The Very Best Of Slim Dusty reaches 1000 weeks in the ARIA Country Albums Chart

First artist to ever achieve this milestone.

He’s known universally as Australia's King of Country and even though he passed away 14+ years ago it’s a title to which Slim Dusty can still lay an unchallenged claim. This week, Slim Dusty’s Greatest Hits collection, The Very Best Of Slim Dusty, has achieved the milestone of 1000 weeks in the ARIA Country Albums Chart. This will be formally recognised in the chart dated Monday July 16.

Originally released in 1998, the album has achieved almost 20 years straight in the ARIA Country Albums chart. To recognise this incredible achievement both ARIA and EMI Music Australia (Slim’s career-long record company) are celebrating and paying tribute to a remarkable artist who has left an unparalleled legacy.

Never before has an artist achieved this landmark feat.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to see that Slim’s voice and songs are still so loved by Australian listeners,” says Joy McKean, Slim’s wife, manager and the writer of so many of his most enduring songs.

“The Very Best Of collection is representative of Slim’s most popular and best performances and I’m incredibly proud to see his legacy living on.”

John O’Donnell, Managing Director of EMI Music Australia, said, “Slim is a national hero and the rock upon which we built EMI Australia. Our relationship spans 70-plus years and over 100 albums. We will forever be indebted to Slim for his music, his mateship, and the way he took his music and his storytelling to every corner of this nation. For all of us at EMI, it is a privilege and honour to represent Slim’s great body of work.”

Dan Rosen, Chief Executive, ARIA, said today, “ARIA would like to congratulate the late ARIA Hall Of Famer Slim Dusty on this amazing achievement. To see an artist reach this milestone is a testament to the King Of Country’s enduring appeal and incredible artistry.  He is, and always will be, an Australian icon and clearly his music will continue to be loved by generations of fans.”