Here is the complete list of every song that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968.
The year 1968 was filled with musical innovation, emotional storytelling, and cultural change. As America faced political unrest, social movements, and the continuing Vietnam War, music became more personal, experimental, and reflective of the times.
Soul music reached new heights, psychedelic rock remained popular, and artists pushed studio recording techniques further than ever before. The Billboard Hot 100 charts of 1968 featured unforgettable classics from The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Marvin Gaye, and many others.
Every Billboard Hot 100 #1 Song of 1968
“Hey Jude” Became One of the Biggest Hits of the Decade
No song dominated 1968 more than “Hey Jude” by The Beatles.
The song spent an incredible nine weeks at #1, making it one of the band’s longest-running chart-toppers. Written primarily by Paul McCartney, the song featured an emotional vocal performance and a famous extended singalong ending that became one of the most recognizable moments in music history.
1968 also saw the continued chart success of the Beatles with “Hello, Goodbye.”
Soul Music Delivered Emotional Classics
1968 produced some of the greatest soul recordings ever made.
Otis Redding reached #1 with “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” released shortly after his tragic death in a plane crash. The song became his signature recording and remains one of the most respected soul songs ever recorded.
Later in the year, Marvin Gaye topped the charts with “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” a powerful Motown classic known for its dramatic vocals and unforgettable groove.
Meanwhile, Diana Ross & the Supremes continued Motown’s dominance with “Love Child.”
Psychedelic and Experimental Sounds Continued
Psychedelic music remained popular throughout 1968.
The Lemon Pipers reached #1 with “Green Tambourine,” while The Doors scored another major hit with “Hello, I Love You.”
The psychedelic movement continued influencing rock music with unusual sounds, experimental production, and imaginative lyrics.
Songs Reflected a Changing America
Many hit songs in 1968 reflected the social tension and cultural changes happening across America.
The Rascals captured the desire for unity and peace with “People Got to Be Free,” a song inspired by the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy.
Meanwhile, “Harper Valley PTA” by Jeannie C. Riley became a surprise crossover hit by challenging small-town hypocrisy with humor and attitude.
Simon & Garfunkel Continued Their Rise
Simon & Garfunkel remained one of the most respected acts of the decade with “Mrs. Robinson.”
Featured in the hit film The Graduate, the song captured the uncertainty and confusion felt by many young Americans during the late 1960s.
The duo’s thoughtful lyrics and unique harmonies helped elevate folk rock into a more sophisticated art form.
Instrumental and Easy Listening Hits Still Thrived
Even as rock music grew more experimental, instrumental and easy listening music remained popular.
Paul Mauriat surprised many listeners with “Love Is Blue,” an instrumental recording that spent five weeks at #1.
Similarly, Herb Alpert scored a major hit with “This Guy’s in Love with You,” proving that softer pop music still had a strong audience in 1968.
Final Thoughts
The Billboard Hot 100 charts of 1968 reflected a world that was rapidly changing. Music became more emotional, more experimental, and more connected to the cultural issues of the time.
From the soulful beauty of “Dock of the Bay” to the massive singalong of “Hey Jude,” 1968 produced some of the most iconic songs ever recorded. The year helped shape the future of rock, soul, pop, and modern songwriting in ways that still influence music today.
Next: Check out our article for All #1 Songs on the Billboard Hot 100 in the 60’s