How Many No. 1 Hits Did Elvis Presley Have? A Look at the King’s Chart-Topping Legacy
When you think of the word “legend” in music, Elvis Presley is usually at the top of the list. With his electric stage presence, signature voice, and a career that shaped rock ‘n’ roll forever, Elvis didn’t just make music — he made history.
But one question fans and curious minds often ask is:
How many No. 1 hits did Elvis Presley have?
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18 No. 1 hits
✅ UK Singles Chart: 21 No. 1 hits
🌍 Worldwide: Over 100 songs hit No. 1 on various international charts and formats
Let’s break it down.
🎵 So, How Many No. 1 Hits Did Elvis Presley Have?
The answer depends on where you’re looking — U.S. charts, global charts, or the UK — but let’s start with the most recognized one:
🇺🇸 U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18 No. 1 Hits
Elvis Presley scored 18 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 (the main U.S. music chart), a record that stood for decades before being passed by other artists like Mariah Carey and The Beatles.
Here are just a few of his iconic U.S. No. 1 hits:
- “Heartbreak Hotel” (1956)
- “Don’t Be Cruel” (1956)
- “Hound Dog” (1956)
- “Love Me Tender” (1956)
- “Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
- “All Shook Up” (1957)
- “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” (1960)
- “Suspicious Minds” (1969)
These hits defined entire eras — and helped turn Elvis into the household name he still is today.
🇬🇧 UK Singles Chart: 21 No. 1 Hits
Believe it or not, Elvis actually scored even more No. 1 singles in the UK than in the U.S.
He had 21 chart-topping hits in the UK, making him one of the most successful solo artists on the British charts. Some of these UK No. 1s include:
- “It’s Now or Never”
- “The Wonder of You”
- “Way Down” (which hit No. 1 after his death)
- Even a posthumous remix, “A Little Less Conversation” (2002), became a huge UK hit.
🏆 How Does Elvis Compare to Other Artists?
Elvis’s 18 U.S. No. 1 hits still place him third on the all-time list behind:
- The Beatles – 20 No. 1 hits
- Mariah Carey – 19 No. 1 hits
- Elvis Presley – 18 No. 1 hits
But when you combine U.S. and UK stats — and account for how many different charts existed during Elvis’s early years — he’s easily one of the most dominant musical forces in chart history.
🕰️ A Quick Note on the Era
It’s important to remember that Elvis’s peak years were in the 1950s and 1960s, before streaming and digital downloads. Fans had to physically buy records — yet he still dominated the charts like no other.
That kind of success in the pre-digital age speaks volumes about his popularity and cultural impact.
Final Answer: How Many No. 1 Hits Did Elvis Presley Have?
✅ U.S. Billboard Hot 100: 18 No. 1 hits
✅ UK Singles Chart: 21 No. 1 hits
🌍 Worldwide: Over 100 songs hit No. 1 on various international charts and formats
No matter how you count it, Elvis Presley wasn’t just a chart-topper — he was the blueprint.
TL;DR
- Elvis Presley had 18 No. 1 hits on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
- He had 21 No. 1 hits in the UK, more than any other solo artist.
- Globally, his songs have topped charts in dozens of countries.
- He remains one of the most successful and iconic artists in music history.
Still curious about Elvis’s biggest songs, albums, or his influence on today’s music? Stick around — at Xtren.info, we dig deep into the stories behind the stars.