The Christmas number 1 in 1983 was "Only You" by The Flying Pickets.
This festive chart-topper holds a significant place in music history, particularly for its unique style and the groundbreaking achievement it represented.
The Flying Pickets' "Only You": A Historic A Cappella Hit
The Flying Pickets, a British vocal group known for their distinctive sound, secured the coveted top spot during the 1983 Christmas season with their rendition of "Only You." What made their version particularly remarkable was its a cappella performance, meaning it featured no instrumental accompaniment whatsoever.
- First A Cappella Chart-Topper: "Only You" by The Flying Pickets made history as the very first a cappella song to ever reach number one on the UK charts. This achievement highlighted the group's vocal prowess and pioneering spirit, demonstrating that a song could captivate audiences purely through harmonious voices.
- Successful Cover Version: The song itself was originally written and recorded by the electronic music duo Yazoo (known as Yaz in the United States) in 1982. While Yazoo's version was successful, The Flying Pickets' a cappella cover unexpectedly became more commercially triumphant, solidifying its place as a classic Christmas number 1.
Key Details of the 1983 Christmas Number 1
To provide a clear overview, here are the essential details:
| Year | Christmas Number 1 Song | Artist | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Only You | The Flying Pickets | First a cappella song to reach UK No.1 |
The success of "Only You" by The Flying Pickets in 1983 underscored the diverse tastes of the British public and proved that innovative arrangements could lead to massive commercial success, even during the highly competitive Christmas chart period.
