David Bowie: Of his 61 UK top 40 singles - which five made it to number one?

Two of the Starman’s five UK number ones were collaborations.

Ryan Ramgobin
Monday 11 January 2016 18:53 GMT
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Bowie's UK number ones

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The news of David Bowie’s death at the age of 69 has shocked fans worldwide.

The announcement came early Monday morning across the musician’s official social media accounts.

In the hours that followed, thousands shared their favourite Bowie hits online - and there are plenty to choose from with the Starman securing 61 UK top 40 singles, in a career which spanned four decades.

But, of those 61 singles, five made it to number one and they all came in a ten year period between 1975-1985.

First up was Space Oddity, originally released in 1969 but was re-released in 1975 and stayed at number one for two weeks.

It took Bowie another five years to secure a second UK number one with Ashes to Ashes in 1980 – and it saw the return of his alter ego, Major Tom, from Space Oddity.

His glam rock collaboration with Queen in 1981 was a match made in heaven; and their record Under Pressure became the group’s second UK number one, and Bowie’s third.

His iconic dance anthem, Let’s Dance in 1983, was his fourth number one; and its popularity stood the test of time – it has since been sampled by Puff Daddy and Craig David.

Bowie’s final UK number one was a cover of Martha & The Vandellas classic Dancing in the Streets alongside rock star Mick Jagger.

The charity single raised money for LiveAid 1985 and spent four weeks at the top of the charts.

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