 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Number One Hits Of 1968 |
||||
| December 30, 1967 – January 19, 1968 The Beatles Hello, Goodbye The Beatles were known for their versatility in music styles, ranging from pop ballads to hard rock and Indian music. Hello, Goodbye was inspired by a simple word association game showcasing the band’s ability to create memorable songs from everyday phrases. |
||||
| January 20, 1968 – February 2, 1968 John Fred & His Playboy Band Judy in Disguise (With Glasses) John Fred Gourrier, an American musician, was the frontman of this band, known for their unique blend of rock and R&B. Judy in Disguise (With Glasses) was a playful parody of The Beatles’ Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds and became the band’s biggest hit. |
||||
| February 3, 1968 – February 9, 1968 The Lemon Pipers Green Tambourine The Lemon Pipers were an American bubblegum psychedelic pop band from Ohio, formed in 1966. Green Tambourine was the band’s most successful single, featuring a memorable, upbeat melody with psychedelic undertones. |
||||
| February 10, 1968 – March 15, 1968 Paul Mauriat Love Is Blue Paul Mauriat was a French orchestra leader, conductor, and composer known for his easy-listening music style. Love Is Blue was an instrumental hit that showcased Paul Mauriat’s lush orchestral arrangements and became a worldwide success. |
||||
| March 16, 1968 – April 12, 1968 Otis Redding (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay Otis Redding was a pioneering soul singer and songwriter who significantly influenced the genre with his powerful voice and emotive lyrics. (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay was released posthumously after Redding’s tragic death and became his biggest hit, showcasing his introspective songwriting. |
||||
| April 13, 1968 – May 17, 1968 Bobby Goldsboro Honey Bobby Goldsboro was an American pop and country singer-songwriter known for his emotive storytelling and distinctive vocal style. Honey was a sentimental ballad that told the story of a man mourning the loss of his wife, resonating with listeners and becoming a major hit. |
||||
| May 18, 1968 – June 3, 1968 Archie Bell & the Drells Tighten Up Archie Bell & the Drells was a Houston-based R&B vocal group that gained popularity in the late 1960s. Tighten Up was a funk-infused dance track that became a signature hit for the group and helped define the era’s sound. |
||||
| June 1, 1968 – June 21, 1968 Simon & Garfunkel Mrs. Robinson Simon & Garfunkel were known for their intricate harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics, often inspired by the social and political issues of the time. Mrs. Robinson was featured in the film The Graduate and became a cultural touchstone, addressing themes of disillusionment and the generation gap. |
||||
| June 22, 1968 – July 19, 1968 Herb Alpert This Guy’s in Love with You Herb Alpert is an American trumpeter and bandleader, best known as the co-founder of A&M Records. This Guy’s in Love with You is a romantic ballad featuring Alpert’s smooth trumpet playing and heartfelt vocals, making it a timeless classic. |
||||
| July 20, 1968 – August 2, 1968 Hugh Masekela Grazing in the Grass Hugh Masekela was a South African trumpeter and composer known for his innovative fusion of jazz and South African styles. Grazing in the Grass was an instrumental hit that showcased Masekela’s skill as a trumpeter and became an international success. |
||||
| August 3, 1968 – August 16, 1968 The Doors Hello, I Love You The Doors were an American rock band fronted by Jim Morrison, known for their poetic lyrics and distinct sound. Hello, I Love You was a catchy, upbeat song that displayed the band’s versatility and ability to create memorable hooks. |
||||
| August 17, 1968 – September 20, 1968 Young Rascals People Got to Be Free The Young Rascals, later known as The Rascals, were an American rock band that gained fame for their soulful vocals and catchy melodies. People Got to Be Free was an optimistic anthem calling for unity and freedom, reflecting the social consciousness of the era. |
||||
| September 21, 1968 – September 27, 1968 Jeannie C. Riley Harper Valley P.T.A. Jeannie C. Riley is an American country singer and songwriter known for her sassy, story-driven songs. Harper Valley P.T.A. was a humorous, socially critical song about a woman standing up to hypocrisy in her small town, becoming a crossover hit. |
||||
| September 28, 1968 – November 29, 1968 The Beatles Hey Jude The Beatles continued to push musical boundaries, exploring new recording techniques and styles throughout their career. Hey Jude was a heartfelt anthem that started as a ballad and transformed into an extended singalong, showcasing the band’s innovative songwriting. |
||||
| November 30, 1968 – December 13, 1968 Diana Ross & the Supremes Love Child Diana Ross & the Supremes were one of the most successful female singing groups of the 1960s, known for their glamorous image and soulful harmonies. Love Child tackled the topic of illegitimacy and social stigma, reflecting the group’s willingness to address serious issues in their music. |
||||
| December 14, 1968 – January 31, 1969 Marvin Gaye I Heard It Through the Grapevine Marvin Gaye was a prominent Motown artist whose career spanned multiple decades and genres, from soul and R&B to funk and social commentary. I Heard It Through the Grapevine was a powerful song about betrayal and suspicion, featuring Gaye’s emotive vocals and a memorable, driving bass line. |
||||
|
The Biggest Pop Artists of 1968 include: (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.) |
