Vera Lynn: The impressive record that proved she was more popular than The Beatles

‘I am extremely surprised and delighted,’ she said at the time

Over the course of Dame Vera Lynn‘s life, the singer achieved many notable feats – one of which occurred in 2009.

Following the release of her ‘Best of...’ collection, We’ll Meet Again, the singer – who has died aged 103 – became the oldest living artist to ever have a number one album. She was 92 at the time.

The achievement is even more impressive given Lynn’s chart competitors – her record was released the same week as the highly-publicised remastered collection of Beatles albums

Not only did Lynn outsell recent releases from Arctic Monkeys (Humbug), Jamie T (Kings and Queens) and Kings of Leon (Only By the Night), but she also managed to beat every single Beatles album to take the number one position.

“I am extremely surprised and delighted, and a big ‘thank you’ to all my fans for putting me there,” Lynn said at the time.

While Lynn took the top spot, The Beatles achieved their own record by getting 11 albums in the top 40 – four of which were in the top 10.

Lynn’s family announced news of her death in a statement, reading: “[We] are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers at the age of 103.

“Dame Vera Lynn, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, passed away earlier today, 18 June 2020, surrounded by her close family.”

Lynn was widely known as “the Forces’ Sweetheart” as her performances inspired and gave hope to troops in Egypt, India, and Burma during the war.

The songs most associated with her include “We’ll Meet Again” and “The White Cliffs of Dover”.