T. Rex (October 24, 1970) – “Ride A White Swan” UK Chart Entry
October 24, 1970 marked an important breakthrough for T. Rex as “Ride A White Swan”, issued on Fly Records as BUG 1, entered the UK chart at No. 47. The single would remain on the chart for a total of 20 weeks, eventually reaching No. 2 and establishing T. Rex as a major new force in British pop.
Artist: T. Rex
Single: Ride A White Swan
Label: Fly Records
Catalogue Number: BUG 1
Chart Entry Date: October 24, 1970
Entry Position: No. 47
Peak Position: No. 2
Total Weeks on Chart: 20
Country: United Kingdom
THE STORY
On October 24, 1970, “Ride A White Swan” entered the UK chart at No. 47, beginning a remarkable 20-week run.
The record continued climbing through the closing months of 1970 and had reached No. 6 by December 12.
Over the Christmas period, however, the single temporarily reversed direction, falling back to No. 12 before beginning another climb in the new year.
The resurgence eventually carried “Ride A White Swan” to its highest position of No. 2 on January 23, 1971.
Even after reaching its peak, the record displayed considerable staying power and remained within the Top 40 for a further six weeks.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
The long chart journey of “Ride A White Swan” is particularly interesting because its progress was not a simple continuous climb. After entering at No. 47, the record gradually established itself, reached No. 6 in December, dropped back during Christmas and then recovered strongly enough to reach No. 2 during January 1971.
The single therefore carried T. Rex from the closing months of 1970 well into 1971, providing the group with the sustained chart breakthrough that preceded the enormous success that followed.
CHART HIGHLIGHTS
October 24, 1970: Entered at No. 47
December 12, 1970: Reached No. 6
Christmas Period: Fell back to No. 12
January 23, 1971: Reached peak position of No. 2
Total Chart Run: 20 weeks
After Peak: Remained in the Top 40 for a further six weeks
WHAT THIS CHART ENTRY SHOWS
• “Ride A White Swan” entering the UK chart at No. 47
• A sustained chart run lasting 20 weeks
• The single reaching No. 6 by December 12, 1970
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