The year 1971 gifted music lovers an extraordinary range of chart-toppers. From glam rock to reggae, novelty hits to Motown classics, the UK number 1 singles 1971 produced reflect a nation with eclectic tastes. Indeed, this was a pivotal year in British pop history, with 13 different singles claiming the coveted top spot. The legacy of the UK number 1 singles 1971 continues to influence artists today.

What Was the Best-Selling Single of 1971 in the UK?

George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” dominated the UK number one singles 1971 chart as the year’s biggest seller. Released in January, it held the top position for five impressive weeks. Harrison had recently departed The Beatles, so this solo triumph carried enormous cultural weight. The song blended Western pop with Eastern spirituality, captivating millions of listeners across the country. Consequently, it remains one of the most iconic singles of the entire decade, further cementing the impact of the UK number 1 singles 1971.

Who Had the Most Number One Singles in 1971?

T. Rex stands alone as the most successful chart act among the UK number one singles 1971. Marc Bolan’s glam rock outfit claimed the top spot not once, but twice during the year. First, “Hot Love” dominated for six consecutive weeks from March. Then, “Get It On” returned T. Rex to number one in July for another four weeks. Therefore, T. Rex effectively owned a significant portion of the year’s chart real estate. No other artist came close to matching that double achievement, showcasing the allure of the UK number 1 singles 1971.

What Was the Christmas Number One in 1971?

Benny Hill’s gloriously silly “Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)” claimed the Christmas number one spot. The comedic tale of a heroic milkman perfectly captured the British public’s love of seasonal novelty. Furthermore, it held the top position for four weeks throughout December. Interestingly, this bookended the year rather neatly — 1971 both began and ended with novelty records ruling the charts.

Every UK Number 1 Single of 1971 — The Full Chronological List

January — Clive Dunn: “Grandad” (3 weeks)

The year kicked off with warm-hearted nostalgia. Clive Dunn, beloved for Dad’s Army, charmed the nation with this sentimental ode to grandfatherly wisdom. However, its three-week run quickly gave way to something far more significant.

January 30 — George Harrison: “My Sweet Lord” (5 weeks)

Harrison’s spiritual masterpiece then swept in and dominated. As noted above, it became the year’s best-selling single overall. Moreover, it announced Harrison as a formidable solo force in his own right.

March 6 — Mungo Jerry: “Baby Jump” (2 weeks)

Following Harrison’s lengthy reign, Mungo Jerry briefly claimed the top spot. The band had already scored a massive 1970 hit with “In the Summertime.” Nevertheless, “Baby Jump” managed only a two-week stay before the next contender arrived.

March 20 — T. Rex: “Hot Love” (6 weeks)

T. Rex then exploded onto the chart with maximum force. “Hot Love” held number one for six straight weeks — the joint-longest run of the entire year. Marc Bolan’s electrifying riff and charismatic delivery ushered in the glam rock era definitively.

May 1 — Dave & Ansel Collins: “Double Barrel” (2 weeks)

This reggae-influenced track made genuine chart history. “Double Barrel” was one of the earliest reggae records to reach the UK summit. Consequently, it opened doors for Caribbean music on the British mainstream charts.

May 15 — Dawn: “Knock Three Times” (5 weeks)

Tony Orlando and Dawn brought irresistible pop energy to the summer charts. Their catchy anthem spent five weeks at the top, delighting radio listeners throughout May and June. Additionally, it became one of the year’s most recognisable earworms.

June 19 — Middle of the Road: “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep” (5 weeks)

Few songs are more immediately associated with the era than this one. Middle of the Road dominated the early summer charts for five weeks with their relentlessly upbeat anthem. Furthermore, the track became a worldwide hit, spreading British chart culture internationally.

July 24 — T. Rex: “Get It On” (4 weeks)

T. Rex triumphantly returned to the summit for a second time. “Get It On” was arguably even more electrifying than “Hot Love,” showcasing Bolan at his creative peak. As a result, T. Rex cemented their status as the defining act of the UK number one singles 1971 landscape.

August 21 — Diana Ross: “I’m Still Waiting” (4 weeks)

Motown royalty then graced the UK chart in spectacular fashion. Diana Ross delivered a lush, orchestral performance that resonated deeply with British audiences. Notably, the song became a bigger hit in the UK than it had been in America.

September 18 — The Tams: “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me” (3 weeks)

This American soul group delivered a surprise chart success. Originally recorded in 1964, “Hey Girl Don’t Bother Me” finally reached its commercial peak in Britain seven years later. Subsequently, it demonstrated the UK chart’s appetite for classic American soul.

October 9 — Rod Stewart: “Maggie May” / “Reason to Believe” (5 weeks)

Rod Stewart arrived with one of the most celebrated singles of the decade. “Maggie May” captured raw emotion and storytelling in a way few chart hits ever achieve. Moreover, its five-week run at number one launched Stewart into superstardom.

November 13 — Slade: “Coz I Luv You” (4 weeks)

Slade burst onto the scene with tremendous energy and deliberate misspelling. Their stomping glam rock debut at number one thrilled a new generation of young fans. Furthermore, it signalled the beginning of one of the most remarkable chart runs in British pop history.

December 11 — Benny Hill: “Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West)” (4 weeks)

Finally, Benny Hill brought the year to a fittingly joyful close. His comedic masterpiece claimed the Christmas number one and kept audiences laughing throughout the festive season. As a result, 1971 ended exactly as it began — with a novelty record firmly in charge.

A Year That Defined an Era

Looking back, the UK number one singles 1971 tell a remarkable story of musical diversity. Glam rock, reggae, soul, Motown, and comedy all shared the spotlight throughout twelve memorable months. Above all, the charts reflected a nation eagerly embracing new sounds while still cherishing familiar warmth. Without doubt, 1971 remains one of the most fascinating and varied years in UK chart history.