The Number One Hits Of 1996

December 2, 1995 – March 22, 1996
Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
One Sweet Day
Mariah is known for her incredible vocal range, spanning over five octaves, and her signature whistle register. Boyz II Men have earned four Grammy Awards and have also won nine American Music Awards and three Billboard Music Awards. The lyrics of One Sweet Day were inspired by the AIDS epidemic and the personal losses both Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men had experienced. The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
March 23, 1996 – May 3, 1996
Celine Dion
Because You Loved Me
Céline began her career at the age of 12 when she recorded a demo tape with the help of her mother and brother. Her talent was discovered by music manager and producer René Angélil, who later became her husband.
Written by Diane Warren, Because You Loved Me was the movie Up Close & Personal theme song. The ballad garnered various awards and nominations, including a Grammy for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture or Television.
May 4, 1996 – May 17, 1996
Mariah Carey
Always Be My Baby
Mariah has had high-profile relationships with music executive Tommy Mottola, actor Nick Cannon, and Australian billionaire James Packer. She has two children, Moroccan and Monroe, whom she shares with her ex-husband Nick Cannon.
Always Be My Baby is a mid-tempo R&B song from Mariah Carey’s fifth studio album, Daydream. It is known for its catchy chorus and Carey’s impressive vocal range.
May 18, 1996 – July 12, 1996
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Tha Crossroads
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is an American hip-hop group from Cleveland, Ohio, consisting of Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, and Flesh-N-Bone. They are known for their fast-paced rapping style and harmonizing vocals.
Tha Crossroads is a tribute to the late Eazy-E, a mentor to the group and the founder of their label, Ruthless Records. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
July 13, 1996 – July 26, 1996
2Pac featuring K-Ci & JoJo / Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman
How Do U Want It / California Love
Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac, was an influential American rapper and actor. K-Ci & JoJo are an American R&B duo consisting of brothers Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey and Joel “JoJo” Hailey. Dr. Dre is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who has played a key role in the careers of many successful artists. Roger Troutman was a singer, composer, and producer known for his innovative use of the talkbox.
How Do U Want It is a hip-hop song with a smooth melody, while California Love is an upbeat West Coast hip-hop anthem that pays tribute to the state. Both songs were released as a double A-side single.
July 27, 1996 – August 2, 1996
Toni Braxton
You’re Makin’ Me High / Let It Flow
Toni and her sisters starred in the reality TV show “Braxton Family Values” from 2011 to 2020.
You’re Makin’ Me High is an R&B track with sultry lyrics, while Let It Flow is a soulful ballad. Both songs were included on the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack and released as a double A-side single.
August 3, 1996 – November 8, 1996
Los Del Rio
Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)
Los Del Rio is a Spanish music duo consisting of Antonio Romero Monge and Rafael Ruiz Perdigones. They gained worldwide fame with their hit single Macarena.
Macarena is a dance-pop song that became an international hit in the mid-1990s. The Bayside Boys Mix added English lyrics and a more danceable beat, making it popular in clubs and parties.
November 9, 1996 – December 6, 1996
Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre
No Diggity
Blackstreet is an American R&B group founded by Teddy Riley and Chauncey Hannibal, including members Levi Little and Joseph Stonestreet.
No Diggity is an R&B song with a smooth melody and catchy chorus. Dr. Dre’s guest appearance and using a sample from Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands” helped the song become a chart-topping hit.
December 7, 1996 – February 21, 1997
Toni Braxton
Un-Break My Heart
Toni has also authored a memoir, “Unbreak My Heart: A Memoir,” detailing her life and career.
Un-Break My Heart is a powerful ballad written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. The song showcases Toni Braxton’s emotive vocal performance and became one of her most successful singles.

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1996 include:
Aaliyah, Alanis Morissette, Blackstreet, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Celine Dion, Coolio, Dr. Dre, Dru Hill, Faith Hill, Fugees, Gin Blossoms, Ginuwine, Goo Goo Dolls, Hootie & the Blowfish, Jay-Z, Jewel, Keith Sweat, La Bouche, Lauryn Hill, LeeAnn Rimes, LL Cool J, Los Del Rio, Mariah Carey, Monica, No Doubt, Oasis, 112, R. Kelly, Ricky Martin, The Smashing Pumpkins, Toni Braxton, 2Pac,

(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.)

 

Scroll to Top