Elvis Presley beats Madonna to new UK chart record

Thirteen is not an unlucky number for Elvis Presley. Thirty-nine years after his death, in 1977, he has broken the UK record for the most number one albums by a solo artist. 

Presley’s new album The Wonder Of You has become his 13^th album to top that chart. He was previously tied with Madonna as record holders with 12 album #1s.

He is now second only to The Beatles, who have 15 number one albums.

The Wonder of You sees the singer’s voice accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the second time. It shifted 63,500 units to debut at #1. The earlier album with the Orchestra, If I Can Dream, also went to #1 in the UK and sold 1.5 million around the world.

In Australia The Wonder of You this week debuted the ARIA chart at #4. Last November, If I Can Dream reached #1. 

His widow Priscilla Presley told the Official Charts Company, “This achievement is something I know Elvis would have been so thankful for.

"I am incredibly proud of all he has accomplished and so grateful to the UK fans who have kept his legacy alive with all of their support.

"I hope they continue to listen and love his music as much as I do."

Presley also claimed the largest span between #1 albums by the same act. He first reached the top 60 years ago with Elvis Presley Rock N’ Roll in 1956.

He was recently ranked #4 on Forbes’ highest paid dead celebrities list. He made an estimated pre-tax income from October 1, 2015 to October 1, 2016 with US$27 million.

It is Priscilla who has the job of safeguarding and promoting his legacy, and green-lights projects.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is touring this year with Presley’s taped voice. She has turned down a world tour with a Presley hologram.

But two TV projects are in the works. One is a biopic with the Weinstein Co.; the second a HBO documentary directed by Thom Zimny, who’s made several films about Bruce Springsteen.

Priscilla recently opined that if Elvis was alive, he would not be on Twitter. 

“No. No. No, no, no. He wouldn’t,” she said. “He didn’t even write a letter. Elvis was very private. He didn’t go around telling what he had for dinner or taking pictures in front of stores with particular outfits that he liked. 

“It’s very different today. Now, people do anything to get attention.”