Manilow's album was released in time for Valentine's Day

The Greatest Songs of the Fifties sold 156,000 copies in the week ending 5 February.

The album features songs such as Unchained Melody and Love is a Many Splendored Thing.

Manilow said: "I've had some pretty amazing experiences in my career, but this one tops them all... if you live long enough, anything is possible!"

'Historic'

His only previous album chart topper was the double LP Live, in July 1977. Manilow's last album, Scores: Songs From Copacabana and Harmony, peaked at number 47 in 2004.

"It's not only a genuine thrill to see the album enter the charts at number one, but it's truly an historic occasion for both of us," said Arista Records founder Clive Davis, who first worked with Manilow in 1974 on the Grammy-nominated Mandy.

Last week's number one, Ancora, by pop-opera quartet Il Divo, fell five places to number six. Mary J Blige's The Breakthrough jumped two places to number two, while Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable, slipped one place to number four.