17 October 2026 · Rumpels’ Pop Pickers

On this day in history · 17 October

17 October, different years, ten number ones. A few notes behind the records in today’s poll — and an invitation to tell us where they take you.

Roy Orbison — Oh, Pretty Woman (1964). Written by Orbison and Bill Dees, the record was made on 1 August 1964. That is the recording date, rather than a 17 October anniversary. Roy Orbison’s official archive ↗
Tasmin Archer — Sleeping Satellite (1992). Its UK chart journey began in September, and it spent two weeks at number one. A reminder that a familiar chorus can take you straight back to a particular year. Official Charts history ↗

Today’s musical time machine — all ten memories

Roy Orbison — Oh, Pretty Woman (1964)
Mary Hopkin — Those Were the Days (1968)
Lieutenant Pigeon — Mouldy Old Dough (1972)
Pussycat — Mississippi (1976)
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John — Summer Nights (1978)
Culture Club — Do You Really Want to Hurt Me (1982)
Wham! — Freedom (1984)
Tasmin Archer — Sleeping Satellite (1992)
Billie — Girlfriend (1998)
P!nk — So What (2008)

Which one takes you back to school, a first job, a night out or your time in the forces? Tell us the song and the memory. No marks deducted for questionable dancing.

The chart references above show why each record belongs in today’s selection. Being number one during the week covering this date is different from first reaching number one on this exact day.

Go on, have your say