Biggest selling foreign single

[muthecow]

What is the biggest selling foreign language single in the UK? Does anyone know? Thank you very much in advance.

[andy hughes]

I'm going to guess at 'Macarena' which was the first Spanish language hit to reach Number One in the U.S., and I seem to remember it was pretty popular here, but I am open to correction (missus!)

[romko]

maybe: Je t'aime moi non plus by Serge gainsbourg & Jane Birkin?

 

[beale]

You'd hope it was Serge Gainsbourg, but it's probably the Macarena!

[georgit79]

Sash also did pretty well with 'Encore une fois'. That has to be up there somewhere. Can't find anything on the web though

[wvaleriechas]

I would guess "When they begin the beguine with Julio Inglesias" sung in Spanish of course....Spinner.

[wvaleriechas]

Almost forgot, Pavarotti did well with "Nessun Dorma".....Spinner

[beckyboo]

Las Ketchup had over 11 weeks at No 1 back in the summer of 2002 (still there when my copy of British hit singles was printed). Los Lobos with La Bamba also had 11 weeks at number one in 87 - a period which probably required more sales. In contrast Macarena by Los Del Rio peaked at No2 with 19 weeks on the chart. But in my opinion Romko has probably come up trumps with Je T'aime. Released on the Fontana label Jul 69, 11 weeks peaking at No 2. It was then reissued on Major Minor label Oct 69, 14 weeks and hitting No 1. Afurther reissue in 1974 provided a further 9 weeks but only rising to No 31. Don't think there will be many to top it.

  

[littleoldme]

beckyboo, the 11 weeks referred to in your Guinness Hit Singles book is the length of time spent in the charts, not the length of time at number 1. Los Lobos actually only had 2 weeks at number 1, while Las Ketchup just had the one week.

[muthecow]

Thank you very much guys - i think im gonna go with Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin. Thanks for all the help.