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Today in History: The Beatles' “Hey Jude” becomes longest UK chart-topper

8/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 26 August 1968 the Beatles issued “Hey Jude” as their first Apple Records single. Written by Paul McCartney, the song topped the UK chart for an unprecedented run, becoming the longest-standing number-one at that time and selling around eight million copies worldwide, cementing the band’s cultural dominance.

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Story summary

On 26 August 1968 the Beatles issued “Hey Jude” as their first Apple Records single. Written by Paul McCartney, the song topped the UK chart for an unprecedented run, becoming the longest-standing number-one at that time and selling around eight million copies worldwide, cementing the band’s cultural dominance.