Happy 80th Birthday Rod - Here are his biggest hits
To celebrate Sir Rod's 80th Birthday, let's take a look at his biggest UK hits.
#1 Sailing
A heartfelt ballad from 1975, it became one of his most enduring hits, topping the UK charts and becoming his biggest-selling single in the UK.
#2 Maggie May
Released in 1971, this song became Stewart's first UK number one, holding the top spot for five weeks
#3 You Wear It Well
This 1972 single showcased Stewart's storytelling prowess and reached number one on the UK charts.
4 I Don't Want to Talk About It / The First Cut Is the Deepest
In 1977, this double A-side single dominated the UK charts for four weeks, with both songs becoming classics
5 Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?
Embracing a disco influence, this 1978 track became a UK number one hit, reflecting Stewart's versatility.
Rod Stewart, a true British icon, has lived a life as colourful as his music.
Born on 10th January 1945 in Highgate, London, Rod was the youngest of five children. Growing up in a working-class family, his love for football and music emerged early on. He even dreamed of playing professionally and had a trial with Brentford Football Club. But destiny had other plans.
Before fame, Rod held an assortment of jobs, including working as a grave digger.
His musical journey began with busking in the streets of London, and in the 1960s, he joined several bands, including Long John Baldry's Hoochie Coochie Men and Jeff Beck Group. By the late '60s, Rod had become the raspy-voiced frontman of the rock band Faces, known for their raucous performances and hits like Stay with Me.
The 1970s saw Rod Stewart's solo career soar.
His 1971 hit Maggie May catapulted him to global stardom, marking the start of a string of chart-topping singles and albums. Sailing, You Wear It Well, and Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? became defining songs of their eras.
With his distinctive blend of rock, soul, and pop, Rod's music struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Offstage, Rod has always lived life to the fullest.
Known for his flamboyant style and trademark spiky hair, he became a fixture in celebrity culture.
His love life made headlines, with high-profile relationships and eight children from different partnerships. Yet, despite the glitz and glamour, Rod has remained deeply connected to his roots.
A lifelong football enthusiast, he is a devoted Celtic FC fan and a supporter of the Scottish national team.
His passions extend to model railways, with a sprawling 1940s American city he painstakingly built over decades.
In a career spanning more than six decades, Rod has sold over 120 million records worldwide, earning countless accolades, including a knighthood in 2016 for services to music and charity.
From stadium anthems to heartfelt ballads, his songs have become the soundtrack of millions of lives.
Rod Stewart’s life is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering love for music. As he once said, “Music is the most wonderful thing in the world. It can lift you up, make you dance, make you cry.” And through his music, Sir Rod has done just that—becoming a legend along the way.
Quiz time
- 1982
- 1976
- 1973
- 1969
