The Beatles made a global impact on the pop music market

It named the Liverpool band "the sole group who has most shaped the face of modern-day showbusiness".

The magazine listed 100 iconic entertainment figures from the last century, with industry figures drawing up a shortlist that readers voted on.

All the icons in the list, apart from the Beatles, were not ranked in any particular order.

ICONS OF THE CENTURY 1. The Beatles Louis Armstrong Lucille Ball Humphrey Bogart Marlon Brando Charlie Chaplin James Dean Marilyn Monroe Mickey Mouse Elvis Presley Source: Variety magazine

The list aimed to represent every side of showbusiness, including actors, directors, screenwriters, musicians, TV presenters, animals, comedians and even cartoon characters.

Among other names on the list were Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Mickey Mouse, US TV host Johnny Carson, singer Johnny Cash and canine star Lassie.

Variety conducted the poll to mark its 100th anniversary.

It did not reveal how many votes were cast.