The Billion Streamers: Part 1

Mark Goodier presents his essential selection of the finest ‘billion streamers’ from the past six decades of rock and pop.

It used to be said that you’ve made in the music business once you’ve had a million-seller. However, physical sales are in terminal decline, so the rules have changed forever. Today, the real benchmark of success comes once your song has been streamed over a billion times. The elite club currently contains over 900 different titles, from the 1960s to today, and it’s expanding every week.

Mark has hand-picked the very best of those huge tunes, plus he’s got the stories behind their enduring appeal as well as some truly mind-boggling facts and stats.

Every song is a genuine classic but prepare to be surprised when you find out what’s notched up over a billion streams, and what hasn’t!

Produced by BBC Audio for BBC Radio 2.