The Beatles have beaten Elvis Presley and Madonna to be declared the biggest selling singles act since charts began 60 years ago.
The Fab Four, who split more than 40 years ago, racked up 17 number ones during their relatively brief eight-year chart domination.
But performers whose careers have decades longer in some cases - such as Sir Cliff Richard - have failed to outsell them, a new chart reveals.
A countdown due to be broadcast of the all-time biggest sellers since the singles chart began in 1952 - the year the Queen took the throne - shows The Beatles are still unsurpassed.
Presley , who continued to have strong sales in the past decade thanks to a reissue campaign with tracks such as A Little Less Conversation, is ranked second.
Sir Cliff who has had 124 top 40 hits and 14 number ones finished in third place in the list compiled by the Official Charts Company .
Madonna, who has made the top 40 more than 60 times, is ranked fourth.
Tony Blackburn, who will count down the new chart, said: "This chart offers a fascinating look at the past 60 years in music and shows the impact that modern stars like Rihanna and Katy Perry have had.
"The list is really varied and will provide something for everyone. There are definitely a few surprises in store - Coldplay being at 60 for one!"
The Top 20 On The List:
1. Beatles
2. Elvis Presley
3. Cliff Richard
4. Madonna
5. Michael Jackson
6. Elton John
7. Queen
8. Abba
9. David Bowie
10. Rihanna
11. Paul McCartney
12. Kylie Minogue
13. Rolling Stones
14. Rod Stewart
15. Take That
16. Stevie Wonder
17. Oasis
18. Eminem
19. Whitney Houston
20. Spice Girls
