Chuck Berry: "My Ding-A-Ling" Single (1972)

Chuck Berry's "My Ding-A-Ling" remains at number one in the Record Mirror / BBC UK singles chart as published in Record Mirror, December 9, 1972.

Chuck Berry released "My Ding-A-Ling" in July 1972 as a single from his album The London Chuck Berry Sessions on Chess Records. Originally a novelty song written and recorded by Dave Bartholomew in 1952, Berry’s live cover, recorded at the Locarno Ballroom in Coventry, England, in February 1972, turned it into a cheeky, double-entendre-laden hit. Backed by a British band including Onnie McIntyre and Nic Potter, and produced by Esmond Edwards, the track features Berry’s playful vocals and audience singalongs, capturing his charismatic stage presence.

The single hit #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks, becoming Berry’s only #1 hit in both markets. It sold over a million copies but faced controversy for its suggestive lyrics, with some radio stations banning it. Despite mixed critical reception for its novelty vibe, it marked a commercial comeback for the rock ‘n’ roll pioneer