Rod’s 1971 breakthrough single, the classic ‘Maggie May’ has been named as the 8th most-played record of the past 70 years in the United Kingdom, according to the performing rights group Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).
To mark its 70th anniversary, PPL compiled a list of the 70 recordings that have received the most airings, not just on radio but all other public performances, including in clubs and retail outlets and on jukeboxes. Research reflected the amount of play gathered by a song on its original release, as well as subsequent exposure.
The top 10 of the chart embraces the years 1957-1994, but earlier recordings were also represented in the top 70. The oldest track in the chart was ‘In The Mood’ by Glenn Miller and the Orchestra, from 1939, at No. 35. Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ (1942) was at No. 16 and the same singer’s ‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town’ (1943) at No. 58.
THE TOP TEN
1. A Whiter Shade Of Pale – Procul Harum
2. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
3. Love Is All Around – Wet Wet Wet
4. All I Have To Do – The Everly Brothers
5. Everything I Do – Bryan Adams
6. Dancing Queen – Abba
7. All Shook Up – Elvis Presley
8. MAGGIE MAY – ROD STEWART
9. Hello Goodbye – The Beatles
10. Get Back – The Beatles
