1950s

For episode 1, we go back to where it all began: 1952.

We first take a look at what came before the UK Singles Chart began, and the Christmas standards we still hear today such as Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Let It Snow’.

While the Christmas number one concept didn’t exist for a while yet, the 1950s was the decade of mellow ballads, piano party tunes, and the emergence of rock and roll.

Full Christmas number ones (look away if you don’t want ‘spoilers’!):

• 1952: Al Martino – ‘Here In My Heart’
• 1953: Frankie Laine – ‘Answer Me’
• 1954: Winifred Atwell – ‘Let’s Have Another Party’
• 1955: Dickie Valentine – ‘Christmas Alphabet’
• 1956: Johnnie Ray – ‘Just Walkin’ in the Rain’
• 1957: Harry Belafonte – ‘Mary’s Boy Child’
• 1958: Conway Twitty – ‘It’s Only Make Believe’
• 1959: Emile Ford and the Checkmates – ‘What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes At For?’