In 2024, the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley, achieved a remarkable milestone on Billboard’s Albums Chart with Elvis: #1 Hits, reaching an incredible 200 weeks on the Billboard 200. But Elvis isn’t the only artist who has dominated the charts with staying power.
The Billboard 200 is the definitive chart for measuring the success of albums in the United States, tracking sales, streaming activity, and overall popularity. Since its inception in 1956, the chart has been a benchmark for artists seeking to establish dominance in the music industry. Over the decades, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 has become a prestigious achievement that signals an artist’s impact and popularity. However, only a select few have held the top spot for extended periods.
This article counts the top 10 music artists who have spent the most cumulative weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, from The Beatles’ groundbreaking albums that redefined popular music to Taylor Swift’s chart-topping releases that continue to break records. Their music and albums have changed how we listen to and think about music. These artists have set records, pushed boundaries, and defined eras. We’ll look at what made their albums so popular and how they stayed on the charts for so long.
10. The Rolling Stones (38 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | July 24, 1965 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | Tattoo You (9 weeks in 1981) |
The Rolling Stones have released albums over six decades, consistently topping charts worldwide. Tattoo You, released in 1981, is one of their best-selling albums, featuring hits like ‘Start Me Up’ and ‘Waiting on a Friend.’ It highlights their classic rock and roll style and spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Over their career, The Rolling Stones have accumulated 38 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
9. Elton John (39 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | July 15, 1972 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | Greatest Hits (10 weeks in 1974-75) |
Elton John’s 1974 album Greatest Hits spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This compilation album includes some of his most successful singles up to that point, such as “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Bennie and the Jets.” Released during a peak period of his career, Greatest Hits effectively captures the essence of Elton John’s early work and highlights his popularity in the early 1970s.
Throughout his career, Elton John has accumulated 39 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
8. Adele (40 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | March 12, 2011 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | 21 (24 weeks in 2011-12) |
Adele’s 2011 album 21 spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This album features hit singles like “Rolling in the Deep,” “Someone Like You,” and “Set Fire to the Rain.” 21 received critical acclaim and became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
Over her career, Adele has accumulated 40 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
7. Whitney Houston (46 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | March 8, 1986 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | The Bodyguard soundtrack (20 weeks in 1992-93) |
Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard Soundtrack spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Released in 1992, it features hits like “I Will Always Love You” and “I’m Every Woman.” The album’s success was driven by Houston’s powerful performances and its role as the soundtrack for the film The Bodyguard.
Over her career, Whitney Houston accumulated 46 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the most recent time at No. 1 being with The Ultimate Collection in 2009.
6. The Kingston Trio (46 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | Nov. 24, 1958 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | The Kingston Trio at Large (15 weeks in 1959) |
The Kingston Trio’s 1959 album The Kingston Trio at Large spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album features hits like “Tom Dooley” and “The Tijuana Jail,” showcasing the group’s folk sound. During this period, it outperformed other popular releases, including Elvis Presley and the Dave Brubeck Quartet albums.
During their career, The Kingston Trio spent a total of 46 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Their most recent time at No. 1 was in 1960.
5. Michael Jackson (51 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | Feb. 26, 1983 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | Thriller (37 weeks in 1983-84) |
Michael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller spent 37 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album includes iconic tracks such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title track “Thriller.” Thriller achieved unprecedented success and became the best-selling album of all time, surpassing other notable releases from the era, including albums by Bruce Springsteen and Prince.
Michael Jackson accumulated 51 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with his most recent appearance at the top of the chart in 2009.
4. Garth Brooks (52 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | Sept. 28, 1991 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | Ropin’ the Wind (18 weeks in 1991-92) |
Garth Brooks’s 1991 album Ropin’ the Wind spent 18 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album features hit singles like “The Dance,” “Shameless,” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” Ropin’ the Wind was a major success in the early 1990s and outperformed other popular albums, including releases by Metallica and Pearl Jam.
Garth Brooks accumulated 52 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with his most recent time at No. 1 being in 2013.
3. Elvis Presley (67 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | May 5, 1956 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | Blue Hawaii soundtrack (20 weeks in 1961-62) |
Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii spent 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Throughout his career and posthumously, Elvis has accumulated 67 weeks at No. 1 on the chart by 2024. Blue Hawaii remains a significant part of his discography, showcasing hits like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Blue Hawaii.”
2. Taylor Swift: (81 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | Nov. 29, 2008 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | The Tortured Poets Department (12 weeks in 2024) |
Taylor Swift’s 2023 album The Tortured Poets Department spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Top 200. The album includes popular tracks like “Bejeweled,” “Karma,” and “Mastermind.” As of 2024, Taylor Swift has accumulated 81 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making her the youngest artist to achieve this milestone and the top American artist in cumulative weeks at No. 1.
1. The Beatles (132 weeks)
First week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 | Feb. 15, 1964 |
---|---|
Longest-running No. 1 | Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (15 weeks in 1967) |
The Beatles’ 1967 album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album includes influential tracks like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “With a Little Help from My Friends,” and “A Day in the Life.” While the 15-week run may not seem extraordinary, The Beatles’ consistent success with multiple albums at the top of the charts highlights their exceptional dominance. With 132 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 across their career, their impact and achievement make them unparalleled leaders.