Songs that have defined the ages
From Jailhouse Rock to Bohemian Rhapsody, here we’ve put together a list of chart-topping songs that have defined music over the years.
1. Vaughn Monroe – “let it snow” (1946)
This song was written in Hollywood, California during a heat wave and was intended to evoke feelings of a cooler temperature. It became a popular hit, reaching number one on the Billboard music chart.
2. Elvis Presley - “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
The king of rock had a raw voice, a cheeky charm, and dance moves that made you blush. “Jailhouse Rock” marked the beginnings of his rise to the throne.
3. The Beatles - “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963)
Their first U.S. number one, this record turned Beatlemania into a multi-national frenzy. John Lennon and Paul McCartney co-wrote the song, and collaborated on the vocals to produce a sound that defined the 60s.
4. Queen - “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975)
This track scored Queen their first American top ten and nine weeks atop the British charts. It’s rock, it’s opera, it’s brilliant and always will be.
5. Michael Jackson -“Beat It” (1982)
Michael Jackson was the first black artist to get regular airplay on MTV, and this song’s choreography-filled video was one of the most played. “Beat It” danced its way to the top of music charts worldwide and collected two Grammys.
6. Whitney Houston - “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
This song was written, composed, and originally recorded by American country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. Houston recorded a cover version of the song for The Bodyguard. Her single spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard hot 100 charts. It has since become one of the best-selling single of all time.
6. Santana - “Maria Maria” (2000)
This song reached number one on the Billboard hot 100 on April 8, 2000, and stayed there for ten weeks.
7. Adele - “Rolling in the Deep” (2011)
This song has sold over 7.6 million copies in the US, making it the highest-selling digital song by a female artist. The song reached number one in 11 countries.
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