New book announcement

Thrilled to announce my second book… The digital version of Every UK Number 1: The 60s is now available to pre-order and is released on Amazon Kindle devices for £4.99 on 29th June. A big paperback version will follow later this year. Many, many thanks to Hadrian Summers for the artwork.

The UK singles chart came of age in the 60s. From easy listening and Beatlemania to psychedelia and bubblegum pop, it’s a treasure trove of creativity, catchy choruses and captivating stories

As seen in The Daily Mirror and everyuknumber1.com, music journalist Rob Barker follows up his guide to the 50s with in-depth reviews and revelations on all 186 chart-toppers from the Swinging Sixties.

Whether it’s a world-famous artist or a one-hit wonder, there’s a fascinating story behind every chart-topper. Plus there’s insight on the mood of the nation as these records played out across the country, as the cultural revolution and progressive politics began to play out.

Go behind the scenes of The Beatles’ 17 number ones, a feat still yet to be equalled. And discover what was really going on as the crowds screamed to Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and The Shadows, Ray Charles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, Dusty Springfield, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Find out why superstars like Frank Sinatra and Sandie Shaw hated some of their own number one songs. From troubled crooner Michael Holliday to disgraced Rolf Harris, it’s an incredible chronicle of a monumental decade.

Every UK Number 1: The 60s puts each hit under the microscope and traces the eclectic soundtrack to pop’s boom, as the UK become the coolest country on the planet.