One Song Of 1997: Number

While “Candle in the Wind 1997” dominated sales, the most ubiquitous song on radio that year was Puff Daddy’s tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. (who was murdered in March 1997). Sampling The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” the song spent 11 weeks at #1 on the Hot 100 (right before Elton John’s takeover) and was inescapable throughout summer 1997. On Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 chart for 1997, it ranked #1 based on its combined chart run earlier in the year.

According to community discussions on Reddit and official data, these were the heavy hitters: – Elton John "Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me" – Jewel number one song of 1997

– Puff Daddy and Faith Evans feat. 112 "Un-Break My Heart" – Toni Braxton "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" – Puff Daddy feat. Mase While “Candle in the Wind 1997” dominated sales,

It sold over 33 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling single since modern charts began in the 1950s. On Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 chart for 1997,

All royalties from the single were donated to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund . Billboard's Year-End Top 10

In the United Kingdom, there was no contest. The song entered at #1 on September 21, 1997, and stayed for five weeks, becoming the UK’s best-selling single of all time. It was the official Christmas #1 that year as well. The emotional resonance of Diana’s death—she was often called “the People’s Princess” in Britain—made the song a national touchstone.