# Chuck Berry's 1972 No. 1 Song Sparks Moral Debate

> Chuck Berry's 1972 hit 'My Ding-a-Ling' caused controversy with its double entendres, leading to a UK moral crusade.
- Title: Chuck Berry's 1972 No. 1 Song Sparks Moral Debate | Shortify
- Summary: Chuck Berry's 1972 hit 'My Ding-a-Ling' caused controversy with its double entendres, leading to a UK moral crusade. Chuck Berry's 1972 song 'My Ding-a-Ling'…
- Keywords: chuck berry, my ding-a-ling, rock and roll, hot 100, moral crusade, music, culture, Chuck, Berry's, 1972, Song, Sparks
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/on-this-day-in-1972-chuck-berry-was-at-no-1-with-a-novelty-song-packed-with-enough-double-entendres-to-spark-a-moral-crusade
- Author: Clayton Edwards
- Published: 2026-10-21T20:55:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chuck berry, my ding-a-ling, rock and roll, hot 100, moral crusade, uk, music, culture
## Chuck Berry's 1972 No. 1 Song
Chuck Berry started a two-week run at No. 1 with 'My Ding-a-Ling' on October 21, 1972.
## Radio Stations Refused to Play It
Many radio stations across the United States refused to play the song due to its double entendres.
## UK Moral Crusade Campaign
A British 'Morals Crusader' named Mary Whitehouse campaigned against the song after Berry performed it on Top of the Pops.
## Campaign Unsuccessful
The campaign failed, and 'My Ding-a-Ling' reached No. 1 in the UK despite the controversy.
## Key takeaway

Chuck Berry's 1972 song 'My Ding-a-Ling' sparked a moral crusade in the UK after radio stations refused to play it due to its double entendres.