The Number One Hits Of 1969

December 14, 1968 – January 31, 1969
Marvin Gaye
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Marvin Gaye was a prolific songwriter who co-wrote many of his own hits and contributed to the success of other Motown artists.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine has been covered by numerous artists, including Creedence Clearwater Revival and Gladys Knight & the Pips.
February 1, 1969 – February 14, 1969
Tommy James & the Shondells
Crimson and Clover
Tommy James & the Shondells were known for their diverse musical styles, ranging from garage rock to psychedelic pop.
Crimson and Clover incorporated elements of psychedelic rock and featured innovative use of electronic effects.
February 15, 1969 – March 14, 1969
Sly and the Family Stone
Everyday People
Sly and the Family Stone were groundbreaking for their multiracial, male and female line-up, which was unusual in the music industry at the time.
Everyday People promoted unity and tolerance, embodying the band’s inclusive spirit.
March 15, 1969 – April 11, 1969
Tommy Roe
Dizzy
Tommy Roe was a successful pop and rock musician whose career spanned over four decades.
Dizzy featured catchy hooks and a bubblegum pop sound, becoming one of Roe’s most memorable hits.
April 12, 1969 – May 23, 1969
The 5th Dimension
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In
The 5th Dimension was a vocal group known for their lush harmonies and incorporation of different musical styles, such as pop, R&B, and soul.
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In was a medley of two songs from the musical Hair and reflected the group’s ability to create seamless musical arrangements.
May 24, 1969 – June 27, 1969
The Beatles with Billy Preston
Get Back
Billy Preston, often referred to as the “Fifth Beatle,” was a renowned keyboardist who collaborated with The Beatles during their later years.
Get Back was originally conceived as a protest against anti-immigrant sentiments, later evolving into a more general message of returning to one’s roots.
June 28, 1969 – July 11, 1969
Henry Mancini
Love Theme from ‘Romeo And Juliet’
Henry Mancini was a composer and conductor who created scores for numerous films and television shows, earning multiple Grammy and Academy Awards.
The Love Theme from ‘Romeo And Juliet’ was an instrumental composition that became a hit single, showcasing Mancini’s talent for creating evocative melodies.
July 12, 1969 – August 22, 1969
Zager and Evans
In the Year 2525
Zager and Evans were a pop-rock duo consisting of Denny Zager and Rick Evans, best known for their one-hit-wonder status.
In the Year 2525 was a futuristic, dystopian song that touched on themes of technological advancement and humanity’s uncertain future.
August 23, 1969 – September 19, 1969
The Rolling Stones
Honky Tonk Women
The Rolling Stones’ longevity and continued success can be attributed to their ability to evolve musically while maintaining their signature sound.
Honky Tonk Women was a country-infused rock song featuring Mick Jagger’s distinctive vocals and Keith Richards’ innovative guitar work.
September 20, 1969 – October 17, 1969
The Archies
Sugar, Sugar
The Archies were a fictional band from the popular comic book series and animated television show Archie.
Sugar, Sugar was a catchy, bubblegum pop tune that became one of the biggest hits of 1969, despite the band’s fictional status.
October 18, 1969 – October 31, 1969
The Temptations
I Can’t Get Next To You
The Temptations were known for their tight harmonies, distinctive choreography, and stylish stage presence.
I Can’t Get Next To You showcased the group’s dynamic vocal range and ability to blend multiple musical genres, including soul, psychedelic rock, and pop.
November 1, 1969 – November 7, 1969
Elvis Presley
Suspicious Minds
Elvis Presley, often referred to as the “King of Rock and Roll,” was an immensely influential musician and actor.
Suspicious Minds was a dramatic, emotionally charged song that became one of Presley’s most enduring hits during his later career.
November 8, 1969 – November 28, 1969
The 5th Dimension
Wedding Bell Blues
With their second appearance on this list, The 5th Dimension continued to showcase their versatility in blending various musical styles.
Wedding Bell Blues was a playful, upbeat song about unrequited love and the desire for commitment, featuring the group’s signature harmonies.
November 29, 1969 – December 5, 1969
The Beatles
Come Together / Something
As The Beatles evolved, their songwriting became more sophisticated, often reflecting personal experiences and emotions.
Come Together was a bluesy rock anthem, while Something was a heartfelt love song showcasing the band’s diverse musical talents.
December 6, 1969 – December 19, 1969
Steam
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye
Steam was a pop-rock group assembled by songwriter and producer Paul Leka, best known for their one-hit-wonder status.
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye was an infectious, sing-along tune that has since become a popular anthem at sporting events.
December 20, 1969 – December 26, 1969
Peter, Paul & Mary
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Peter, Paul & Mary was a folk trio known for their tight harmonies and socially conscious lyrics.
Leaving on a Jet Plane, written by John Denver, was a poignant song about love and separation, featuring the group’s signature blend of folk and pop elements.
December 27, 1969 – January 2, 1970
Diana Ross & the Supremes
Someday We’ll Be Together
This marked the final single featuring Diana Ross as a member of the Supremes before she embarked on her successful solo career.
Someday We’ll Be Together was a romantic, soulful ballad that showcased the group’s harmonies and Ross’s emotive vocal delivery.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1969 include:
The Archies, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Booker T. & the MG’s, Brooklyn Bridge, Clarence Carter, Creedence Clearwater Revival, David Ruffin, The Dells, Dionne Warwick, The 5th Dimension, The Foundations, Friends of Distinction, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Grass Roots, The Isley Brothers, James Brown, Jerry Butler, Joe Simon, Johnny Cash, Johnnie Taylor, Jr. Walker & the All Stars, Oliver, Marvin Gaye, The Meters, O. C. Smith, Peter, Paul & Mary, The Rolling Stones, Sly & the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, Three Dog Night, Tommy James & the Shondells, Tommy Roe, Zagar & Evans

(HPS music data is compiled from charts, including Billboard’s Pop, Rock, Airplay, R&B/Dance, and Singles Charts. The Hot 100 is the primary chart used for this list.)

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