Mick Jagger has achieved his first solo number one position on the UK charts as his collaboration with David Bowie, “Dancing in the Street,” has reached the top spot on both the Official Vinyl Singles and Official Physical Singles charts.
The iconic Rolling Stones frontman, despite his decades-long career in music, had never before claimed a solo number one position in these specific UK chart categories. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the 80-year-old rock legend, who has otherwise enjoyed numerous chart-topping successes with his band.
Historic Collaboration Finds New Success
“Dancing in the Street” was originally released in 1985 as a duet between Jagger and Bowie. The track, a cover of the 1964 Motown hit by Martha and the Vandellas, was recorded to raise money for the Live Aid famine relief initiative. At the time of its initial release, the single reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
The song’s resurgence in popularity comes amid growing interest in vinyl records and physical music formats. Music industry analysts note that collectors and fans of both artists have likely contributed to this recent chart success, as limited edition or reissued vinyl singles often attract both nostalgic listeners and new fans discovering classic tracks.
Vinyl Revival Continues
The success of “Dancing in the Street” on the vinyl charts reflects the ongoing revival of physical music formats, particularly vinyl records. This trend has been growing steadily over the past decade, with many artists now releasing their music on vinyl alongside digital formats.
The Official Vinyl Singles Chart and Official Physical Singles Chart track sales of music released on physical formats in the UK, including:
- 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl records
- CD singles
- Cassette singles
For Jagger, this achievement adds another accolade to his extensive music career. While the Rolling Stones have accumulated numerous number one hits throughout their history, Jagger’s solo work has typically received less commercial attention despite critical acclaim.
Legacy of Two Rock Icons
“This chart success demonstrates the lasting appeal of both Jagger and Bowie’s music,” said a music historian familiar with both artists’ careers. “These are two of rock’s most influential figures, and their collaboration continues to resonate with audiences nearly four decades after its initial release.”
The original music video for the track featured both artists performing energetically through the streets of London, becoming an iconic piece of 1980s music video history. The song’s upbeat tempo and the combined star power of Jagger and Bowie helped make it an instant classic.
David Bowie, who passed away in 2016, had previously enjoyed several number one singles in the UK throughout his career. This posthumous chart success adds to his legacy as one of music’s most innovative and commercially successful artists.
For fans of both artists, this chart achievement serves as a reminder of a unique musical moment when two of rock’s biggest personalities joined forces for a charitable cause. The continued popularity of “Dancing in the Street” speaks to the timeless quality of the performance and the enduring appeal of both Jagger and Bowie’s musical contributions.
