The Number One Hits of 1930

Dec 26, 1929 – Jan 10, 1930
Paul Whiteman
Great Day
Known as the “King of Jazz,” he was a prominent bandleader in the 1920s and 1930s. The song is an energetic and uplifting tune.
Jan 11, 1930 – Jan 31, 1930
Roy Ingraham
Chant Of The Jungle
Lesser-known bandleader and violinist. The song is an exotic, jungle-themed instrumental piece.
Feb 1, 1930 – Feb 7, 1930
Ted Weems
The Man From The South
Popular bandleader and trombonist. The song is a lively jazz instrumental.
Feb 8, 1930 – Feb 28, 1930
Benny Meroff
Happy Days Are Here Again
Pianist and bandleader. The song is an optimistic tune that became a standard during the Great Depression.
Mar 1, 1930 – Mar 7, 1930
Harry Richman
Puttin’ On The Ritz
Popular singer, actor, and nightclub performer. The song is a stylish, up-tempo number.
Mar 8, 1930 – Mar 21, 1930
Ben Selvin
Happy Days Are Here AgainP
Prolific bandleader and recording artist. This is another rendition of the optimistic tune by Benny Meroff.
Mar 22, 1930 – May 30, 1930
Rudy Vallee
Stein Song (University of Maine)
Singer, actor, and bandleader. The song is a rousing college fight song.
May 31, 1930 – Jun 13, 1930
Hilo Hawaiian Orchestra
When It’s Springtime In The Rockies
Popular Hawaiian music group. The song is a romantic ballad with a Western theme.
Jun 14, 1930 – Jul 4, 1930
Ben Selvin
When It’s Springtime In The Rockies
Another rendition of the romantic ballad, previously performed by Hilo Hawaiian Orchestra.
Jul 5, 1930 – Aug 22, 1930
Nat Shilkret
Dancing With Tears In My Eyes
Composer, conductor, and bandleader. The song is a sentimental ballad about love and loss.
Aug 23, 1930 – Sep 19, 1930
Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians
Little White Lies
Popular choral and orchestral group. The song is a catchy tune about deceit in a relationship.
Sep 20, 1930 – Oct 17, 1930
McKinney’s Cotton Pickers
If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight
Prominent jazz and dance band. The song is a romantic and playful jazz number.
Oct 18, 1930 – Nov 28, 1930
Paul Whiteman
Body And Soul
Another hit by the “King of Jazz.” The song is a sultry and emotional jazz ballad.
Nov 29, 1930 – Dec 19, 1930
Duke Ellington
Three Little Words
Legendary jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader. The song is a lively and catchy jazz tune.
Dec 30, 1930 – Jan 16, 1931
Guy Lombardo
You’re Driving Me Crazy (What Did I Do?)
Canadian-American bandleader and violinist known for his sweet and smooth dance music. The song is a catchy, upbeat jazz tune about the turmoil of love. |

The Biggest Pop Artists of 1930 include:
Louis Armstrong, Gus Arnheim and His Orchestra, Ben Bernie and His Orchestra, Earl Burtnett and His Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel Orchestra, Maurice Chevalier, Duke Ellington, Ruth Etting, High Hatters, Libby Holman, Ipana Troubadors, Isham Jones and His Orchestra, Hal Kemp, Wayne King, Ted Lewis and His Band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, Bert Lown, Abe Lymon, Ray Miller, Red Nichols and His Five Pennies, George Olson, Leo Reisman, Harry Richman, Ben Selvin, Nat Shilkret and The Victor Orchestra, Rudy Vallee and His Connecticut Yankees, Ted Wallace, Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians, Ted Weems and His Orchestra, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra

Charts based on Billboard music charts.

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