# Number One with their first single **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 19, 2020, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847 "2020-03-19T22:36:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/41 "2020-03-21T16:07:34Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > That isn’t true at all. In the USA, the first single was I Want to Hold Your Hand. > > Love Me Do was the first UK single and not a number one, that was Please Please Me. Thank you. Saved me the trouble. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/42 "2020-03-21T16:17:09Z")
You know, if you cross I Want To Hold Your Hand with Love Love Me Do, what comes to mind is — I Think I Love You, the #1 debut of the Partridge Family. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/43 "2020-03-21T18:20:43Z")
> [@dalej42](#): > > That isn’t true at all. In the USA, the first single was I Want to Hold Your Hand. > > Love Me Do was the first UK single and not a number one, that was Please Please Me. > [@TreacherousCretin](#): > > Thank you. Saved me the trouble. Not true in America. See post #9. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/44 "2020-03-21T18:29:24Z")
Man, the back-and-forth goes on and on like a movie or something. Speaking of: “I Got You Babe” was the #1 debut single for Sonny & Cher. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/45 "2020-03-21T19:43:35Z")
Kelly Clarkson’s first single, “A Moment Like This,” went number one. I’m guessing the fact she performed it on the most popular TV show in the country might have helped. Attractive young women seem a bit disproportionately represented. Clarkson, plus we’ve mentioned Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Lisa Loeb, Mariah Carey, and Lorde. Katy Perry did it too, as did Meghan Trainor, Alicia Keys, Iggy Azalea, Debbie Boone, and more I’m sure. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2020, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/46 "2020-03-21T19:56:55Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Attractive young women seem a bit disproportionately represented. Clarkson, plus we’ve mentioned Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Lisa Loeb, Mariah Carey, and Lorde. Katy Perry did it too, as did Meghan Trainor, Alicia Keys, Iggy Azalea, Debbie Boone, and more I’m sure. Lauryn Hill [knocked it out of the park](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doo_Wop_(That_Thing)). ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/47 "2020-03-22T02:09:41Z")
I was thinking of Lauryn Hill and adore that album, but… it seems like a cheat to credit someone with a “first single” when they became a solo act only after being part of a very famous and established band. We’d also have to count Beyonce. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/48 "2020-03-22T02:21:50Z")
Not to mention George Harrison. ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/49 "2020-03-22T03:33:37Z")
There were lots in the 50s and early 60s. Blue Moon" by the Marcels comes to mind. Also “Duke of Earl” by Gene Chandler. ---
**Author:** ![TreacherousCretin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treacherouscretin/32/476_2.png) [@TreacherousCretin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TreacherousCretin)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/50 "2020-03-22T04:30:42Z")
> [@Exapno\_Mapcase](#): > > Not true in America. See post #9. I’m confused here. Unless you’re maintaining that “Love Me Do” was the first Beatles single released in the USA (wrong) _and_ it went to #1 on the charts (ridiculous), I don’t see what you’re referring to. (pause) Oh. I think I see the error in the statement I was agreeing with: “I Want To Hold Your Hand” was the Fabs’ first #1 in the US, but it wasn’t their first single released in the US. I should’ve caught that, as I bought all their US singles as they were being released. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/51 "2020-03-22T10:14:57Z")
> [@TreacherousCretin](#): > > I’m confused here. Unless you’re maintaining that “Love Me Do” was the first Beatles single released in the USA (wrong) _and_ it went to #1 on the charts (ridiculous), I don’t see what you’re referring to. > > (pause) > > Oh. I think I see the error in the statement I was agreeing with: “I Want To Hold Your Hand” was the Fabs’ first #1 in the US, but it wasn’t their first single released in the US. > I should’ve caught that, as I bought all their US singles as they were being released. Brings to mind how the Beatles sang _Please Mr. Postman_, which (a) doesn’t, in itself, count for this thread; but which (b) was the #1 debut single for the Marvelettes. ---
**Author:** ![Horatio\_Hellpop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/52 "2020-03-22T10:22:24Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Cyndi Lauper hit #1 with “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” her first single. This brings up a question of what “first single” actually means. Cyndi Lauper’s first band, Blue Angel, released five singles, none of which charted. Should they impact her batting average? Eric Clapton has been in a lot of one-off bands; should the successes of Cream, Derek and the Dominoes, _et al_ be considered when quantifying Clapton’s legacy as a solo artist, and why not? Is “Back in the New York Groove” a KISS single or an Ace Frehley one? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2020, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/53 "2020-03-22T10:44:17Z")
At that, Bradley Cooper’s first single reached #1. Sure, it was a duet with Lady Gaga, which is why they won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance… ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/54 "2020-03-23T14:57:16Z")
Just to keep this going for one more day: Wilson Phillips got themselves a #1 debut single by dint of singing about, y’know, [holding on for one more day](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hold_On_(Wilson_Phillips_song)). ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/55 "2020-03-23T20:18:16Z")
One-off charity supergroup USA For Africa hit #1 with their only single\* We Are The World\*. And the inspiration, Band Aid’s\* Do They Know It’s Christmas\*? hit #1 in the UK (peaked at #13 in the US). ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/56 "2020-03-23T21:03:14Z")
> [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](#): > > One-off charity supergroup USA For Africa hit #1 with their only single\* We Are The World\*. And the inspiration, Band Aid’s\* Do They Know It’s Christmas\*? hit #1 in the UK (peaked at #13 in the US). The Canadian equivalent, “Tears Are Not Enough,” also hit #1. Were Neil Young, Geddy Lee and Anne Murray in it, along with Bryan Adams? You bet! All those songs were terrible. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/57 "2020-03-23T21:10:48Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > The Canadian equivalent, “Tears Are Not Enough,” also hit #1. Were Neil Young, Geddy Lee and Anne Murray in it, along with Bryan Adams? You bet! > > All those songs were terrible. See also: “All For Love”, the #1 from Bryan-Adams-and-Rod-Stewart-and-Sting. No, I’m not saying that one was for charity. ---
**Author:** ![ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chockfullofheadygoodness/32/511_2.png) [@ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChockFullOfHeadyGoodness)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/58 "2020-03-23T21:25:01Z")
> [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](#): > > See also: “All For Love”, the #1 from Bryan-Adams-and-Rod-Stewart-and-Sting. > > No, I’m not saying that one was for charity. But, like the others, it was terrible. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_other_waldo_pepper/32/12370_2.png) [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2020, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/59 "2020-03-23T21:29:21Z")
That was my point, yes. (And not so-bad-it’s-good, like the #1 debut single that introduced the world to Right Said Fred when _I’m Too Sexy_ made the rounds.) ---
**Author:** ![The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecc23a/32.png) [@The\_wind\_of\_my\_soul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_wind_of_my_soul)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2020, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847/60 "2020-03-24T12:04:35Z")
It’s been alluded to but not directly touched upon, so I’d like to add that considering a single’s international presence brings another element of comparison into this thread. What got me thinking about it was the mention of the Spice Girls, whose first hit reached number 1 around the world (according to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice_Girls_discography)). Compare that to, say, Lisa Loeb, whose first single reached number 1 in the U.S. and Canada but nowhere else, according to [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisa_Loeb_discography). Even [Mariah Carey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariah_Carey_singles_discography) didn’t hit number one worldwide like the Spice Girls did. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/number-one-with-their-first-single/849847.md?page=4)