Billboard Hot 100 | Top 5 – Week of December 13, 1969
As the 1960s entered their final weeks, the Billboard Hot 100 reflected a music industry in transition. The sounds that had defined the decade—British rock, Motown soul, folk-pop, and psychedelic experimentation—were now sharing space with emerging styles that would dominate the 1970s. The chart for December 13, 1969, captured this moment perfectly, blending established superstars with newer acts enjoying breakthrough success.
Holding the No. 1 position for a second consecutive week was Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” What began as a studio project had unexpectedly become one of the year’s biggest singalong hits. Behind it, Peter, Paul & Mary’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane” continued its climb toward the top, while Diana Ross & The Supremes moved into the Top 3 with “Someday We’ll Be Together.” The Beatles remained a major chart force with “Come Together/Something,” and Creedence Clearwater Revival added another hit to their remarkable 1969 run with “Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son.”
The Top 10 also featured strong performances from Stevie Wonder, Blood, Sweat & Tears, R.B. Greaves, and B.J. Thomas, whose “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” was beginning the climb that would carry it into 1970. Together, these songs formed one of the final great snapshots of the decade that transformed popular music forever.
Top 5 Songs (December 13, 1969)
1. Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
Steam remained at No. 1 for a second consecutive week with “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” The song’s unforgettable chorus and crowd-chant atmosphere turned it into one of the most recognizable records of the era.
Its unlikely journey from studio experiment to chart-topper made it one of the biggest surprise success stories of 1969.
2. Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
Peter, Paul & Mary climbed to No. 2 with John Denver’s “Leaving On A Jet Plane.” The heartfelt folk-pop ballad became one of the trio’s most enduring recordings and was rapidly closing in on the top spot.
3. Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
Diana Ross & The Supremes jumped into the No. 3 position with “Someday We’ll Be Together.” The emotional ballad would become particularly significant as it marked the final Supremes hit before Diana Ross launched her solo career.
4. Come Together/Something – The Beatles
The Beatles held the No. 4 position with their acclaimed double-sided hit. Combining John Lennon’s “Come Together” and George Harrison’s “Something,” the single showcased the remarkable creative strength of the band during the Abbey Road era.
5. Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival continued their extraordinary run of hits with the double-sided single “Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son.” The record highlighted both sides of the band’s appeal, from upbeat roots-rock to sharp social commentary.
More Weeks at #1 for “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”
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 December 13, 1969, this was your birthday song:
🎵 Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye by Steam
▶ Watch and experience this song →
🎂 Born in the 60s? Try your own birthday:
Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 This Week
- Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye – Steam
- Leaving On A Jet Plane – Peter, Paul & Mary
- Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
- Come Together/Something – The Beatles
- Down On The Corner/Fortunate Son – Creedence Clearwater Revival
- Take A Letter Maria – R.B. Greaves
- Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday – Stevie Wonder
- And When I Die – Blood, Sweat & Tears
- Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head – B.J. Thomas
- Backfield In Motion – Mel And Tim
Chart Movers This Week
Looking Back at December 13, 1969
The Billboard Hot 100 for December 13, 1969, showcased many of the artists who defined the decade. The Beatles, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and Creedence Clearwater Revival were all represented in the Top 10, while newer performers such as Steam and R.B. Greaves continued their breakthrough success.
With only a few chart weeks remaining before the start of a new decade, the rankings captured the final chapter of the 1960s. The diversity of styles—from folk and soul to rock and pop—demonstrated why this era remains one of the most influential periods in music history. These songs not only dominated radio playlists but also helped shape the direction of popular music for years to come.
