On 14 November 1952, the New Musical Express published the first British singles chart. In the 60 years since, 20744 records have entered the top 40. This book lists the 1000 biggest of those hits. The list is calculated solely from chart positions, not sales figures. These are the biggest chart performers, not the biggest sellers. Indeed, "Candle In The Wind 1997" by Elton John, the biggest selling single ever in the UK, is only at no. 119 in this list.