Singles have been sold for many years and the singles chart has always been the way for artists to show that they are popular, gets the artist known and is a spring board for more live shows or further record contracts.
The following singles are reputed to be the most highly sold of all time, I think there is no surprise that there are a few Christmas ones in there, a few sales annually will always help overall trade.
Rock around the Clock – Bill Haley
In 1954, this saw sales of 25 million, especially amazing given the time in the decade when not everyone had a personal stereo or even a TV.
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
With sales reputed to be around 50 million, this old classic is pulled out every Christmas.
Silent Night – Bing Crosby
Another Christmas favourite, selling over 30 million since 1935.
Candle in the wind – Elton John
33 million people are said to have bought this record in 1999 which Elton John made as a tribute after the death of Princess Diana.
We are the World – USA for Africa
1985 saw 20 million people purchase this record in the name of charity.
Fernando – Abba
10 million people have bought this record since 1976, with Abba being one of the most recognisable pop bands of the last decade.
Yes Sir I Can Boogie – Baccara
Considering this record has sold 18 million since 1977, it is a relatively lesser known record compared to the other huge selling songs.
I want to Hold Your Hand – Beatles
This song was the song that The Beatles invaded the US with and landed the US number one spot for 7 weeks, selling over 12 million records since its release in 1964.
I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
From the fifth studio album, this single sold over 13 million copies, it also won a Grammy for Best Pop Song with vocals by a group.
Believe – Cher
Whilst selling over 10 million copies, Believe is best none for its use of auto-tune, not to correct Chers voice, but to produce a clever resonance to the note whilst being sung. This has caught on and is now regularly used by pop music artists.