Oldest UK albums chart entrant

Dame Vera Lynn (UK, b. Vera Welch, 20 March 1917) was 103 years 62 days old when 100 returned to the UK’s Official Albums Chart at No.30 on 21 May 2020.

Dame Vera’s “We’ll Meet Again” was featured prominently in the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2020, with households across the UK coming together in their gardens or on their doorsteps or balconies for a rendition of the 1939 tune at street parties held during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

100 became Dame Vera’s sixth hit album in the UK when it bowed at No.3 on 30 March 2017 – making Lynn the oldest UK albums chart Top 10 entrant at the age of 100 years 10 days. The “Forces’ Sweetheart” had previously entered the record books as the oldest UK chart-topper with The Very Best of Vera Lynn – We’ll Meet Again on 19 September 2009, aged 92 years 183 days.

100, featuring Lynn’s “original iconic voice with full orchestra and choir”, includes new versions of songs such as “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover” (feat. Alexander Armstrong), “Sailing”, “As Time Goes By” (feat. Aled Jones) and “We’ll Meet Again” (feat. Alfie Boe).

On the same week’s UK singles countdown (21 May 2020), Dame Vera became the oldest Official Singles Chart entrant when “We’ll Meet Again” debuted at No.55.