What was the first American recording act to have a number one song on the British music charts?

sequoianoir

The first British record sales chart ('The Hit Parade') did not appear until 14th November 1952. Prior to that (and for many years afterwards), popular songs were measured by sales of sheet music, which was purchased both by professional musicians who performed live in pubs, clubs and theatres, and by keen amateurs who would play pianos, accordions etc at home. The Inkspots, a top close-harmony singing act of black Americans, were 'no 1' on 7 Jan 1950 with 'You're Breaking My Heart ' based on sales of sheet music. Al Martino had the first EVER UK No 1 based on record sales (14 Nov 1952)with 'Here In My Heart' Al Martino was a US crooner, who had a come-back Top 10 entry in 1973 ('Spanish Eyes'). Dec 12 02, 1:24 PM

Fosse4

Agreeing with sequoianoir on the first UK Top ten disc sales info - there were probably more sales of Glen Miller 78's( the old big black fragile records that revolved at 78 RPM and were played on a wind-up gramaphone) than any of the UK produced records towards the end of WW2. On sheet music sales I think you'd have to go earlier, something like Stephen Foster (Old Folks at Home). Dec 12 02, 11:58 PM