Billboard Hot 100

Q: On this day in 1958 Billboard launched an all-genre singles chart "The Hot 100", which performer was awarded the first No. 1?

A: Ricky Nelson

The First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1

On August 4, 1958, Billboard magazine unveiled a groundbreaking way to track America’s most popular songs — the Billboard Hot 100. For the first time, one chart combined sales data, radio airplay, and jukebox plays across all music genres, giving a definitive snapshot of what the nation was listening to.

The very first artist to claim the coveted No. 1 spot was Ricky Nelson with his hit “Poor Little Fool.” The song, a bittersweet rock ’n’ roll ballad, struck a chord with listeners and cemented Nelson’s status as one of the era’s teen idols. Interestingly, “Poor Little Fool” was also notable for being the first song ever to top this now-iconic chart — a place that has since been home to thousands of hits spanning every imaginable style.

From that moment on, the Billboard Hot 100 became the music industry’s scoreboard, chronicling shifting tastes, breakout stars, and cultural milestones. And it all began with Ricky Nelson, a guitar, and a tune that still holds a special place in pop history.