16 iconic musicians who have never had a No. 1 song

Gabbi ShawAug 20, 2020, 20:24 IST

Johnny Cash.Hulton Archive/Getty Images

The Billboard Hot 100 has measured the 100 top pop songs in America based on sales, radio play, and online streaming since 1958.
While some musical artists rack up No. 1 hits like it's nothing (e.g., Mariah Carey and The Beatles), some prolific artists have never topped the Hot 100.
James Brown had more than 90 songs chart on the Hot 100, but never made it to No. 1.

For more than six decades now, Billboard has been keeping track of what Americans are listening to via the Hot 100 list, which measures the top 100 pop songs in America based on sales, radio play, and online streaming.

While how we listen to music has changed immensely since then, it still remains a goal of many artists to try and climb the charts, all the way to No. 1 on the Hot 100.

However, some of the most beloved bands and artists have never achieved the coveted spot atop the Hot 100. Of these 16 musical acts, some still have plenty of time to make it. Keep scrolling to see who's never had a No. 1 hit. It might surprise you.

Though Nirvana has sold millions of albums around the world — and plenty of posters that adorn college dorm walls to this day — the closest they ever got to the top of the Hot 100 was "Smells Like Teenage Spirit," which peaked at No. 6.

Kurt Cobain of Nirvana during the taping of "MTV Unplugged" in 1993. Frank Micelotta Archive/Getty Images

Though Nirvana has sold millions of albums around the world — and plenty of posters that adorn college dorm walls to this day — the closest they ever got to the top of the Hot 100 was "Smells Like Teenage Spirit," which peaked at No. 6.

Bruce Springsteen might have some of the most recognizable songs in the world, but none of them have garnered the top spot on the Hot 100.

Bruce Springsteen performs on stage during a concert in the Rock in Rio Festival on September 21, 2013. Buda Mendes/Getty Images

The Backstreet Boys have sold millions of records over 26 years, but they have never reached the coveted top spot on the pop charts.

From left, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Brian Littrell and AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys perform on June 16, 2018. Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for 103.5 KTU

The Who might be one of the most famous bands of the '60s and '70s, but they only had one song make it to the top 10.

The Who, from left, Pete Townshend, Keith Moon, John Entwistle, and Roger Daltrey. GAB Archive/Redferns via Getty Images

Jimi Hendrix might be one of the greatest guitar players of all time, but he never had a single make it to the top 10, let alone the top of the chart.

Jimi Hendrix. David Redfern/Redferns via Getty Images

Sheryl Crow came close with "All I Wanna Do," but ultimately fell short.

Sheryl Crow performs on What Stage during the 2018 Bonnaroo Arts And Music Festival on June 8, 2018. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Bonnaroo Arts And Music Festival via Getty Images

Not one of Led Zeppelin's 16 singles has reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Led Zeppelin, from left, Jimmy Page, John Bonham, John Paul Jones, and Robert Plant, in 1969. Chris Walter/Getty Images

Bob Dylan may have won a Nobel Prize, but he's never had a No. 1 song on the Hot 100.

Bob Dylan performing in 1965. Val Wilmer/Redferns via Getty Images

Shania Twain is the best-selling female country music star of all time, but that doesn't translate to Hot 100 chart-toppers.

Shania Twain performing in 2003. Paul Drinkwater/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Johnny Cash's 49-year career resulted in millions upon millions of albums sold, but just one top 10 hit.

Johnny Cash plays acoustic guitar circa 1968. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Though they were the biggest band in the world at one time, One Direction never achieved a No. 1.

From left, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Harry Styles of One Direction. Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel

Modern rock legends Green Day have had plenty of No. 1s on the Alternative chart, but on the Hot 100? Not so much.

From left, Mike Dirnt, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Tré Cool of Green Day in 2016. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

James Brown had dozens of songs make it to the Hot 100, but none ever reached No. 1.

James Brown performs during the half-time show for Super Bowl XXXI in January 1997. Al Bello/Getty Images

Missy Elliot is one of the most prolific rappers of all time, but has yet to reach No 1 on the Hot 100.

Missy Elliot performs during the 2018 Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. Josh Brasted/FilmMagic via Getty Images

Bob Marley's music is beloved around the world, but he didn't have that much chart success.

Bob Marley. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Demi Lovato has more than a few inescapable songs, but none of them have reached No. 1.

Demi Lovato in May 2018. Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for Fabletics

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16 iconic musicians who have never had a No. 1 song

Though Nirvana has sold millions of albums around the world — and plenty of posters that adorn college dorm walls to this day — the closest they ever got to the top of the Hot 100 was "Smells Like Teenage Spirit," which peaked at No. 6.

Bruce Springsteen might have some of the most recognizable songs in the world, but none of them have garnered the top spot on the Hot 100.

The Backstreet Boys have sold millions of records over 26 years, but they have never reached the coveted top spot on the pop charts.

The Who might be one of the most famous bands of the '60s and '70s, but they only had one song make it to the top 10.

Jimi Hendrix might be one of the greatest guitar players of all time, but he never had a single make it to the top 10, let alone the top of the chart.

Sheryl Crow came close with "All I Wanna Do," but ultimately fell short.

Not one of Led Zeppelin's 16 singles has reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Bob Dylan may have won a Nobel Prize, but he's never had a No. 1 song on the Hot 100.

Shania Twain is the best-selling female country music star of all time, but that doesn't translate to Hot 100 chart-toppers.

Johnny Cash's 49-year career resulted in millions upon millions of albums sold, but just one top 10 hit.

Though they were the biggest band in the world at one time, One Direction never achieved a No. 1.

Modern rock legends Green Day have had plenty of No. 1s on the Alternative chart, but on the Hot 100? Not so much.

James Brown had dozens of songs make it to the Hot 100, but none ever reached No. 1.

Missy Elliot is one of the most prolific rappers of all time, but has yet to reach No 1 on the Hot 100.

Bob Marley's music is beloved around the world, but he didn't have that much chart success.

Demi Lovato has more than a few inescapable songs, but none of them have reached No. 1.