Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of April 6, 1968
The first Billboard Hot 100 of April 1968 captured a fascinating transition period in popular music. Otis Redding remained firmly in the number one position with (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay, while several fast-rising records were beginning to challenge the established order. Soul music continued to dominate much of the chart, but British rock, vocal harmony groups, and dramatic pop ballads were all making significant moves.
The most impressive climb inside the Top 10 belonged to Gary Puckett and The Union Gap. Their hit Young Girl surged from number seven to number two, putting them within striking distance of the chart summit. The Monkees remained strong with Valleri, while The Delfonics reached a new peak with the soulful La-La Means I Love You.
Further down the chart, several future classics were gathering momentum. The Beatles continued their climb with Lady Madonna, while Bobby Goldsboro’s emotional ballad Honey entered the Top 10 for the first time. At the same time, former chart-topper Love Is Blue continued its lengthy stay on the Hot 100 despite falling to number nine.
Looking back, this chart represents one of the strongest weeks of 1968. It combined established hits, future classics, and rising stars into a Top 10 that perfectly reflected the diversity and creativity of the era.
Top 5 Songs (April 6, 1968)

1. (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
Otis Redding remained at number one for a fourth consecutive week with (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay. By this point, the song had firmly established itself as one of the defining records of the decade. Its thoughtful lyrics, understated arrangement, and deeply emotional performance continued to resonate with listeners across America.
The song’s success reflected a growing appetite for records that combined artistic depth with mainstream appeal. Rather than relying on elaborate production, it allowed Redding’s voice and personality to carry the performance. That authenticity helped separate it from many of the other hits on the chart.
Its continued dominance confirmed its place among the greatest soul recordings ever made and demonstrated why it remains one of the most beloved songs of the 1960s.
2. Young Girl – The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett
Young Girl made the biggest move within the Top 5, leaping from number seven to number two. Gary Puckett’s powerful vocal performance helped transform the song into one of the fastest-rising hits of the spring.
The record combined dramatic storytelling with a memorable melody, creating a song that immediately connected with radio audiences. Its emotional intensity and distinctive arrangement helped it stand out from many of the more straightforward pop hits of the era.
By early April, it had become one of the strongest challengers to the number one position and was rapidly establishing itself as one of 1968’s biggest records.

3. Valleri – The Monkees
The Monkees held steady at number three with Valleri, continuing another successful chapter in their remarkable chart career. The song’s memorable guitar riff and polished production made it one of the most recognizable records on radio.
Unlike some of their earlier television-driven hits, Valleri stood comfortably on its own musical strengths. Its energetic performance and catchy melody helped maintain the group’s popularity even as musical tastes became increasingly diverse.
The song’s continued success demonstrated the group’s ability to evolve while still delivering the kind of accessible pop music that audiences loved.
4. La – La – Means I Love You – The Delfonics
The Delfonics reached a new chart high as La-La Means I Love You climbed into the number four position. The Philadelphia group’s smooth harmonies and romantic style made the song one of the most distinctive soul records of the year.
Its gentle arrangement and heartfelt lyrics offered a softer alternative to many of the more aggressive soul recordings on the chart. The result was a record that appealed to both pop and R&B audiences.
Its continued climb reflected the growing influence of the Philadelphia soul sound, which would become increasingly important in the years ahead.
5. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin remained at number five with another outstanding performance. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone showcased the vocal power and emotional conviction that had already made her one of the most important artists of the decade.
The song balanced gospel-inspired intensity with mainstream accessibility, a combination that helped Franklin connect with a wide audience. Every line carried emotional weight, reinforcing her reputation as one of music’s greatest interpreters.
Its continued presence in the Top 5 confirmed that Franklin’s extraordinary run of hits was far from over and that she remained one of the dominant voices of 1968.
More Weeks at #1 for “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
This song spent multiple weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Explore each chart week below:
🎂 What Was the #1 Song on Your Birthday?
If you were born during the week ending April 6, 1968, this was your birthday song:
🎵 (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
- Young Girl – The Union Gap Featuring Gary Puckett
- Valleri – The Monkees
- La – La – Means I Love You – The Delfonics
- (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You’ve Been Gone – Aretha Franklin
- Cry Like A Baby – The Box Tops
- Lady Madonna – The Beatles
- The Ballad Of Bonnie And Clyde – Georgie Fame
- Love Is Blue (L’amour Est Bleu) – Paul Mauriat And His Orchestra
- Honey – Bobby Goldsboro
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at April 1968
The April 6, 1968 chart illustrates the incredible variety that defined popular music during the late 1960s. Soul music, pop harmony groups, British rock influences, and dramatic vocal performances all shared space in the Top 10. Few eras offered such a broad range of successful sounds.
Otis Redding’s continued reign at number one demonstrated the enduring appeal of authentic and emotionally powerful music. At the same time, emerging hits such as Young Girl, Lady Madonna, and Honey hinted at major chart shifts that would soon follow.
Viewed today, this chart stands as a snapshot of a music industry overflowing with creativity. The records featured here continue to be remembered decades later because they captured the spirit, talent, and innovation that made 1968 such a remarkable year in popular music.