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The Number One Hits Of 1971 |
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| In 1971, Paul Revere & the Raiders scored a #1 hit with “Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian),” a song that drew attention to the injustices faced by Native Americans. The song’s success helped bring awareness to the plight of indigenous people, and it remains an important moment in the history of socially conscious pop music. | ||||
| December 26, 1970 – January 22, 1971 George Harrison My Sweet Lord / Isn’t It a Pity As a solo artist, George Harrison’s music often included spiritual themes and Eastern influences, setting his work apart from his time with the Beatles. My Sweet Lord became embroiled in a copyright infringement lawsuit due to its similarity to the Chiffons’ He’s So Fine, while Isn’t It a Pity was a heartfelt exploration of sadness and loss. |
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| January 23, 1971 – February 12, 1971 Tony Orlando and Dawn Knock Three Times Tony Orlando and Dawn was a pop group featuring Tony Orlando, Telma Hopkins, and Joyce Vincent Wilson. The catchy, upbeat Knock Three Times tells the story of a man communicating with his neighbor through knocks on the ceiling. |
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| February 13, 1971 – March 19, 1971 The Osmonds One Bad Apple The Osmonds were a family group of brothers, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, and Donny Osmond. The Jackson 5’s sound influenced One Bad Apple and became the Osmonds’ first number-one hit. |
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| March 20, 1971 – April 2, 1971 Janis Joplin Me and Bobby McGee Janis Joplin was an iconic American rock singer known for her powerful, soulful voice and electric stage presence. Me and Bobby McGee, written by Kris Kristofferson, became Joplin’s only number-one single and was released posthumously. |
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| April 3, 1971 – April 16, 1971 The Temptations Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) The Temptations is a legendary Motown vocal group with a constantly changing lineup, though the classic lineup included David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. Just My Imagination is a soulful ballad demonstrating the group’s extraordinary vocal harmonies. |
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| April 17, 1971 – May 28, 1971 Three Dog Night Joy to the World Three Dog Night was an American rock band known for their interpretations of songs by various songwriters, with vocalists Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron. Joy to the World, written by Hoyt Axton, features a catchy melody and memorable opening line, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog.” |
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| May 29, 1971 – June 11, 1971 The Rolling Stones Brown Sugar The Rolling Stones, with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards at the forefront, are an influential British rock band known for their blues-influenced sound and provocative lyrics. Brown Sugar is a controversial song with provocative lyrics, reflecting the band’s edgy image during this period. |
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| June 12, 1971 – June 18, 1971 The Honey Cone Want Ads The Honey Cone was an American R&B and soul girl group formed by lead singer Edna Wright, Shellie Clark, and Carolyn Willis. Want Ads is a playful and upbeat tune about a woman seeking a new partner through newspaper advertisements. |
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| June 19, 1971 – July 23, 1971 Carole King It’s Too Late / I Feel the Earth Move Carole King is a prolific singer-songwriter who began her career as a composer before transitioning to a solo artist. It’s Too Late is a poignant ballad about a relationship’s end, while I Feel the Earth Move is an upbeat, piano-driven pop-rock song. |
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| July 24, 1971 – July 30, 1971 Paul Revere & the Raiders Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian) Paul Revere & the Raiders was an American rock band led by keyboardist Paul Revere and singer Mark Lindsay. Indian Reservation is a protest song that addresses the historical mistreatment of Native Americans in the United States. |
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| July 31, 1971 – August 6, 1971 James Taylor You’ve Got a Friend James Taylor is an American singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics, soothing vocals, and folk-rock sound. You’ve Got a Friend, written by Carole King, is a comforting ballad about the support and companionship of friends. |
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| August 7, 1971 – September 3, 1971 Bee Gees How Can You Mend a Broken Heart The Bee Gees were a British-Australian pop group of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, known for their harmonies and evolving sound. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart is a melancholy ballad showcasing the brothers’ harmonies and emotive songwriting. |
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| September 4, 1971 – September 10, 1971 Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey Paul McCartney, a former Beatles member, and his wife, Linda McCartney, collaborated on several projects during their marriage. Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey is a whimsical, multi-part song that blends various musical styles and features an array of sound effects. |
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| September 11, 1971 – October 1, 1971 Donny Osmond Go Away Little Girl Donny Osmond, a member of the Osmond family, gained fame as a teen idol and later transitioned to a successful solo career. Go Away Little Girl is a pop ballad about a young man resisting the advances of a younger girl, originally recorded by Steve Lawrence. |
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| October 2, 1971 – November 5, 1971 Rod Stewart Maggie May / Reason to Believe Rod Stewart is a British rock singer known for his distinctive raspy voice and a career spanning various genres, from rock to pop and folk. Maggie May is a narrative song about a young man’s relationship with an older woman, while Reason to Believe covers a Tim Hardin folk song. |
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| November 6, 1971 – November 19, 1971 Cher Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves Cher is a pop icon with a career spanning six decades, known for her distinctive contralto voice and her ability to reinvent herself in music, film, and fashion. Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves is a story-driven song that addresses prejudice and social judgment themes. |
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| November 20, 1971 – December 3, 1971 Isaac Hayes Theme from Shaft Isaac Hayes was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and producer who significantly shaped the sound of Southern and Memphis souls. The Theme from Shaft is a funk and R&B instrumental that served as the theme for the 1971 film “Shaft,” it won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. |
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| December 4, 1971 – December 24, 1971 Sly and the Family Stone Family Affair Sly and the Family Stone was an influential American band led by Sly Stone, known for their funk and soul sound that incorporated rock, jazz, and psychedelia elements. Family Affair is a socially conscious song that reflects the band’s personal struggles and experiences, featuring a distinctive electric piano part. |
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| December 25, 1971 – January 14, 1972 Melanie Brand New Key Melanie Safka, known mononymously as Melanie, is an American singer-songwriter known for her folk-influenced sound and introspective lyrics. Brand New Key is a playful, whimsical song with a memorable melody featuring Melanie’s distinctive voice and a simple arrangement. |
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The Biggest Pop Artists of 1971 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.) |
