in the USA between Vera Lynn in 1952 and Acker Bilk & the Tornadoes in the 1960s. Laurie London (age 14) reached number 1 (on the DJ chart -- this was prior to the Hot 100, when there were separate charts for best-sellers, airplay, and juke boxes) with the song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" in April of 1958. Laurie London was the first English male to reach number 1 in the USA, and I'm happy to report he's still alive and well at age 82, living in London.
This is brilliantly written. I have just one point of fact -- there is one other artist from the UK to reach number 1 in the USA between Vera Lynn in 1952 and Acker Bilk & the Tornadoes in the 1960s. Laurie London (age 14) reached number 1 (on the DJ chart -- this was prior to the Hot 100, when there were separate charts for best-sellers, airplay, and juke boxes) with the song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" in April of 1958. Laurie London was the first English male to reach number 1 in the USA, and I'm happy to report he's still alive and well at age 82, living in London.
Alex. Is. Brilliant. Enjoyed this on every level!
Love the comprehensive and analytical deep dive that answers a question I didn’t know I needed to learn about. Thoroughly enjoyed this great work.
Snappy facts, insightful theories, and musical word play - nice read Alex!
Charts? In this economy?
So much great music coming out of the UK. 🇬🇧
Fred again… is one of hottest artists to see in the US.